Classic 8-bit platformer Spelunker was remade and given the co-op treatment as Spelunker HD back in the PlayStation 3 days. Because that version of Spelunker HD can't be played on today's consoles, another remake makes perfect sense. Thus, ININ and Tozai Games have just released Spelunker HD Deluxe on PlayStation 4/5 and Nintendo Switch. Will today's gamers be able to survive Spelunker's awesome challenge?
Spelunker HD Deluxe is an ultra-tough platformer in which one or more players explore a dangerous cave in search of treasure. If that sounds a lot like Spelunky, it should! Spelunker was a major inspiration for Spelunky. However, Spelunker HD Deluxe shies away from modernizing its mechanics and game design, so this is a distinctly old-school experience. Falling from more than half the height of your character will kill you, which takes a lot of getting used to! In fact, pretty much everything will kill the player here, so make sure you're ready for a challenge.
Just like in the PlayStation 3 version of Spelunker HD, players can choose from 3D or 2D graphics when starting a game. The 3D graphics aren't very fancy, but they get the job done. The 2D graphics resemble those of the NES Spelunky but in widescreen. It's a cool look and it actually makes jumps easier to measure.
Features:
Explore the expansive cave by fighting and jumping your way through 100 stages in the Adventure Mode. Compete with your friends to become the best cave explorer in the Competition Mode! 100 super-difficult, challenging stages for the real cave exploring experts await you in the Championship Mode. In the game mode Endless Cave NEO, players can see how far they get in deep, endless, randomly-generated cavesAll four of Spelunker HD Deluxe's modes support 4-player local or 6-player online multiplayer. Whether playing locally or online, multiplayer games always show everyone's views via split-screen. The only exception is the new Endless Cave NEO mode, in which all players share the same screen. The screen auto-scrolls in this mode, so the team must rush to keep up and avoid getting scrolled off into oblivion.
Spelunker HD Deluxe sells for $24.99 on PlayStation 4/5 and Switch. Strictly Limited Games also offers physical versions for higher prices. If you're ready for a tough, old-school platformer, and especially if you have a friend or three to play with, Spelunker HD Deluxe is a safe buy. We'll be back with a full review soon!