Lode Runner 2
Lode Runner 2 MAC CD classic collect gold puzzle adventure arcade game sequel
Game
Mac
Presage
1996
CD
$9.99
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When you've been a prisoner of the Macintosh for ten years, the release of a 3D Lode Runner game comes as welcome news. I lived, breathed, ate, and drank Lode Runner Returns during stolen moments between playing Myst and SimCity 2000 and actually doing my job. In fact, I'm not ashamed to admit that I still occasionally fire up my mom's old Apple II to play the original. Gameplay in Lode Runner is simple. You run around each level collecting all the gold and try to avoid being killed by wandering monks. Your default tool is a hydraulic pack that lets you temporarily dig away the block of ground in front of you. The block reforms after a few seconds. This talent is extremely useful in dodging monks (you can run over one if you get it to step into the hole) or temporarily killing them (they always regenerate, so this tactic is helpful, but won't rid you of your pesky robed enemies). A combination of skillful digging, dodging, and collecting opens an escape portal to the next level.
Lode Runner 2 is a welcome change from all those card and board game ports - not that I don't love a good board-game port, I just like a little action with my puzzle solving. Instead of moving linearly through the 144 levels of Lode Runner Returns, occasionally pausing to watch the movies, acquire new power-ups, and change backgrounds, Lode Runner 2 lets you choose which world you want to start and any level therein. There's even a handy set of tutorial levels that familiarize yourself with the power-ups, bombs, and maneuvers you'll need.
The 3D world also paves the way for a wide variety of bombs. Several different bomb configurations let you blow up different configurations of blocks - and monks, should they be in the way. If you get caught in the line of fire, you're toast. Those who remember the different power-ups gathered as you progressed through Lode Runner Returns will be disappointed in the lack of a few (I really miss the hangman's noose and the goo), but the new ones work well in this environment. One especially fun power-up is the beach ball, which turns you into a one-runner monk-killing machine.
Each playing area is suspended in space, which definitely gives you a feeling of vertigo, especially when swinging hand-over-hand. Fortunately, you're protected from falling into space all the time by forcefields; you can only jump or fall from corners.
The gameplay is exactly what you'd expect from Lode Runner and, thankfully, hasn't been "improved" or succumbed to feature-itis. Just transforming the world from 2D to 3D has opened up vast possibilities in solving the tricky puzzles and getting the gold. And, as with the original, the name of a level often provides a hint to how it can be solved. I'll be the first to admit that most people's game-playing fingers are more nimble than mine, and old habits die hard. My poor brain was so locked into the 2D Lode Runner world, I had a hard time making the switch to 3D - and many of the levels require you dig in unusual patterns, not just straight lines to get gold and bury monks. Once you adapt, however, the fun begins.
Not missing is the all-important level editor. Here, you can build your own puzzles and try them on your friends. I was never very good at building levels, but I'm looking forward to hunting around the Internet to find some new single-player levels to play. All in all, Lode Runner 2 is a great game. I plan on digging my way through all 75 levels, then bugging my coworkers to play with me through all the multiplayer levels. Pity them
For Mac (Power Macintosh: OS 9 or Below) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
Lode Runner 2 is a welcome change from all those card and board game ports - not that I don't love a good board-game port, I just like a little action with my puzzle solving. Instead of moving linearly through the 144 levels of Lode Runner Returns, occasionally pausing to watch the movies, acquire new power-ups, and change backgrounds, Lode Runner 2 lets you choose which world you want to start and any level therein. There's even a handy set of tutorial levels that familiarize yourself with the power-ups, bombs, and maneuvers you'll need.
The 3D world also paves the way for a wide variety of bombs. Several different bomb configurations let you blow up different configurations of blocks - and monks, should they be in the way. If you get caught in the line of fire, you're toast. Those who remember the different power-ups gathered as you progressed through Lode Runner Returns will be disappointed in the lack of a few (I really miss the hangman's noose and the goo), but the new ones work well in this environment. One especially fun power-up is the beach ball, which turns you into a one-runner monk-killing machine.
Each playing area is suspended in space, which definitely gives you a feeling of vertigo, especially when swinging hand-over-hand. Fortunately, you're protected from falling into space all the time by forcefields; you can only jump or fall from corners.
The gameplay is exactly what you'd expect from Lode Runner and, thankfully, hasn't been "improved" or succumbed to feature-itis. Just transforming the world from 2D to 3D has opened up vast possibilities in solving the tricky puzzles and getting the gold. And, as with the original, the name of a level often provides a hint to how it can be solved. I'll be the first to admit that most people's game-playing fingers are more nimble than mine, and old habits die hard. My poor brain was so locked into the 2D Lode Runner world, I had a hard time making the switch to 3D - and many of the levels require you dig in unusual patterns, not just straight lines to get gold and bury monks. Once you adapt, however, the fun begins.
