Spelunky

 PC
User Score
7.4

Mixed or average reviews- based on 590 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 384 out of 590
  2. Mixed: 97 out of 590
  3. Negative: 109 out of 590

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  1. moooo9898
    Jul 4, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spelunky is a game that requires an innumerable amount of skill. The challenges are nearly impossible to achieve, and require an immense amount of time to achieve. Needless to say these challenges will give you that great feeling of achievement afterward. The levels are randomized well, so the experience is rarely the same. There will be times that you get to skip levels, and times you will be challenged. There are many different items, an interesting shop (which u can even steal from), and multiple ways to beat the game. Overall this is a great, simple, challenging game that I'd recommend to anyone looking for a cheap and fun time.… Expand
  2. Chocoboom
    Aug 2, 2016
    10
    Buy it. Spelunky is very punishing, but the incredibly precise controls make sure that it is almost never the games fault that you died, but yours. Also you can defeat a boss with a eggplant.
  3. aditya1101
    Oct 11, 2017
    8
    Really cool game, and one of the best games developed by a single person (and one of the first in the recent deluge of indie games, if memory serves). A lot of the bad reviews are probably due to the difficulty, but I think this game is super rewarding if you put enough time into it.
  4. vodkaffee
    Sep 21, 2019
    10
    Probably my favorite game ever, literally infinite replayability,mechanics are super fun and solid AF, the perfect combination of platformer and roguelike
  5. GolovA
    Dec 9, 2014
    10
    Youcan either Love this game or Hate this game. Well, i LOVE it! Impossible to explain all the fun and frustration your are going to have with this game :D until you actually try it. So basically, think old-school-no-save-one-life to finish the whole game scheme! :D Yep! But there are a ton of such games floating around; what make Spelunky different, is sheer fun! And the physicsYoucan either Love this game or Hate this game. Well, i LOVE it! Impossible to explain all the fun and frustration your are going to have with this game :D until you actually try it. So basically, think old-school-no-save-one-life to finish the whole game scheme! :D Yep! But there are a ton of such games floating around; what make Spelunky different, is sheer fun! And the physics and logic in the game. It all makes sense. Did i mention you can play with up to 4 players!? Oh boy so fun it is! LOVE IT!… Expand
  6. Sinsmi
    Jul 15, 2014
    10
    Screw the haters, this game is amazing, and if you rage quit it's you, NOT the game. With 200+ hours on it, I can firmly say that some is random, but skill means you can adapt to anything (no that arrow trap was not "unavoidable" just whip it). It takes a ridiculously long time to get good at the game, so if you don't learn to accept the (likely hundreds) of times you die before beating itScrew the haters, this game is amazing, and if you rage quit it's you, NOT the game. With 200+ hours on it, I can firmly say that some is random, but skill means you can adapt to anything (no that arrow trap was not "unavoidable" just whip it). It takes a ridiculously long time to get good at the game, so if you don't learn to accept the (likely hundreds) of times you die before beating it ONCE, you will hate this game.… Expand
  7. lach1223
    Dec 29, 2013
    9
    Really great game. Although difficult, Spelunky keeps you coming back thanks to the addicting gameplay and randomly generated levels. It has that "just one more try" addictiveness. The visual design is excellent and the music is really catchy. The game's humour is also great with some of the captions of the journal. The character models are also quite funny, especially that of the shopReally great game. Although difficult, Spelunky keeps you coming back thanks to the addicting gameplay and randomly generated levels. It has that "just one more try" addictiveness. The visual design is excellent and the music is really catchy. The game's humour is also great with some of the captions of the journal. The character models are also quite funny, especially that of the shop keeper, and the way he behaves after you steal from his shop is really cool! My one complaint is that the multiplayer is pretty weak. The deathmatch game mode is a bit ridiculous and I was disappointed to find that co-op is only local, not online. Otherwise, a really great game.… Expand
  8. Slipper
    Jan 12, 2014
    9
    Very cute and entertaining game. If you like cartoonish graphics this is game for you. I know that i love. Random generating levels and some times very hard to play. Yes "you " will die a lot , but remember this is only a game. It has to be funny and challenging. For the low price you get a lot of fun.
  9. GingerWalrus
    Aug 29, 2013
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This game is INCREDIBLY difficult and can be extremely frustrating, but that doesn't, even for a second, stop it from being an amazing addictive all round brilliant game that I would recommend to anyone (well at least anyone without a temper lol)… Expand
  10. y2bcrazy
    Aug 19, 2013
    10
    I've played spelunky at it's original state, then the version on Xbox 360 and now on PC. No matter the platform, the game keeps evolving. As a 2D platformer it is excellent and is a must have in your "platformer collection". The game has many level types, enemies, obstacles and atmospheres. Every play-through feels and is different and you can hardly get tired of it. It's one of thoseI've played spelunky at it's original state, then the version on Xbox 360 and now on PC. No matter the platform, the game keeps evolving. As a 2D platformer it is excellent and is a must have in your "platformer collection". The game has many level types, enemies, obstacles and atmospheres. Every play-through feels and is different and you can hardly get tired of it. It's one of those games that you always want to beat your record.… Expand
  11. Jasterrr
    Aug 18, 2013
    10
    For everyone who loves 2D platformers this is must play. Nice controls, randomly generated levels, bunch of secrets, challenging etc. Just play it already!
  12. Billick
    Oct 29, 2013
    10
    Spelunky is a brilliant combination of tough platforming an roguelike elements. With randomly generated levels, loads of obstacles, enemies, and loot, the game provides nigh infinite replay value. The amount of depth this game has is absolutely staggering for a platformer.

