Bitmob Budget Games: Spelunky

Price: Free!
Where to Get It: Spelunkyworld.com

One part Metroidvania, one part Roguelike, Spelunky is a mind-bending little gem that takes the best bits of both sub-genres and creates an experience that serves as a “Greatest Hits” compilation of sorts.

Like any good platformer, the rules are simple: loot, dig, and bomb your way to freedom. Rescue some damsels in distress while you’re at it. As with its Roguelike compatriots, levels are randomly-generated and briskly-paced; they manage to hook you until you reach that fabled glass ceiling where you simply die horribly. And then you try again. And again. And again. Pretty soon it’s five in the morning, you need to leave for work, and you still haven’t reached treasure nirvana. 

Comments (2)

I'd like to second this. Spelunky is an amazing game, who's simple visuals and challenging game play combine to make a great experience. Derek Yu (the developer) plans on releasing the source code eventually, and I expect user-made content to make this game even better. Check back on it in a year or two.
Ben Haenni , November 09, 2009
It's still a pretty darn amazing game even at this point!

I'd also like to recommend La Mulana, another retro-styled platformer in the same vein as Spelunky:

http://lamulana.super-turbo.net/wiki/index.php5?title=Main_Page
Ryan A. Rubis , November 10, 2009

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