Spelunky Classic 2008

Is it still worth playing?

Derek Yu's 2008 platformer, released as source available freeware for Windows. You control a spelunker exploring a series of caves, collecting treasure, saving damsels, fighting enemies and dodging traps. Those caves are procedurally generated, so each run is different. You can whip or jump on enemies, throw items at them or at traps, and use a limited supply of bombs and ropes. The caves fall into four areas of rising difficulty, each with its own items, enemies and terrain. The later ones also hold more valuable treasure and secrets, including artifacts with supernatural abilities that are often gained by secret means. One mistake can end it all: losing all your hearts or hitting an instant kill trap sends you back to the very beginning. Caves that change every run still have to be read as they come today.