    Fair warning: this game is tough. You will die a lot, especially when you start out. However, the vast    Spelunky is a brilliant combination of tough platforming an roguelike elements. With randomly generated levels, loads of obstacles, enemies, and loot, the game provides nigh infinite replay value. The amount of depth this game has is absolutely staggering for a platformer.

    Fair warning: this game is tough. You will die a lot, especially when you start out. However, the vast majority of people giving this negative reviews are just suffering from bruised egos. Rest assured, if you die in this game, it's because you made a mistake. The more you play though, the fewer mistakes you will make. Eventually you will be avoiding deaths you would have previously thought "unfair".

    After countless hours of playing the original freeware version, and now the much-improved HD version, Spelunky is the one game in my collection that I keep coming back to again and again. In short Spelunky is a masterpiece, and one the best platformers of all time.    … Expand
  13. ArcticFox789
    Aug 9, 2013
    9
    A really fun little game, with simple mechanics and nice graphics, Spelunky isn't a game to get you hooked for hours, but it's on of the best time-wasters around, especially when you find yourself with an hour to kill. Not everyone will find it to their taste, however, as it can be tricky in parts. In short, a fun, nice little game, but nothing ground-breaking or enchanting.
  14. Czeska
    Oct 30, 2013
    9
    A great roguelike-like with a competitive daily scoreboard system. A huge amount of replayability can be found in this title for fans of skill based, real-time roguelike-likes.

    The game has a steep learning curve but it offers a checkpoint system for the more casual player, making it easily possible to train your techniques for certain areas of the game. Scores on the worldwide    A great roguelike-like with a competitive daily scoreboard system. A huge amount of replayability can be found in this title for fans of skill based, real-time roguelike-likes.

    The game has a steep learning curve but it offers a checkpoint system for the more casual player, making it easily possible to train your techniques for certain areas of the game. Scores on the worldwide leader-board are only saved, if one started the game from stage 1.

    The state of art is consistent throughout the game, nothing jumps the eye in displeasure while going though the numerous areas and their different themes. Character assets and animations are detailed and sometimes really cute. The music is a mix of remixed retro songs from the original game and original works. Multiple varying songs for each stage present in the game fit the themes but are exceptional enough to be recognized even hours after gaming. One gets literally blasted away by the soundtrack entering a new stage.

