Lode Runner is a not very well known game , but it contains some amazing game play for its time. The game has had multiple reincarnations, with this NES version being one of the earliest. The game is reminiscent of pac man, you must collect all of the gold on each level and then escape to complete the levels. Their are enemy guards that patrol each level and being caught by one costs you a life.

Lode Runner was one of the first games ever to offer players a level editor which is one of the stand out points of this game. During the games hey day, this feature was what made it a hit, and gaming magazines and websites even had contests to see which users could create the most fun and difficult custom levels.

The Evil Empire has stolen a large cache of gold and you must recapture all of the gold from their clutches. You must run to avoid being caught but you are also able to dig holes in the right type of ground allowing you to trap your enemies for a safe escape. The game includes many levels that have you climbing, digging, hanging and falling for all the gold you can get your hands on, all while evading the enemy.

GRAPHICS: 7
   The graphics are not overly good. They are right about average for the NES but could definitely have been done better. The character sprites are little more than stick figures and the levels offer little variation in appearance. If you expect stunning graphics this probably isn't the right game for you, but neither is just about any NES game for that matter.

SOUND: 7
   The sound suffers from the same problems as the graphics, being that their is little to make it stand out or be anything special. The sound effects are basic and the games soundtrack isn't anything all to memorable.

ADDICTIVENESS: 9
   The gameplay of LodeRunner is what makes it such a good game and why you will continue coming back to it for multiple plays. You will want to get further in the game each time you play it, until you can actually finish the entire game. The level editor offers hours of fun, and is great for those with a creative spirit.

STORY: 7
   Like most NES games, The story just isn't why you come to play this game. Although the game does at least have a story it is fairly basic. You are the good guys and the evil Empire stole the good guys gold and it is up to you to retrieve it.

DEPTH: 9
   The game offers 50 levels in total , but even getting half way to that end is extremely hard. You will not finish this game any time quickly. The ability to create your own levels adds limitless potential for the depth of this game and you can challenge your friends to complete the levels you have created. The game also has a score system offering users of vizzed the chance to compete for highscore , adding the competitive edge to the game

DIFFICULTY: 10
   This game is really hard. I have never beaten it myself with hours of time invested into it. Even if you did mangae to complete this game there is still the chance to top your best score adding even more of a challenge.

OVERALL: 8 
   Overall I rank Lode Runner an 8 out of 10. Although not visually amazing the game is fun to play. Fans of PacMan would probably enjoy this game, the game play is very similar to a combination of PacMan and a platform game. For people who love to make their own courses and edit games, this game is one of the first to do it, which is what it makes it worth checking out.