Don't think I will EVER 'finish' this game down to sheer lack of skill but holy heck what a joy ride. Truly satisfying discovering mechanics and unique interactions and feeling yourself 'get better' all the time. Has its share of cheap deaths and frustrating stretches, but really what game with this kind of procedural generation doesn't? Worth mentioning that the multiplayer co-op has been fantastic for connecting with family members that I can't see but I understand that many people still don't have access to this feature on PC which is really sad! Here's hoping it won't be too much longer. Co-op does make the game easier in some aspects but comes with its own caveats that makes it almost as dangerous as any solo run.

EDIT:
Edited to reflect the fact that as of (23/03/2021) I have actually "finished" the game solo. It's one of the hardest video game accomplishments I've made by a long shot - it did definitely feel like some runs were just terrible luck at work - but when the platforming really clicks and you get into the flow of the game it's pure magic. I've played maybe 70-80 hours in co-op and another 20-30 solo and I can see either having their own advantage but there's much to say about this game as a communal experience. Much of my progress was made in the company of friends, sharing what we'd discovered with each other or playing online in co-op and figuring out new worlds together and I think the deliberately opaque details of much of Spelunky really lends itself to that kind of discussion. An experience to treasure if you've got people around you who will enjoy it with you.

Reviewed on Dec 04, 2020


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