    The default keyboard controls are a bit clunky. It is advised to change them or get a gamepad to maximize the enjoyment out of the title. The controls itself feel natural for a platformer, granting a solid mix between momentum and full character control.    … Expand
  15. Piscaso
    Aug 11, 2013
    9
    I had a lot of fun with this game when it was the original free version. And now it has better graphics, animations, levels, levels that will never be the same
  16. Jacethegamerman
    Aug 12, 2013
    9
    Best game i've played for awhile and i'll probably keep playing it because it has infinite amount of content because the maps are randomly generated i recommend it so much love this game this game is fast fun and its permadeath (YOLO) Platformer (Retro)

    If you don't trust me take nerdcubed advice:    Best game i've played for awhile and i'll probably keep playing it because it has infinite amount of content because the maps are randomly generated i recommend it so much love this game this game is fast fun and its permadeath (YOLO) Platformer (Retro)

    If you don't trust me take nerdcubed advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QAiHzZX7Iio&feature=c4-overview&list=UUKab3hYnOoTZZbEUQBMx-ww
    dont worry its not a virus    … Expand
  17. MikeZillaGames
    Sep 8, 2013
    8
    Great puzzle platformer with some procedurally generated "rogue like" content and gameplay. Ensures that each new game you start feels fresh, and will likely toss something unexpected your way.

    Beware the difficulty of this title, though. The difficulty curve tends to be a bit sporadic with some levels feeling tougher than others. Spelunky is not a game about long term progression, but    Great puzzle platformer with some procedurally generated "rogue like" content and gameplay. Ensures that each new game you start feels fresh, and will likely toss something unexpected your way.

    Beware the difficulty of this title, though. The difficulty curve tends to be a bit sporadic with some levels feeling tougher than others. Spelunky is not a game about long term progression, but rather minute-by-minute gameplay and improving between games. Characters that die, die for good forcing you to start over with nothing other than your personal experience intact. Because the game randomizes pretty much everything when you start a new game, the game does a fairly good job of making you feel that urge of "just playing one more run" before you quit.

    Can quickly become addicting, and if you love games with rogue-like elements you might definitely want to check it out.

    The "Classic" version which was created years ago for PC remains free to play...and although it's polish is nowhere near the HD version, it's still a good demo for experiencing the gameplay before you decide to buy.    … Expand
  18. ChimeraBullets
    Aug 9, 2013
    9
    Spelunky is a game that die hard gamers who want a challenge are looking for. I played the original on the PC and I was actually hesitant to buy the remake of it because I questioned how much was added for the new version. I was very pleasantly surprised by what I got. First of all the game has been remade from the ground up. The controls are tighter, the graphics are better and theseSpelunky is a game that die hard gamers who want a challenge are looking for. I played the original on the PC and I was actually hesitant to buy the remake of it because I questioned how much was added for the new version. I was very pleasantly surprised by what I got. First of all the game has been remade from the ground up. The controls are tighter, the graphics are better and these things put together make the game much more fun to play. On top of that there is the added coop and deathmatch modes (which are local multiplayer modes) that are extremely fun to play with friends. There is also the addition of tons of new playable characters including DLC characters released on the xbox, new levels, and new enemies. Overall if you're looking for a punishing yet rewarding game with incredible replay value, look no further.… Expand
  19. nonameforme
    Apr 10, 2017
    8
    Edit 2017: They update the game to include 'pro' UI which minimize most icon and number to very top of the scene and not blocking the view anymore. They also improve map generator so you can finish the level without any item (99.99% of the time)
    (+2 score from 6)
    trying to be; A game of perfecting your ability as gamer. In fact: **** UI block a quarter of screen and the developer    Edit 2017: They update the game to include 'pro' UI which minimize most icon and number to very top of the scene and not blocking the view anymore. They also improve map generator so you can finish the level without any item (99.99% of the time)
    (+2 score from 6)

    trying to be;
    A game of perfecting your ability as gamer.

    In fact:
    **** UI block a quarter of screen and the developer did nothing, even people said it to their face.
    -Some chance that the map will be 'unadvanceable' without 3-4 bombs, such as spider-map. and ruin your run
    -Shopkeeper who will kill you because a monster detonated TNT near his shop. (it's code that all damage or bomb happen to his area are 'player doing' even it's the game coding problem).

