One of Nintendo's all-but-forgotten classics comes home in the form of "Lode Runner Legacy" for the Switch, bringing with it a haul of buried gold as it scampers across crumbling platforms and jets up ladders to glory.
The update to the 1983 NES classic retains the original design elements while subtly shading the visuals into 2.5-D.
The "Lode Runner" franchise was every bit as influential as the likes of its contemporaries -- "Pac-Man," "Donkey Kong." "Defender" and "Q*bert," and has spawned so many followers that its influence has muddle its own legacy. The multitude of imitators has caused "Lode Runner" to be lost in the shuffle.
"Legacy" could change that by returning the spotlight to the bold design choices and invigorating gameplay of the original. The clean, direct objectives and obstacles make each level an exercise in efficiency, with each level being scored on a three-star speed system in the manner of "Angry Birds" or "Cut the Rope."
In addition to the standard Adventure Mode, you can also hone your skills in the enemy-free Puzzle Mode. In all, there are more than 300 levels to chew on.
A lovingly crafted expansion to one of gamedom's seminal building blocks, "Lode Runner Legacy" is a refreshed retro treasure that lovers of classic games should grab and run.
Publisher provided review code.