Tozai News Feed

Happy 30th Birthday Lode Runner!

01.17.13

01.17.13
To celebrate 30 awesome years, Lode Runner Classic has been released on the iOS and Android platforms. Lode Runner Classic contains all of the block-blasting mayhem of the original 1983 smash hit, in which the untiring Runner faces off against relentlessly pursuing enemies in level after level of gold-grabbing gluttony. Lode Runner Classic is also available for Windows Phone 7. The game contains all 150 original levels and mimics the manipulable, original enemy AI. Build your high score as you play through levels sequentially in Expedition mode or whittle down your level completion times in Time Attack mode! Both modes support worldwide leaderboards. Check it out at www.loderunnerclassic.com! Also, Lode Runner is the cover feature in Retro Gamer Magazine's January issue! - 150 puzzling levels – all unlocked and accessible - Clever, non-disposable enemies - New magnification effect – zoom the action around the Runner - Multiple play speeds – super slow to superfast action - 2 control schemes – virtual D-pad and touch controls - Illustrated How to Play section - Worldwide leaderboards – leaderboards shared between iOS & Android pit you against the world. - Fly your country flag next to your high scores and share your pride!

All 10 Championship DLC Ready and Waiting!

10.30.12

10.30.12
You wanted them and you got them... but, careful what you ask for. The much intensified caves are sure to extract a few unpleasant exclamations from even the most agile and refined explorers. Supplied with fifty lives (yes, fifty) at game start, even the most blundering explorer is bound to last at least a few minutes... right? Spelunker HD received a free patch on August 28th that includes improved online multiplayer viewing options and ten new Championship stages as a bonus. These bonus stages combined with the ninety DLC stages really crank up the lethal magnitude. So, if you haven't donned your headlamp in a while or are not even sure what all the fuss is about – it is a great time to fire up your PlayStation and confront the world's most treacherous terrain with gaming's most fragile character!

New DLC Packs EX9 & EX10 Bear Their Teeth!

10.02.12

10.02.12
The last two Championship DLC packs are now complete and available for download on October 2nd in North America and on the 3rd in Europe for $1.99/€1.99 each. These last 20 stages round out the Spelunker HD DLC, 100 of the most hellish and deviously crafted stages ever assembled. You bite back as Spelunker, the explorer with a backbone as rigid as grandma's dentures. While you're chewing on that, don't forget that PlayStation Plus members get 50% off the game and all DLC for two weeks, so put down the Melba toast and get cracking! Spelunker HD received a free patch on August 28th that includes improved online multiplayer viewing options and ten new Championship stages as a bonus. So, if you haven't donned your headlamp in a while or are not even sure what all the fuss is about – it is a great time to fire up your PlayStation and confront the world's most treacherous terrain with gaming's most fragile character!

Free Update and Seven New Championship DLC Packs!

09.14.12

09.14.12
Spelunker HD received a free patch on August 28th that includes improved online multiplayer viewing options and an additional area with ten new Championship stages! Seven DLC packs have also been released – each set in a new area and containing 10 Championship stages. The Championship DLC packs are available in North America and Europe for $1.99/€1.99 each. The Championship stages crank up the heat with more dangerous enemies, more treacherous tricks and more perilous caverns – you'll never have a better opportunity to find out if your spelunking skills are of championship caliber. So quit holding your breath, it's time to muster your courage and confront the cave!

Free Update, New DLC and PlayStation Plus 50% Off!

08.28.12

08.28.12
Spelunker HD received a patch on August 28th that allows improved online multiplayer viewing options and includes a new area with ten new Championship stages for free! Seven DLC packs are also being released – each containing 10 Championship stages set in a new area. The Championship DLC packs are available on August 28th in North America and on the 29th in Europe for $1.99/€1.99 each. Additionally, PlayStation Plus members will be able to purchase both the Spelunker HD base game, as well as the new Championship Mode DLC packs for 50% off for two weeks starting August 28th, 2012. So don't tarry, renew your love of the cave and find out if your spelunking skills are of championship caliber! Update as of August 31, 2012: To our players in the European regions, Sony Europe is experiencing some technical issues causing certain Championship DLC Packs to not appear properly in the PlayStation Store. If you experience this problem in your region, you may still find the missing DLC Packs by using the PlayStation Store's search function. Also, in some European regions, DLC Pack 7 is missing the PlayStation Plus 50% off pricing. Again, Sony Europe is working to correct this problem. We apologize for any inconvenience and will post an update when more information is available. Update: The issues are now resolved.

Kotaku Praises "Lode Runner Classic"

08.21.12

08.21.12
Today Mike Fahey posted a very complimentary review of Lode Runner Classic on Kotaku and awarded it the Windows Phone Gaming App of the Day! He became hooked on the original Apple II version when only ten years old and is still up for the challenge... "It's actually rather impressive, the amount of tension built by these ancient stick men nipping at your heels. These days big name developers spend millions on visuals and programming creature behaviors, when these little bastards are making my heart beat a mile a minute." Check out the whole article here.

