Lode Runner is a recreation of the PC gaming classic platformer by Douglas E. Smith, loving brought into the current generation by developers Tozai Games and SouthEnd Interactive. It's got 3D graphics and 2D gameplay, online multiplayer and co-op, several different game modes, and 220 levels worth of gold-grabbing goodness. Plus, seeing as Lode Runner was one of the first games to ever incorporate a level editor, this version has one too, complete with the ability to share your levels with your friends and the Lode Runner community at large.

Lode Runner is available this Wednesday for 1200 Microsoft points. Enjoy it while it lasts, because when the Days of Arcade end, it's back to boring old regular Xbox Live Arcade titles again.

The rules haven't changed for the hi-def remake of Lode Runner. Collect gold nuggets, using your platforming wits and your rock-crushing gun to negotiate each maze. Avoid getting killed. That's it. It's still a 2D puzzle platformer with a digging mechanic that will probably seem archaic to those ignorant to Lode Runner's classic gameplay, just in higher resolution.

And that's really the only problem. Lode Runner looks and plays just fine, a serviceable 3D coat of paint applied to the exact same game play you might just go mental for. It doesn't do anything fancy with the formula, a la Galaga Legions.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to take the multiplayer modes for a test drive, as the Games Conventioneers were far too interested in easy access to Guitar Hero World Tour.

It really comes down to this — if you adore Lode Runner, here's some more. If you don't know what a Lode Runner is — or you're wisely concerned about how well the Xbox 360's D-pad will suffice — just wait for the demo.

Hello, and welcome to Arcade Flyer Art Saturday at its new prime time! You can look forward to seeing it at this same time each week from here on out. This week's offering is the arcade version of Broderbund's PC classic, Lode Runner.

Broderbund came out with the Lode Runner arcade machine in 1984 as a direct response to the popularity of their PC version of the game. This was particularly notable since at the time, most games started as arcade games before eventually being ported to home consoles and computers. The home version of the game was also one of the first to include a level editor.

The gameplay consisted of running your little man through a series of mazes while collecting gold coins (sound familiar?). The mazes were made up of bricks and dirt and could be navigated using various ladders and ropes or by blasting holes through the walls with your blaster. As you can probably guess, your progress is impeded by a retinue of various monsters that change from level to level. Once all gold coins are recovered, an escape ladder lowers allowing the player to climb to victory and the next maze level. But don't lollygag! Each level is timed and if you don't get up that ladder before the timer runs out, it's game over.

While this flyer isn't as hilarious or mind bending as some, it does have some great points. At the time I'm sure those quotes from such hot magazines as Sky were impressive but on looking at the graphics of the game it's hard not to snicker a little. "The game of the year. Further proof that gamers' tastes are growing more sophisticated as the hobby matures." Sounds like something you could read in any game magazine or blog today. "Light years away from the simplistic arcade games of two years ago." Apparently "light years" referred to the inclusion of "shadows" underneath each level giving it that awesome 3D appearance.

I am also always amazed by the translation of a 2D 8-bit game into the "real life" drawings. So that's what that squishy little green block with a white head would look like if it was a real person! Amazing!

Flyer courtesy TAFA

Microsoft just sent us this batch of fresh pics for the upcoming Xbox Live Arcade make-over of classic side-scroller Lode Runner being reworked at the hands of developer Tozai. I had my reservations when I first heard about this remake, but I'm kinda digging the new look of the game.

Battle Lode Runner (TurboGrafx 16 - 600Points): Never released stateside, Battle Lode Runner is a PC Engine version of the classic platformer. The original PC title was one of the first games to come with a level editor, and so does this one, along with a five-player battle mode which promises you'll have great bouts of fun until you stop. Back in the day there were no Halo VS Metroid debates. It was all about Lode Runner versus Jumpman. Jumpman 4 life y'all.

Gradius III (SNES - 800 Points): One of my personal favorite entries in the Gradius series, II introduced a customizable powerup bar to aid those of you who always went one past the laser power up. Hours of fun blasting moai statues in your trusty Vic Viper.

Wonder Boy in Monster World (Genesis - 800 Points): Oh Wonder Boy...what is the secret of your power? This is the second Wonder Boy title from Sega, also released as Super Monster World: Super Wonder Boy and Super Wonder Boy in Monsterland. No matter what you call it, this platformer with RPG elements can kill a yak from 200 yards away...with MIND BULLETS. That's telekinesis folks.

So there you go, a lovely assortment of classic gaming this week. It's a pity you'll all be far too busy playing with your pocket monsters to notice. Don't lie, you know you love the Pikachu. Michael Fahey

Wii-kly Update: Three New Classic Games Announced for Wii Shop Channel

Admit it. Somewhere deep inside, you've always wanted to go for the gold, take down Monster World, and have people call you Vic Viper. How cool would that be? Well, pay a visit to the popular Wii(TM) video game system's Wii Shop Channel, and all those fantasies can now come true.

Three new classic games go live at 9 a.m. Pacific time. Nintendo adds new games to the channel every Monday. Wii owners with a high-speed Internet connection can redeem Wii Points(TM) to download the games. Wii Points can be purchased in the Wii Shop Channel or at retail outlets. This week's new games are:

Gradius(R)III (SNES(R), 1-2 players, 800 Wii Points): Return as the pilot of the Vic Viper starfighter to battle the onslaughts of the Bacterion Empire. Blast through 10 action-packed levels in space, destroying everything in your path. Customize and power up your ship with weapons and upgrades including speed-ups, missiles, lasers, options, and shields.

Wonder Boy(TM) in Monster World (Genesis, 1 player, 800 Wii Points): Monster World was a peaceful, happy place until one dark day when an army of BioMeka monsters invaded. As a young man named Shion, you've vowed to defeat the hostile foes and make the land peaceful again. You'll attack enemies with swords and spears and guard against incoming projectiles with shields and armor. As you travel through the many different regions of Monster World, you'll talk to the townspeople, collect money to buy items, and gather a large variety of weapons and magic. The further you venture, the more powerful your weapons and equipment, including suits of armor and boots, will become.

Battle Lode Runner(R) (TurboGrafx 16, 1-5 players, 600 Wii Points): This upgraded edition to the famous Lode Runner series includes a 5-player versus mode. Gold funds have been stolen from the Time Machine Research Center, and the group responsible used a time machine to escape and hide the gold throughout time. The center sends an elite team of "Runners" to go and retrieve the gold.

In addition to the familiar Puzzle mode, the game features Battle mode, where up to 5 players can compete, and Edit mode, where you can create your own original stages. You can enjoy Battle mode in a number of different ways. Be the last one standing to win in Survival. Grab items from enemies and escape to win in Escape. With 4 players, you can separate into two teams to do battle in Tag Match.