# Gold Runner: Retro Dig & Climb — Classic Arcade Maze Platformer

> Classic Lode Runner style 2D platformer with modern controls and features. (iPhone/iPad app by Julien meyer.)

- Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gold-runner-retro-dig-and-climb/id373005957 (this page in markdown: same URL + `.md`)
- Developer: [Julien meyer](https://appshunter.io/developer/285361686)
- Category: Games, Entertainment, Action, Casual
- Price: Free with in-app purchases
- Rating: 4.27/5 from 15 App Store ratings · 9 written reviews indexed
- Age rating: 4+
- Requires: iOS 15.0 · 44 MB
- Languages: American English, Japanese
- Released: 2010-05-22
- Data updated: 2026-10-24
- Monetization: free with in-app purchases
- User reviews in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gold-runner-retro-dig-and-climb/id373005957/reviews.md

## What is Gold Runner?

Gold Runner is a fast-paced retro platformer in the spirit of the Lode Runner classics. Run, climb, hang from vines and dig holes to trap the robots hunting you down.

Grab every bag of gold on the level, snatch the bonus fruit and reach the exit before the timer runs out. Easy to pick up, hard to put down.

FEATURES
- 154 handcrafted levels, from first steps to real head-scratchers
- Level select: replay any stage you have already unlocked
- Remastered artwork on a full widescreen playfield
- Responsive on-screen d-pad with generous touch zones, plus a dedicated TNT button
- Teleporters, trampolines, bumpers, ladders and vines to master
- Custom levels for endless play
- Original soundtrack and arcade sound effects
- Plays offline, no account needed

Dig a hole, drop a robot into it, walk over its head. That is the whole game, and it never gets old.

## Key features

- Joystick-like controls
- Large landscape levels
- Custom levels for endless play
- Collect gold and bonus fruit
- Dig holes and trap enemies
- Touchscreen controls

## Pricing and in-app purchases

Base price: Free.

**One-time purchases**

| Purchase | Price | Type |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Remove Ads forever | $1.99 | one-time |


## Is Gold Runner safe?

Not enough ratings yet to assess Gold Runner.

## Is Gold Runner legit?

Gold Runner: Retro Dig & Climb appears to be a legitimate app. The AppsHunter Legitimacy Score for Gold Runner is 90 out of 100 points across 7 verification signals from App Store and developer data.

## Recent user reviews (9 of 9)

All indexed reviews: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/gold-runner-retro-dig-and-climb/id373005957/reviews.md

### 4/5 — Ads don’t stop

*2021-05-10*

I paid for the ads to be gone and they still show up. Very annoying!

**Developer response:** Thank you for the feedback, issue resolved let me know?

### 3/5 — Decent game

*2020-03-13*

However it’s weird it’s called android

**Developer response:** You know what, I named it Android before the famous phone OS name :) Back in 2003's.

### 1/5 — Disappointed

*2018-10-15*

Won’t stay open.

**Developer response:** It has been fixe, please update !

### 2/5 — Controls not very responsive

*2017-02-10*

I found the controls hard to use and the up/down arrows were no where near the left/right controls so really clunky to play. Fix the control placement and responsiveness and this could be a good game!

**Developer response:** New on screen joystick added, please update!

### 5/5 — Fun Game, Needs Controller Support

*2016-10-28*

I think this game is extremely fun. I used to play it on my Mac and it was great. However, the mobile controls were strange and uncomfortable. I think a new design or controller support would be a welcome addition to the game.

### 4/5 — Bien mais...

*2013-04-26*

Superbe réalisation mais on ne sait pas a quel niveau on est, on ne peut pas recommencer du début... On voit des Custom Levels mais on ne sait pas comment ils ont été crées... Dommage.

### 2/5 — Hmm

*2011-06-23*

Garbage.  Pay 2.99 for an app with ads in it, really?  Why not just make the game 3.99 instead of offering an in app purchase to remove them for an extra dollar. The controls are horrible as well.  If it wasn't for the retro Lode Runner theme this game would be worthless.

