The core gameplay remains faithful to the 1983 Brøderbund original. You play as a "Runner" who must collect every piece of gold (the "lode") in a level while being pursued by relentless guards. Since you can't jump, your only weapon is a blaster that lets you dig holes in the floor to trap enemies or reach lower platforms.
While many fans were worried about how 3D would affect the precision of Lode Runner , Hudson added mechanics to take advantage of the extra depth:
The Hidden Gem: Hudson Selection Vol. 1 – Cubic Lode Runner