Lode Runner IV: Teikoku Karano Dasshutsu Arcade FAQ
(Escape from the Empire)
version 1.0.0
copyright 2006 by Andrew Schultz
[email protected]
Please do not reproduce this FAQ for profit without my prior consent.
However, if you write a polite e-mail to me referring to me(and this FAQ) by
name, then I will probably say OK. But if I ignore you that means no--and I
am bad about answering e-mail. Sorry.
Also, note that this FAQ is obsolete. If you want to see tricks, go to
http://www.nicovideo.jp/watch/sm5879143
If you need to create an account to log in, as BugMeNot can be flaky, go to
http://audiophysical.squarespace.com/blog/2009/8/25/how-to-register-for-nico-
nico-douga.html
In general you can find video walkthroughs for Japanese games by going to a
place like strategywiki.org and then versions of the game.
================================
OUTLINE
1. INTRODUCTION
1-1. BASIC LODE RUNNER
1-2. DIFFERENCES FOR THE ARCADE GAME VS EARLY PC
2. CONTROLS
3. SCORING AND LEVEL DIVISIONS
4. WALKTHROUGH
(search for 4-(level #) for a particular walkthrough)
5. VERSIONS
6. CREDITS
================================
1. INTRODUCTION
1-1. BASIC LODE RUNNER
Lode Runner's a simple old game. You are equipped with a gun that can dig
holes in soft ground, which allow you to fall through them or trap enemies
who chase you albeit at a slower pace. If the hole closes over the enemy, he
regenerates at the top. Your object is to pick up all the gold in a level
full of ladders and ropes and hard ground and even false ground and climb to
the top of the level(a flashing ladder in the Arcade case.) If the bad guys
catch you or you fall into your own trap and get swallowed up, you lose. The
game is grid based so there are only exact spots where you can dig. It was
originally created by Doug Smith and has gone through several incarnations on
different platforms.
Some feature very similar levels across platforms; for instance the NES
version takes 50 levels, most of which map to an Apple II level(where the
game was originally ported) minus a few rows. The SNES and Turbografx appear
to pretty up some old levels without offering new challenges. All ports that
maintain the grid structure and basic icons have slightly different AIs and
some have completely different levels or neat new power-ups(the PSX version--
LR and LR extra--has bombs which permanently destroy part of a level, or a
stun gun), some are wickedly tough(GBA Lode Runner, Apple Championship Lode
Runner--not a port, but just a shifting of levels) and some go off in
different directions entirely(Lode Runner 2(PC) is 3-d isometric and looks
like Q*Bert; Nintendo 64's has you walking almost on wire structures and has
some vicious plants that attack you. But it works.)
The arcade versions have some old levels and some new ones, but given that
the monsters are faster and smarter there's enough fresh air that many that
were trivial in old versions of Lode Runner are challenging--especially when
you get point bonuses for efficient form.
From what I saw on the net Teikoku Karano Dasshutsu translates to "empire
escape from" if you take that literally, so putting on my in-no-way-dorky
Grammar Deciphering Hat I suspect this means "escape from the empire."
1-2. DIFFERENCES FOR THE ARCADE GAME VS EARLY PC
Of course the arcade version doesn't allow you to create levels, sadly. It's
there to eat your money. So it has a selection of pretty tough levels. Lode
Runner I has 24 of them; II-IV have 30. Each group of 3 levels has a
different set of monsters but the only difference is visual. They don't work
together, and they all have the same AI, so they do tend to clump together
for your advantage.
First thing you'll notice is that your enemies are much faster than in the PC
version. Also, aren't stupid. They try to get horizontally level with you and
run at you. If you climb up the bottom of the ladder, they won't run away.
Hey, it was an arcade game, they needed as many quick deaths as they could
get.
The icons are arranged a bit differently. The board is 24x32, with people and
gold being 1x2 icons. The result is that some platforms that look like they
are level with each other, aren't. This means that sometimes when you dig you
will have a pit half your size. You can't jump out of it. You have to avoid
it.
This gets sticky but on the other hand you can grab gold while on a rope if
the gold is right below the rope--and you can dig under a rope, although
enemies won't fall into the holes you dig. It's more for escape.
~
$
$ <i gold piece actually. You can grab it.
XXX*
XXX*XXXX <i dig looks like this.
XXXXXXXX You fall in.
You also get bonuses at level's end for winning quickly and/or without
trapping or killing enemies. And sometimes you get a break with regard to
enemies not being killed. You and enemies both walk over healing holes, while
in most other installations it is death to do so. This is more immediately
risky for you if you've laid out a few holes in a row hoping to trap enemies
but makes the no-kill bonuses easier to achieve for a skilled player.
2. CONTROLS
If you are playing from MAME the controls may be a bit tricky, with the left
CTRL and left ALT being used to dig. I set P1 button 1 to Z and P1 button 2
to X, so you can use those to dig left and right respectively.
If you try to move diagonally, up/down override left/right. So if you want to
get on that ladder, it works, but to get off it you have to push left/right
explicitly.
If you want to dig or fall, note that your movement is quantized. A Lode
Runner board is 24x32 with your icon being 1x2 and there's no way to, say,
fall in the middle of a column. You'll automatically shimmy to the nearest
one and fall. Also note it takes time to dig, so if an enemy is too nearby,
he'll walk over what you dug and get to you.
You should also note that it takes time to get off a ladder. So if an enemy
is in too-hot pursuit you may be out of luck, and you need to take that into
account when approaching an enemy. In fact it can be tough to get off a
ladder sometimes RIGHT when you want so you may want to fall from above.
You'll also notice that you can jump up a bit for the rope. Icons are now
every half-human-height, so the rope may not be right where you can grab it.
yes yes no
~
~
~
H H H
The whole thing about icons not being the same size as you or your enemies is
very important also when dealing with where to dig holes or walk. For
instance, if you have this:
HXX
HXXXX
HXXXX
Digging right from the ladder won't let you go right. It will create;
H
H XX
HXXXX
3. SCORING AND LEVEL DIVISIONS
You lose a man if you run out of time, touch an enemy, get killed in a hole
you dug, or wind up in a space you can't get out of. The game can detect when
you are trapped, sometimes, too. "YOU ARE BOUND TO DIE" and you restart from
there.
You get 200 for each chest, 100 for each guy you entrap, and 100 for each guy
you kill.
Extra men at 50000.
You get bonuses for various tricks.
--walking over a group of 3 guys in a row you entrapped=3000
--landing on a guy after falling=1000
--sealing off your enemies where they can't get to you=10000
If you complete a level with more than half the original time remaining, you
get double the bonus time amount. When you have 1/4 of your time remaining, a
tune plays every 100 points to remind you. You lose about 50 bonus points per
second.
Without entrapment(i.e. digging to trap a guy): 20000
Killed no enemies(no one gets stuck in a hole): 10000
This allows for interesting sub-puzzles for handling levels efficiently. Of
course it's not always possible to get whichever bonus, but you can try.
Each block of 3 levels gets you a new group of enemies. They think the same
and are just as fast, but they look different. They're all about equally
weird and lethal.
Levels 1-3 have little crawly hedgehogs.
Levels 4-6 have blue penguin-chickens.
Levels 7-9 have ostrich heads on legs.
Levels 10-12 have horny green dinosaur heads on feet.
Levels 13-15 have orange radioactive looking chickens.
Levels 16-18 have potatoes in red shorts.
Levels 19-21 have weird slurpy brains in blue pantaloons.
Levels 22-24 have weird little radioactive doggy things.
Levels 25-27 have weird mumbly toady brains.
Levels 28-30 have vaguely space alien things, but they don't quite look like
brains any more.
The default high score list:
98700 TRK 6 78900 MYS 04
95800 VIA 5 74800 OOY 03
94680 GYR 5 72320 TKU 03
92250 AAA 5 64700 EUN 04
90100 MTO 6 61120 NRD 03
89800 ETN 4 56260 AAA 03
88630 BEN 5 54300 IIN 02
85280 AIA 4 48740 NSE 02
83740 KRN 4 32600 DE. 02
80320 AUI 4 28760 AI. 02
4. WALKTHROUGH
The level map ledger is as follows:
- = them
+ = you
h = ladder on level complete
X = ground(can dig)
* = cement(no dig)
~ = rope(can climb across)
$ = gold
v = fake ground(fall through)
# = blocks you can push that don't fall
! = blocks that reveal themselves when you drop on them
& =
Therer are two pieces you didn't see in earlier Lode Runner arcade versions:
the last two. For invisible blocks, you need to note that enemies are subject
to them too. You just won't see them revealed. Sort of like how fake bricks
only change color if you step on them.
Blocks you can push are another matter. You can't squash an enemy or gold
piece with them and they aren't affected by gravity. You can push a block
without moving--there's a bit of time to do that, then a bit of time to move-
-enough for enemies to catch up with you from behind. You can push a block
left or right as long as you're just left or right of it and there's no wall
or gold or enemy on the other side--ladders, ropes, etc. are OK. And they are
not crushed by when you move the blocks.
Note that reading ther level map may reveal certain locations that you didn't
want to as those puzzles can be fun to figure out, i.e. where are the false
bricks/invisible bricks? Though if you're reading this faq you probably want
to plow through.
4-1. LEVEL 1
h
h
$ h
$ h
XXXXH $ ~~~~ $
XXXXH $ $
HXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX
HXXXXXXXXXXXX XXX
H- ~~~~~~~~~~ -
H- -
XXXXHXX $XXH
XXXXHXX $XXH
$ H XXXXXH
$ H XXXXXH
XXXH H $XXXXXXXH
XXXH H $XXXXXXXH
XXXXXXXHXXXX XXXXX$ H
XXXXXXXHXXXX XXXXX$ H
$ H XXXXXXXH
$ H XXXXXXXH
XXHXXXXH $ - XXXXH
XXHXXXXH $ - XXXXH
H XXXXXXXXXH H
H XXXXXXXXXH H
H HXXXXXXX
H HXXXXXXX
H - $ H $
H - $ H $
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
************************
Note: if you get bored of things during this walkthrough you can just start
digging enemies up. However, I think even if you don't care about the bonus
I've outlined a quick way through.
Go right, get gold, then go up the left side to the UL. Then when people get
close go all the way to the right. When they get close, drop down on the rope
for the gold and go left. Get the gold on the left side and 2-1 dig off to
the left. If you waited 'til the last possible minute then you can go down
and right to get the gold in the corner, then L-U-R-U-L for the gold in the
narrow cave from the right side. Dig below it to get out and run to the UL.
Of course you may have problems if an enemy wants to hold on to some gold,
but run them around a bit and you can still probably get the triple-time
bonus to go with your 20000. I've gotten 7370x3.
4-2. LEVEL 2
h h
h h
h - h
h - h
HXXXXXXHXXXXXXHXXXXXXH
HXXXXXXHXXXXXXHXXXXXXH
H $X$ XHXXXXXXHXX$X$ H
H $X$ XHXXXXXXHXX$X$ H
HXXXXXXHXX$$XXHXXXXXXH
HXXXXXXHXX$$XXHXXXXXXH
H H XX H + H
H H XX H + H
XXXXXXHXXXXXXHXXXXXX
XXXXXXHXXXXXXHXXXXXX
X $ H- H $ XX
X $ H- H $ XX
XXXXXXHXXXXXXHXXXXX
XXXXXXHXXXXXXHXXXXX
X HX$ H X !
