Tozai Games announced today that Lode Runner Classic, a remastered version of the classic Apple II game, will be released worldwide on January 17 for iOS and Android smartphone devices. With all-new features and graphics, 150 throwback levels, and authentic gameplay designed specifically for today’s technology, Lode Runner Classic will put a delightfully retro Lode Runner experience into the palm of any player’s hand.

Happy 30th birthday Lode Runner! Amongst the celebration festivities (such as a cover feature in Retro Gamer Magazine’s January issue), Tozai Games has retro-engineered the vintage classic from the ground up, all while maintaining the feel and authenticity of the 1983 original. Lode Runner Classic combines the series’ earmark gameplay and all 150 original levels with modern graphics and features, and is designed specifically for today’s advanced smartphones. Lode Runner Classic is also available for Windows Phone 7.

"Lode Runner has a special status in the game industry and continues to find new fans as it is reintroduced on new platforms," said Scott K. Tsumura, Tozai Co-Founder. "We’re proud of how well the classic gameplay comes through on the smartphone."

For those who aren’t familiar with it, Lode Runner’s frantic action takes place in static, maze-like levels, where a single player dodges enemies while running and climbing platforms to reach and claim stacks of gold. Jumping and shooting foes is forbidden, but blocks can be blasted to access lower platforms or trap pursuing enemies. Winding through ever-increasing levels of complexity makes for a superior endeavor, but now any one of the 150 challenging levels can be undertaken at any time.

Although the gameplay remains true to the original Apple II version, there are plenty of new features to enhance the experience. In addition to two new game modes (Expedition and Time Attack), Lode Runner Classic includes options to magnify the screen around the Runner and set the play speed super-fast or super-slow. Worldwide leaderboards will track the top scores submitted from around the globe, and players can choose to post top scores on Facebook to show off their old-school skills.

"When the first Lode Runner came out on the Apple II, the last thing I expected was that the game would be alive and kicking on a platform as advanced as today’s smartphones more than 30 years later. It’s really gratifying to me that so many people are still interested in the game," said Douglas E. Smith, Original Creator of Lode Runner.