Lode Runner (NES)

Game Profile

This landmark action-puzzle game has been a worldwide fixture in video games from the moment of its inception until today, producing many sequels and related products along the way. The player controls the hero, or "Runner," who collects gold nuggets located around every stage, all the while avoiding capture by enemy robots.

The action itself is simple, but the stages are designed as increasingly challenging puzzles, and none of the 50 stages is as easy as it seems. The Runner avoids enemies by digging holes in the floor to the right and left of his position by doing this, he can clear a path to places that, at first glance, seem unreachable. Players must use their brains to collect all the gold nuggets in every puzzling stage if they want to escape to the next. Read More »

In addition to normal play, this version of the game features an Edit Mode that allows players to design their own stages, adding a new level of enjoyment to the game.

Game Review

darren_calvert

Review

USA Mon, 11 Jun 2007 by Darren Calvert

The player controls the hero, or "Runner," who collects gold nuggets located around every stage, all the while avoiding capture by enemy robots.

The timing could have been a bit better for this as the far superior Battle Lode Runner for the TurboGrafx became available on the Virtual Console only two months ago. Is there a reason to bother with the NES original when for just 100 more Wii points..

Read Review

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Game Screenshots

User Comments

emmanuel

1. Simbabbad France 11 Jun 2007, 15:31 BST

Does this game have the same levels as the PC Engine one ?

sckkktttrrrr

2. SKTTR Germany 12 Jun 2007, 12:18 BST

The levels of Lode Runner (NES) and Battle Lode Runner (Turbografx) are not the same. There were many versions of Lode Runner that were the same, but these two are different.

A list of ports and sequels of the earliest Lode Runner games:
http://entropymine.com/jason/lr/screenshots/
(The newer Lode Runner's are not listed.)

kevin

3. Kevin United States 12 Jun 2007, 13:16 BST

I had a lot of fun with this on the NS, but I'll be downloading Battle Lode Runner instead.

bass_x

4. Bass X0 United Kingdom 14 Jun 2007, 12:55 BST

How does Championship Lode Runner differ to this game?

emmanuel

5. Simbabbad France 14 Jun 2007, 17:08 BST

Championship Lode Runner is insanely hard, you can look up to some video walkthrough on Youtube, it's just crazy. Most people couldn't go past level 1.

andym

6. gamerz United States 17 Jun 2007, 16:41 BST

I bought this game because I spent so much time playing the original PC version. What I didn't realize is how much horizontal scrolling is involved, instead of showng the entire level on one screen like the monchrome PC verson.

wolfman

7. Wolfman United States 28 Jun 2007, 03:52 BST

This game is really pretty useless when you have the far superior Battle Lode Runner on the TG-16/PCE. Spend 100 more points and you get better graphics and sound, not to mention the brilliant multiplayer of the TG-16 version.

toxictexan

8. ToxicTexan United Kingdom 02 Jul 2007, 21:21 BST

is it just me or do the bad guys look like bomberman (bombermen)?

adamant

9. Adamant Norway 18 Jul 2007, 02:12 BST

Kinda pointless releasing this NOW, after the release of Battle LR.

But yeah, fun game, though inferior in every way (other than price) to Battle. No point in downloading this unless you already beat Battle and is hungry for more Lode Runner action.

mrcow

10. Mr.cow United States 21 Aug 2007, 02:22 BST

don't get this get battle lode runner for 100 exstra points you get 5 player maltyplayer and a better camara also (I think that the people look cool)

mii_be_you

11. Mii be you United States 01 Sep 2007, 05:20 BST

I played this game before. I don't think I'll play it again. It's not that I hate it, It's that I have the PC-ENGINE version.

mii_be_you

12. Mii be you United States 14 Sep 2007, 23:56 BST

Isn't there a Lode Runner game for the PC?

y0u

13. Y0u United States 27 Dec 2007, 02:54 GMT

Not bad per se, but kind of pointless with Battle Lode Runner out. For 100 more points, you get twice as many levels, better graphics and sound, battle mode, and a better level editor. If I'm not mistaken, a lot of levels here are in BLR as well.

learn_japanese_ds

14. learn japanese ds Canada 09 Jan 2008, 21:03 GMT

Seems like a complete waste of time to even release this what with battle load runner out...

clayfrd

15. Clayfrd United States 24 Jan 2008, 00:44 GMT

I got this, and I like it a lot. It's got a nice level creator, and the regular game mode is fun too. Very recommendable. I may get "Battle" also.

mr_cheez

16. Ricardo91 United States 28 Jun 2008, 04:45 BST

The graphics and sound in this game is simply terrible. if you want a Lode Runner game from the VC, get Battle Lode Runner instead. It's overall a much better game methinks.

Edit: I saw a video for Championship Lode Runner on Youtube the other day, and I must say those levels are INSANE!

mickeymac

17. Mickeymac United States 20 Jul 2008, 07:46 BST

I'll get both, and just go with this first. Since both games are different, I don't see how releasing both is "pointless".

kurachi

18. Kurachi Netherlands 18 Oct 2008, 10:18 BST

i've played this, it was kinda fun, i always had different levels, got harder by going further
it was kinda a game which kept me busy, and i did like it
maybe i get it for the same reason once again... if it ever gets in europe, i even made a level from this game in ssbb :P
i prefer the legal way (VC) over illegal (emulator)
also, i prefer controller over keyboard :)

corbie_dillard

19. Corbie United States 19 Oct 2008, 22:14 BST

I used to love this game on the Commodore 64, but even this NES release is a solid version of the game. The premise is getting a bit dated, but it's still good fun for those who enjoyed the original.

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