X HX$ H X !
XXX HX XH XXX
XXX HX XH XXX
X$ H $XH $X !$
X$ H $XH $X !$
XXXXX HXXXXXXH XXX
XXXXX HXXXXXXH XXX
H H$ -
H H$ -
XXXX**XXXXXXXXXXXX**XXXX
XXXX**XXXXXXXXXXXX**XXXX
************************
This level is your first introduction to the invisible blocks. Fortunately
there's not much of a puzzle here.
Go L-U and 2-1 dig to get to the entombed gold. Wait for the enemy to pass by
below and go static on the right and go up the stairs and dig down for the
gold on the DR structure. Then you can go up the ladder and left and dig over
the bottom center suspended gold. Wait around and one enemy will fall off to
the right. It gets to be a scramble here but if you can get enemies to run
after you and then you fall, you can lead them on a chase to get the up-
center gold(2-1 dig) and wait. You can dig out to the side with 0 or 1
enemies.
With luck it's the left and you can get the UL gold and then fall down to get
the stuff in the DL structure. After everyone falls get the gold in the 2-
platform. Here you can wait to make enemies lump in the UR.
The toughh part here is getting the big bonus and if you want to do so, lead
your enemies along the top--you may have to drop to the bottom to fake them
out--then get the UR gold in the enclave and, from the left ladder, dig down,
fall and dig down. Now the enemies will be coming from the UR so they won't
fall on you.
Drop left and then drop right to get the gold. You may have some enemies who
still have gold, so lead them along the bottom, dig 3 holes, and get gold
from whoever lets it go.
4-3. LEVEL 3
h
h
h ~ ~~~ ~~~~~~~~~~
h
h $ H &-X H
h $ H &-X H
h H***X $H
h H***X $H
hX $ $ XH
hX $ $ XH
hXXXXXX**H**XXXXXXXH
hXXXXXX**H**XXXXXXXH
h H H
h H H
hXh $ H $ XH
hXh $ H $ XH
hXXXX**XXXHXXX**XXXXH
hXXXX**XXXHXXX**XXXXH
h$ H $H
h$ H $H
Xh $H XH
Xh $H XH
**XXXHXX*XX*XXHXXX**H
**XXXHXX*XX*XXHXXX**H
H $ H H
H $ H H
XXXXXXXHXXX**XXXHXXX**H$
XXXXXXXHXXX**XXXHXXX**H$
$$H*$ HXXXXXXXXH $XXXX
$$H*$ HXXXXXXXXH $XXXX
************************
No one gold is especially tough here, but with bad guys buzzing all around
it's hard not to trap them. First note the little silver block you need to
push left--it defies gravity once you push it off. Go over it to get on the
rope. Then dig holes for the two enemies right by and dig left when standing
on them. Drop to the bottom left. Dig the 3rd through 5th-left(from the left)
and drop in. The enemies will go to the DR. Go all the way up the stairs and
dig your enemies some pits so you can collect whatever's there. You may have
some items to get at the edge of the long narrow U's. Do that. For the ones
on the left you need to take the top rope to the left. You may then have to
go in to the long U's as well to clean up.
No 4-digit bonuses but you can get 3x6000 or so.
XXXXXX
$$H*$
A propellor blimp picks you up and drops you off at the next house, leaving
the porcupines in the drink just before they catch you.
4-4. LEVEL 4
h
h
h
h
- HX~ ~ ~$~ ~ ~$~ ~ ~
- HX $ $
- H ! ! ! ! ! ! !$! !
- H ! ! ! ! ! ! !$! !
- H $
- H $
- H !$! ! !$! ! !$! ! !
- H !$! ! !$! ! !$! ! !
H
H
H ! ! ! !$! ! ! ! !
H ! ! ! !$! ! ! ! !
H $
H $
H ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
H ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! ! !
H
H
H~ HX X$X$X$X$X$X X X XX
H HX X$X$X$X$X$X X X XX
H ~H X X X X X X X X X $
H H X X X X X X X X X $
H +
H +
XXXXXXXXXXXX*****XXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXX*****XXXXXXX
************************
The timer is now 12000. You really have to kill off your enemies to get to
the top, and you also need to drop them in there, too. Do so right away--dig
left and go right. They will fall randomly into holes. It's easy enough to
dig them out--note that you just stand on them and dig--but you can also run
over them and pick up a gold 2L or 2R if you are clever. Then you can leave
them to rot next time you dig them up. Beware of the cement on the bottom.
You may have to retreat a bunch and leave holes if monsters are waiting for
you in the DL--or dig and then dig on each side.
Also note how the invisible blocks are spaced--a knight's move away from each
other--and that the monsters tend left. You'll need a monster to reappear
right or left of the last rope so you can get the gold in the UR. Don't
forget about the far-right gold. It's best to get that when everyone else is
bottled up, maybe at the very last.
This all takes a slightly random amount of time so you want to make sure that
you don't sink enemies unless you need to--doing so at the bottom and then
having them reappear at the top after you don't need to have them fall in
certain holes can force you to run the loop again, which takes time. You only
really need a monster next to each gold in the pit. Then you can dig him out
and try again. It will take at least 4 trips--one for the far right, and at
least 3 to get the 5 gold(monster gets one, you run over it for the other,)
but that should leave you enough time to get through, if not for any bonus.
4-5. LEVEL 5
h h
h h
- $h h $
- $h h $
HXXXXh HXXXXH hXXXXH
HXXXXh HXXXXH hXXXXH
H$ XXXXHXX$XHXXX* H
H$ XXXXHXX$XHXXX* H
H H - H $ H
H H - H $ H
H*XXXXXXXHXXXXH &XXXH
H*XXXXXXXHXXXXH &XXXH
HX$ HX$X*HXX HXXXXXXvXH
HX$ HX$X*HXX HXXXXXXvXH
HX & $&XXH XXH + $vXH
HX & $&XXH XXH + $vXH
HX *XXXXH *XHXXXHX H
HX *XXXXH *XHXXXHX H
HX** H H XHXXXXH
HX** H H XHXXXXH
H $H X & $XH - H
H $H X & $XH - H
XXHXHXX***XXXXX**vXHXHXX
XXHXHXX***XXXXX**vXHXHXX
H$H $ H H
H$H $ H H
$ H H - H H $
$ H H - H H $
XXXXXXXX*X****X*XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXX*X****X*XXXXXXXX
************************
Fall right, go up the stairs and dig right of the block. Push the block 1L
and get the gold and dig to the right for the suspended gold. Go all the way
to the top for another and then run to the bottom of that ladder. Wait. The
bad guys should congregate on the opposite side. Now you can dig to get the
gold to the left.
41
2
$3
v
Dig 1,2 and go right back down. Wait a few seconds, dig 3 and then when 1/2
heal, dig 4 and fall for the gold and through the gap. If you want to
synchronize the baddies then go to the UR. Now fall left and go down the
stairs there and wait. When they come around, 2U 4R 2D. Wait in the middle of
the ladder and the enemies will lump to the left. Go down and three will fall
in and the other will escape. Run clockwise over the block to give the
remaining enemy the run-around and fall down the center ladder to the right.
Push the brick left.
Now clean out the "easy" gold in the DL, upper center and upper left. You
still have to tackle the left center bit.
XX1XX34
$ HX$5*
& $&6X
*2XXX
Dig 1, push the block left and dig 2. Get out. Dig 3-6, push the block all
the way left and dig 2. Then dig 1 again and walk left to get the gold. Dig 2
to get out.
Now to get that final gold--clear out the center now, going to the top and
digging 2-1 over the center gold. When you fall onto the block, 1R dig 1R and
wait for everyone to go up the ladder. Fall left, dig, and flal over the
gold. The way up the stairs to the right and then the center is unimpeded.
4-6. LEVEL 6
h
h
XXh + $ & X
XXh + $ & X
XXX*****************$X
XXX*****************$X
X hX
X hX
&-- $$$ hX
&-- $$$ hX
X$**XXX********XXX***X
X$**XXX********XXX***X
Xh X
Xh X
X- $&
X- $&
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX$X
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX$X
X hX
X hX
&hX
&hX
X$XX**************XXXX
X$XX**************XXXX
h
h
$ h - $ $
$ h - $ $
XXXXXXXXXXXX***********X
XXXXXXXXXXXX***********X
************************
Timer is 12000.
(ladders link you all the way up even where money's in the way)
The way down is easy. The way up, not so much. Push the block right and fall.
Then run left to dig a couple of holes. Dig behind you and then push the
block left. Fall right and run right. Once you get the gold, dig left
immediately. Push the block right. You will have to dig behind you as the
enemy will catch up to you. And you need to stop moving for a second as you
do. Push the block right and fall. Push the next block left and dig behind
you a bunch. Fall over the final suspended gold, go left, dig and go right.
Leave a hole behind you at the left edge of the cement.
Once the ladders appear, your task to get back up is based on your ability to
leave guys behind you as you dig. Otherwise you will run to the top only to
find one has regenerated. You can probably get away with sneaking under a
last one regenerating, but you may just need to dig everyone up, go to the
bottom, and dig someone, step over him and dig the next monster. Remember
that when possible you don't want to dig 2 holes in a row but dig, move
forward and dig again.
Also remember the trick of being able to dig up two enemies close together--
you need to back up about 1/3-1/2 of a screen.
If things go right you can get the triple bonus.
4-7. LEVEL 7
h
h
h
h
$$ $$ $$ $$h
$$ $$ $$ $$h
XXH XXH- XXH XXH
XXH XXH- XXH XXH
XXH XXH XXH - XXH
XXH XXH XXH - XXH
XXH XXH- X$H $XH
XXH XXH- X$H $XH
XXH XXH X H XH
XXH XXH X H XH
XXH XXH $XH XXH
XXH XXH $XH XXH
$XH XXH XXH +&H-$
$XH XXH XXH +&H-$
XXH &XH XXHhhhXXH
XXH &XH XXH hXXH
XXH XXH XXH hXXH
XXH XXH XXH hXXH
$XH $$H $XH hXXH
$XH $$H $XH hXXH
XH H H h$XH
XH H H h$XH
$XXH $hXXH hXXH h* H
$XXH $hXXH hXXH h* H
XXHXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXHXX
XXHXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXHXX
************************
Push the block 2R and go to the top. Dig R and when the enemy falls in, fall
to the right edge and dig left. He'll fall in the hole and get swallowed up.
Now, at the ladder top:
51
62
$3
4
Dig 1-3. When 1 heals, dig 4. Then dig 1-5-6. Fall in for the gold. Now for
that bottom bit:
31
52
X4
$6
Dig 1, wait 3 seconds, dig 2. When 1 heals, dig 3-1 then 4. Dig 5-2 then 6
once 2 heals. Then dig 7 and fall left. Whether you've got one or two
enemies, you can dig holes to run by them and then, at the top, dig another
hold if need be. This next ladder is pretty easy. You can dig over the
suspended gold, then dig the square below it, then:
12
34
5X
$X
Don't fall immediately left but rather go to the bottom bit, dig the two
squares left of you after the enemies come down, and let them follow you to
the ladder. Climb up and fall left at the top. Now you have some room to
maneuver.