    Still a enjoyable game if you lucky not get these 'bug'.    … Expand
  20. eternalsnows
    Aug 16, 2013
    8
    I'm having a ton of fun with Spelunky; it's definitely one of the most addictive games I've ever played. I really can't say enough good things about it! I love the art style: colorful levels, varied enemies, excellent animation, and quite possibly the cutest "damsel" to ever appear in any form of media at any point in history. The controls are really fluid and precise, although they doI'm having a ton of fun with Spelunky; it's definitely one of the most addictive games I've ever played. I really can't say enough good things about it! I love the art style: colorful levels, varied enemies, excellent animation, and quite possibly the cutest "damsel" to ever appear in any form of media at any point in history. The controls are really fluid and precise, although they do seem a bit touchy when you first get started. But once you get used to the ins and outs of jumping, running, etc., it all becomes second nature.

    I also love the "daily challenge." It's super fun to get a unique world every day that you truly only get one shot at and where that one shot really matters. It adds a whole new level of pressure to the already intense roguelike genre.

    This is sounding like 10 out of 10 material, right? Definitely! But there's one problem: I think Spelunky is just a bit too hard. Not much, mind you. It's just a hair on the side of unfair. I know that's partially the point, and it certainly is possible to practice and get better. But, unlike the Binding of Isaac, I'm finding that there really are very few character setups that "work." Isaac allows for tens if not hundreds of item combinations that can lead to victory in most circumstances. As far as I can tell after about 15 hours, Spelunky basically requires you to have a jetpack and a shotgun if you want to have a chance. I know: I'm new and no doubt I'm missing a few things. That being said, I'm just not seeing a lot of paths to success. It's frustrating. No matter my skill level, the first 6 or so levels end up being a repetitious struggle to get the right gear, and that's not fun.

    Anyway, in my estimation Spelunky is on the cusp of perfection. If only it was just a tiny bit more balanced. Maybe a difficultly select option would be the best solution: new players like me could go with "normal" and get an extra life or more health. Then there'd be "hardcore" mode: "The true Spelunky starts here."    … Expand
  21. Tem4ik
    Dec 20, 2013
    9
    This is Game best arcade 2013. Good HUD, Gameplay, and Graphics!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  22. samdy1
    Jan 3, 2014
    9
    In my first few days of owning Spelunky, I've played it for 15 hours. This game does not get repetitive thanks to level feelings and one thing that I really like is that you get a shortcut to the next level when you are ready for the next level. The shortcut system, along with the whole game, was thought up by a genius!
  23. jhoughto123
    Jan 11, 2014
    10
    You will die a lot in Spelunky, when you die you lose any items and gold you have and start all the way back at the start, but one thing you do keep is the knowledge you learnt from this attempt. That knowledge builds up over multiple attempts and before you know it, you as a player have improved. Your character is not getting stronger by leveling up, you are getting better at the gameYou will die a lot in Spelunky, when you die you lose any items and gold you have and start all the way back at the start, but one thing you do keep is the knowledge you learnt from this attempt. That knowledge builds up over multiple attempts and before you know it, you as a player have improved. Your character is not getting stronger by leveling up, you are getting better at the game with each failed attempt. You learn what hazards to avoid, how best to deal with certain enemies, what items will benefit your character most and what secrets are hidden away. You will master the controls, and when you do the are incredibly tight.

    You will look back, remembering when reaching the Jungle in one piece was once an accomplishment, when now taking any damage before reaching there would be considered a bad run. You will look forward, trying to get that bit further than your previous run, promising yourself 'just one more run'.

    After hours upon hours of playing, you may eventually reach the boss, and die miserably. You will try and try again, it took me 370 overall attempts, but when you kill him, you feel a sense of achievement greater than any game can deliver, knowing you finally conquered this incredibly difficult, but still fair and incredibly well designed game.    … Expand
  24. tuto193
    Mar 26, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Spelunky

    A very difficult platformer with roguelike elements, based on "La Mulana" and "Net-Hack", this game provides procedurally (random) generated set of levels each time a new "adventure" is started, and permanent death (no checkpoints between levels, means that the player starts from 0 each adventure). The lack of forgiveness, the amount of dangers, the replay value and the (very) steep learning curve, make this game the go-to choice for any fan of platform games.