"Lode Runner Classic" Releases on Windows Phone

07.18.12

07.18.12
Lode Runner Classic contains all of the block-blasting mayhem of the original 1983 smash hit, in which the untiring Runner faces off against relentlessly pursuing enemies in level after level of gold-grabbing gluttony. The game contains all 150 original levels and mimics the manipulable, original enemy AI. Build your high score as you play through levels sequentially in Expedition mode or whittle down your level completion times in Time Attack mode! Both modes support Xbox LIVE leaderboards and Achievements. Check it out at Windows Phone Marketplace or www.loderunnerclassic.com! - 150 puzzling levels – all unlocked and accessible - Clever, non-disposable enemies - New magnification effect – zoom the action around the Runner - Multiple play speeds – super slow to superfast action - 2 control schemes – virtual D-pad and touch controls - Illustrated How to Play section - Xbox LIVE Achievements and Leaderboards Don't worry Android and iOS fans – your versions will be releasing soon with shared leaderboards, country-code bragging rights and achievements!

Lode Runner X Launches Exclusively on Sony's Xperia Play and Xperia Line

04.23.12

04.23.12
We're pleased to announce the release of Lode Runner X through Sony Mobile Communications for their Xperia line of mobile devices (additional Android devices will be supported later this spring). The game features the enemies, worlds and gameplay of the console experience with updated camera logic for touch screen devices. Grab your Xperia branded blasters Lode Runner fans; this is your chance to attack the eighty-level Journey and the fifty single-player puzzles! Check out the article on Pocket Gamer.

Good Friends, Great Memories

01.10.12

01.10.12
Now that the New Year is upon us, it seems like a nice time to reflect on some visits from some very cordial visitors in the recent months here at Tozai Games. It's always a nice surprise to be greeted by Alexey Pajitnov's broad-bearded smile when answering the door. The Tetris creator's love of Lode Runner is no secret and his decade's long friendship with Scott and Sheila are grounds enough for him to swing by for some high-flying coop on Lode Runner for XBLA. Alexey and Brett kicking some... oh never mind, that's the Game Over screen. Equally enjoyable was a visit from Doug Smith, the original creator of Lode Runner. After carrying on and reminiscing about the good old days for a while, we got down to business... yep, you guessed it - the frantic yet comical coop mode for Lode Runner XBLA. We then headed out to a sushi bar and refueled! Doug, a Mad Monk and Sheila hamming it up for the cam. TRIVIA ALERT: Doug created Lode Runner in 1983 while a student at the University of Washington. Tozai's President Sheila Boughten, also a UW alumni, was happy to participate in the University's 150th anniversary this last November. Congratulations Huskies! There's no denying that level 56, pictured in all of its Commodore 64 graphic splendor, looks to have been a tribute to the old alma mater. Not to be topped was the fine dinner that Scott and his wife Junko threw for Nobuo Uematsu and his entourage as Nobuo rolled through town during the sold-out tour of the symphonic rendering of his Final Fantasy music. The gathering also celebrated Nobuo's direction of the reimaging of Bach's great works for our nifty little PSP title, Kurulin Fusion. Good friends Jeremy Soule (Elder Scrolls and Guild Wars series composer and doing his best Ozzy impersonation) and his brother Julian also showed up for the near three hour feast. Hmmm...I wonder if there is hope for new Lode Runner theme music after all these years. Take the picture before you fall off the chair, Scott!! Nobuo and Scott, well-bred and well fed.

"Sideshow" Strikes a Familiar Tune

12.23.11

12.23.11
Japan's percussion group 'Sideshow' recently released their first album. A year ago, the group made a strong impression on us here at Tozai Games when we discovered their live Spelunker tribute on YouTube (see article below). Now, you can hear their self-arranged tunes on CD, including the fan-favorite Spelunker theme... check it out here. Rock on Sideshow!

Tozai Games Japan Acquires Rights to Minna de Spelunker

12.15.11

12.15.11
Newly Established Office Will Release an Enhanced Version in Japan Tozai, Inc. announced the expansion of their global gaming business with the opening of a Japanese office, Tozai Games, Inc., in August. Located in Kawasaki, Kanagawa, the new office was formed by Tozai US president and co-founder, Sheila Boughten; Tozai US senior advisor and co-founder, Scott K. Tsumura; and Takuya Banno, who will serve as president of Tozai Japan. Prior to establishing Tozai Japan, Banno was partner marketing manager, marketing senior manager and strategy planning leader at Microsoft Japan, and president of B-Project, Inc. Banno has produced many games, including his notable work as lead designer of "Minna de Spelunker" ("Spelunker HD"), which was awarded the PlayStation®Store Top Sales Award in Japan. Building on a long history with the Spelunker franchise, the executives will expand the Spelunker and Lode Runner brands to various platforms including consoles, handhelds and smartphones, and will continue developing the global business of importing and marketing of foreign games in Japan. "Tozai has always been committed to preserving popular classic videogame franchises by updating them for contemporary platforms," said Boughten. "By working with our partner office in Japan, we are in a great position to leverage our existing projects and discover new opportunities." The company also announced that they have acquired the Japanese development and distribution rights to "Minna de Spelunker" from Irem Software, and will release an enhanced version in Japan as a PlayStation®3 downloadable game. Tozai Japan will manage the intellectual property of Spelunker in Japan, including expansion to additional platforms. Tozai Japan has exclusive rights for Spelunker and Lode Runner titles via contract with Tozai US. "Some games are too much fun to let die just because their original platforms are no longer available," Tsumura said. "Spelunker is a great example of this, and we're pleased to be in a position to continue the legacy of this outstanding series and franchise in Japan and the rest of the world." Tozai Japan will release "Minna de Spelunker Tozai Games Version" in Japan soon. The game includes a long-awaited Championship Mode, which features 10 additional super difficult stages with 50 lives, new content trophies and a new mural. Additional Champion Mode stages will be forthcoming. Plans for the game in the US and Europe have yet to be announced.