Dig-L D all the way to the block, which you can push to the left. Then you
can dig over the left suspended gold and then the right. Again you can goad
the enemies by digging the two squares left of the ladder, but in this case
one may have some gold, so you may want to trap them in holes under the
ladder first--if there are only two you can just dig them out of the very
left area. Otherwise you may have to do this in a couple parts. (Also, if the
bad guy survives and falls left, don't worry. You'll still win.)
X1H
X2H
X3H
X4H
X5H
$6H
X7H
X8H
$9H
aH
Dig 1-5. Wait for 1 to heal. Get the gold, dig 6, 1-2, 7, 3-4, 8-9, 5-6, 7-a,
b and now get the gold. You'll have time to dig to get to the bottom gold
too.
The trek back is tricky but if you go to the top of a aladder, fall right and
then dig:
H21H
X43X
Then you'll be able to nail some enemies, and if you don't kill them, that's
actually better--they won't appear randomly to the right, and you can go up
the ladder again and fake them out.
4-8. LEVEL 8
h
h
$ ~~~~~~~~~~~~~h~~~~~~~~
$ h
XX H
XX H
XX $ $ H
XX $ $ H
$ $ H $
$ $ H $
XX &XXXXH*XXXXXHXvXvXXXX
XX &XXXXH*XXXXXHXvXvXXXX
XXHXX*XXHXXXXXXHXvXvXXXX
XXHXX*XXHXXXXXXHXvXvXXXX
XXHXX - HXX$$XXHXv vX XX
XXHXX - HXX$$XXHXv vX XX
XXHXX HXXXXXXHXv vX XX
XXHXX HXXXXXXHXv vX XX
XXHXX $ HXXXXXXHXv$vX$XX
XXHXX $ HXXXXXXHXv$vX$XX
XXHXX HXX$$ HXv vX XX
XXHXX HXX$$ HXv vX XX
XXHXX$ HXXXXXvHXv vX XX
XXHXX$ HXXXXXvHXv vX XX
XX XX HXXXXXvHXv vX XX
XX XX HXXXXXvHXv vX XX
$ H $ H $ -
$ H $ H $ -
$& X****XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
$& X****XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
************************
I had trouble getting out of two jams to get the bonus so I will assume it is
not doable.
Climb up the ladder to the right and fall over the left suspended gold in the
M. Walk onto the enemy as he falls left of you down the chute of false
bricks. Then fall right and go to the corner and dig left. Move left and when
the other guy comes down, dig left. Circle to the UR corner and when a guy is
1R of the big ladder, fall. If you brought both over, You may have to dig a
couple holes for one and fall in with him, but you should have the time to
dig your way out and get the right suspended gold.
Trap the enemies and kill them off. Then, for the E,
X123
XX45
$$6X
78XX
9XXX
$$
XXXv
For the R, you may have to shake your opponents again.
#12
H34*
HX5
Dig 1-2, push the block left, dig 3-4 and 5. To fall on the gold. Now go to
the UL and dig 2-1 over the gold there and push the block back right after
digging the 2 squares left of it. You now need to (1L dig-L 1R dig-R) until
at the bottom of the ladder, although you need to go back up to the top to
fake the enemies back out. When there are 3 rows left you can complete the
dig--at the bottom row, 1L dig-L and fall in. Push the block back right and
you can sneak out under the descending monsters.
4-9. LEVEL 9
h
h
h X
h X
X~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~&H
Xh &H
Xh XH
Xh XH
Xh $ XH
Xh $ XH
Xh $ XH
Xh $ XH
Xh $ XH
Xh $ XH
X- $$ $ $ -XH
Xh $$ $ $ -XH
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXH
XXXXhXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXH
X***XX****X****XX***X H
X**hXX****X****XX***X H
h $ $ $ ~~H
h $ $ $ H
- -h + H
- -h + H
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX H
XXXXhXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX H
X h $X H
X h $X H
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX**
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX**
************************
(Note: ladders appear through some previously solid objects)
To start out, dig three holes left. That will trap one enemy. Now let the
other one follow you onto the rope just UR. Fall left and dig the right
block, then go back onto the rope. As he gets out, land on him and dig left.
Go left to get the gold and far enough in that you can run out--I dig right
so the hole's under the gold. You'll want to trap him because one less enemy
in the UL bit makes things so much easier for you when you need to dig a
bunch of holes and run. Plus you won't be distracted as you push the block at
the very top to the left.
Drop over the left suspended gold and dig holes on each side. Either you can
just kill everyone and dig 2-1 over one suspended gold later, or you can go
to the right and 2-1 dig as an emergency. However, killing everyone should
give you enough time to dig around.
Performing a 2-1 dig to the left(probably after killing guys, although when
they reincarnate you'll want to provoke them to run as far left as possible)
is the best way to make sure nobody's near that other suspended gold in the
UR. Of course, you may get lucky and an enemy may fall on it, and while
that's nice, don't rely on it.
When digging that final hole you'll want to have left a bunch of enemies
trapped, because the ladders will come through what you thought were bricks.
Also that enemy from down below will be released. So it will be helter
skelter unless you already are somewhat on the left, or you have a head
start.
4-10. LEVEL 10
h
h
h - ~$
h - +
XXHXXXXXXh HXXXX XXHX
XXHXXXXXXh HXXXX XXHX
XHX~ XXXXXXXHX $X XXHX
XHX XXXXXXXHX $X XXHX
XH XX $ XHX XX XXHX
XH XX $ XHX XX XXHX
$XHXXXXXXXXXXXHX X $XXHX
$XHXXXXXXXXXXXHX X $XXHX
XXH&~$X & X$H& X XXXH$
XXH& $X & X$H& X XXXH$
XXH $XXXXX$XH* * XH
XXH $XXXXX$XH* * XH
$ H~ HXXX$XX***
$ H HXXX$XX***
! HXXXXHXXXXH
! HXXXXHXXXXH
HX -XHv XXXXXXXXXH
HX -XHv XXXXXXXXXH
$ HXXXXHv** XX- $*XXH
$ HXXXXHv** XX- $*XXH
HX$ XHv XX*** H
HX$ XHv XX*** H
XXXXH H H
XXXXH H H
$XXXHXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
$XXXHXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
************************
Run across the rope and dig left. Then, from the UR ladder, dig the 2 squares
left and the 1 right and drop down and repeat until there's nothing to the
right. Then dig the 3 left. Fall right and 3L U 3L and fall.
Now the way to stick an enemy is to bring him to the UR, dig at the UR
ladder, then dig right, fall on the ledge below, and fall L and wait until he
falls down the ladder(if he went left after, go 4L 2U to make sure he winds
up down there.) This is a bit time consuming and maybe there's a better way,
but it doesn't lead to time pressure really. Also, note that some of the
future gold pieces here can be done quicker if you're willing to time things.
I played it safe.
H1X5X
H2 $X
H3 XX
H4 X
Push the block below the UR bit, dig 1-3, wait, dig 4 and dig 5. Then get the
gold to the left. Then drop over the monster and 2-1 dig so he falls out. Get
the gold to his right and then trap him as you did his friend. Then go back
to the base of the center ladder.
123
$45
**$
Dig 1-3. When 1 starts to heal, dig 4 then 5. Dig 1 again and fall through
for 2 gold. In the DL:
1234 <-dig these
$567 <-when 1 heals dig these
Now for the A in the DL,
H1XXXH
H2 -XH
HX4XXH
HX$ XH
3H
Re-trap the enemy if you wish. Now go to the top center and dig to the cave
with the gold. Dig right of the block below and push it left. Dig out of
there. Go L-U and detour to dig the gold on the left(down the ladder, then 2-
1, then fall right when the invisible block appears.)
Dig above the UR rope and get to work on another little puzzle.
~ XX
21
X345X
~$6-#
$XX
Dig 1-2-3 at first and then dig 1-2-4-5-6 the next time through--
unfortunately you can't run over the enemy onto the gold. Not really a big
loss though as after falling where the enemy was, you need to push a block
right, dig and get out, and then:
XXXH
XH
21XH
#3 H
X$XH
You don't need to dig around him to get out safely.
4-11. LEVEL 11
h
h
--~~~~~~ h ~ ~~~~
-- h
HXX Xhh X H XXH
HXX Xhh X H XXH
HXXX$ $XXXh XXX$ $XXXH
HXXX$ $XXXh XXX$ $XXXH
HXXXX$$XXXXh XXXX$$XXXXH
HXXXX$$XXXXh XXXX$$XXXXH
H *XXXXXXX h X XXXXX*-H
H *XXXXXXX h X XXXXX*-H
H XXXXXX h XXXXXX -H
H XXXXXX h XXXXXX -H
H XXXXX$ h $XXXXX H
H XXXXX$ h $XXXXX H
H HXX$h $XXH $ H
H HXX$h $XXH $ H
H XXX$$XXX H
H XXX$$XXX H
H vXXXXXXX H
H vXXXXXXX H
H $XXXXXX$ H
H $XXXXXX$ H
H $ XXXX H
H $ XXXX H
H H
H H
XXX****XXX****XXX****XXX
XXX****XXX****XXX****XXX
************************
Dig two squares to the right, below the gold and suspended ladder. Let
everyone follow you up the ladder, but don't wait for them. With everyone
around, dig as follows.
X H
X1$
XX2
X 34X
56XX
$7XXX
X8H
Now go to the left.
With no one around,
12H
$34XH
$$56XXH
789X* H
XbaX H
XXc
$
This is what you can do for your first trip through. Now back to the left.
Get the UL gold with a 2-3 dig and then dig as follows:
H21
H543
H9876
An enemy will fall out. Jump on him and fall right to get gold.
Now go back to the UL and dig as follows:
1
$23X
$$45XX
X876X
XXa9
XXXb$
HcX$
d
v
$
Get the gold below the brick. The left's done and now you can go back to the
right. Unloosen the enemies over there and just start digging a whole bunch
until an enemy falls in the left-of-center part of the middle pit. It might
take a while, but it'll make things easier for later. Now you need to trap
one bad guy in the entombed square. For that, get him in the 2-wide and dig:
1
X32$
X654$$
a 789
bcdX
efXX
gh
kji
XXl
The digs are straightforward, but get the gold to the left before i-j-k and
wait for the enemies to fall before digging L.
All this can take time to set up and the randomization may cause trouble, so
even with good play it can be frustrating. But you can box the enemies off to
one side eventually.
The end ladder goes up the center and you should have no problem getting to
it.
4-12. LEVEL 12
h
h
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $h
$ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $ $h
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX*******
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX*******
h- -
h- -
X*XXX**XXXX**XXXX**XXX*H
X*XXX**XXXX**XXXX**XXX*H
H
H
HXXXXXXXXXXX************
HXXXXXXXXXXX************
H --
H --
************XXXXXXXXXXXH
************XXXXXXXXXXXH
- H
- H
HXXXXXXXXXXX************
HXXXXXXXXXXX************
H
H
************XXXXXXXXXXXH
************XXXXXXXXXXXH
+ H
+ H
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
************************
You've done this before, sort of, with level 6 and this appears to be easier.
