Originally a hit on home computers, the puzzle-platformer Lode Runner was adapted for the arcade by Irem in 1984. You navigate multi-tiered levels to collect every piece of gold while avoiding relentless guards. Unlike most platformers of its era, your character cannot jump; instead, you rely on a laser drill to blast temporary holes in the brick floors, which is essential for trapping pursuing enemies or dropping down to lower levels.
How to Play
Gather all the gold on the screen to reveal the ladder leading to the next stage. Use the Arrow Keys to move up, down, left, and right. Press Z to dig a hole to your left, and X to dig a hole to your right. For this browser-based arcade version, press Shift to insert a coin and Enter to start the game.
Tips
- Timing is everything: Holes eventually fill back in. If a guard is trapped inside when it seals, they are defeated and will respawn at the top of the screen.
- Bridge the gaps: You can safely walk over a guard’s head while they are stuck in a hole, letting you cross wide gaps.
- Retrieve stolen loot: Guards can pick up and carry gold. You will need to trap them in a hole to force them to drop it.
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