Lode Runner X to Release on Xperia PLAY

12.06.11

12.06.11
As release draws near, we'd like to highlight our partnership with Sony Ericsson who earlier this year announced the arrival of Lode Runner X for Xperia PLAY. (Release date to be announced). Sony Ericsson's Developer World Blog caught up with our own Scott Tsumura during the Tokyo Game Show this last September, where Scott told them that the release would include the full Journey mode and single player Puzzle mode from the recent, critically acclaimed console version.

Spelunker HD Hits European PSN Store 10th Aug. for €9.99

08.08.11

08.08.11
(SCEE PlayStation Plus Members take 20% off for first two weeks!) Those of us who played Tim Martin's original 1983 Spelunker may no longer have all our hair, but for those who do, BEWARE: This remake retains all the challenge that drove us mad enough to pull our hair out in earlier days, but with more new obstacles and enemies than... well, a wig has hairs. So, kindly remove any fine china from your gaming room and stock the fridge with a week's worth of food before getting started – it's a looong way down. Spelunker HD has nostalgic 2D gameplay (including a retro graphic set), all-new high-def 3D graphics, 100 newly designed levels placed in ten ever-deeper environments and the good old eponymous hero (reputedly gaming's weakest character) who you'll learn to love and hate all over again. You can go it alone or play cooperatively with up to five friends either locally or online, and SCEE and SCEA will have shared leaderboards and the ability to play together – so, get your dander up and show those Yanks who rocks!

Journey Pack Released, New Challenges Unleashed!

04.13.11

04.13.11
Just when the cleverest Runners have whittled down their elapsed puzzle times to ridiculous numbers in the recently released Skill Pack, a brand new challenge is now available. Two actually! The new Lode Runner Journey Expansion Pack, at only 240 MS points, provides eight robust stages for both the 1P & Coop Journeys. The 1P Journey (40 levels + 8 bonus rooms) is a lengthy but doable mission, with plenty of lives-padding energy balls to collect along the way. Don't get me wrong, there are numerous tricks and challenges that will have to be unraveled in order to collect the Achievement upon completion. And in later stages, some of the level transitions will more resemble large levels than simple transitions... but still, this Journey compares to the original in difficulty. The Coop Journey (32 levels + 8 bonus rooms) begins rather modestly as well, with hordes of energy balls that can boost you and your teammate's lives by quite a margin – don't overlook them, you'll be wishing you had every one of them in a stage or two. The frantic nature of the Coop Journey is pushed to the limit in later stages... conquering this expedition to collect your Achievement is a training course in ESP! Don't forget, the main game has been permanently reduced in price from 1200 to 800 MS points, so now you can easily justify trying all six game modes and creating/sharing your own custom levels over Xbox LIVE!

Price of Gold Dropping!! LR Reduced to 800 MS Pts.

03.08.11

03.08.11
Lode Runner is delighted to be in the opening act of XBLA's new 'Sales & Specials' promotion. The price of our highly acclaimed action platformer has been permanently reduced from 1200 Microsoft points to 800 Microsoft points - only 133 points per game mode! That's right, you'll get it all; the massive single player Journey and the hilarious coop Journey as well as both Puzzle modes, endless Hang On and four player Last Man. The expansive Level Editor and LR Community level-sharing hub is just the cherry plopped on top. But wait – adding to the hysteria; our first level expansion, the Skill Pack, is available today as well. It contains fifty new puzzles (35 1P & 15 Coop) and eight crazed Hang On levels, and at the cost of 160 MS points (about the price of a hardboiled egg at your local diner) is a no-brainer for any Runner who is addicted to solving puzzles or has mastered the art of eluding mad monks and frothing yetis. Solve just a handful of the twisted puzzles to attain the 'Gold Luck' achievement and pad your Gamerscore. Oh yeah – there's more; our Journey Pack will be released on April 13th for 240 MS points. It will contain eight new stages of both 1P Journey and Coop Journey and an achievement for the completion of each. Both start out reasonably enough, but get quite frenzied as you progress deeper...consider yourself warned. We at Tozai Games are extremely grateful to all of the LR fans who have sent notes of praise and thanks - blast on!

Two Runners Score Leaderboard Stunner!

03.02.11

03.02.11
Tozai would like to honor Eric Taylor (aka colourthief) and Sean Pajot (aka DeHackEd360), who on just their 317th attempt, played through the entire Coop Journey without dying! This formidable feat took them only 61 minutes, garnered them a cool 1.2 million, and pushed them past habib and Horhay21 into the top spots on the leaderboard. They collected every energy orb, whether placed precariously in a level or mischievously in a bonus room and eventually had the benefit of 72 extra lives, none of which they needed, yet accounting for a massive game-ending bonus. Eric shared that their mastery of revives includes the strategy of 'controlled suicides' as a means of trapping enemies and shaving down level completion times. Don't fret Lode Runner fans - if your blasting/head-riding skills aren't quite this honed, but you are aching to see your name atop the leaderboards, there is another way: Just be the first to pick up either of two new level-expansion packs! Both will be arriving in the coming weeks with wide open leaderboards.