Go up the stairs and 1/4 way left. Dig left when the enemy's near. Dig 2R.
You'll wind up regenrerating them, but you have so many squares you can dig
that you just have to be able to dig behind when necessary. 3L dig right. You
may have to repeat the procedure but you should be able to get to the 3rd-top
without much ado.
You may have to stand on a man while digging at the top bit here. You can
maybe get away with machine-gun-digging people as it takes a while to
regenerate and you can sneak up to the top, but if you can keep someone
behind then you should do that. Remember, don't dig holes behind you all at
once, and plan for extra space when you're digging holes ahead too.
It's not hard to make jumps from one area to the next in the 2nd-top row. But
the top bit is entirely different. You have all sorts of room to dig and can
see where enemies will drop in advance. You just need to dig under them and
wait. Beware one thing though--1R of the center 2-cement is a buried enemy
that can jump surprise you.
No 20000 bonus but you can get a big blue time bonus.
4-13. LEVEL 13
h
h
h
h
~ ~ - HXh
- HXh
HXX$XX XXXXXXX*****H~~$
HXX$XX XXXXXXX*****H $
HXXvXXvXXXXXXX$ H X
HXXvXXvXXXXXXX$ H X
H~~~~~~~HXXXXXXXX H XX
H HXXXXXXXX H XX
HXXX$- X& H XX
HXXX$- X& H XX
! HXXXXX*XXXXXXXXXH $X
! HXXXXX*XXXXXXXXXH $X
$ HX$XX $H XX
$ HX$XX $H XX
! H Xv$XXX H XX
! H Xv$XXX H XX
H XXXX**** H X
H XXXX**** H X
vX**XXXHXX$$ -hhhhhXHXXX
vX**XXXHXX$$ -hhhhhXHXXX
H XH $ XHX$X
H XH $ XHX$X
-$ H XH$ X X
-$ H XH$ X X
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
************************
4-14. LEVEL 14
h
h
- ~~~~~h~~~~~ -
- h -
$X H X$
$X H X$
XXX~~~&H&~~~XXX
XXX &H& XXX$
XXX H XXX$
XXX H XXX
XXXXX~~&H&~~XXXXX
XXXXX &H& XXXXX
$X*XXX H XXXXX$
$X*XXX H XXXXX$
X$XXXXX~&H&~XXXXXXX
X$XXXXX &H& XXXXXXX
~~$ XXXXX H XXXXXXX$
$ XXXXX H XXXXXXX$
XXXXXXXXX~H~XXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXX H XXXXXXXXX
$XXXXXXXXX H XXXXXXXXX$
$XXXXXXXXX H XXXXXXXXX$
XXXXXX$XXXXHXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXX$XXXXHXXXXXXXXXXX
XX$XXXXXXXXHXXXXXXX$XXX
XX$XXXXXXXXHXXXXXXX$XXX
+H
+H
XXXX*****XXXXXXX*****XXX
XXXX*****XXXXXXX*****XXX
************************
How you push the blocks is a big factor in winning this level. Often you'll
want to use them to dig what's to the side--then push them back to the center
to dig everything below them. That's the basic plan, but there are wrinkles
in implementation.
Let's clear the left side first. Push the top two blocks to the edge--you'll
have time. Then, at the top,
Dig 1-4, push the block right, dig 5-6. 7-8-9 will finish this off.
~~~~~
$1 H
234#~~~H
56X H
78XXX#~~H
$9*XXX H
X$XXXXX~#H
Then:
~~$
321
$54X
XX6X
XX$X
Now go back to the top and push each of the three blocks to the left. You'll
need exact play for the first part here.
~~~~~
$1 H
234#~~~H
567 H
Xba98#~~H
$X*edc H
X$Xfghi#~H
$ Xjklm H
XXXXXXpon~H
XXXXXXqrX H
XXXXX$sXXXH
Push the block right to dig 5-7. Drop left and dig 8-b. Move in to the right
and you should just be able to dig c before the enemy falls over you.
Now to take care of the right. Push the top two blocks all the way right. Dig
a-d and push the block left, then dig e-l and push that block 2 left. The
enemy can't locate you now. Then continue digging. You need perfect form
here. For the last bit, you can dig and beat the enemy down the tunnel, and
when he's trapped, it will spring the ladder to the next level.
~~~~~
H a
H~~~#dcb
H gfe
H~~#lkjih
H qponm$
H#~Xwvutsr
H XX10zyx$
H~XXXX65432
H XXXXXA987-
HXXXXXXXBXXX
HXXXXXXX$XXX
Even if the spare guy buckles into the right corner you still should be able
to make it through. I've gotten a big bonus even playing far from perfectly.
It's surprising you can take the right in one blow, but once you know to push
the blocks back it is not so tricky.
4-15. LEVEL 15
h
h
~$$ ~~~~~~ +h $$X
$$ +h $$X
H& -XHX& H X$
H& -XHX& H X$
HXXX*******X* HX***X***
HXXX*******X* HX***X***
H~~~~- * H $X
H - * H $X
X $XXXXX*HX-XXXh
X $XXXXX*HX-XXXh
XXXXXXX*X~* HXXX*****h
XXXXXXX*X~* HXXX*****h
X X * H ~H$ $h
X X * H H$ $h
X $ -XX**H X X*
X $ -XX**H X X*
XXXXX*** HXX*******X
XXXXX*** HXX*******X
$ H~~~~~~~~~~
$ H
X $-X X $ H
X $-X X $ H
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX*******XH
XXXXXXXXXXXXXX*******XH
$ H
$ H
H &XH
H &XH
************************
Go right, dig right and push the block as far as it goes. Climb up the ladder
and get the golds and run back. Then(this requires great timing) dig right,
fall right and go up the ladder. Dig right and get the gold, then push the
block 2L and climb over it. This is the trickiest part of the level
dexterity-wise.
Dig 1L3D of the ladder, then left of the ladder.
Note: the sequence below will get interrupted if your enemy regenerates in
the UL. If so, skip to (a) and do the rest later. If he's in the UR, that's
OK too. But you need one UL enemy for the next bit.
Go down and dig the 3 squares to the right, then walk over the guy to get
gold. When he's almost off to the right and you're going to fall, run left
and dig right. Dig left when over the enemy to escape. Now trap him into the
hole again--you can do this one of two ways, by digging 1R of the hole and
goine 4L3D(you have the time) or 4L1D. He'll fall in. Then dig the three
squares right but this time head left. When he falls right and sticks, dig
the brick the next level down and walk over the enemy when he heads left to
get the one gold piece. You can trap him in the hole again.
(a) Walk left all the way, drop, dig left, then drop JUST when the guy is
next to you. Circle around and push the block right. Get the two gold. Go
down the stairs and right. Dig left twice, wait five seconds, and dig left
twice again. That should stick your enemy, who has a gold, so you need to off
him. Then:
21XX
*3~*
4 *
56**
Run across the enemy--just as he is about to fall(timing's not too critical
fortunately) and get the gold and run back right to fall over him. Dig left
and dig right. Run to the ladder. Wait for the enemies to go by you. Fall
left, dig, 1L, dig. Go left and right for the gold. Then bury the baddies as
you go right.
In the bottom, dig the block and push the block left 4, retreat, push it left
4(next to the ladder) and left 2.
You will need to release some enemies here for the final gold, and you'll
need to repeat if you skipped to (a)--use the bottom cement bit(and left of
it) to move around. You can always peg one guy with the brick on the far
right. You might have to run the circuit a few times. But be sure to leave
one guy if there are two--i.e. dig 3 times on the bottom.
For the final gold, release the enemy from the trap-hole by sending him
right. Wait for the bricks on the right to regenerate and fall right twice.
The ladders will pop up to let you out. A good workout.
4-16. LEVEL 16
h -
h
h -
h !
h $ $ !
h !!! !!! !! !!!
h !!! !!! !! !!!
h !
h $ $ $!
h !!! !!! !!! !
h -$ !!! !!! !!!$ !
h ! ! !
h - ! $ $ ! !
h !!! !!! !!! !!! ! !
h !!! !!! !!! !!!$! !
h ! !
h $ ! !
h !! !!! !!! !!! !
h !! !!! !!! !!! !
h !! ! ! !
h -!!$ !$ $ ! $ !
! !!! !!! !!! !!! !!!
h !!! !!! !!! !!! !!!
h
h
XX*XX**XX**XX**XX**XX*XX
XX*XX**XX**XX**XX**XX*XX
************************
Whoah! You need only dig 7 times(after going left) to pot your enemies. You
may also want to pre-empt where they fall by digging holes. Try to stay in
the center but remember not to dig on both holes as you calculate where
enemies fall. Always stand on a dug enemy to dig the other square, and always
determine if you need to climb over him to dig in front of you or behind. If
coming enemies are too close, back up and dig. But you usually want to back
up and dig as that will cause at least one guy to bite the dust.
Remember that extraneous holes are very tough to deal with, so try to
calculate exactly how many you need, too, and don't go to the edge unless
you're sure you need to. You can dig your way past one or even two wayward
enemies. But if you dig a hole too many, or in panic, it will stick you for
long enough to be fatal. Generally the earlier you start digging, the better.
One hole should swallow up someone dropping from the top.
Sweeping moves from left to right work best. That's because most guys land on
the left side of a 2-brick. Remember that most of the times the guys move
from left to right at the top--but over the 3rd-left and 2nd-right cement
blocks, they turn back left. Also note nobody goes down the left and that
enemies land in only a few places: 2L of the right, 5R of there, then every
4R of there, etc. If you know where enemies appear ahead of time, you can dig
for them. The ladder appears on the far left.
Unfortunately this level requires a lot of intuition you can only achieve
through making mistakes. But you will be pleased to note that, because there
are only so many chutes down, it won't take as long as you might have worried
that the gold chests get eaten up where you can dig enemies and retrieve
them.
4-17. LEVEL 17
h
h
h
h
-&+h $-
-&+h $-
XXXh XXXXH
XXXh XXXXH
XXXXXh$ $XXXXX$H
XXXXXh$ $XXXXX$H
$XX-XXh XX$XXXX H
$XX-XXh XX$XXXX H
XXXXXXXXXXh XXXXXXXXX H
XXXXXXXXXXh XXXXXXXXX H
$XXXXXXXX &-~XXXXXXXX H
$XXXXXXXX h- XXXXXXXX H
XXXXX $ XXX $XX$X H
XXXXX $ XXX $XX$X H
XXX $XXXXXX*XX $ XXX H
XXX $XXXXXX*XX $ XXX H
X $ XXXX*XXXXXXXX$ X H
X $ XXXX*XXXXXXXX$ X H
XXXXX$XXXXXXXXXXX$ H
XXXXX$XXXXXXXXXXX$ H
XXXXXX***$$$XXXX$X*XX H
XXXXXX***$$$XXXX$X*XX H
H
H
XXXXXX***********XXXXXXX
XXXXXX***********XXXXXXX
************************
Push the block 2L. Dig 2R, drop, dig 3R and dig 2L to release the enemy. Get
the gold and dig the edge of the peninsula. Fall back left. Get the entombed
gold:
$
$21
543X
X76$
X*** (Get the gold before digging 6-7)
Now climbing up is tricky but generally you can go to the left and dig 2 or 4
holes(depending on how far apart the enemies are--the first 2 enemies always
seem to get stuck) and back up if you need more. There's space for 6. Then
run right. You may need to use a few more digs but you'll be closer in and
often the enemies lump together, so you can dig and run past if need be. If
you get in trouble on the ladder up(monster materializes in the UR,) fall
left from over 1/2 height and chasing monsters will run the other way.
