The original Lode Runner is a classic among long-time gamers. It caught the attention of thousands of people around the world and brought many into the world of gaming. Lode Runner 2 has arrived amongst a new crowd of games and genres. Does it live up to today's standards of gaming? Does it capture the feel of the original classic?
In Lode Runner 2, you take the role of either Jake or Jane, collecting gold through over 150 levels spanning 5 worlds. You collect all of the gold on a level, hop into a transporter, and you're done. As simply as that might sound, you have all kinds of monks chasing after you; one touch means your death. Also, the levels are set up so getting gold takes some serious thinking and planning. You need to figure out how to get to the gold, how to dodge a hand full of monks, and to make sure that you have an escape route for your self-built holes. Self-built holes? Yep, your primary tool is a gun that can dig into blocks to help you get to gold and trap monks. You dig a hole, let the monk fall in, and then stand on top of him. He dies when the hole reforms, but most monks regenerate and are right back at making your journey a little tougher.
There are three types of monks that are easily identified by their color. Blue monks are blind dumbwhits, and have a pre-set course that they patrol and don't stray from it. You could be standing one block from them, but if you're not in their path then they won't have you for lunch. Purple monks are very unpredictable; sometimes keeping to a path and sometimes chasing after Jake or Jane. Black monks have one and only mission: to kill you. They constantly chase after you throughout the level. They'll do whatever they can to catch up and kill. If a monk kills you, you start back at the beginning of the level with all gold pieces back in place. Bummer.
Getting the hang of Lode Runner 2 is fairly easy, and there are some tutorial levels included that can ease you in. The most difficult part to learn is the unconventional view and controls. The 3D viewpoint is isometric, so to move you use 4 directional keys (NW, NE, SE, SW) which are at angles. You can also dig this way, which is a must for some of the more demanding levels. Picking up and dropping powerups is done with one simple keystroke, and using them is easy as well.
One bothersome part is that Lode Runner 2 doesn't handle resolutions from within the game. If you want full screen mode (640 x 480), you have to switch to it before you start up Lode Runner 2. This oversight can be easily worked around with an Applescript or folder action, but it should have been included in the game.
Progressing through level after level of picking up gold can sound repetitive, but each new world or level presents a new challenge and a different combination of hurdles to leap. If the included levels start to bore you down, break out the included level editor and make your own. It's simple to use and lets you unleash your artistic abilities into a creation you can play for hours. You can also play cooperatively with people over the internet or LAN, so you're sure to get a bundle of fun for your money.
The levels that you progress through in Lode Runner 2 are an excellent tribute to the original Lode Runner. Even with an extra dimension to deal with, you'll get that same kind of vibes that you did from the classic. Add to that some modern eye candy, slick animations, outstanding cutscenes, and a soundtrack that keeps things lively, you'll get a kick out of Lode Runner 2. Whether you played the original or not, this quick-thinking game delivers a load of puzzles to keep any Jake or Jane on their toes.