Spelunker HD Receives Top-Picks Honors and Prestigious Game-of-the-Year Nominations!

01.10.11

01.10.11
BuzzFocus.com nominates Spelunker HD in two game-of-the-year categories: Best Console DLC Standalone Game & Most Entertaining Platformer. View the lists. Joystiq.com's JC Fletcher describes Spelunker HD as "...a platformer built not on speed or daring leaps of faith, but on caution." and honors the fragile protagonist with a top pick of 2010. Check it out. PSNStores.com's Eric G. calls Spelunker HD a masterpiece and ranks it #1 as PSN Game of the Year. Read all the praise.

Gathering Place for Cave Explorers Available Now on PlayStation®Home

12.01.10

12.01.10
Be sure to check out the new "Gathering Place for Cave Explorers" game space now open on PlayStation®Home! Complete with Spelunker-themed rewards, clothing and furniture items, it's a must-visit for all Spelunker HD fans! Plus, you can match-make with your friends! Additional game space in the cave will be coming soon! Watch for more news.

Spelunker HD Available Now on the PlayStation® Network!

11.23.10

11.23.10
At last you can start your spelunking adventure! How it will end, nobody knows — but rest assured, no other creature down there is on your side. Get ready for the $9.99 challenge of your life!

Dive into the Depths of Spelunker HD on Nov. 23rd!

11.19.10

11.19.10
We're pleased to announce the official North American release of Spelunker HD for PS3 on the PlayStation® Network. This robust remake of Timothy Martin's groundbreaking 1983 release, which won the PlayStation®Store Top Sales Award in Japan for 2009, will remind you of just how fragile your existence truly is. Don't let the trivial $9.99 price tag of the game fool you; after an evening or two in the caves you will be shelling out cash for night lights in the hallway and a motion detector for the foot of your bed – luckily the two Spelunker HD themes are free. Your objective in each of the 100 newly designed levels is to reach the ancient statue that stands at the entrance to yet a deeper, more heinous cave. Each sprawling cave is a labyrinth, worthy of a bit of head scratching, but a crude map will light up as you explore helping you to eventually wind your way through. En route, you are free to operate the archaic mine equipment (rusted elevators and hydraulic carts) as well as ride the automated machinery (rotating mining wheels and conveyors) that still churn in the dank caverns. You'll collect a plethora of items and power-ups, encounter a vast array of creatures (both living and dead), detonate bombs and launch flares, as you run, jump and climb your way ever deeper. Whether your quest is driven by greed (unearthing every hidden gem and nugget) or knowledge (unlocking the sacred, lost mysteries) you will crave the cave. Just how low can you go? Visit the official Spelunker HD web site for more information.

The Spelunker HD team is spelunking on the PlayStation blog!

11.17.10

11.17.10
The Spelunker HD team is on deck today at the Sony PlayStation Blog to answer your questions and comments. Please join us: Spelunker HD: Updated Classic Hits PSN Soon

Spelunker HD is Coming to the PlayStation® Network on Nov. 23rd

11.10.10

11.10.10
Prepare yourself for a new Spelunking challenge! Spelunker HD is coming to the North American PlayStation® Network on Nov. 23rd The ultimate underground adventure is back with 100 all-new levels, and the first ever multiplayer exploration. Stay tuned for more information!

Sync-Ball--A Ton of Fun for a Buck!

03.13.10

03.13.10
Tozai Games is happy to announce the official release of Sync-Ball--our first game for iPhone, iPod touch and iPad! Packed into Apple's sleek mobile format is designer Brett Ballow's deceptively easy-to-grasp, hard-to-complete puzzle game. The object in each of the game's 80 levels is to get a number of balls (from two to four of them) to fall into the level's goals at the same time. The trick is that each time you swipe the screen to make a move, all of the balls move simultaneously. Using walls and the unique layout of each level, players must maneuver the orbs into position for the final swipe. At just 99 pennies at the iTunes App Store, Sync-Ball is a no brainer when it comes to cost. The cerebral workout begins only after you've downloaded the game. And a limited trial version is available for the very reasonable price of FREE. One of the things we've noticed about the game is that it's relatively stress-free, maybe due to the fact that you don't have to race the clock to earn a top score. There are no scores! It's all about solving each puzzle then moving on. You'll never lose your place, either, and there's no penalty for starting a puzzle over to try a new scheme. If you've got an iPhone, an iPod Touch or the new iPad, and a dollar, we've got what we consider to be the greatest little game in the galaxy. Check it out! Visit the official Sync-Ball web site for more information.

Sync-Ball Arrives!

