The VIC-20 version of Lode Runner was one of the initial releases from Broderbund in 1983.

Actually, from what I can tell, Broderbund released the Apple II, Atari 8-bit, Commodore 64, VIC-20 – and a rare PC boot version – simultaneously in 1983, although author Doug Smith did develop the game on the Apple II at first.

This VIC-20 version of Lode Runner – co-authored by Mike Wise – is perfectly playable, if a little ‘expanded’ graphically, although it is by no means the worst-looking version of Lode Runner available (I’d have to hand that ‘award’ to the Atari Lynx version, or maybe the monochrome Atari 800 version).

One interesting thing to note about the VIC-20 version of Lode Runner is that it was seen as good enough – back in 1983 – to get a cartridge release on the VIC-20, which was a pretty rare occurence. So someone high up obviously saw potential in the game. I did read, though, that the VIC-20 cartridge version had less levels than the cassette load version of Lode Runner, because of memory limitations with the cartridges (8K, I think they were). Fascinating stuff. 😉

More: Lode Runner on Wikipedia

Load Runner versions on The King of Grabs:
Apple II, VIC-20, Atari 800, Commodore 64, Arcade, Nintendo Entertainment System, ZX Spectrum, BBC Micro, MSX, Atari ST, Amstrad CPC, Atari Lynx.