**Developer response:** Controls and pricing has been updated, enjoy!

### 3/5 — Wieso......?

*2010-05-26*

Hatte mich gefreut auf das Spiel aber leider hat dies schnell nach gelassen als ich due Steuerung gesehen habe!
Wieso ist die in alle Ecken vom iPhobe verstreut?????
Kann man nicht einen Knopf für die kompl. Steuerung machen?
Das trübt den Spielspass für mich, weil
man zu Anfang erst lernen muss, wo die Steuerung liegt.So und ich möchte das Spiel direkt Spielen ohne erst zu lernen, wo die Knöpfe für springen/hoch/links etc...gibt!Denn so muss man auch imner die Finger weg nehmen / gucken wo muss ich drücken und in der Zeit geht schon 1 Leben verloren. 
Daher  macht aus der verstreuten Steuerung bitte bitte 1 Knopf.
Ansonsten wäre es ein schönes Spiel, aber so macht es mir keinen Spass.

**Developer response:** Hello, the new version has a much revamped controls, let me know?

### 3/5 — Should have waited for a review...

*2010-05-23*

Custom levels... No level editor though... :(

**Developer response:** Thank you for your feedback! New version out there :)

## Frequently asked questions about Gold Runner

### What are the main gameplay mechanics in Android Best Lode Runner?

Players guide an android to collect gold bags while avoiding enemies. Gameplay involves running, climbing, hanging, and strategically using bombs to dig holes or trap foes.

### Does Android Best Lode Runner support offline play?

The description does not explicitly mention offline play capabilities. However, classic platformer games often function without an internet connection.

### What is the rating and age appropriateness for Android Best Lode Runner?

The game is rated 4.3 stars from 15 ratings and has an age rating of 4+, making it suitable for younger players and families.

### How often is Android Best Lode Runner updated?

The app was last updated on March 18, 2026, indicating a recent update. The version is 1.8.1.

### What devices can I play Android Best Lode Runner on?

Based on the provided data, the game is supported on iPhones. It is also available for Android devices.

### Does Android Best Lode Runner have ads?

Yes, the application contains advertisements. This is indicated by the 'hasAds' flag being true.

### What are the in-app purchase options in Android Best Lode Runner?

The game features in-app purchases, though specific details about what can be bought are not provided in the description.

### How does Android Best Lode Runner compare to the original Lode Runner?

This version is a remastered classic, featuring modern additions like joystick controls, custom levels, and landscape graphics, while retaining the core gameplay of collecting gold and avoiding enemies.

## Version history (last 5 releases)

### 1.8.9 — 2026-10-23

- The game is now available in Japanese
- New pixel-art app icon, straight from the game
- Stability improvements

### 1.8.8 — 2026-10-16

Privacy settings and fixes.

### 1.8.7 — 2026-10-09

Bug fixes and stability improvements.

### 1.8.6 — 2026-09-29

• Ads no longer appear during a level
• App-open ad only on launch or after a long break
• Compatibility with iOS 27
• Stability improvements

### 1.8.5 — 2026-09-07

• 154 levels: the 100 levels from the original PC game are back, with camera scrolling on large maps
• New paged level selection screen
• Redesigned help screen: the real items, readable on every screen
• Review request after a completed level
• Better spaced ads
• Fixes: camera, invisible wall on wide levels

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## More apps by Julien meyer

- [Alien Shooter - Metal Angel](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/alien-shooter-metal-angel/id287261924)
- [Grizzly 2D Bear Platformer](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/grizzly-2d-bear-platformer/id357410945)
- [ScanTicket: Receipt & Expense](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/scanticket-receipt-and-expense/id454155575)
- [Side Scroller Game: Barney](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/side-scroller-game-barney/id481853130)
- [Barney Adventures](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/barney-adventures/id502135523)

All apps by Julien meyer: https://appshunter.io/developer/285361686

## Related topics

[android best lode runner](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/android-best-lode-runner) · [load runner](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/load-runner) · [lode runner classic](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/lode-runner-classic) · [lode runner](https://appshunter.io/ios/topics/lode-runner)

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*Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-10-24.*