Spelunky 2 (Switch eShop) Review

Sometimes it is difficult to decide what you want from a sequel to a beloved game. On the one hand, you want something fresh and new that develops and surpasses what came before. On the other hand, you want things to remain practically the same, because you liked what you already played. The sequels often go one way or another, but then there are rare cases like Spelunky 2 that manage to cross the line quite well.

This particular follow-up is both a ‘reinvention’ of its well-regarded predecessor and a sequel, managing to combine quite a few improvements and additions to the core formula without losing any of the original quality or charm. In short, it is a wonderful game and you would do well to learn it as soon as you can.

Spelunky 2 follows a very similar premise to the first game, although here you take on the role of Ana, the explorer’s daughter from the original. Some time after her adventurous parents disappeared on an exploration to the moon, Ana also travels to the moon and discovers ancient ruins not unlike the ones her parents triumphed in the past. Hoping her parents are still alive, Ana steps into the depths, ready to face whatever comes her way. Obviously, the plot doesn’t take much into account in a roguelite like this, and although games like Hades have shown that a strong narrative may works well with the boilerplate roguelite style, it’s nice that Spelunky 2 stays focused on the game first, just like the first game.

Similarly, Spelunky 2 follows almost exactly the same gameplay structure as its predecessor. Your goal is to simply get through a little over a dozen levels (at least at the beginning …), ideally collecting as much loot as you can along the way. Don’t explore enough and you’ll be at a disadvantage when faced with much tougher challenges than later levels present. Take too long to explore and you will be haunted by an almost inescapable ghost that will instantly end your run if it catches you. So there is a kind of anxious excitement that permeates any Spelunky 2 run, as you are constantly in that precarious position of weighing the risks against the benefits. Is it worth spending your money at the store now or waiting until next time and hoping the items are better? Are you trying to snatch that idol out of an obvious trap or overlook it?

All of these decisions are relatively small in the bigger picture, but each of those decisions is much more important because of the stakes. Spelunky 2 is not kind to the player. Even compared to its predecessor, who was famous for its difficulty in punishing, this is a to mean game to deal with. A single small mistake or miscalculation can cause your character to die instantly, leaving you to ruminate on your failures as you watch 30 minutes of effort instantly melt away.

Sometimes it’s not even your fault. That new enemy you’ve never seen before? Turns out it can kill you in one hit, and you learn it by watching it happen. Spelunky 2 is absolutely a hold on or shut up type of game; learn to play by their rules or you will simply never get anywhere.

And yet it is the gradual understanding of these rules by the player that makes Spelunky 2 so addictive. The progress is so small that it is hardly noticeable, but each race teaches you more about the general mechanics and how to manipulate things to your advantage. Then all of a sudden you have a moment of clarity when you realize how quickly you’ve just traversed a level that was insurmountable for you just an hour ago. More importantly, races end so quickly and restart so easily that you can’t help but try to go one more time to test a new theory on how to approach an obstacle or enemy. The whole game is a massive sandbox that almost begs you to discover its secrets, and there are so many of them that you are almost certain to find something new every time.

This focus on deepening understanding of the rules is what really sets Spelunky 2 apart from the true mountain from other roguelites that have emerged in the years since its predecessor’s release. This is no a game about “winning” in the same sense as most games. Interestingly, it feels like a rare example of a game that is simply about “playing”. Yes, there are technically endings if you overcome enough challenges. Sure, there is a list of in-game achievements to check off.

But Spelunky 2 is more about the path it takes to get to the conclusion. A path that has to be retreaded a hundred times, yet feels equal parts familiar and different each time. It’s hard to pin down exactly what this loop in which Spelunky 2 succeeds where so many other roguelites fail, but suffice to say, it’s the kind of thing you want to experience blindly. Don’t look for guides or tutorials to help you uncover the subtlest secrets here; you’ll be stealing the fundamental appeal of the entire experience. Just take in everything as it happens, let yourself be frustrated and surprised.

For those of you who prefer to play multiplayer, you will be pleased to know that the options are a bit more solid this time around. You can still play co-op with up to three other friends, and deathmatch is always an option if you’re craving some competition. Co-op is as chaotic as ever, while competitive multiplayer has received a boost with better overall map layouts and more options for customizing matches. Also, you can play online if you don’t have friends nearby, although we didn’t get a chance to test this feature. Spelunky 2 will always feel like a single player game first, but it’s nice to see that the developers haven’t forgotten about those who want to play with a friend.

Just like in the gameplay department, the presentation of Spelunky 2 is simply aimed at improving and polishing what was mostly already there. The animations are still stiff and the sprites are still basic, but the environments are detailed enough that they feel appropriately atmospheric. Most importantly, all important on-screen elements contrast nicely with static objects in the environment or background, which greatly aids readability when quick reactions are needed.

conclusion

Spelunky 2 is a masterclass in great roguelite game design, expertly combining crushing difficulty with a constant drip of new secrets and lessons to keep you coming back for more. Some may be put off by the steep challenge, this is certainly a game where you have to work a bit, but putting in the effort is sure to reward you with many exciting memories. We’d give this game a high recommendation for any roguelite or challenging platformer fanatic, and even if that doesn’t describe you, it’s worth checking out.