03.12.10

03.12.10
UPDATE! We're happy to announce that Sync-Ball has officially landed here on Earth, and anyone with an iPhone or iPod Touch can download Tozai Games' latest miniature marvel for just 99 cents at the iTunes store or the App Store. Which brings up the question, where else can you get hours of entertainment and mental stimulation for less than a buck? Frankly, we're stumped. This just might be the best darned value on the planet. After you grab the game and swipe your way through a few levels, be sure to write an out-of-this-world review--we suggest five stars, but we'll leave that up to you.

What's Up With Sync-Ball?

03.10.10

03.10.10
Tozai Games' next title--Sync-Ball for iPhone/iPod Touch--is coming soon...but to everyone's surprise the game arrived a bit early today when Apple made the game available briefly several weeks prior to its scheduled release date. Oops! Guess the Cupertino crew is more focused on the launch of iPad than our first iPhone offering. Go figure! But the good news is that Sync-Ball will reappear soon. FYI, this puzzle game is the brain-child of Tozai's Brett Ballow, the designer who created all those fiendish puzzle levels in Lode Runner for XBLA. Sync-Ball isn't as frantic as Lode Runner, but it's a great fit for mobile platforms. Players move from two to four balls in synchrony with a swipe of a finger and try to drop them into the goals simultaneously. Using blocking walls and a lot of strategy, players work their way through more than 70 cunning puzzles. Amazingly, during the few hours that Sync-Ball was available, several reviewers found it, downloaded it and, apparently they liked it! More later.

IGNN Reports Lode Runner Nation

02.26.10

02.26.10
The Imaginary Game News Network reports that the Obama administration is looking into creative economic solutions to the current recession based on mining in-game resources from Lode Runner and several other treasure-rich videogames. Although the President notes several technical hurdles, he seems committed to the proposal. Tozai Games stands ready to support this national economic lifeline in whatever way possible--as long as it doesn't cost us anything.

Download Uematsu's Soundtrack for Kurulin Fusion

02.15.10

02.15.10
The Kurulin Fusion soundtrack, in which celebrated games composer Nobuo Uematsu (Final Fantasy series, many more) updates classic J.S. Bach tracks for the 21st century, is available for download. The seven high-quality MP3 tracks totaling 40+ minutes include Uematsu's vigorous renditions of Bach's Goldberg Variations, Fugue in G Minor and other masterpieces. More info

Kurulin Fusion Now Available in Europe

02.14.10

02.14.10
Puzzle-action hit Kurulin Fusion for the PSP is now available for download in Europe and all other Sony Computer Entertainment Europe territories for the equivalent price of US $4.99 - less than the price of a first-run movie ticket. Kurulin Fusion is available on the SCEE PlayStation Network. The game has been available in North America since December at the US PlayStation Network.

And They Gamed Happily Ever After

02.13.10

02.13.10
Eluding Yeti and digging up gold? Sounds to us gamers like a perfectly romantic way to pass Valentine's Day, the most romantic day of the year. Listen up: Two of Lode Runner's three multiplayer modes - Journey and Puzzle - can help a couple build communication and trust. The third mode, Last Man, will help lovebirds brush up on another key relationship skill: resisting the urge to rub it in. The revive feature in co-op Journey - one player can touch an orb containing their fallen partner - is terrific if one of you is all thumbs, gaming-wise. The tougher two-player puzzles require lots of communication and co-operation. Plus, you can only reach certain high-up places by riding on your partner's head. Please, don't try this at home. Just like any good relationship, both Journey and Puzzle require lots of communication. The super-quick Last Man rounds don't require much communication besides, "Hah! Beat you again!" Try not to do this too much or you'll be the one washing dishes until next Valentine's Day. When all is done, you and your sweetheart can build your relationship by building and playing your own levels together. Hey, maybe if Romeo and Juliet had Lode Runner XBLA back in old Verona, things wouldn't have turned out so badly for them. Lode Runner XBLA is a terrific last-minute gift idea, too. Download at the Xbox Live Marketplace.

Bach 'n' Roll with Kurulin Fusion

12.10.09

12.10.09
Feast your eyes, ears and that game-playing part of your brain on hypnotic new puzzler Kurulin Fusion for PSP® (PlayStation®Portable) system from MTO USA in association with Tozai Games. Match colors of Fusion Blocks and Energy Orbs to eliminate each other in dazzling bursts of energy. Pit your strategic smarts to the challenge of building massive but separate chains of Fusion Blocks and Energy Orbs, then link all to create a massive explosion and even more monstrous score. For the unique techno-baroque soundtrack, renowned Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu brilliantly reimagines selected compositions of J.S. Bach. This PSP exclusive boasts four compelling modes: Arcade's 100 levels of increasingly daunting action; a looming deadline in Score Attack; 30 stages of dazzling challenges in Mission; and Multiplayer vs. combat for two players. A brilliant mix of game play, color and a centuries-spanning collaboration between two musical giants, Kurulin Fusion will dazzle and amaze you for hours on end. Kurulin Fusion is available for immediate download from the PlayStation Store for $4.99. Visit www.kurulinfusion.com for more information.

XBLArcade and Tozai Games Sponsor Quiz Contest

10.24.09

10.24.09
Our friends at XBLArcade are hosting a quiz contest for site members featuring a grand prize of either Lode Runner or R-Type Dimensions for Xbox LIVE Arcade. The XBLArcade crew has come up with a fun quiz format that asks trivia questions about Tozai Games and its products. All the answers can be uncovered by searching the Tozai Games web-site. You'll find all the rules and regs on XBLArcade. The contest is taking place until Halloween, so don't miss your chance to win. And when you visit XBLArcade, be sure to check out all the great content. Good luck!

