Review: Mine Runner

by Matt Fox

June 15, 2009

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Overview

This is basically a port of the game "Lode Runner" for the Apple II computer. In it, you must run around and collect all of the gold in a level without being captured by the "bad guys" running around after you. You have a "dig technique" that adds you in either trapping the enemy or helping to get you to an otherwise unreachable area. I'll be honest, I've never played the original so other than the game's awesome retro look and sounds, I didn't find much value here. It's a fun and challenging game for sure, but one that will really only appeal to fans of the classic original.

Features

The main feature here has to be that this is basically the same game from 1983. It has all of the sounds, graphics, and levels of the original (150 levels total). There are two different control modes, one using the accelerometer and the other utilizing the touch controls. You move the character by either tilting the device or tapping it depending on which option you choose. There are also a few added features in this game as well. There is a level select option so you can pretty much play whichever level you want. This is great if you get stuck on a particular level or just feel like trying a random one. There is also a planned level editor option coming in a future update as well. The game also features your high score and the option to control the game speed.

Breakdown

The Good:

Again, I need to stress that I have not played the original before playing this game. So this is my first encounter with Lode Runner or Mine Runner as it's called here. I love retro games, love them! So I was excited to try this classic out. Especially when I realized it had such a fan base surrounding it. The game has a very Donkey Kong feel to it and I liked that a lot. The graphics are right out of the 80's as are the music and sound effects. I found that this is about as close to the original as it gets so in that respect, I have to say that is the best part of the game. It's a very faithful port of the original. I have no doubt that fans of the 1983 game will like this version for the look and sound alone. However...

The Bad

The controls. As with most games that try and utilize the accelerometer, this one falls victim to the same fate as the rest...it just doesn't work. Tilting the character around just doesn't work very well at all. In fact, it will get you killed more often than not. The touch controls are better, but not great. In all the controls are really difficult to get down and it ruins the gameplay for you. For a game that is so simple in concept and design, I was disappointed in the controls. As much as I'm against the virtual keyboard, I feel this would benefit from that control scheme instead. It would bog down screen space, but at least you'd be able to play the darn thing. The controls will frustrate you to no end and that really is a shame.

The Verdict

While I feel this is a faithful port of a fan classic original, the lackluster controls unfortunately make it one you should pass. Especially when you take into account that the price is $3.99. I just don't think it's worth that much for what you get. Unless you are a hardcore fan of this, I'd wait for a price drop or free version.