Spelunky 64 (Paul Koller) $2.99 USD
Game title: Spelunky 64
Game description: Spelunky64 features procedurally generated levels where your goal is to descend through a series of caverns and reach the treasure at the bottom, all while navigating traps, enemies, and environmental hazards. The game contains 16 levels that are divided into four distinct areas with each containing its own set of enemies and challenges. Each playthrough is different due to the random generation of levels. You initially have a set number of bombs and ropes that you can use to help you with your objective of reaching exits and treasures Collecting treasures is not a necessity within the game but it does help when you come across the in-game shop keeper allowing you to buy more ropes and bombs. You will also come across a maiden in distress. Guide her to the exit to obtain a sweet kiss and an extra life.
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Production - 87%
87%
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Fun - 68%
68%
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Depth - 82%
82%
Summary
I am not really a fan of Spelunky but it is difficult to deny that Spelunky 64 is a good conversion within the confines of a single load disk image. This remake is as good as it can be in my view and you can tell a lot of care and passion has gone into the overall production of the game as the graphics are appropriately organic looking and the in game SID track suits the game very well.
Getting the game mechanics to all work with a single joystick button was always going to be a challenge and even though some actions can be fiddly, it does somehow all come together. While many will say that having procedurely generated levels is a good thing from a replayability standpoint, I am always of the view that this comes at the cost of an optimal level design and, as a result, I didn’t find the levels themselves to be all that interesting to play.
Spelunky 64 succeeds in being all that it can be on the Commodore 64 and the conversion/demake has been well executed and is a welcome entry to the C64 game archives.
Overall
79%User Review
( votes)Pros
- High level of production values
- Lots of replayability
Cons
- Controls can be fiddly
- Level designs are not that interesting
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