Note that any break you can get falling left for the UR suspended gold, you
should take. Be on the lookout. You can even go to the top and dig right and
wait. You can also stay at the bottom to make sure others fall after you and
only then go to the top and fall left. You can also dig the hole below the
gold to catch one guy coming down the ladder from the UR as often someone
fills in for him once he leaves--this makes one less enemy to avoid. Also
note that when you want to fall to the ground, try to wait to make sure
nobody's on the UR platform, where he will use the stairs. That slows you
down. If you can keep the enemies cycling falling DL and DR then things
should go smoothly. Also, if you are in the DR, you may want to choke up on
the ladder with enemies regenerating, so you can fall left if one appears in
the UL. That may tip him off the edge as he "searches" left and save you
time.
One other random point--don't dig lots of holes on the DR slide. If someone
gets caught there it only increases the chance they'll show up in front of
you in the UR.
Now let's tackle the entombed top gold. If you want, you can detour to drop
on the gold piece if all holes are filled and you see a straight jump down.
Nothing wrong with backling left afterwards.
12
X543
X$67X
X89XX
XaXXX
Enemies may fall into the natural hole here by some bug, or they may fall
from 1L of the hole. If they lump together you're in trouble--just a FYI,
where you can mess up even though it's probably chance if it happens.
You can wait for enemies to pass below and you should be able to 2-1 dig over
the one suspended gold to get through.
Now retrace your steps.
123
X7654
X 89ax
XXdcbX
XXfeXX
Xg$X
hXX
X
Drop down safely! Your next trick will be to go back up and push the center
block 2L. You can dig as follows to get the 3 blocks but you need a head
start. Keep in mind that you can dig behind while falling from the UR to gain
some time, and you can also move 1L and dig to get either of the left
suspended golds. Here you may wish to wait in the UR for enemies to run past
you DR. When in doubt, circle around and try again.
123 123 123
456 456 456
78X X87 X87
9XX X9X XX9
$ $ $
It takes three trips through, but you can go forward to the right and back up
if need be--or fall back in the left.
Then one last time, with the stairs in sight, fall DL(dig behind you--enemies
can get to you) and climb UL, watching for enemies in front too.
4-18. LEVEL 18
h
h
h XX
h XX
XXXHXXXX*HXX*HX &
XXXHXXXX*HXX*HX &
- H$ $H XH*******XXH
- H$ $H XH*******XXH
XXXH & HXXXHX &H
XXXH & HXXXHX &H
XX$H & HX$XHX$ H****X
XX$H & HX$XHX$ H****X
$X H & HXXXHXXXH &~
$X H & HXXXHXXXH &
XXXXXXXXXXXXXHXHX XHXX$
XXXXXXXXXXXXXHXHX XHXX$
HX$XXHX XX
HX$XXHX XX
+ HXXXX$X X**
+ HXXXX$X X**
HXXXX*H**XXXHX$ XXXX
HXXXX*H**XXXHX$ XXXX
H$XXX$H $ HXXXXX $
H$XXX$H $ HXXXXX $
HXX& H & HX-$ XXXXXXX
HXX& H & HX-$ XXXXXXX
HXXXX*H & HXXXXXX
HXXXX*H & HXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXh XXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXh XXXXXXXXXX
************************
You don't have to deal with enemies much at all here, but the block shifting
puzzles are certainly interesting. First:
X321*
$45X$
76#
Dig 1-7. Push the block 2R to be able to run around and grab the gold under </pre><pre id="faqspan-2">
the cement. Then dig 2-1-5 and push the block all the way right. Fall right
and push the bottom block 1R. Then circle around and push the center block
1L. Now you can dig over it to get the other suspended gold.
Go to the top, dig left, and go down the far ladder. Push the bottom block
4L. Now get the gold and push that block back 1R of where it was. Push the
middle block 1L and the top block 1R. Push the bottom block 2R. Push the one
above it 1R and then push the UR one 1R. Now you can get the UR gold! The
other two gold are easy enough to drop in for. You can save some time by
digging over the blocks you need to stand on to push things around.
Now release your enemy from the UR--dig R, 4L, dig right, 3R, dig left. Push
the block on top to the right. Dig right, 1R 1D and push that block all the
way left. Now you have a reverse-dig deal.
12
H3
$45
Dig 1&2. Wait 'til 1 starts to heal 5 seconds and dig 3, then 1-2. Drop and
wait by 5 for 4 seconds and dig 4-5. Dig 3-1-2 as you go up. Drop down to get
the gold and walk out. Dig right, above the block, drop it and push it left.
The next gold down looks like a puzzle but actually it's the one on the
right.
~
1H23$
4 56
Dig 1-2-3. Wait 3 seconds. Dig 4-5-6 and 1 when it heals. Get the gold to the
right and go left to the 1-ladder. U-dig L-D-dig L-fall down-go left. Get the
gold, dig the right edge of the chamber you fell in, get more gold, dig 2L
and fall left. Dig left to trap the monster. Then dig 2-1 at the left side to
get out. Hold UL going up the center ladder and it's a snap.
4-19. LEVEL 19
h
h
h
h
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXh
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXh
X $ +$ $ - $ Xh
X $ +$ $ - $ Xh
X X*X*X*X*XHX*X*X*X*X$Xh
X X*X*X*X*XHX*X*X*X*X$Xh
X $ $ H $ $ Xh
X $ $ H $ $ Xh
X X*X*X*X*H*X*X*X*X Xh
X X*X*X*X*H*X*X*X*X Xh
X $ H $ Xh
X $ H $ Xh
X X*****XHX*****X Xh
X X*****XHX*****X Xh
X $ $ H $ $ Xh
X $ $ H $ $ Xh
X X**XXXHXXX**X Xh
X X**XXXHXXX**X Xh
X $$$H$$$ Xh
X $$$H$$$ Xh
X $ H - $ Xh
X $ H - $ Xh
XXXXX XX**XXX**XX ****Xh
XXXXX XX**XXX**XX ****Xh
h
h
************************
Go ahead, just burn your enemies and try to finish the level. The ladder that
appears at the end, at the very top, prevents you from winning. You can try
to get past your enemies, but you don't get there fast enough. Even just
getting rid of one enemy doesn't do the trick. ??
The main trick is to dig one hole, climb on the enemy you dug, and dig to the
center. Then swoop to the bottom and clear stuff out and dig 2 holes--1 next
to the ladder, 1 3-away. You can also use 2nd-lowest platform as a base. You
can dig two holes and then bore down to the third to pick up a chest below.
Also note that you want to pick off the gold chests on the end as soon as you
can.
And so the best way to start is 3L-4R-1L-dig R-wait for the fall-2R-dig R-2L-
dig L. Then on the next platform below, get the left gold, dig the center,
2R, dig, 2L, dig-L and fall through. You should just have time to get the
gold to the left in the 3rd row, too. R, dig right, 4r, dig left and sneak to
the top--again, a close shave. Work again as on the other side:
HX*2*1*3*X$
H $ $
H*X*X*X*
In general if enemies are spaced far apart, you should stand on one and dig a
hole near the center for the other. If they are close together, head to the
bottom or dig towards the center, dig away and run that way. If they are at
the top and you want to merge them, dig from the 2nd-bottom platform(L or R)
and fall when one is at the 2nd-top. Then at the bottom you can go right, dig
twice and escape.
The 2nd-bottom platform can be gotten in one go. If you are at the UR, dig L
from the last cement block, 2L dig-L 4L dig-R and L-D-L for gold. Back R, dig
on the cement, get the other chest, and stand on the enemy and dig L. Enemies
will be split at the top and you may want to try going to the bottom
anddigging the 2nd-bottom to link them. You can also use the procedure to get
one center-level gold. You have to dig on each side of the ladder to shake
the guys off after heading down, though.
4-20. LEVEL 20
h h
h h
h h
h h
Xh - - - vvvvvv - - hX
Xh - - - vvvvvv - - hX
XXXXXXXX$v v$XXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXhv vhXXXXXXXX
X$XXvvXX$X$
XhXXvvXXhX$
HX $X$ $X H &H
HX $Xh hX H &H
HX*****X$ $X*****XH
HX*****Xh hX*****XH
H h h H
H h h H
H h h H
H h h H
H h h H
H h h H
H h + h H
H h + h H
XXHXXXXX******XXXXXHXXH
XXHXXXXX******XXXXXHXXH
******H*XXXXXX*H******H
******H*XXXXXX*H******H
$H$ $H$ $ H
$H$ $H$ $ H
X XXH
X XXH
************************
Excruciating timing here after the initial easy massacre. Go to the right and
dig all over. Repeat a few times until a few monsters get trapped. While
waiting for them to come down you may want to push the UR block wL to the
edge. Eventually you can head to the right ladder and 1D, providing you've
cleared out the gold the enemies left on the right side. One enemy should go
to the left 1-ladder Then you can go up one, and when he bounces back down,
go 3D. He'll fall into the pit from the left.
Now your task is to move that fellow across. You can finagle things a bit by
bringing other guys down to that area the same way you did him. Or you can
just use save-states to see when he gets flushed to the right and for how
long...dig the DR-2L square and wait 4-5 seconds and dig the DR-L square. The
enemy will run at you until things are covered and eventually it'll stop
under a gold chest if you do it right. You can restart the process of course
but with save-states you can get the timing exactly right. Once a guy is
under a gold piece(even a little) dig everything centerwards of the 1-
ladder(start at/near the center,) step in and walk out.
Oh yeah, you need to go to the UL too. Dig right, get the gold, and dig out,
preferably after trapping all the monsters below.
So take your time and use your save states and track when a block heals with
the bonus score to determine when to drill the second hole. You'll get it
eventually--the enemy needs to make 5 stops. Note also you can put other
enemies on hold by going 2U after you dig--the guy at the bottom will run at
you no matter what.
Approximate time to wait before each dig: 4 sec, 5 1/2 sec, 4 sec, 5 1/2 sec,
3 1/2 sec
4-21. LEVEL 21
h h
h h
h ~ h
h h
HXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXH
HXXXXXXXXXXXXX XXXXXXH
HX XXX- $X XHXX$XH
HX XXX- $X XHXX$XH
HX$&X $X ****X XHX XXH
HX$&X $X ****X XHX XXH
HX $X**X X X $XH
HX $X**X X X $XH
HvX &- XXXXXXX$X XH
HvX &- XXXXXXX$X XH
HX XXX XH& $-X XH
HX XXX XH& $-X XH
HX $ HX XHXXX***XX XH
HX $ HX XHXXX***XX XH
HX$XXXHX XHXX~$ $ $ XH
HX$XXXHX XHXX $ $ $ XH
HX XHX X XX XH
HX XHX X XX XH
HX****XX XXX*******XH
HX****XX XXX*******XH
$H $ $ H$
$H $ $ H$
H + -H-
H + -H-
**XXX**XXX****XXX**XXX**
**XXX**XXX****XXX**XXX**
************************
This is a very tough level even once you've figured where to drop everyone.
