Hyper Lode Runner

"For fans only, or nuts like me who like the obscure and old-school..."

I'll be blunt - I'm a "retro" gamer, preferring older games to most new games - at least when it comes to consoles. Yes, I own and Xbox, play Jade Empire, and drool over the Wii (but for only one game...), yes, I know too much about the 360 and PS3, and yes, I play my DS more than anything (just look at my review list), but when it comes down to it, I'll gladly take Konami's Arcade Advance over Grand Theft Auto any day.

Why?

For the simple prospect that the games are timeless, and even after repeatedly playing them for years, coming back "years" later reveals that they are still fun. On the flip side, while Grand Theft Auto (and subsequent clones) can be fun for a good while (I still find Vice City enjoyable), they simply cannot stand up years later. Due to the physics, the scope, the plot, they age faster than anything that was meant to be played in moderation.

So, what does this have to do with Hyper Lode Runner?

For one, HLR is a "relic" of the 1980's, though if it started on the computers of the day first or video game systems, I know not. However, the title pops up in most media when discussing any library of older games (ie - pre NES), and having played it for several efforts, I found it amusing, if somewhat confusing. Your character is on a sort of construction set kin to Donkey Kong, yet you are able to "dig" small holes in the direction you face, allowing the "creatures" (I have NO idea what they are) to fall in, and save you a one-hit death. Your goal is to travel the "site" to collect items (presumably treasure), and then move to the next level.

In Hyper Lode Runner, the premise is the same, with only enlarged graphics (which look suprisingly well even on an old Game Boy or Pocket), stereo sound, and a massive selection of levels, plus even a level creator.

Sadly, I have just described the entire game. Kin to the old computer game Chip's Challenge, levels become more challenging as you progress, making you think more. The only true flaw in the game is that there is little to no variation. That, and the basic premise is so "dated" to most gamers, only those with love for the originals would find it of interest. Or gamers like me who do love obscure old-school games on the cheap (I got this used at GameStop for all of US$4, which is a steal).

In short, this is by no means for everyone (hence the score), but it is a very good brain teaser for those willing to learn it. If only they would update it for the DS or GBA...

Score: 7 of 10

* Best Features:
+ Graphics
+ Addictive Game Play
+ Responsive Controls

* Worst Features:
- Basic Sounds
- Dated Feel
- "Dated" Series

* If You Liked: Konami Arcade Advance (GBA), Lode Runner (Atari Lynx, PC, Amiga, Commodore 64), Godzilla (Game Boy)

* Guilty Pleasure: Taking this over the marked-down TV Plug and Plays with Galaga - talk about loving your Game Boy...

Reviewer's Score: 7/10, Originally Posted: 05/24/06