Spelunky is a 2D platformer that allows players to explore caves and tunnels.
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Story & Themes
Spelunky puts players into the role of the spelunker, an adventurer who has found a magical cavern and wishes to collect its treasures. The cavern's magic provides the basis for the game's roguelike gameplay. Players will die fairly easily and often as they attempt to navigate each area, and every time the level restarts, the environment changes. The goal of the game is to survive as long as possible, progressing far enough to traverse all four "themes": groups of levels with common items and enemies that will steadily increase in difficulty. To help with their journey, players can unlock items like bombs and guns as well as characters like "Tunnel Man." Also, if players are having a particularly challenging experience and would like some help, Spelunky offers local co-op support to take some of the pressure off.
Save Points
The game will save certain progress, such as any shortcuts created and journal entries found, but otherwise the game restarts every time you die or quit playing.
Difficulty
Spelunky is notably tricky, but players will not need to continuously replay the same levels when they lose lives. However, repeated failure could prove frustrating to some players.
Heads Up!
Violence The spelunker attacks various enemies with his whip or, occasionally, bombs. When the whip strikes, a small amount of blood flies into the air.
Discrimination The spelunker rescues "damsels in distress" throughout the cavern. However, the damsel can be unlocked as a playable character, at which point the player will begin rescuing occasional spelunkers instead.
Conversation Starters
- Spelunky's gameplay can be fairly unforgiving. What motivates you to keep playing? Do you use the same perseverance techniques for other things (such as schoolwork)?
- Do you like playing as a damsel in distress? How do you feel about the fact that you start rescuing spelunkers instead?
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