This was such a fun game. The premise is so simple but works so well. Staying ahead of the baddies is like an exciting puzzle. It was even better playing single screen multiplayer with a buddy.
Does anyone know of anything that scratches a similar itch?
Side Note: in searching around I found this modernized version of Lode Runner Online: The Mad Monks' Revenge. Should be a blast on the steam deck.
I helped work on that game. One of the devs on it was one of the authors of the original Lode Runner. The logic for how the monks chase you was lifted directly from the original code - nothing else was as fun. We tried making the monks smarter and it was just too difficult.
That totally makes sense. The monks being kind of dumb and acting in a predictable way adds to the fun. They follow a set of rules the the player learns how to manipulate as they play.
Exactly! Going partway up a ladder to get the monks to change direction is a key mechanic that breaks if they're too smart.
The original was so good.
I spent a ridiculous amount of time on my Apple IIc editing levels as a kid.