Spleunky expertly combines platforming, randomness, and incredible difficulty to create an exciting and compelling challenge for even the most hardcore gamer.

Concept

You play as the main character, known as the Spleunker. Your goal is to make it through caves of increasing difficulty, using your whip, rope, and wits to make it to the end of each level. However, like any true Roguelike, this game rewards exploration, and to get the full experience of Spleunky, you take your time, explore each stage and figure out a plan to win.

Spleunky is a roguelike game, adhering to some of the core tenants of the genre. It is challenging, has randomly generated levels, and death means a full restart. Its platforming is incredibly tricky, but it rarely feels unfair, allowing players actually to get good at the game. Even as Spleunky's elements are continually changing, each level comes with set procedures that you can learn to master.

Death can occur in a variety of ways, including taking too much damage from the game's many enemies (which include animals, Spleunker-eating plants, ghosts, and other monsters), or by hitting an instant-death trap. You can also collect in-game currency, which can be used at shops in exchange for powerful one-ups.

Graphics and Audio

There's no way around it: The graphics are adorable. It's an indie game, so you will not trick you into matching the sheer processing power of a triple-A title. The graphics and sound of Spleunky look and sound like what it is: An independently produced game that was developed in 2009.

However, Spleunky never places its emphasis on its graphics or audio. Both seek to enhance the overall experience and create a cave-like or jungle-like atmosphere. Both features are designed to get the job done, and that they do.

Gameplay

The random nature of the game encourages strategic playing. You do not charge into Spleunky the way you would a standard platformer. You have to think, ponder potential obstacles and move with caution. Ensuring that you never mindlessly play this gem. Like all excellent games, this one works for players who are more casual to those who are willing to invest dozens of hours in becoming great. Valuable jewels and other treasures that are studded throughout each level, and a truly great player will find them to unlock more achievements and bonuses. For those who are looking for an easier time in their video games, it's probably best if you look elsewhere, but then again, that is mainly true for the entire Roguelike genre - these games can be too frustrating.

Conclusion

Spleunky has been touted as one of the best examples of indie gaming, coming primarily from one designer, Derek Yu. The game was first released way back in 2009, and early versions came with a level editor, allowing for a ton of community engagement. As you would expect for a game this old, Spleunky is available on a slew of platforms, including Xbox and the PS4. In 2016 it was released for Steam. Thanks to its procedural generation and a wide array of content, no two runs of Spleunky are ever the same. Combine these features with local co-op, and you quickly learn that Spleunky's replay options are virtually endless.

TL/DR

Spleunky sparkles; it is endlessly engaging, challenges, rewarding and non-stop adventures, which combines the platforming and roguelike genres to create something unique.