To start, go L-U-R and past the rope, dig the 2 left squares once an enemy
passes the shaft below, drop-L and dig-L D dig-L D dig-L and wait for
everyone to fall in. You'll need the other enemies for some tricks. Well, one
is probably best for now.
So above the block in the center, dig-R 1R dig-R, push the block left, dig-L
R dig-L and fall left. Do 2 dig-R's per level and dig over the suspended
gold. Get the regenerated enemy to follow you counterclockwise and 2-1 dig
over the long shaft down. Don't fall in--wait for the enemy to drop off the
rope and go left. You'll first want to run left over him for the one gold,
then fall left so you can push the block 2L. But don't fall over!
There's a 3000 point fellow on the left side 1U1L of the ladder. Dig him, 1R,
dig-L and get the party hat. Then:
X21
H3
4H5
6H6
Dig 1/2/3. Wait. Dig 4/5/. Wait for 4 to heal and dig 6/7 and run left, fall
and escape right. Now you can run counterclockwise to get a big head start
and 2-1 dig down the shaft. Wait for the enemy to be on the rope to drop--
start digging after he's at the top of the ladder. Fall in and fall on him.
Then run left over him to get the suspended gold.
Next dig 3-2 at the top to release the other enemy. Run in to get the gold
and run out. Now get both guys to fall into the same trap the other enemies
did.
For the UL dig the 3 top bricks on the left wall. Dig #4 and then 3U 1R dig-R
for two gold--note the false brick to the left. Now re-dig the 4 left. Then
dig over the block, fall, dig-R, R, get the gold, push left and fall left to
the ladder.
Now dig out the enemies as follows:
123
4H5
6H7
8 9
X a
They'll go tumbling. Dig over the block(1U 1U1L 1L) and fall left and push
right 3. Dig the 2 squares right of each ladder rung. At the bottom rung,
drop and fall when one guy is between the L/center gold. He'll move one more
square over. Then dig out the top gold.
X1
$2
73
4
5
6
8
9
Dig 1-2. Get the gold. Dig 3-5. Wait. Dig 6 when 1 heals. Dig 1-2 then 7.
Then 8-9. Fall onto the gold and go left and right. If this is too tricky,
you can walk in for the gold and walk out, then fall onto the gold and walk
out separately.
4-22. LEVEL 22
h
h
h +
h +
HX-XXXX-XX
HX-XXXX-XX
HXXXXXXXXX-XXXXX
HXXXXXXXXX-XXXXX
HXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX-XXXXX$
HXXXXXX XXXXXXXXX-XXXXX$
HXXXX $ X XXXXX$XXXXXXX$
HXXXX $ X XXXXX$XXXXXXX$
HXX XXX X XXXXXX$XXXX
HXX XXX X XXXXXX$XXXX
HXX XX XXXXX$*XXXX
HXX XX XXXXX$*XXXX
HXXXX XX $ XXXXXXXXXXX
HXXXX XX $ XXXXXXXXXXX
HXXX XX X XXXXXXXXXXX
HXXX XX X XXXXXXXXXXX
HXXXX$XXXX$X XXXX$XXXXXX
HXXXX$XXXX$X XXXX$XXXXXX
HXXX XXXXXX XXXXX $
HXXX XXXXXX XXXXX $
HXXXXX ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
HXXXXX
H~~~~~H -XH
H H -XH
$XH
$XH
************************
Dig-R L dig-r for a bonus. Then dig-L R etc. and dig-r L twice. Now go to the
right. Get the gold after digging 1-6 and tack back left. Dig this quickly--
it should be pretty intuitive what to do. The main problem is starting out
quickly and well.
X4-65321$
789XXXX$
cbaX$XXXX
Xed$*XXXX
XXgfXXXXX
XXhXXXXXX
XX$XXXXXX
Next you want to take care of the second-right enemy. Again there are some
quick digs to start--you need to balance on top of him and then run left when
he falls down.
X 54321
XXba9876 X
XXedc XXX
X XXXXXX
Fall on the enemy when he drops and fall left. Walk right over him as he is
about to fall or so or you may run left into a wall and not get the gold.
It's an annoying quasi-random thing but there you go. And there's another
one, so save your emulator state again after getting out of this mess.
Climb over him, dig left and hold left to get the encased gold. He will drop
to the bottom. Now here is the weird part. Dig the DR brick and stand right
of it for 6 seconds. Dig the brick below it. U 2L. When the guy falls in, 2R
1D and back up and the guy coming around will stand on his pal, killing him.
There's some randomization as to where his pal winds up. Hopefully he'll wind
up in the center, but if not you need to reroll the dice.
Now dig the guy that fell in the center hole off right, and run over him as
he runs. Tricky stuff ahead. Dig 5R of him so he runs again. Fall left as he
falls in the pit with his pall and Dig-R/L all the way. Drop right and watch
them fall in the gold pit. Dig the 3 right squares, 1L, dig-L and dig-R. Then
fall left as the second guy goes left. This'll buy just enough time to escape
the closing bricks. Get the gold on the cement and 4-3-2-1 dig to the bottom.
Whew.
At the top, dig 2R over the right remaining enemy. Dig 3L over him. Then dig
1U1R of where he lands. Dig R when above him. Get the gold, (dig-L fall-L) *2
dig-R and dig-R dig-L above the enemy. Then dig-R to get out after he entombs
himself again. Now you can take the ladder and win. You should get a nice
bonus.
4-23. LEVEL 23
h
h
h ~~~$~ ~ $~~~
h $ $
& H X ! ! XX$ H
& H X ! ! XX$ H
H***XXHXX$XXH HXXX
H***XXHXXhXXH HXXX
H XH$XX X H
H XH$XX X H
HXX$**XHX-XX***XXXH HXXX
HXX$**XHX-XX***XXXH HXXX
H XX XHHX X H H*XH
H XX XHHX X H H*XH
XXH + X-H X XXXXXH*H$
XXH + X-H X XXXXXH*H$
HXXXX *XH $ H*$H
HXXXX *XH $ H*$H
H $XX H XX HXXXX**X
H $XX H XX HXXXX**X
HXXXXXX hXXXXH &
HXXXXXX hXXXXH &
HX* $ XX H XH H****XXH
HX* $ XX H XH H****XXH
HX& X XX H~ XXH $X H
HX& X XX H XXH $X H
HXXXX X H XXh~~HXXX$ H
HXXXX X H XXh HXXX$ H
H$XXXXX$HXX --XXH
H$XXXXX$HXX --XXH
************************
Push the block as far right as you can. Climb up and right and note the
invisible cement that appears--and the 8000 for the first gold. Go back left
and dig right, 3R of the UL. Then 3L 2D 1R dig-R and circle around, drop and
drop left to get the gold. Let's do some advance preparation now. The brick
next to the 2 1-ladders guards the DL. Dig it, get the DL gold, and come
back. Dig it again, L-2D-5R and back. Dig it again, wait a couple seconds,
and from the left edge (dig-R D) *3 dig-R and go back up. Dig again and push
the block right. You're done for now.
X
X1
X 2
34
X 5
X
Head to the right. Dig as above, dropping right to get the gold. Then
immediately 1R dig-L fall-L dig-L. Climb back up, sucker the guy into the UL
area so that he doesn't climb the stairs you'll need to run back to once you
release the other guy(you may want to go to the left ladder, down, dig a hole
and dig behind you,) and go to the right again.
This time you need to dig the other guy down a bit for later.
1
23
4 X
Remember to head right as you dig 4. Then go to the far right where you need
to take care of a few bricks:
H321
H*4H
Dig 1-3. Wait for 1 to start to reform and dig 4, then 123. Fall to the left-
bottom and climb back up. Now dig the guy out of his hole.
X1
X 2
-34
6 5
Specifically, dig 5 and wait for him to move and dig left. Then scramble to
the UL, dig the two holes above the bobbing enemy, and go down and up and
fall right when he's on the ladder. He'll get stuck and you can dig into the
DL. You may also just want to dig your opponents, as if they go to the right,
they will fall into the low harmless pit at the bottom, making your job
easier later but at the expense of a bit of time.
H1X2XX9
H3* $ Xa
H4 #X
HX57X
H 8XX
Dig 1, wait 3 seconds, dig 2, then fall and dig 3-5. Fall through 2, get the
gold, dig 6, push the block left, and dig 7 and 8 and get out. Dig 9 and a to
go outside. Now if you managed to avoid getting a bad guy trapped to the
right then you are home free, but otherwise you can dig at the bottom 2-
ladder, U 4R dig-L, and then 3L D dig-R and wait a bit and dig-R. This is a
good place to try save states as you need one enemy to be left of the rope to
your right. You can escape they guy in close quarters and then get one gold,
push the block to the right edge(minus one) and then draw the enemies in the
pit back right to step over them for the final gold. Walking out of there is
easy.
4-24. LEVEL 24
h
h
h
$~ H $ ~ $ ~~$
$ H $ $ $
H~H-~HHHHH X ~~$~ H*H-
H H- HHHHH X $ H*H-
H H$HHHXH ~ H$H X
H H$HHHXH H$H X
H H H XH ~$ &H H
H~~H~ H H XH $ &H H
H H ~ HX H H HXH ~
H HX H H HXH
H ~ ~ *~~H H HXH
H * H H HXH
H ~ ~$ ~~ HXH $
H $ $ HXH $
H $ * H HXHHH
H~HH ~ * H HXHHH
H HH HH*$HHHHXHH $H
H H HH*$HHHHXHH $H
$H $ H HH $*XXXX HH H
$H $ H HH $*XXXX HH H
H XH& HH XXXXX H H
H XH& HH XXXXX H H
H XXHHHH H H
H XX HH HH HH
H HH HH HH
H - HXH$ H HH$
H - HXH$ H HH$
************************
I would fall right to start. Keep up when the enemies in the left are down;
if they get to the down center you are stuck. Go to the valley of ladders and
get the gold, go 2R and sit. When the enemy falls off the rope, 2U 2R to get
past him. For the most part you'll want to get something here and bounce back
to the top. The only tricky gold is the suspended one, under the cement. Wait
to the side of it for your enemy to come running at you. You may have to go
to the valley of ladders again--use the same trick to get out. Whenever you
see enemies from the left moving towards the center, go up and this will send
them UL, away from the only left-right connection
You'll know when to go left when you are halfway up and they are, on that big
ladder on the left. You will have plenty of time to get the corner gold and
go L because they will take a bit of extra time falling down.
The left side is not too hard. Just remember there are 2 ways to get around
the enemies, and wait for them to fall. They should be near each other and
your only real task is to push that one block all the way right. This should
be done 2 squares at a time, maybe 3. There's no reason to dig anyone up, but
you may want to watch how the ropes go. They're not esoteric but if you slip
it could be fatal. Note you must fall on a rope to get the gold in the center
of the board between the cements, and there's a winding path up the UL where
you can lose enemies.
