Spelunky 2 is the sequel to one of the most popular roguelites in history. Derek Yu and BlitWorks have added a lot to the original formula without falling into the trap of bloat.
Among other things, players will now be able to grab packs that provide passive bonuses (like power increases for your whip or a hover pack) and explore a second layer behind the main game screen for treasure, enemies, and secret passages. Mounts (like turkeys) will also be available for players to ride.
Gameplay
The gameplay in Spelunky 2 is incredibly satisfying. The game features snappy controls and animations, accompanied by meaty sound effects and a sense of weight to each movement. The world that the player traverses is constantly changing, and each environment is filled with unique enemies and traps.
The original game’s iconic Spider Trap plants can now be thwarted with momentum-halting webs; arrow traps can be thrown off of the player, killing them instantly; explosive robots can detonate a room full of dangerous ghouls; and more.
The world is also denser than the original, with branching paths, multi-layered levels and dynamic liquid physics to make the experience feel extra reactive and alive. Animal mounts, which let the player double-jump and float, are also added to the mix, including turkeys that can be tamed and ridden.
Graphics
The world of Spelunky 2 is denser than the original, allowing for more rooms and enemies. It carries the same charming art style that made the cult classic so famous, but it also adds a few touches. The worlds are more expressive, the characters are more expressive, and there are a few new animations to help make this game feel fresh.
The graphics look great, even on a small screen, and the character animations are smooth. Mossmouth has added a lot of visual polish to the original gameplay, but it still feels like Spelunky.
Derek Yu has posted a batch of screenshots for the upcoming roguelike, and they look fantastic. The screenshots show four environments: a traditional earthy cave, a lava-lit industrial zone, some sort of oceanic zone with Chinese temples, and a dimly lit jungle.
Environments
As with the first game, Spelunky 2 focuses on the core mechanics that made it great. It continues to provide players with a set of spatially significant subsystems that interact in highly emergent ways.
The game still takes place on the moon, and the player controls Ana Spelunky, the daughter of the original hero, as she descends into deathtrap-laden environments. While the gameplay remains the same, it adds many new ideas that expand the experience.
For example, the game introduces the idea of pets that can help increase the player’s health. Additionally, it teaches players about a steep learning curve, encouraging them to embrace the game’s difficulty and learn from their mistakes. This can be done by reading community guides and tips, which empower players to enhance their skills.
Mechanics
The gaming industry owes a lot to Derek Yu’s colorful cult hit. The original Spelunky helped popularize the roguelike genre, and it set the stage for the modern independent game development movement with its high-profile Xbox Live Arcade launch.
Unlike some other difficult 2D platformers that rely on elements like trial and error, muscle memory, or memorization, Spelunky’s difficulty is driven by improvisation and resource management. This unique brand of ruthless challenge is exceptionally satisfying to overcome and always feels fair.
The sequel expands on the original’s mechanics by adding new items that can be unlocked through runs. These include momentum-halting spiderwebs, a cloning gun that makes multiple copies of enemies, and more. Players can also find packs that give them passive bonuses such as a power pack that increases weapon handling abilities or a hover pack that allows players to hover indefinitely.
Final Words
The original SPELUNKY is a unique and clever game that sparked the roguelike genre, and its sequel manages to build upon this legacy with a huge adventure that can still be fun for players of all skill levels. It also offers new gamers a way to experience the excitement of finding and conquering something that feels familiar, yet entirely different.
The randomized challenges and item usage remain as strong in Spelunky 2 as ever. Those who have mastered the first game will find themselves battling with familiar enemies while attempting to master new hazards and traps.
And if the game feels too hard, a small team of modders have released a huge extension that transforms the game into a Metroidvania. The Wrath of Kali adds new zones, bosses, power-ups and shortcuts.
