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PAX 2009: Lode Runner dropping to 800 points on September 14
The new version of Lode Runner for XBLA was launched earlier this year in April at a price point of 800 points ($10). Microsoft quickly flip-flopped and said the game was incorrectly priced, subsequently correcting the price to 1200 points ($15), which caused a massive amount of complaining ... but no price reduction reverse. (Or what they call a "flop-flip"). It only took Microsoft four months, but the company is now flopping back to the 800 points price for one week. Starting September 14 through September 20, you can download the game for the price it originally debuted at, and what developer Tozai considers the "sweet spot." It has 272 levels, a map editor, and a robust community component waiting on people to run around in search of gold at a reduced price.%Gallery-12908%
Spelunker HD explores PSN in America
The PSN remake of Spelunker is ready to explore the dark, cavernous recesses of your console when it makes its way to America, courtesy of Tozai. GamerBytes reports that the NES game has been updated with "new graphics, and a 6-player online cooperative mode." Spelunker HD can be played with both classic and updated graphics.If you're curious about Spelunker HD, you can read through the game's Trophy list. Unlike most PSN games, the game includes a Platinum Trophy. Depending on how Tozai prices the US release, this may be one of the cheapest Platinums ever. But, if playing video games isn't "your thing" and you're still curious, check out the many, many YouTube videos on the game. Also ... does this post seem familiar?
This Wednesday: R-Type Dimensions blasts XBLA
Microsoft just sent official word that the Xbox Live Arcade will receive Tazai's R-Type Dimensions this Wednesday, February 4th. Dimensions is a remake of classics R-Type and R-Type II, both mashed together in 2D and 3D flavors that can be switched between at will. With 14 stages, cooperative play, a new camera mode, plenty of game stats and the inclusion of checkpoint saves (woohoo!), R-Type Dimensions looks to be a winner. But before you commit to an XBLA purchase, know that Dimensions will cost you 1200. We're sure that will deter a few.
GC 2008: Lode Runner XBLA remake 'coming soon'
Developer Tozai has been noticeably silent with regards to its upcoming take on Brøderbund's early computer platformer Lode Runner, and while our army of robots have once more returned empty handed, the media sleuths at IGN report that a seemingly "largely done" build of the XBLA remake was on hand at the Leipzig's media extravaganza.The news leaves us wondering just when we'll be able to revisit our platforming roots, though the game's presence on the show floor was reportedly adorned with rather ambiguous signage that simply read "coming soon." We certainly hope so, because with both this and some sort of R-Type title in the works, Tozai has become adept at tugging at nostalgia's heartstrings.
OFLC rates R-Type Dimensions for Xbox 360
The Bydo Empire just won't stay dead, as Australia's Office of Film and Literature has rated a previously unknown title called R-Type Dimensions for the Xbox 360. Little is known about the game other than it is being authored by Lode Runner dev Tozai, leading us to believe that the title, be it a shooter, strategy game, or some kind of R-Type-themed cooking sim, will be released over XBLA.While R-Type Dimensions has yet to be rated by the ESRB, we doubt an official announcement is far behind. What we do wonder, however, is that if this does turn out to be a XBLA shooter, what the folks at Tozai know that Cave does not.[Via GamerBytes]
CES 2008: Lode Runner coming to XBLA
In an early morning meeting with Microsoft, we got a sneak peek of a title that's been a long-time coming to Xbox Live Arcade. Some of you may remember our nearly year-and-a-half old interview with former Xbox Live Arcade Portfolio Manager Ross Erickson, who professed Lode Runner to be his "favorite game of all time" and, it seemed like a natural conclusion that he would be working on bringing that title to the service. Though Erickson's moved on, the proto-platformer is finally making its way to XBLA.Totally updated for XBLA by developer Tozai (purportedly the original developer and license holder), the version showed off was apparently "incredibly early." Nevertheless, the 3D graphics were sharp and the original Lode Runner gameplay is so immediately infectious it bleeds through every layer of paint thrown on it. But it's not all original gameplay, as the developer is adding in several multiplayer modes like "Hang-On," which supports four players, and "Journey," which supports two.One of our favorite touches was the history timeline of the game, which aims to educate gamers on Lode Runner's long history and role in the history of video games. A very classy touch, and one we'd love to see more of in our games, along with the original game variant while they're at it. Understandably, there's no word on price or release, but we were told "2008" was a good estimate.But that's still not the biggest question we've got. No, what we really want to know is whether or not the XBLA version will share the series' iconic level editor functionality. The answer was that while nothing has been announced, the developer is obviously aware of the game's history. Is it too much to hope that we'd be allowed to share user-created levels, perhaps enjoying a LittleBigPlanet-esque community angle? We hope not.%Gallery-12908%
Rumor: Mystery XBLA game is Lode Runner
Our man, Godfree, over at Gamertag Radio sent us another tip about our would be mystery XBLA game. Shake the magic 8 ball with us ... "signs point to Lode Runner." Check out this detective work on IloveXBLA.com: "No joke, I'm fairly certain I figured it out. Let's look at the trail of tips. Ross Erickson says that Lode Runner in very good hands, which would dictate hands that want to put it on Xbox Live Arcade (since he wants the game). Luke Smith thinks it might be Bomberman On this GamerScore blog post they dropped a hint that Peter Moore said "what happens in Shinjuku stays in Shinjuku." Later on this GamerTag Radio thread Microsoft's John Porcaro dropped a hint that "what happens in Montana stays in Montana". Ok, so with the current hints down how did I make the connection. Here's my timeline. I originally thought the game must be Bomberman, so I was looking for links between Shinjuku, Montana and Hudson Entertainment the creators of Bomberman. Score! Hudson Soft moved to Shinjuku in 1985 shortly before releasing Bomberman. While on the page I noticed Hudson Software also released Lode Runner for NES, and remembered they are currently doing a DS version. Lode Runner was originally published by Broderbund, who operate out of MONTANA. According to Game Dev Map there are no current game developers operating in Montana. I don't think it can get any clearer than that. Case closed in my opinion, next week's release is Lode Runner!" Nice work. We couldn't agree more. Lode Runner is definitely a major franchise worthy of the hype that we've generated seen in the last week. What do you think? Did these guys nail it, or is it something else? [Thanks, Godfree]