The exit is up, on the left side. You should get a whopping time bonus here.
4-25. LEVEL 25
h
h
h
h
HX*X*****X*X*X*X****X*XH
HX*X*****X*X*X*X****X*XH
H - $ H
H - $ H
HX + XXXXXXXXXXH
HX + XXXXXXXXXXH
HXXXXXXXXX-X XXX $ XH
HXXXXXXXXX-X XXX $ XH
HX $X X X XXXXXXXXH
HX $X X X XXXXXXXXH
HXXX X HX X X H
HXXX X HX X X H
HX X X$H X X X X
HX X X$H X X X X
HX XXX*X X X-X$X $XXXXX
HX XXX*X X X-X$X $XXXXX
H* $$X * $ X HX XX
H* $$X * $ X HX XX
H**XXX X* XXXXX XXXX
H**XXX X* XXXXX XXXX
H *XX*X X**X** XHX$
H *XX*X X**X** XHX$
H-- X &H
H-- X &H
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
************************
(Weirdo monster in DL-1R holds 3000/8000 cap)
A weird jump start to this level: after the 2 guys lump together, quickly
stand over them, dig R, move L, dig L, move R, and dig R. You can do all that
in sequence--really--and it gets you out of the original mess and the real
part of the level. Might require practice though.
You will want to chip away the left first. So you can dig one enemy inside
the area where you started and run out--he'll be trapped. The other one, dig
3D on the right wall, sneak in, dig left and escape. If you timed it right
he'll fall under a gold piece. If not, no risk. He'll just regenerate at the
top and run for you again. If he goes to the right you can move to a later
section (a).
But if he doens't, work as follows:
1
2XX5X
3 $X
XX4 X
X X-X
Dig 1, 2. Wait for 1 to heal and dig 3 and 4. Then dig 5 to get on top of the
enemy. Dig 6 and run left and he'll run to the bottom. Where, for the below
sequence, you get the gold above the enemy and dig 1-4 in quick sequence.
XXX- -> 321-
*XX* *4X*
Next thing to do is to trap the enemy in the DR area. This should not be bad.
Just let him follow you around to the UR. Then 2D, dig to the right, and...
X321XXX
X54
X 6XXXX
This'll push him to the bottom. You can spring the bad guy by digging left
then right and getting the gold. Then dig left to get out and loop around.
Trap the one enemy first, in the pit where they started(nip in behind 3D of
UL) and then go to where the enemy is entombed in the DR.
(a)
1XXX
-32
XX 45X6
XHX$
X #H
Dig 1-3 and climb on the guy to get to the right part. Dig 4-5 and 6 and fall
to get the gold. Push the block left and fall over it. 1L dig left and go
right. Wait a couple seconds and run left and dig left. Put this guy in the
upper pit with the other two. Now to do the final bit of business.
2L of the pit, dig left and dig right to release the enemies. Fall left twice
then R 2U 2R and fall. Dig right and that should give you an escape. Other
digs don't work. I don't know why.
4-26. LEVEL 26
h
h
h - - + ~
h - - +
h HXXXXXXXXXXXX-XXH
h HXXXXXXXXXXXX-XXH
hXXHX X X+ H
hXXHX X X+ H
hXXHX X &~H
hXXHX X & H
XXX-XXXHX X XX + H
XXXhXXXHX X XX + H
XXXXXXXHX + ~~~&~H
XXXXXXXHX + & H
XX XXXXHX+ XX + H
XX XXXXHX+ XX + H
XXX++vXH X +~~~~~~&~H
XXX++vXH X + & H
XXXX* HX X H
XXXX* HX X H
XXXXX H XX X X H
XXXXX H XX X X H
H X+XX+XX+XX+*+XH
H X+XX+XX+XX+*+XH
HX X X X X X H
HX X X X X X H
H H
H H
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
************************
Head to the UD and 1D. Wait for the enemies to fall. Dig right after you go
past them to get them moving. Now use the guy on the left to get the two
entombed gold. You need to be quick about the first bit.
345-621 <-go right to the 2, fall left and dig right
89X7XXX <-7 traps the enemy.
Xa XXXX
XXb vX
XXcd*
XXeXX
So far so good. But now you need to start with the right side. Push the top
block 2W. Get the gold falling to your left. Dig everyone out of their mess
and go right and wait. When one is at your level, fall left and one'll fall
DR of you. You can retrap the others and dig this guy out later. Also note
it's ok for guys to go on the left after you dig them(you've already lost the
bonus in the left) as long as you still have one on the right.
Now push the second block left as far as you can. You can't do anything with
the third block yet but you'll want to get someone in the UR pit. Once you
do, dig 1L of the middle-height block and 1L of the pit. Fall left and 1L and
dig right to catch the fallen guy. Dig left while over him. Fall to get the
gold. Now you'll need to walk left over him as he falls and dig right. Dig
him out and pit him back in the pit. Push the bottom block all the way to the
left. Now when you dig a guy out of the pit he goes all the way DL. You can
dig over the gold in the left now and escape with no problem. Dig your enemy
out.
But there's one gold left. You can get it by pushing the middle block 1R and
then digging left over the pit and R-D to eye-level with the pits. The enemy
will fall in.
If a bunch of guys got dumped into the left side then you'll want to make the
long trek over there to bring them back and dump them in the pit one last
time *sheds tear* bet you'll sorta miss it. I did. I was playing at 4 AM. My
mind was concentrating on puzzle solving, not appropriate emotional
responses.
4-27. LEVEL 27
h
h
~ ~~ ~ ~ -~ h
- h
HX XX- XXXXHXX XX XX XXH
HX XX- XXXXHXX XX XX XXH
HXXX XXXXXH $ X X X XH
HXXX XXXXXH $ X X X XH
HX$X X XHX X $ $ XH
HX$X X XHX X $ $ XH
HX X XHXX HX XXXXXXX XH
HX X XHXX HX XXXXXXX XH
HXvX XHX H H& XH
HXvX XHX H H& XH
HX HX$XH XX***** $H
HX HX$XH XX***** $H
HXXHX HXXXH X$ X$ H
HXXHX HXXXH X$ X$ H
HX$XXXHX XHXX*H XhhhhH
HX$XXXHX XHXX*H XhhhhH
H -XHXXX$XH $XHX H
H -XHXXX$XH $XHX H
HXX X HX XH$XXXH H
HXX X HX XH$XXXH H
HXXX HXXXX H H& XH
HXXX HXXXX H H& XH
H XX$X XX XH
H XX$X XX XH
HX $X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
HX $X XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
************************
27.
I needed things to go right to get done in time and suspect I made one or two
extra cross-board runs than I needed to.
Go one rung down. Let the enemy drop in. Dig the areas to the left and run
right. Drop down one rung when the enemy is above the left gold. Dig left of
each guy so he falls onto some gold and into a pit. Then dig them out and
goad them back to the top where you want to drop one in the right hole and
one to the left.
Dig right over each of them and they'll form a phalanx you can walk over to
push the block 1L--but dig to its right so you can retreat after you do.
Go to the UL now. Dig the UL, then 1D1R of that. Fall through the false brick
and now for some fun. Dig 1, then dig 2-4 and get the gold and go back. Dig
1, go to dig 2 but wait 2 seconds there and dig 2-3. Retreat, dig 1, then dig
4-2. Then 1-5-3. Then 1-6-4-7-5. Then 1-8-6-9-a. Escape underneath the
regenerating square 1. You may need to dig down again.
H2
H3
H4
H1 H5
X9aH6
H7
H8
HX
Return 1L of 1 and Dig over the suspended gold. Now you have another little
puzzle with the one enemy who saved your bacon, and here's how it works.
32-1
654
X7$X
8 $X
Dig 1-3. When 1 starts to heal, dig 4-6. Then fall between 1/2 and dig 7,
then dig 8 to let the enemy out. You can lead the enemy to the 3rd hole from
the right. Drop him in there(1D on the R ladder) and dig left of him and now
you have a little puzzle.
1H4X
H $
H2
HX-3
H#
Dig 1, wait 3 seconds, dig 2 and 3, get out, dig 4 then 1. Dig 5 from the
left and fall right to push the block back left 2. Go back up. Dig 1 and push
the block 1R. Dig over 4 and get the gold and dig and climb your way out to
the top. Release the 3 enemies and drop them one in each hole again. Dig
holes to the right of the right two. Then dig left of the remaining one and
dig right. Fall right and dig a hole over where he is about to fall. Save
your state here. You will want to go to the left for the gold in the nook but
this is hard to judge.
Fall to the bottom, 2L, dig left, R, (save your state for timing purposes,)
wait 4 seconds, dig left and run left--keep near the first guy but don't run
past him. You need to posh the block 1L and then head 1L onto a brick that
rematerialzes. It's a tricky maneuver and if you move too much you'll wind up
falling to the right. But when you get it right, climb the stairs, dig left,
get the gold below, and go up the stairs some more. You have two ways to get
the final gold, and I'm not sure which is faster: push the block 1R, fall for
the gold, push the block all the way right. Or you can climb over the block,
push it 2L, and drop for the gold and go UR. Either way you're not impeded
from the exit. Whew. Long level.
Now go to the bottom and push the block left after digging from the right.
You only need one try to push the block 1R1D of a gold, but if you want to
play it safe, take two.
**Dig 1/4 and push the block 2L more(for the final gold) and climb up. Then
dig 1 and fall on the gold that is 6L below you--fall L, 4D R 2D and back up.
You don't have to be TOO accurate here.
4-28. LEVEL 28
+ h ~
+ h
HX*XXX*HXXXX H***HXXXXXX
HX*XXX*HXXXX H***HXXXXXX
HX$H $XHXXX$X HX X <4 baddies
HX$H $XHXXX$X HX X
H *XX XH XXXX& $ HvXXXXX
H *XX XH XXXX& $ HvXXXXX
H X* HXX$~HX H $
H X* HXX$ HX H $
XHvXXXHHXX X HX H$&H
XHvXXXHHXX X HX H$&H
H~~ XH *X XHX*X*XH
H XH *X XHX*X*XH
X X H HXh H HXHX~ H
X X H HXh H HXHX H
$X$XHXXXXXH XHX XHX X ~H
$X$XHXXXXXH XHX XHX X H
X XHX XX H X XHXH XH
X XHX XX H X XHXH XH
XHXX $XXXHXXHX X H XHX
XHXX $XXXHXXHX X H XHX
$HXXX XXHH X X XXH $ XH
$HXXX XXHH X X XXH $ XH
HX ~ XH H$HXHXHX H
HX XH H$HXHXHX H
XHX $XXXHX X$ X HXX XXH
XHX $XXXHX X$ X HXX XXH
************************
No individual group of gold seems too hard, though I found the center to be
nastiest. Judiciously trapping the clown-car enemies from the UR is the key
to winning comfortably.
Attack the UL first.
1*X25
3$H $
*X4
6
Dig 1. Wait 4 seconds. Dig 2, then dig 3. Fall into 2 and dig 4, then fall
left through 3. Dig 5 and then dig 6 to get out.
