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Lode Runner II: The Bungeling Strikes Back

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Lode Runner II: The Bungeling Strikes Back is the arcade sequel to the original game, consisting of 30 levels, of which ten are based on the original set. The objective of each level is the same: collect all the gold scattered around the levels while avoiding enemies. In the event that you are tr...

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Developer
Irem

Released on
1984

Size
1–2 Players

Version
Arcade

Requirements
Arcade

Downloads
Platform

ESRB Rating
Not Rated

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Lode Runner II: The Bungeling Strikes Back 1

Description

Lode Runner II: The Bungeling Strikes Back is the arcade sequel to the original game, consisting of 30 levels, of which ten are based on the original set. The objective of each level is the same: collect all the gold scattered around the levels while avoiding enemies. In the event that you are trapped, you can create holes in the platforms to the left or right of you for the enemies to fall through, similar to what the player does in Apple Panic. They will then die and respawn. Some enemies will flash, letting you know that they carry gold. You can either wait for them to drop the gold, or force them to give it up by trapping them in holes.

When you have managed to collect all the gold, another ladder will appear, and climbing it will take you to the next level. Bonus points are awarded, but these vary depending on how much time you have remaining. After every three levels, a cut-scene is triggered, showing you the next wave of enemies you have to deal with. Coming into contact with enemies or falling down in your own hole results in a loss of life, and the game is over when you run out of lives.

Lode Runner II: The Bungeling Strikes Back

Overview & History

Released in the golden era of arcade gaming, *Lode Runner II: The Bungeling Strikes Back* acts as the devious, highly anticipated sequel to Brøderbund’s landmark platform-puzzler. Eschewing simple port status, this arcade iteration amps up the hardware capabilities of its predecessor with vibrant, distinct color palettes, tighter responsiveness, and an uncompromising difficulty curve designed to swallow quarters whole. The storyline thrusts our intrepid hero—the gold-collecting galactic space runner—back into enemy territory. The tyrannical Bungeling Empire has stolen the universe's most precious bullion reserves, hiding them deep within hostile, labyrinthine subterranean fortresses. It is up to you to navigate these hostile mazes, reclaim the stolen loot, and outwit the relentless Bungeling guards who patrol every pixel of these claustrophobic caverns.

Gameplay Features & Mechanics

Unlike standard platformers where jumping is the primary mode of traversal, *Lode Runner II* forces players to rely entirely on running, climbing ropes, dangling from overhead bars, and systematically destroying the very terrain beneath their feet. The core mechanic revolves around an ingenious dual-purpose laser pistol that can melt blocks to the immediate left or right of the player. By digging holes, players can temporarily trap pursuing Bungeling guards who inevitably tumble into the pit. If you time it right, you can run directly across the heads of trapped enemies before the block regenerates, sealing them inside permanently and causing them to respawn safely (though annoyingly) at the top of the screen. As you clear out all the floating gold nuggets scattered across single-screen stages, a hidden ladder drops down, signaling your escape route to the next grueling level. Enemies will also snatch up loose gold if left unattended, adding a frantic layer of resource management and tactical routing to every puzzle.

Keyboard Controls

Arrow Keys / D-Pad: Move left, right, climb ladders, and traverse overhead bars
Action Keys: Fire the left/right terrain-melting laser gun to dig traps
Enter: Start / Pause the game