Lode Runner Overview
Lode Runner is a platform game where the player must recover stolen gold from the Bungeling Empire across 150 distinct screens. Each screen presents a layout of platforms, ladders, and ropes that must be navigated.
Robotic guards patrol the areas, and contact with them results in the loss of a life. The primary method of evasion is to dig holes directly into the platforms, temporarily trapping the guards so the player can pass. Success requires collecting all gold in a screen, which then reveals an exit ladder to progress. This objective makes the gameplay challenging, as it demands careful planning and precise execution.
A notable feature for its time was the inclusion of a level editor, enabling players to design new screens without needing programming knowledge.