Nintendo 64

Lode Runner 3D

Advertising Blurbs

Nearly 20 years ago, a game was released that changed the face of puzzle games forever. Now it has come back in the form of LODE RUNNER 3D for the Nintendo 64.

The story is about a group of people called Lode Runners who must infiltrate the lair of the evil Emperor Monk and relieve him of his massive amounts of gold. While the game is in 3D, the actual puzzles are solved on a 2D plain, making the graphics a mix of two worlds. The actual polygons are bright and vibrant to mimic the strange locations that the Lode Runners must visit.

There are plenty of levels available to keep even the most quick-witted gamer busy for a long time, including hidden levels that can only be unlocked after accomplishing certain deeds. LODE RUNNER 3D takes the concept that made the original game great and puts it into a new setting that helps to enhance the experience.

Special Features:
• 5 worlds with 156 levels (including 20 bonus levels)
• 18 different weapons
• Fully 3D rendered graphics
• Multiple camera angles
  

  Contributed by Jeanne (59106) on Feb 19, 2006.

Lode Runner makes the leap into the third dimension with a promising mix of old-fashioned puzzle elements and new-fangled graphics.

Lode Runner 3-D takes our well-moussed hero to five different worlds, plus an extremely tough bonus world, as he searches for gold hijacked by the mad Emperor Monk. Broadcasts from a demure comms specialist bring you up to speed on mission objectives, weapons and enemies. In classic platform style, you'll have to find gold and gems while protecting Lode Runner's lives.

Upon landing on each planet, you navigate a series of branching catwalks to find the stage and level you want to enter. Including the bonus world, Lode Runner 3-D boasts a staggering 150 levels. Comms consoles relay technical information about your enemies' devices. These include the Snow-Maker, for repairing broken pathways; Tele-Freezer, your basic warp device; and Rock, a big heavy thing that hurts when it falls on your head.

The action primarily takes place on multitier platforms suspended high above each planet's surface. Although initially disconcerting, you'll soon learn that it's impossible to fall off. In fact, Lode Runner can only step down from one level to another at specifically marked places.

Much of the game's puzzle aspect involves figuring out a way to clear paths through blocks, which can be easily demolished but quickly reconstitute themselves. If that happens while Lode Runner is in the way, he's toast.

On the plus side, blocks can briefly trap Emperor Monk's robed toadies who are called, somewhat confusingly, monks. The fact that some of the blocks conceal gold and some require multiple hits from Lode Runner's laser pistol increases the challenge.

Success at Lode Runner 3-D requires you to carefully study your level before plunging into action. Fortunately, first-rate camera controls make this easy. The developers have picked the best default view for each level, but you can always zoom in and out or pan to either side with a touch of a C button. You can also set your camera to automatically return to the default view.

Video-game legend Douglas E. Smith, who crafted the original Lode Runner way back in 1983, helped developer Big Bang Entertainment bring his 2-D baby into three sleek dimensions. The result is a challenging puzzler that provides a welcome change-of-pace to the high-adrenaline action that currently dominates the N64 lineup. Twitchaholics may be dismayed, but players seeking a provocative Pak might be in for a big treat.


Contributed by Evil Ryu (31577) on Aug 15, 2005.