Grave Digger

With Lode Runner X on the horizon and R-Type firmly asserting itself on the Market, this is a happy time for fans of '80s arcade classics.

And if such fans are willing to overlook graphical differences there are plenty of clones on the Market to keep them occupied.

Take Grave Digger, for example. It’s a replica of Lode Runner in almost every conceivable way, just wearing a slightly different skin. As with all clones, the choice to buy it comes down to how much authenticity you’re after.

The game spans 21 Lode Runner-esque levels, with ladders and handrails connecting various platforms. The aim is to go from platform to platform collecting all the keys necessary to open the door to the next level while avoiding the zombies, vampires, or skeletons that are out to get you.

It’s Lode Runner right down to the mechanic of digging a hole in a platform and stepping over any enemy that’s unfortunate enough to fall in.

Only in a couple of small ways does it differ. The aesthetic is a cartoon world of zombies and other Halloween nasties, and a crow drops power-ups occasionally to help tilt things in your favour.

There are also some gems to collect along the way for a high score, but you can ignore these if you're not after the perfect score.

While it isn’t different in any significant way from its father-figure, Grave Digger does retain all the core mechanics that make that classic arcade game what it is.

It’s hard to judge it too harshly in terms of gameplay because it does everything the original does - even the dawdling pace of the characters.

The only thing it lacks is retro style and real authenticity. While the cartoon graphics are well-animated and suitable, they don’t scream old skool in quite the same way as blocky, colourful figures.

Nonetheless, Grave Digger is an adequate copycat and pays a decent homage to its forefather. If you really can't wait for Lode Runner X, this will tide you over nicely.