You need to adjust the upper center now to make it comfortable for the
enemies to get trapped. Let's get the gold first. No really fancy digging,
but it is a bit inconvenient.
H321X
HX54$X
H 6XXX
HX8$
HHX9
XH
H7
Second time around. Dig 1-2-3, wait to dig 4-5 until 1 is about to heal(dig R
of 1 for a timer.) Push the block right at 9 and dig under 8 to get out.
~
321X H
X54 6
7XX9#
X8 ~HX
HaX X
Now release the enemies. Retreat to the 2nd-left ladder and then go down 3
when they're over the single ladder. They'll oblige nicely. To dig one out,
dig the brick 3R 3/4D of them and come around and dig 1L of them and fall
right to get out of no man's land just in time. Then head up so they don't
trap themselves in the chamber.
Now you need to put the bad guys where they can help you. Bad guy #1: on hte
far left. Wait 4D2R2L of UL and he will fall. First, dig the 3 UR/DL
bricks(you can make it in 1 trip, and it's not bad since you hold diagonally)
and then:
2-X
$3 1
X X
X
..and walk out. The left is done now, so on to the right. Get the gold
below, then dig 1, get the gold, dig 2-3 and go right. Push the block 3L and
then walk over it. Now release another enemy. This time you'll want him to go
in the DR hole.
$
1 H$#H
2*X*XH
3~ H
X X ~H
The way to do this is to dig as follows when the enemy is at midway of the
top(note: only dig 1-5 for now):
1
2
3~
X 4
6H
H 7H5
H $ XH
X H
XX XXH <-head for the DL. You can walk back over. Now dig 1-7 to fall on the
gold safely and be able to get out.
The last two puzzles are really nasty. First let's release another enemy into
the bottom left. Then go on the long laddder. Dig left, 1-D dig-L and enter
the ladder-maze when he is at the top. 3L dig-R and step over him and 2D. He
will fall left. Dig 1-3&5 in the diagram above to get to the DR quickly.
Regroup when he falls in.
Go to the ladder maze next.
For the final bit you need a flowing move to take out everything.
H3
12XXH
X4 H
$567H
89HH
aH
edcHX-
Dig 1-8 and then re-dig 3. Dig 9 and R-D-2L and dig a. You have just enough
time to dig over the gold with 1-2-b and fall in and then c-e and you can
walk over the enemy and also the stairs that have appeared.
4-29. LEVEL 29
h
h
~ ~ ~ ~~ ~ h
h
HXXX-XXX-XXXXX-XX -XX-XH
HXXX-XXX-XXXXX-XX -XX-XH
HX XX X X vX**** H
HX XX X X vX**** H
HX v v $ $ H
HX v v $ $ H
HX XXXXXXXXv XXX***** H
HX XXXXXXXXv XXX***** H
HX v $ H
HX v $ H
HXXXXv XXXXXXX****** H
HXXXXv XXXXXXX****** H
HX v $ $ H
HX v $ $ H
HX XXXXXXXXX******* H
HX XXXXXXXXX******* H
HX $ H
HX $ H
H XXXXXXXX******** H
H XXXXXXXX******** H
H $ H
H $ H
H $ &~ H
H $ & H
X&HH HH
X&HH HH
************************
OK, I didn't actually solve this, but I know how to in principle. And I had
Subway for lunch, too, and even while I was trying to solve this ~2AM, so you
can trust me. You need to align all the enemies IN ORDER so that you can walk
left across them. A lot is random here so just work from left to right and
try to dig when the previous guy falls onto the ground(well, the far left can
move 1L first.) You will want to pause a split-second before jumping on the
last enemy as that usually nets you the UR gold. I have no qualms about
playing and resaving states here. It's most important to get the DL gold.
Because the next time through you only have to put enemies in the 3 UR
squares. Dump all spare enemies(except one) in the UL square for later. Oh,
pick up any spare gold lying around.
HXXX-12X-3XXXX-45 XX-6H
Now for the fun part. Put the block 1R1D of the rope at the bottom. Get
everyone into the UL, except one guy. On top of them, dig L, 1R, dig R. Fall
right twice and dig left. When the final monster falls through the false
brick chute to the left, dig right. Go left and dig a hole for him and be
sure to leave space for another left hole. Dig right, at the concrete edge,
too. Fall right just as the enemy is about to fall. You should be able to
walk over them and over the block. Tap dance on the final enemy's head as he
goes left, so you get the final gold.. Get his gold and when he goes under
the ladder, MOTOR to the right. You'll be going a bit slowly but should be
able to push the block in the corner if you pushed off right when your guy
was going under the stairs(save games, again.) An enemy may be coming down.
If so you can stand 1/2 rung up to confuse him back UL so you can get out of
this mess.
4-30. LEVEL 30
h
h
~ ~ h X
h X
XX-*XHXXXXX XHXH*- HX
XX-*XHXXXXX XHXH*- HX
X* XHXXXXXHXXXH**X**XXH
X* XHXXXXXHXXXH**X**XXH
& H$XXvXXHX XH -XH
& H$XXvXXHX XH -XH
XX X -&H X H& XXXXXH
XX X -&H X H& XXXXXH
X$XXXXXXH XH XX XX$XH
X$XXXXXXH XH XX XX$XH
X$ ~ XXH*XH &$* X-H
X$ XXH*XH &$* X-H
vv & X$ *H HXX*$ X**
vv & X$ *H HXX*$ X**
X H* & H X*** *H
X H* & H X*** *H
XXv $ H h*H X $~& $HXX
XXv $ H h*H X $ & $HXX
&XH & XHXX X *H $
&XH & XHXX X *H $
$ HXX***H H*X** &H
$ HXX***H H*X** &H
$ H H H~~~~ *H~
$ H H H *H
XXvvXHXX $
XXvvXHXX $
************************
A typical frustrating-as-hell "what-has-we-learned-chidrens-no-we-hasn't-
quite-yet" final Lode Runner level. Which makes it enjoyable for all us
junkies. Fall into the pit above, dig right and fall in that, and loop around
back into the pit to trap the enemy there. Dig your way out as soon as he's
covered and head to the top to see where he regenerates--if he's in the UL,
he would have dropped in with his friend, which would be bad. If he
reappears, repeat the quick escape and reappearance. Otherwise, go to the
bottom bit, half off the ladder. When the enemy gets to the top ladder square
below, dig as follows. The enemy will fall into 2, and when he climbs out,
fall through 3 to trap him. Dig to get the gold above him.
H
H
HX
H X
1 $~#
HX2 X
H*3**
H~~~~
Pull the enemy from the upper right to make things easier later--same as
before really. Leave the enemy on either near stair to the left of the right
area. Now dig the entombed enemy out with a 2-1 dig, immediately digging left
after and falling right onto him. Hold left after you pass the gold on the
ledge (you can get it now but it's tricky timing) and you'll wind up pushing
the block 2L. Now you can dig the other enemy out of his pit to make a bridge
for you to fall back across!
To get the gold 1R of the block, dig 1, push the block left, and dig 2-3 to
get out. While on your way back up push the one block 2L.
H#
H X2
H *$
H13*
Push the blocks back as they were. You still need to get to the DR, though,
and for that you need the third enemy. In the upper pit, dig left over the
way out and dig right to bring the enemy into the pit. Push the block 2L
after you get out.
Now sucker the other enemy into the pit as before. Make sure the block does
not, uh, block his entry.
Take care of the upper right now.
X
H1
6**X2H
3H
XXX74H
XX$5H
X H
Dig 1. Wait 5 seconds. Dig 2 and then wait 1/2 second and dig 1. Then wait by
3 for 2 seconds, dig 3-4-5 and go up, dig 1 again, then 6 and 7. Fall through
for the gold and fall out.
Push the top block left then right to get out. Release the enemy from the
pit, sucker him to the top and then do the ladder trick to make him fall 1R
of the top block. Dig him out 2-1 as before, but don't dig left before
falling on him. On the sixth drop, push the DR block right. Now you can get
the gold and get out. Congratulations, you've finished the right side.
At the center rope, dig right and push the block below left and get back out.
There's a false brick above the one enemy and that means you need to be extra
careful about how you dig. You in fact have to time digs on two sides.
5H219X
8H43aX
H 76vX
b-#
Dig 1-4 and 5. Wait for 1 to heal and dig 6-8. 1-9-a are easy enough. Then
dig b and walk over the enemy to the ladder and up. You'll get the suspended
gold as you do. Be sure to run left as you're in the act of digging, but
don't run straight left.
The rest is due to that nice Nico Nico Douga video.
You will need to go back and push the block L to the edge for the next bit.
Run across the enemy and dig 2L and 1L of him, then dig right on him. Push
right when you fall, so you run over to the entrapped enemy. Dig 1U1L and 1L
of him. Fall right to get the suspended gold.
Now you need to bring the enemies over just enough. Save states are big here.
Dig 2R of the ladder, then note the time and dig 1L of that when you've lost
170 time units. Then fall right and get the gold--otherwise the guy in front
gets it--and come back. This is a tricky one. The enemies should be lined up
nearby.
Once you've done that (and it's better to dig too late than too soon--you can
just dig 2R, then 1R of the ladder as 2R heals) dig 1L of the ladder and go
right across the enemies, then up and push the block 1L. Push the UL block 1L
in this area, then dig 1R of the DL block so you can push it. Dig right on
the rope to outwit the enemy, then fall right when he sees you. Be sure to go
half-down the ladder so he follows and falls. Now get the UL gold.
Run right across the enemy (dig right on the rope and go right just as he is
above the ladder and jumps) and dig 1R and 1R1D of the upper right and then
dig right when above the enemy and dig left for the suspended gold. Now you
need to do that trick where you're just off to the side and can dig over two
squares instead of one.
Save states again. One more cat and mouse game where you need to move down to
the ladder base at the bottom. Here you can dig left from 2R of the ladder,
wait 180 units, and dig left again, running right. You only need to catch the
trailer. Do so, and a ladder appears to scoop you out.
End of FAQ proper
================================
5. VERSIONS
1.0.0 sent to GameFAQs 2/4/2010. Thanks to the Niko Niko Douga guy.
0.9.91 sent to GameFAQs 8/7/2006. I haven't solved anything but decided to
touch up maps, default high score list, monsters etc. Oh and I forgot
walkthroughs for levels 4 and 5 somehow.
0.9.9 sent to GameFAQs 6/24/2006, with everything done except nuisances on
levels 28 and 30 I don't want to worry about right now. I manage to be a step
too slow. It's a better FAQ than what was out there(i.e. nothing)
0.2.0 sent to GameFAQs 6/1/2006, basic outline done with level maps
6. CREDITS
CJayC for having GameFAQs. SBAllen for continuing it.
Thanks to the folks who made the MAME cheats so I could see where the end-of-
level ladders were. Those were a big hint in such a tough game.
For all the people I've gotten to know since the Apple version of this guide
came out. There are too many to list off the top of my head. Here's a partial
list: bloomer, Retro, falsehead, Snow Dragon, Masters, Sashanan, Brian
Sulpher, ZoopSoul, AdamL, War Doc(who sets the pace for arcade guides,)
lisanne and many others I'm sure.
