Spelunky 2012

Is it still worth playing?

Derek Yu's platform roguelike, released as Windows freeware in 2008. You explore procedurally generated caves, collecting treasure, rescuing damsels, fighting enemies and avoiding traps, whipping or jumping on enemies, throwing items and spending limited bombs and ropes. There are four increasingly difficult areas, each with distinct enemies, terrain and items, and losing all your hearts or hitting an instant kill trap sends you back to the start. Rescued damsels restore health, treasure buys items in shops, and a ghost appears if you linger. Co op supports up to four players. It was among the first games to combine roguelike concepts with real time side scrolling platforming. Since every run generates new layouts, success depends on learning the game's rules rather than memorizing a route, and that still asks for attention today.