Commence Snake-Hating

On the independent games front, I made an awesome discovery this morning when browsing various forums. The discovery, much like the ones you’ll make in this game, seemed totally random yet here it is: Spelunky!

The basic idea behind this is crossing a platformer’s mechanics with the level generation behind Rogue-likes such as Shiren the Wanderer or the Mysterious Dungeon games. What results is a wholly different experience every time you play, making this a very fun excursion to come back to even after playing for a while.

There are basic tools, such as bombs and ropes, as well as found objects: rocks, arrows spewed from trapped carvings, girls-in-need-of-rescue (more on that in a sec). There are also many random set-piece type things to find, such as said girl. Once you rescue her, you can carry the girl around to help her to the exit. However, I also discovered that she served as a mighty projectile, defeating bats and setting off traps for me in her invulnerable state. Yet, upon encountering the second level, my curiosity got the better of me. A beautiful golden idol sat on a pedestal… and in true treasure-seeking tradition, upon its removal a giant rock squished me into a pile of pixelated gore.

In any case, if you have a spare few moments of boredom, be sure to check it out!