Retro fans, rejoice! The multiple award winning classic side-scroller platform game Lode Runner has found its way into the list of exclusive titles for Sony Ericsson’s flagship gaming smartphone, the Xperia™ PLAY. With the smartphone giant’s recent announcement of their new relationship with Tozai Games, it’s expanding its burgeoning portfolio of over 150 optimized titles and collaboration with other big-name gaming industry players such as EA and Gameloft.

Ola Lilja Molén, Vice President of Sony Ericsson’s Marketing Department for the Asia Pacific Region, shared his enthusiasm about the new relationship.

“Xperia™ PLAY is a unique Android smartphone that sets a new standard in mobile gameplay and we are committed to bringing more exclusive content to the device. Lode Runner is a franchise with great resonance in the gaming community, so we are particularly looking forward to bringing this brand new and exclusive version to Xperia™ PLAY.”

Co-Founder of Tozai Games, Scott K. Tsumura, also expressed his confidence in the hardware and ergonomics of the Xperia™ PLAY: “We’re delighted to be launching Lode Runner X on Xperia™ PLAY – The smartphone’s performance and physical controls add a great new dimension to this title. “

Designated “Lode Runner X”, this particular variant of Lode Runner is a modern revamp that stays faithful to its side-scrolling, platform-esque roots, complemented with vibrant, 3D graphics. The game is reminiscent of the likes of Contra and the Mario games of the 80s, compacting action with strategy and a variety of power-ups. The objective of the game is simple. Players are tasked with collecting gold in territories occupied by hostile entities that of course, want you dead. Fortunately, you are outfitted with weapons and abilities that ease the pressure from being constantly pursued by the intractably homicidal creatures.

The most interesting aspect of the game however, lies with its level editor tool.

One of the first games to be released with a level editor, players have been able to fabricate stages to their hearts content since 1983, and level creators are known to heavily bolster the replay value of games. With this feature appearing most recently in the version developed for the Xbox LIVE Arcade, there is a good chance you will see its presence in the exclusively developed Lode Runner X for the Xperia™ PLAY.

With other exclusives such as Minecraft literally in their pockets (and FIFA 12 has been recently announced as an Android exclusive for the smartphone), Sony Ericsson is going the distance to ensure that Xperia™ Play owners have a huge “Lode” of fun at their disposal!