Just to make things a little more interesting, there are monsters that patrol many areas. The gun has no effect on these, so it's wise to avoid them as much as is possible. Alternatively, if there's a soft block on their route, you can shoot this. Once they're fallen down, you can run over their heads as they struggle to climb back up. There's also the option of detonating a bomb, which destroys every vulnerable object - including the eponymous Lode Runner - within a set vicinity.

There's more to Lode Runner 3D than that, but you should now have a general idea of how it plays. It's really not a bad game. Its puzzles become increasing devious as you progress, and the satisfaction of beating a particularly tricky level is great.

There are problems, though. Lode Runner 3D doesn't really need to be a stunning game to behold. For decent play to take place, its visuals need to be little more than functional and that they most assuredly are. It's just not the most attractive game you'll ever see. What is annoying is that, despite its spartan visuals, it still has a pretty dismal frame rate. It isn't jerky, but it's certainly not a smooth operator.

Repackaged adequately for the late '90s, Lode Runner 3D is hardly a defining moment for the N64. It is, however, a pleasantly addictive puzzle game. It won't appeal to everyone - the 'try before you buy' adage is one you should bear in mind - but those seeking a more measured, cerebral slice of gaming will enjoy it.

Of course, those who own a PC can download a million and one different versions of the original instead, but that's another story...