Many Xbox 360 gamers were excited to learn that new Tozai/Southend games remake of the classic Lode Runner would be finally making its way to Xbox Live Arcade after a long wait; and in addition, it will be one of the feature titles in the Xbox Live Arcade Days of Summer promotion.

Perhaps the best news yet is that we have learned from our sources that it is now confirmed for release on April 22nd and it is expected to go for 1200 Microsoft Points. First developed by Douglas E. Smith for Br0derbund software in 1983, Lode Runner was an old school platform puzzle title that legions are made of. The first version of Lode Runner appeared on the Apple II, but was later converted to multiple systems, including the VIC-20, Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, Atari 8-bit series, Atari ST, PC, Mac, NES, Game Boy, Nintendo DS, as well as others.

While all of the platforms did not get the original Lode Runner, in many cases they received one of the many sequels that were spawned by the original that included Load Runner’s Rescue (which was the official sequel from the original) as well as Battle Lode Runner, Lode Runner: The Legend Returns, Lode Runner 2, and Load Runner Online: Mad Monks Revenge. Several arcade versions were also released, including Lode Runner: The Bungeling Strikes Back, Lode Runner: Majin No Fukkatsu, Lode Runner Teikoku Karano Dasshutsu, and Lode Runner: The Dig Fight.

Several attempts have been made to capture the magic over Lode Runner and bring it to the console world, including the Lode Runner 3D for the Nintendo 64, Battle Lode Runner, which became available on the Nintendo Wii by way of the Virtual Console, and, of course, who could forget the Cubic Lode Runner and Lode Runner 3D versions released for the Gamecube and PlayStation 2? Even the iPod got into the act with a version of Lode Runner by HudsonSoft.

The new version of Lode Runner for the Xbox 360 takes the franchise into a new direction with unique 3D graphics and lush backgrounds to play on, but captures the feel and puzzle quality of the original Lode Runner which made the game so popular. With 220 levels, 2 and 4 player co-op game modes that can be played locally or over Xbox Live, and five new game play modes, the latest version should provide a rich challenge for Lode Runner addicts.

Look for our exclusive upcoming interview with XBLA Lode Runner developer, Brett Ballow, as we get closer to the release of the new Lode Runner on Xbox Live Arcade.