    From the beginning of the game the player is presented with a tutorial that explains the few, yet deep, mechanics of the game. The player is given a set of basic abilities like Jumping, Running, Whipping, Throwing/placing Bombs (because ALL THE LEVELS ARE FULLY DESTRUCTIBLE) and Ropes, and Crawling. All of these abilities have basic purposes in the survival of the player, and most of them can be modified with the help of other items throughout the whole game. Some dangers are shown to the player as well, which can be very varied, although initially only bats and snakes are introduced (shop keepers are shown as well, but most players choose to ignore them). Other dangers like traps (triggered by Indiana Jones-like idols)
    and spikes that sit there waiting for the player to fall into them. It is worth noticing that even though the player is given a certain amount of health and some particular ways of recovering it (tedious ones), some enemies and traps can easily one-shot the player into oblivion.

    When the player embarks on a real adventure, he/she will have to survive through 16 different levels to be able to finish the game, although there is an extension of 4 secret levels more that has to be achieved through the game’s hardest means. In total, there are at least 20 “normal” levels, other 5 (very) secret ones that are well hidden, and 7+ “level feelings” that are well scattered that make every single adventure unique.

    The levels are set in 4 floors per level and 4 levels per set of levels, and each set of levels has its own theme; there are the mines, the jungle, the ice caves and the temple initially. Each level starts at the top floor, where the player is put to the task of surviving the descent to the bottom of the level, and arriving to the exit ALIVE. The starting health of the overall adventure is 4 hp (health points), and the damage done by “small” enemies is 1, arrow traps and giant spiders hit for 2 hp, being crushed by a block/enemy or falling into a spike trap = instant death, falling into lava = instant death, exploding a bomb too close to you is 5 hp less. Let’s just say that it is easier to die than it is to live, since the main source of recovering health, is to bring the “damsel” located… somewhere in the level to the exit, going to the exit, and then transition to this next level, the player will be granted 1+ health. It is worth saying as well that there is ONLY 1 damsel per level, and that damsel will give ONLY 1 health to the player.
    “Yet another stupid death” (YASD) is a very common phrase that can be heard between players to explain how the run went.
    Despite survival being the main topic throughout the levels, on level 16, there is one of the only boss fights in the game, where the player is not tasked only by surviving, but by killing/defeating one of the only obstacles left in the game; OLMEC, a giant head (made of gold) that jumps towards the player in attempts to crush him/her to the death. It can only be defeated by making him fall into the lava that lies 12-16 layers of blocks under, and can only be achieved by bombing your way down, or making him crush (by tethering him) layer after layer of blocks to the bottom of the pit… AND… Making it to the exit alive.

    If the player wants a bigger challenge (like surviving is not enough of a challenge), collecting treasure like gold and gems is the only way of building your way up the leaderboards. There is treasure (lots) in each of the levels, but if you take too much time in a level (more than 2 minutes and 30 seconds) a ghost will appear, and will slowly approach the player. It is safe to say that if she (yes, SHE) touches you, you will die instantly.

    With this much variety and level of difficulty, Spelunky is a game that has to be experienced first, then learn, and if you are lucky enough, master it at the end (although even the best “Spelunkers” out there can end up dying on the first level). Only 2.3% of the 20,000+ players that have bought the game have been able to beat the game “The Hard Way”. It is a challenge indeed.

    Do not let the colorful cartoony images or the very calm and adventurous soundtrack that plays lie to you. Spelunky is a very difficult and FUN game that everyone should be picking up right now, because it deserves the attention and hate and love that the community gives it.

    Spelunky is hard, but fair; frustrating, but rewarding; hated, but extremely fun; limiting, but free; full of secrets, but all in plain sight.    … Expand
  25. kdamica
    Sep 14, 2013
    8
    Spelunky has great controls, excellent procedural design, and plenty of variety. You will die over and over again, but you will be laughing.

