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NDS
Lode Runner
- New Import, In Stock |
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NCS
Game Synopsis
«©NCSX»
Lode
Runner appeared on the Famicom 22 years ago courtesy
of Hudson. Before that, it was a popular game on
8-bit personal computers such as the Apple II+,
Atari 800, the MSX, and the Commodore 64 where
creator Doug Smith made his mark. Going further before that, Loderunner
was a project on a VAX 1 mainframe. The NDS reincarnation of the game is based
on the Famicom version where a elfin adventurer
hunts for gold ingots and blasts away platform
segments to corral pursuers. The play mechanics are
simple but when a gang of goons are hot on elf's
heels, things tend to get a little unsettling. In
addition to the game, a level editor allows players
to create an endless assortment of stages.
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NCS Game Notes
» Hudson
introduced helmeted humanoids wearing green vests as the enemies in the NES
version of Loderunner. Those humanoids eventually
became the character models for the Bomberman series
of games.
» Hudson re-released the first two NES Bomberman
games last year for the Gameboy Advanceand
interested players may view our update
here. Notice
how many times we use the word "goon." The Bombermen
reprise their roles in the NDS version of Lode
Runner.
» The first level in the game features 3 enemies and
the player starts with 5 lives. The game play is
solid with snappy controls. After finishing each
level, Lode Runner climbs to the top screen as
orange colored fireworks explode in the sky. The
clear time is listed along with performance ranking.
»
The 130 stages in Lode Runner span 28 x 14 "squares"
in area which are simple in the beginning but
progressively become more devious and tricky later. A
game option dubbed "Tsume Lode Runner" does
away with the enemies so that players may experiment and
test their skills without fear of pursuit.
» For
players who need a little refresher on how to play
the game, a tutorial mode containing 18 lessons teaches the basics of
operation and technique.
» The D-pad is used to move the hero around the
levels.
Press the A or B button to burn holes in the platforms so
pursuers drop into them like pegs. Once they drop,
the player can walk over their
heads to reach the other side of a platform.
» If goons pass over gold clumps, they'll instantly
collect them and continue the chase. To steal their
gold, dig a hole and watch them drop into it. Once
they're down there, any gold lumps will appear above their heads
for easy pickup. Run over the gold to collect it and continue on your
way.
»
To ensure that gamers can always find challenge in
Lode Runner, a level construction kit allows players
to create their own stages and trade them with
friends wirelessly.
» The title screen options are:
1) Play
/ Newtype Lode Runner with updated graphics
/ Save/Load Data
/ Tsume Lode Runner (30 stages) does away with the
enemies and allows players to figure out tough
platform dissolution and ladder puzzles - a timer
still counts up on the top screen but doesn't
enforce
/ Tutorials (18 lessons separated into three main
sections)
2) Lode Runner Construction Kit - Create levels
with stylus
3) Ranking
4) Option
5) Wireless
» The enemies in Lode Runner sort of look like
robotic versions of the original Bomberman models.
» In the construction kit, playfields may be 14 x 14
or 28 x 14. For the larger size, the screen scrolls
in fluid fashion.
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This document and photos are ©NCSX 2006. All rights reserved. No
reproduction in whole or in part of this document
may be made without express written consent of National Console Support, Inc. |
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