Summary

Release Year: 2012
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Platform
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Xbox 360
Developers: BlitWorks
Publishers: Microsoft Studios, Mossmouth

Spelunky (2012): A Roguelike-Like Masterpiece

Spelunky is a roguelike-like platformer video game created by Derek Yu and released in 2012. It is a remake of Spelunky (now known as Spelunky Classic), an open source indie platformer video game created by Yu and originally released as freeware for Microsoft Windows in 2008.

The player controls a spelunker who explores a series of caves while collecting treasure, saving damsels, fighting enemies and dodging traps. The caves are procedurally generated, making each run through the game unique.

Spelunky is one of the first examples of a roguelike-like, borrowing concepts from the roguelike genre, such as permadeath, procedurally generated levels, and turn-based combat. However, Spelunky is more accessible than traditional roguelikes, with simpler controls and shorter levels. This makes it a great introduction to the roguelike genre for newcomers.

Spelunky has been praised for its challenging but fair gameplay, its charming pixel art graphics, and its addictive nature. It has been cited as an influence on many later roguelike-like games, such as The Binding of Isaac and Rogue Legacy.

Gameplay

Spelunky is a 2D platformer game with roguelike elements. The player controls a spelunker who explores a series of caves while collecting treasure, saving damsels, fighting enemies and dodging traps. The caves are procedurally generated, meaning that they are created randomly each time the player starts a new game. This makes each run through the game unique.

The spelunker can use a variety of tools to help him explore the caves, including a whip, a shotgun, and bombs. He can also use ropes to climb walls and swing across gaps.

The caves are filled with a variety of enemies, including bats, spiders, snakes, and ghosts. The spelunker must use his wits and skills to defeat these enemies and avoid their attacks.

In addition to enemies, the caves are also filled with a variety of traps, such as spikes, boulders, and arrows. The spelunker must be careful to avoid these traps, or he will lose health or even die.

The spelunker’s goal is to reach the end of the caves and find the exit. However, this is no easy task. The caves are filled with challenges, and the spelunker will likely die many times before he finally reaches his goal.

Permadeath

One of the defining features of Spelunky is its permadeath mechanic. This means that if the spelunker dies, he loses all of his progress and must start the game over from the beginning.

Permadeath can be frustrating, but it also adds to the game’s challenge and excitement. It forces the player to be careful and to make every move count.

Procedurally Generated Levels

Another defining feature of Spelunky is its procedurally generated levels. This means that the caves are created randomly each time the player starts a new game. This makes each run through the game unique.

Procedural generation adds to the game’s replayability. Even if the player has played through the game many times, he will never experience the same cave twice.

Turn-Based Combat

Spelunky’s combat is turn-based. This means that the player and the enemies take turns attacking each other. This gives the player time to think about his next move and to plan his strategy.

Turn-based combat can be more strategic than real-time combat. It allows the player to take his time and to make the best possible decisions.

Graphics and Sound

Spelunky’s pixel art graphics are charming and retro. The game’s world is full of detail and personality.

The game’s sound effects and music are also top-notch. The sound effects are realistic and immersive, and the music is catchy and atmospheric.

Conclusion

Spelunky is a masterpiece of game design. It is a challenging but fair, addictive and replayable roguelike-like platformer. If you are a fan of roguelikes, platformers, or simply great games, then you need to check out Spelunky.

Additional Information

Spelunky was developed by Derek Yu and BlitWorks.
The game was released on August 4, 2012 for Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 3, PlayStation Vita, and Xbox 360.
A sequel, Spelunky 2, was released in 2019.
Spelunky has been praised by critics and players alike. It has been cited as one of the best indie games of all time.

External Links

Review Score

9/10

Publisher: Mossmouth

Spelunky (2012)