Not missing is the all-important level editor. Here, you can build your own puzzles and try them on your friends. I was never very good at building levels, but I'm looking forward to hunting around the Internet to find some new single-player levels to play. All in all, Lode Runner 2 is a great game. I plan on digging my way through all 75 levels, then bugging my coworkers to play with me through all the multiplayer levels. Pity them
For Mac (Power Macintosh: OS 9 or Below) [*Please review compatibility/platform sections in 'What You Get']
WHAT YOU GET:
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
Ask questions PRIOR to purchasing an order to avoid any confusion.
Be patient if there are problems during installation or gameplay. Typically someone else has
already ran into that problem and has listed a solution online. Contact us and we will do our best to help.
Be sure to update your video card drivers and search for updates to the game from the manufacturer.
This item is for the original media, and includes only the media (ie. CD, floppy ...) UNLESS specifically stated above and/or in the title. If more than just the media is included, it will state which items are (ie. box, manual, etc ). Items that come in a sleeve refer to a generic CD sleeve (typically white) and will be sent with shipping protection to avoid damage during transit. If available, we will also send the front and/or back CD inserts if in stock. If these are important to you, please message us to verify we have them available to send. Please do not assume items are included other than what's stated. Again, ask questions PRIOR to purchasing if you have any concerns.
IMAGES:
All images/pictures are stock photos and are for reference only, mainly to show the type of game you will be getting. Please read "WHAT YOU GET" for what is included with the media. Screenshots may vary based on your own computer system, video card, monitor, etc.
COMPATIBILITY:
Computers are like people, each one is different. Unlike console games, a computer game may install and work flawlessly on one system but may need adjustments on another. This is due to a variety of factors, mainly the OS platform running, video card you have, drivers, protection software installed, etc. Many times manufacturers release updates to games to fix bugs and add enhancements. We would be happy to help get the game going on your computer, but ultimately compatibility issues are the responsibility of the buyer. We suggest going to Google and searching for the name of the game along with the words "system requirements" to determine if your system is suitable. Ultimately, we are not responsible for software compatibility problems or publisher's errors.
PLATFORM:
Stated within the auction is what platform the game will work on (ie. Windows, Mac, Linux...) This is a generic statement and specific platform versions (ie. XP, Vista...) will have to be researched by the buyer. Games that came out PRIOR to XP or higher will not specifically state they will work on that release, but only because they came out before those versions were made. Many, if not most, will work on XP or higher with a few quick adjustments. We provide instructions with all items purchased on how to do this adjustment using the Program Compatibility Wizard. If we find out that an item will definately not work on a specific version, we will state it. For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program if the Program Compatibility Wizard does not work.
64-Bit Windows OS Systems:
For 64-bit Operating Systems, older games most likely will NOT work due to 64-bit systems not being able to run 16-bit programming code (most games prior to 2000). For DOS games, you may need to play it with a free DOSbox program.
Macintosh Systems:
For Macintosh programs, most older games will need to be run in Classic Environment if you have a MAC OS X 10.0 - 10.4 version. Please research Google on how to do this, or send us a message for information prior to purchasing. If your MAC OS system doesn't support Classic Environment (ie. MAC OS X 10.5 or Higher OR Intel Macs), you will have to try running it using the free program called SheepShaver, but compatibility is not ensured. Please research prior to purchasing or ask questions.
MEDIA FORMAT:
Please verify you have the required hardware in order to use the specified media (ie. CD, DVD, floppy drives, etc.) If the item comes as a floppy disc, make sure you have either the needed 3.5" floppy drive or the bigger and older 5.25" floppy drive.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR A SMOOTH PURCHASE:
SHIPPING:
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
We typically ship all items out within 1-2 business days after payment is received. In regards to the stated shipping and handling, remember that these costs include more than just postage.
International buyers please email/chat with us to determine if you are eligible for shipping of a specific product. If you are, then international buyers not shipping to an address within the U.S. can expect their orders to take anywhere from 5 days to 4 weeks to be received, depending on how fast/well USPS is moving. Additionally, international orders typically have to go through governmental customs, which can delay the arrival process. Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility. Please check with your country's customs office to determine what these additional costs will be prior to buying. Customs fees are normally charged by the shipping company or collected when you pick the item up. These fees are not additional shipping charges.