    The game doesn't have a huge amount of replay value despite how fun it is for a while. Later levels like the Temple and the Mothership are so difficult that I was drained of any desire to keep reaching them after a few times. Overall, though,    Spelunky has great controls, excellent procedural design, and plenty of variety. You will die over and over again, but you will be laughing.

    The game doesn't have a huge amount of replay value despite how fun it is for a while. Later levels like the Temple and the Mothership are so difficult that I was drained of any desire to keep reaching them after a few times.

    Overall, though, well worth playing.    … Expand
  26. LosingStreak
    Sep 11, 2013
    9
    A superb platformer with rogue-like elements. Behind the cutesy graphics lies a world of randomly-generated levels filled with deadly traps, weapons, monsters, and treasures. You will die more times than you can count; but the game has a strange way of making you come back for more.

    Highly recommended if you're a fan of platformers, roguelikes, or challenging games.
  27. mega_coffee
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    Perhaps this game's only flaw is that the learning curve is so steep right off the bat that many players won't soldier on for long enough to experience its genius. I urge you to stick with it, because it is absolutely worth it.
  28. Silentcontrol
    Sep 17, 2013
    9
    This game is very good, a bit frustrating but just because it's a fair challenge. I really love the graphics, the inertia, fells really good playing on a gamepad or on the keyboard. One of my best purchases of this year at full price. No regrets at all.
    Some days it can get on your nerves but it's so rewarding. i think the best part of this game is watching other people failing at it
  29. CoffeeGuy22
    Oct 21, 2013
    9
    It's so good, probably the best 2D platformer you could buy, everyone who says this game involves no skill are wrong they just generally suck at video games and rage quited.
  30. TheCyberTronn
    Nov 23, 2013
    8
    I find Spelunky to be a brilliant game. When the concept first began on Game Maker, I thought it was amazing. At the time, I was very into Game Maker so it seemed absolutely amazing. It still is. The latest remake is the same thing, just more polished. I am a huge fan of Rogue-likes and so it feels comfortable for me. Others who don't enjoy Rogue-likes would not enjoy Spelunky. Simple as.I find Spelunky to be a brilliant game. When the concept first began on Game Maker, I thought it was amazing. At the time, I was very into Game Maker so it seemed absolutely amazing. It still is. The latest remake is the same thing, just more polished. I am a huge fan of Rogue-likes and so it feels comfortable for me. Others who don't enjoy Rogue-likes would not enjoy Spelunky. Simple as. I love the graphics style because it's not too "Look at me, I'm really sexy!" and no where near "I'm bringing 8-Bit back". On that topic, the 8-Bit market has become over-saturated and its not good at the moment.

    The levels can be a bit hard and the permadeath situations are really not nice. The music gets on my nerves a little but I can turn it off so I don't mind. It does, however, crash when I tab out. Every time.

    It looks like I've given a good score to a game that has lots of flaws. And I have. But that's only because I enjoyed the game play immensely. It is a very fun game and I can overlook those flaws. Games are about the gameplay, not the graphics style or the choice of soundtrack. If a game is good then it deserves a high score.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best PC Game of 2013
73
#73 Most Discussed PC Game of 2013
44
#44 Most Shared PC Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 9 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 0 out of 9
  1. Ragequit.gr
    Oct 23, 2014
    95
    Excellent randomly generated level design and very high difficulty. There is no doubt that Spelunky is one of the greatest 2D roguelike platforms ever created.
    Read full review
  2. Games.cz
    Sep 30, 2013
    80
    Spelunky is a great fun, but when it goes down, the fun is gone and your eye goes neurotic. Still, it ranks among the best recent platformers.
    Read full review
  3. Riot Pixels
    Sep 19, 2013
    80
    A few years ago, Spelunky was a unique phenomenon. Now, when its ideas have been adopted and improved upon by Super House of the Dead Ninjas, Binding of Isaac, and Rogue Legacy, this remake is simply first among equals.
    Read full review
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