Tozai Games Supports 360 Junkies' Contest

10.08.09

10.08.09
360 Junkies is holding a monthly contest to reward its top comment writer and Tozai Games is teaming up to help motivate visitors and generate lots of chatter. The top prize for October's contest will be one game code each for Lode Runner and R-Type Dimensions for Xbox LIVE Arcade in addition to 4000 Microsoft Points from 360 Junkies. That's a pretty sweet haul, but the crew at 360 Junkies really wants to hear what you've got to say. You can keep track of your standings among commenters by checking out the Top 10 Commenter list at 360 Junkies. You can link to 360 Junkies right here to see all the details.

Fans Game with the Lode Runner Crew

09.25.09

09.25.09
Friday, September 18th was the time, and the whole world connected by Xbox LIVE Arcade was the place: the occasion was the second official Game With Dev event for Lode Runner hosted by Tozai Games and Microsoft. Tozai Games' co-founder Scott Tsumura provided his house as the location for the "Dev" guys to play, and he even made fresh sushi for the gamers and grilled some steaks to give them added energy. They needed it to compete with some awesome players who showed up online. Brett Ballow, the game's designer, was joined by Tozai Games' associates Hideki Saito, Gilbert Ballow and Jun Tsujimoto, while Microsoft Xboxers Chad Dylan Long and Scott Fintel also sat in on Last Man and co-op level action. "Everyone who hung around my Last Man party for more than fifteen minutes was able to get their Metal of Honor achievement," said Brett, "and I was able to finish at least the first stage of co-op Journey with several new players...enough to earn the Double Up achievement." All Xbox LIVE members were welcomed, and one gamer who was just listening in thought that it sounded like so much fun that he bought the game then joined in the action. "He did alright as a novice," Brett noted, "that is once he figured out he could blast in both directions." Tozai Games would like to thank everyone who came to game. And whether you made it or missed it, we're working on more events, so stay tuned.

Lode Runner Game With Dev Event

09.17.09

09.17.09
Tozai Games and Microsoft are sponsoring a Lode Runner Game With Dev event for Friday, September 18th beginning at 8:00 P.M. ET/5:00 P.M. PT. As always, we suggest checking in about 30 minutes ahead of the event, and be sure to send your friend request ahead of time to the participants listed by gamertags here. Devs gamertags are: Yeti Shredder, Gold Grabber, Running a Monk, Long Lode Ahead, Goldenthumb LR, More Ore, Gold 4 Glory and Cash 4 Monkers. The last big Lode Runner Game with Dev event went on for hours, so be prepared to play Last Man, co-op Journey and co-op Puzzle until the cows come home. Needless to say, but we will anyway, you must have Lode Runner for Xbox LIVE Arcade and you must also have a Gold Membership. If you don't have it, there's no better time to get it since Deal of the Week lasts from 9/14 to 9/20 and Lode Runner is discouned 33% to just 800 Microsoft Points.

Lode Runner Million-Point Leaders

09.17.09

09.17.09
It's not surprising to find Lode Runner for Xbox LIVE designer Brett Ballow ranked high on the leader board (gamer tag SeqMovPuz) but even Brett was blown away with the 1P Journey scores posted by Manolz 2012 (1,101,503) and HEDDA LANTZ (1,004,546), both topping a million points! Kudos also go to OBLIVIMAN at a very respectable 954,538 points. For Co-op Journey, the pair of Kameh64 and TrickyDeluxe posted a whopping 891,098 for their tandem effort. Talk about coordination. The 1P Puzzle board is headed by FSY49 who clocked a super-low 18:17.95 time to complete all 50 puzzles, and the team of STILLBORN KILL (gotta work on those happy gamer tags, folks) and PHISTAGON romped through 2P co-op Puzzle's 26 mind-benders in 12:08.86. Hang On master Cletus Spunkler amassed an incredible 4982 gold in nearly 4 hours of play--we're talking thousands of spawning enemies. Honestly, we can't even sit still that long for a cross-country flight. And finally, when it comes to schooling the competition, Kreusader tops the chart with a TrueSkill rank of 30. Congrats to all the leaders! (Note: We last checked these scores on September 16th, 2009, and new scores can post any time a Lode Runner player does something amazing.)

PAX TOZAI

09.03.09

09.03.09
Tozai Games is thrilled to be part of the biggest consumer gaming convention in America--The Penny Arcade Expo 2009, aka PAX, which is held in Seattle over the Labor Day weekend. If you make it to PAX, look for us at booth #3002 in the North Hall of the Washington State Convention Center. We're all set to play with game kiosks featuring Lode Runner and R-Type Dimensions for Xbox LIVE Arcade and a special sneak peek trailer of Spelunker for PSN. In addition to showcasing the games, Tozai is handing out retro-themed Lode Runner T-shirts and giving PAX attendees a chance to win a free Xbox LIVE Arcade game code for Lode Runner or R-Type Dimensions. We hope to see you there!

