Article · Wikipedia archive · Last revised May 27, 2026

Lode Runner 2

Lode Runner 2 is a puzzle-platform game released in 1998 for Mac OS and Microsoft Windows. It is a sequel to Lode Runner and its remakes. Like the earlier Lode Runner's Rescue, Lode Runner 2 has isometric-perspective 2D graphics. It was developed by Presage Software and distributed by GT Interactive for Microsoft Windows and MacSoft for the Macintosh.

Last revised
May 27, 2026
Read time
≈ 2 min
Length
501 w
Citations
10
Source
Wikipedia ↗
Lode Runner 2
DeveloperPresage Software2
PublishersGT Interactive (Windows)
MacSoft (Mac OS)
DesignersAndrew Howat
Scott Mathews
PlatformsMac OS, Windows
ReleaseOctober 1998 (Mac OS)
October 2, 19981 (Windows)
GenrePuzzle-platform
ModesSingle-player, multiplayer

Lode Runner 2 is a puzzle-platform game released in 1998 for Mac OS and Microsoft Windows. It is a sequel to Lode Runner and its remakes. Like the earlier Lode Runner's Rescue,3 Lode Runner 2 has isometric-perspective 2D graphics. It was developed by Presage Software and distributed by GT Interactive for Microsoft Windows and MacSoft for the Macintosh.

Gameplay

The player guides a character through maze‑like structures of bricks, ladders, rails, and ground to collect scattered gold while being chased by monks. The character cannot fight the monks but can dig holes to escape or trap them, with restrictions such as being unable to dig directly beneath themselves or drop into a one‑square‑wide space. Each level ends once all gold is gathered and the exit is reached before the monks catch the character. Lode Runner 2 includes bombs and numerous power‑ups, including temporary disguises, a brick‑morph ability, and other items that influence movement and puzzle solutions. Bombs come in several blast patterns and can destroy diggable bricks, monks, or the character when required. Levels also feature trip wires, triggers, and other mechanisms that increase complexity. The added third dimension affects navigation—force fields can block seemingly open paths, and jumps are limited to corners. The game also includes multiplayer modes and a level editor.4

Development

The game uses a distant perspective so as to minimize scrolling. Initially the developers were using a more conventional perspective, but while playing the game they found they were frustrated by their inability to see key elements that were not immediately at hand.5

The game was announced in April 1998.6 Lode Runner creator Doug Smith retained co-ownership of the Lode Runner intellectual property, and served as a consultant and level designer on Lode Runner 2.5

Reception

Macworld's Michael Gowan wrote that Lode Runner 2 "lacks the original game's most attractive feature: simplicity. The 3-D perspective requires that you move diagonally rather than left and right, which can be confounding".7

References

References

  1. "News Briefs". IGN. October 2, 1998. Archived from the original on April 25, 2000. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
    "GT Interactive has released Lode Runner 2, a 3D remake of the classic Apple ][ puzzle game released back in 1983..."
  2. "Presage Products - LodeRunner2". Presage Software. Archived from the original on January 27, 1999. Retrieved May 15, 2026.
  3. "Lode Runner's Rescue". Atari Mania.
  4. Radmacher, Dan (1999). "Lode Runner 2". Inside Mac Games. Archived from the original on August 15, 2000. Retrieved June 13, 2023.
  5. "NG Alphas: Lode Runner 2". Next Generation. No. 38. Imagine Media. February 1998. pp. 99–100.
  6. Jebens, Harley (April 10, 1998). "Lode Runner 2 Announced". GameSpot. Archived from the original on October 7, 2000. Retrieved November 4, 2022.
  7. Gowan, Michael (February 1999). "Name Your Game; From Goofy to Gory, Macworld Reviews 48 Ways to Play". Macworld. Archived from the original on August 10, 2001.
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