(oneliner:: A spelunker jumps through deadly, procedurally-generated caves.)
Developer:: Mossmouth Publisher:: Mossmouth Release Date:: 2008-12-21 Hours:: 44
I think Spelunky the game that caused action roguelikes to explode over the 2010s. It applies ideas from turn-based roguelikes, like procedural level generation, costly death, and a rich palette of object interactions, and fits them into a zippy 2D platformer. It’s a tough but rewarding challenge (you will die a lot and might never beat it), with more mass appeal than its text-based ancestors and more depth than the memorize-and-recite platformers common on the NES and SNES. To be honest, it’s also a better game than a lot of the stuff it inspired. Hand-crafted game spaces will always have a place in the media landscape, but Spelunky proved random levels can work with real-time action.
Spelunky 2, its 2020 sequel, is basically an enhancement/expansion pack that is a bit tougher. For most people I would recommend starting with the Spelunky HD version. You could also try the crunchy-pixel Spelunky Classic.
This entry reflects the original Windows version for historical interest. The HD version of Spelunky is also available on Xbox 360, PlayStation 3, PS Vita, PlayStation 4, and Switch.