Console Arcade Contest

09.01.09

09.01.09
Our friends at Console Arcade are running a Lode Runner giveaway through September 5th. Two winners will be chosen from e-mail entries received at contest headquarters at Console Arcade. After entering the contest, be sure to click through to CA's review of the game to see what may be yours with a little luck.

R-Type Dimensions Links Added

08.01.09

08.01.09
It's been a long time coming, but we finally updated the R-Type Dimension page and included tons of links to reviews, previews and interviews about what we humbly consider to be the best space shooter on Xbox LIVE Arcade. But don't take our word for it; read what the pros have to say. Just click on the R-Type tab and go to Media.

Xbox 360 Achievements Lode Runner Contest

08.01.09

08.01.09
If you're looking for the sweetest deal on Lode Runner for Xbox LIVE Arcade over the next few days, head to Xbox_360_Achievements and enter the contest where you see the Lode Runner banner. Of course, if you can't wait to play Lode Runner, you could head straight to our store and be up and playing before you can say Evil Dancing Monks Rule.

Tozai Games Hosts Video Game Music Superstars Nobuo Uematsu and Jeremy Soule

07.27.09

07.27.09
Scott Tsumura, Tozai Games' Chief Advisor, recently hosted a dinner for two of the most celebrated musical composers in the video game world. Nobuo Uematsu, perhaps the most beloved video game composer in the business, was in town to attend performances by the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and conductor Arnie Roth as part of Distant Worlds: Music From Final Fantasy, which is a series of concerts composed of selections from the Final Fantasy franchise. Also in town was Jeremy Soule, the award-winning composer of sound tracks for the Guild Wars and The Elder Scrolls franchises, several Star Wars and Harry Potter games plus movies and television. Jeremy's brother Julian Soule, Hiroki Ogawa (a director of Uematsu-san's Dog Ear Records Co. Ltd.), Chris Szuberla (who oversees all production aspects of the Distant Worlds concerts) and much of the Tozai team gathered at Scott's home in Bellevue for a night of dining, music and lively discussions. Over the course of the following three evenings, Uematsu-san's lyrical flights of fantasy filled Seattle's Benaroya Hall. The Distant Worlds series is traveling to additional cities, so we highly recommend attending if you get the chance. Who said the video game biz doesn't have its perks?

CELEBRATE PAX 2009 WITH TOZAI GAMES, LODE RUNNER, R-TYPE DIMENSIONS AND MORE!

07.27.09

07.27.09
The Penny Arcade Expo, or PAX 2009--the biggest consumer gaming event of the year--is headed to Seattle this Labor Day weekend, and Tozai Games is going to be in the thick of it with playable Lode Runner and R-Type Dimension games. We'll send out more details as we get closer to the show, like what to expect from our incredible, to-die-for giveaways, or how you can make Hideki a friend for life if you show him the right gadget. Yeah, we know it's going to be hard to wait. So if you're going to be near the Emerald City the first weekend in September, come and see us. Start planning now.

RUN TOGETHER

05.22.09

05.22.09
Team Tozai has been reading posts and listening to comments from lots of Lode Runner players who are having difficulty finding other Runners with whom they can share levels or play live matches. We want everyone to have a great online experience with the multiplayer modes in Lode Runner for Xbox LIVE Arcade, so we have a couple of ideas (listed below) that can help community members find each other. If you have additional ideas to help the community connect, we'd love to hear from you. 1) Establish the 15 minute rule--When looking to find a match or share lobby, or to set up your own match or share lobby, do so only at the top of the hour or at fifteen minute intervals. Also, be sure to set your clock using an established time-keeping reference, such as www.time.gov/. Reducing the randomness of matching can go a long way toward getting Runners connected. 2) Follow @LodeRunnerXBLA on Twitter--We've set up a new Twitter account just for the Lode Runner Community to make it easier to connect and get playing. If you don't have a Twitter account yet, it's easy to set up and it's free. We are asking everyone to begin their Lode Runner Community-related tweets with a hashtag--#LRcom--so that everyone in the community can quickly see these tweets in their "in" box or use the Twitter search function to find all #LRcom-tagged tweets. Since Twitter posts the most recent tweets at the top of your "in" box or search results, you'll always see the most recent requests. Be sure to follow @LodeRunnerXBLA, as well, and we'll try to follow everyone in the community; doing so will enable Tozai Games to communicate directly with everyone in the community through tweets and direct messages. @LodeRunnerXBLA will also send out tweets to notify followers if an official gamer event is scheduled or regarding other important community news. We hope to see everyone on Xbox LIVE!

ART FOR LODE RUNNER

05.22.09

05.22.09
A recent contest sponsored by Tozai Games and NooBTooB spawned some audacious advertising art with Lode Runner themes. The winners crafted their ads with imagination and showed off some serious Photoshop skills. Not surprisingly, many of the Noobie artists chose historical themes, following Lode Runner's evolution from its early personal computer roots to the most recent rebirth on Xbox LIVE Arcade. Brett and Sheila from Team Tozai had the difficult task of choosing the winners, which you can see right here by clicking on the thumbnail images below. Here's a big thank you to all the contestants who entered, and to our friends at NooBTooB--Yuzo, Tobin and Rich--for putting together the contest. You guys rock!

Gaming With NooBTooB

05.21.09

05.21.09
NooBTooB and Tozai Games are sponsoring the second Lode Runner gaming event this Saturday, May 23rd, beginning at noon PDT. NooBTooB, with hosts Tobin Coziahr and Yuzo Watanabe, presents one of the most entertaining gaming podcasts on the web, with weekly podcasts covering the gaming universe. You can join Tobin and Yuzo, as well as Tozai's Brett Ballow and Hideki Saito (not to mention a horde of rabid Noobtoobers) for hours of Lode Runner action via Xbox LIVE. Send your friend request to gamer tag "Noobtoob Events" and post your gamer tag to the Lode Runner contest thread on NooBTooB's website, then be sure to be online playing Lode Runner before the event begins to get your invite.

Runnin' With the Dev Guys Recap

05.05.09

05.05.09
Saturday, April 25th was the first chance for new Lode Runner players to connect over Xbox LIVE to challenge and co-operate with each other and a dozen members of the development team, including people from Tozai Games, SouthEnd Interactive, Microsoft and VMC Game Labs. The Dev Runners were located in Bellevue, WA, San Diego, CA, and Sweden-a world-class turnout. How popular was the event? It was scheduled to run for three hours, but there were so many new Runners lined up to play that the gaming went on for SEVEN hours! Brett Ballow, who designed all the levels in the game, offered five special customized levels for anyone who visited a share lobby set up for the event. The players gave the dev team all sorts of suggestions and lots of kudos. One comment that was frequently echoed was for more events like this. Everyone at Tozai Games wants that, too. We'll announce future Lode Runner Community events on all our contact sites: TozaiGames.com, Lode Runner.com, Facebook Lode Runner XBLA, and @TozaiGames on Twitter. So keep checking in for the latest updates. Be sure to check out the pics from the event posted on Facebook.

Lode Runner Launch

04.23.09

04.23.09
Published by Tozai Games for Xbox LIVE Arcade, the all-new Lode Runner launched on April 22nd! Tozai Games and partner SouthEnd Interactive developed Lode Runner over the course of two years. The development team recreated the feel of the beloved original Lode Runner-first released in 1983-and its classic action style, but from the Hi-Res 3D graphics to every block in every level the new Lode Runner is a completely fresh experience. Lode Runner for XBLA offers a variety of ways to play-there's something for every gaming taste: a challenging single-player adventure, co-operative teamwork, frantic multiplayer competitive matches, and puzzles for those who want to think through their moves before putting their plans into action. And you never have to sit on the sidelines during multiplayer modes; co-op partners who die can be revived by their partner, and Last Man competitors who die return to avenge their death as enemies! The breadth and depth of Lode Runner are pretty impressive. The original specs didn't call for a Level Editor or Lode Runner Community, but the idea to include both elements just seemed too good to pass up and they are both a part of the finished game. That's in addition to 272 levels of frenzied action in the game's six play modes: 1P Journey, Co-op Journey, 2-4P Last Man, 1P Hold On, and 1P and Co-op Puzzle modes. Creating and sharing custom-designed levels with the Lode Runner Community will extend the game play experience even further, and Tozai Games plans several Expansion Packs with new levels later this year. Xbox LIVE Gold and Silver Members can give Lode Runner a trial run through selected levels or purchase the game directly through Xbox LIVE Marketplace or on Xbox.com.

Tozai Games Gets A New Home

04.23.09

04.23.09
If you're reading this, you've found the new homepage of Tozai Games and connections to the new Lode Runner and R-Type Dimensions sites, as well. We hope this site will become your resource for all things related to Tozai Games. We've included RSS feeds for everyone who wants to receive the latest news posts, sections on historical information for Lode Runner, exclusive dev art, game descriptions, video clips and media links. But what we're most excited about is building a place where fans can find a wealth of Lode Runner love. We're starting small, but we have big ambitions. Some of the elements aren't in place just yet, like a series of Level Editor Workshops with Lode Runner's designer Brett Ballow, but the Workshops and other materials should be available soon, and in the meantime there's a brilliant new Lode Runner game to explore.

Stay Connected With Tozai Games

04.23.09

04.23.09
Tozai Games is now on Facebook at Lode Runner XBLA and @TozaiGames on Twitter, where you can stay informed of the latest posts, news and events. Our tweets will notify you when and where to get more info, and we hope everyone will share their Lode Runner-related experiences on our Facebook page. Tozai Games wants to stay connected with you, so be sure to visit. Become our friend on Facebook Follow us on Twitter

Runnin' With the Dev Guys

04.23.09

04.23.09
Lode Runner players can challenge the development team from Tozai Games and SouthEnd Interactive on Saturday, April 25th beginning at noon Pacific Daylight Savings time (3pm EDT). You have to buy the game first, of course, but then you take on Dev Runners 1-12 in multiplayer Last Man mode or team up with them in Co-op Journey or Co-op Puzzle modes. The fun takes place on Xbox LIVE and participants are encouraged to check in at least 30 minutes before the gaming begins. With a headset you'll be able to chat with the Dev Runners, ask questions about the game, and maybe school them with your Lode Runner skills...at least you're welcome to try. Brett Ballow, the game's designer, promises to share some custom-made levels with everyone at the event!