[snoopeasystreet]

I fell asleep at the keyboard last night playing the new Pyro update in TF2, and had a dream that, like last year when MS leaked some of the Summer of Arcade games early and I was able to buy and download From Dust a week early, I think, they leaked Spelunky out and I downloaded it and it was nice. I'm such a nerd.

Sounds like a wet dream.

[Dark Octave]

Looks great. So how does it work? Do you have a main goal/treasure you are searching for? Is there a required number of treasure you need to collect in each stage? Collect as much as you can in a time limit?

[Sciz]

Looks great. So how does it work? Do you have a main goal/treasure you are searching for? Is there a required number of treasure you need to collect in each stage? Collect as much as you can in a time limit?

The main goal is ultimately to reach the end. You can blow straight through each level if you want, but that means you're going to miss out on tons of loot, which consists of useful gear, straight up treasure, and a few other goodies.* Collecting treasure increases your money, which doubles as your score. You can spend it at a shop, or hang onto it for a better final score. Hanging around on any one level for too long triggers an invincible ghost to chase you, though, so you have to strike a balance between greed and speed. The timer is reasonably long and you're warned before it's up, but it's often a good idea to track down the exit before doing too much looting.


*The other catch to being hasty is that there are very many ways to die and very few ways to gain health.

[B00TE]

I can't wait to play this with my friends. Day one for sure. Making everyone who's gonna be over to play it at least try the original so they know what to expect. :p

[Cranzor]

Thanks for the compliments on the thread guys. It's my first official thread so I'm glad it turned out okay.

Just 6 more days!

[War Machine]

To ya'll that are asking questions about the game:

Download the freeware version! It is for Windows but I think that someone ported it to Mac, search Google

[hillsighed]

Man, this game took awhile to come out. Outstanding original post, lots of great information in there. Going to dig into that Verge article as soon as I get off work.

I'm really excited about this, I absolutely love the original version. A little disappointed the multiplayer isn't online, though.

[marrec]

So... is it like Binding of Isaac but as a platformer?

What kind of items are we talking about?

[NZNova]

I'd love for him to port the enhanced version back to PC, I'd buy that for sure.

[Dog Problems]

I'd love for him to port the enhanced version back to PC, I'd buy that for sure.

He hinted at that being very likely to happen.

[bjork]

I'm working on the 4th, but the first day off I have after that, this is totally bought. Can't wait.

[Soulstar]

It's nice to know it's coming out and so soon! I kind of lost track of this game basically because I simply I knew that when it did come out I would buy it and enjoy every moment of it.

[Cranzor]

So... is it like Binding of Isaac but as a platformer? What kind of items are we talking about?

I'd say that's a good comparison. When you die, you have to restart with nothing but more knowledge. As far as items go, there are guns that can kill enemies from a range, a cape that doesn't allow you to take fall damage when used, a jetpack that makes navigating levels much easier, climbing gloves that let you climb walls, a mattock that can destroy walls and floors, and a lot more. Those (and more) are all just in the freeware version, which I recommend checking out if you're not sure if you'll like the XBLA version. The XBLA version will have even more items with different attributes.

[rohlfinator]

So... anyone here beat the PC version? Not counting the City of Gold.

I've finished it two or three times. I got pretty good at killing the shopkeepers with bombs, which can get you a jetpack and shotgun pretty early on, which helps out a ton. The jetpack makes the final two areas and the boss so much easier.

[Jenks]

Reminds me of "Ive got a loverly bunch of coconuts".

[SAB CA]

A New Interview with Derek Yu, "Don't be Fooled by Spelunky XBLA's Quiet Launch"

my goal was to create something that people could enjoy years after its release. I feel like we accomplished that, so I'm happy!

Gives some insight into the nature of this versions updates, why we haven't seen much marketing for the game, and the kind of influence Spelunky has had, for all those people wondering "Why are some so excited about this game?!?"

[KTallguy]

So... is it like Binding of Isaac but as a platformer? What kind of items are we talking about?

It's kind of like Isaac's platformer cousin, but no skill modifiers, just various items and destructible environments.

I LOVE the PC VERSON!!!! I want this... :(

[Cranzor]

A New Interview with Derek Yu, "Don't be Fooled by Spelunky XBLA's Quiet Launch"

I'll add that to the first post, thanks. I'm very excited to see how much more deep it is and how many more secrets there actually are.

[PiLON]

A New Interview with Derek Yu

I don't understand what they are saying about multiplayer. No online, really? Seems pointless to me but I'll give it a try when I can.

[SAB CA]

I'll add that to the first post, thanks. I'm very excited to see how much more deep it is and how many more secrets there actually are.

NP:) It'll be great to see how much more has been added since PC.

I don't understand what they are saying about multiplayer. No online, really? Seems pointless to me but I'll give it a try when I can.

Years from now, the online multiplayer wouldn't serve any purpose. When an online community dies on an arcade game, those features might as well have never existed.

However, I can still grab my 2 closest nearby friends, pull out the SNES / Saturn, and play Multitap Bomberman, years after the games have come and gone. (Our local anime con has Saturn Bomberman as the main multiplaer game every year, displayed on a huge projector...) I'm glad to see someone admit that for once... I find it pretty sad when online multiplayer is added to arcade games, with no respect for offline, when you KNOW the online lifespan is potentially very small for such niche games. Great when you have map-creation and multiplater-focused bonus content with it (like Capcom's Age of Booty), not so great when you ignore the offline side, just to cram online into the game (Outland's online exclusive Co-Op.)

It's pretty similiar to what happened with Skullgirls; online play isn't an easy slap-in to a game, and when you have limited resources, it's even harder to justify. SG's started with online being a major priority, and even they only seem to have 1 network guy. And he couldn't get in every feature they wanted (spectator lobbies!), by the time the game released. (Even now, after release, getting in network features is much harder for them than, say, fleshing out the training mode, and patching the gameplay.)

Spelunky here didn't even have a network guy, and the programming guy they have seemed like it was hard enough to code the complex interactions of objects for the game itself, into their new engine. Online would have presented a whole new set of problems. It could have very well have changed the feel of the controls offline, even, in an attempt to give moves enough buffer time for smooth online play.

So far, I think they easily made the right choice. Solid offline multiplayer is much better than half-baked online multiplayer, or none at all. It'd be nice to see it patched in (once the game has made some money, like around the time of PC release), or even added as a paid DLC mode, but that's normally unlikely.

[Night_Trekker]

I've been addicted to the PC version of Spelunky for the past few weeks. And I couldn't have told you after 5 hours of play if it was actually a good game.

Yeah, it's a great game. Thank goodness for that tunnel guy, though.

[normalmode]

Some footage I uploaded from the review version.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahB7auOLCNI

http://youtu.be/TqjWAQkPU8U

[PiLON]

Years from now, the online multiplayer wouldn't serve any purpose. When an online community dies on an arcade game, those features might as well have never existed. However, I can still grab my 2 closest nearby friends, pull out the SNES / Saturn, and play Multitap Bomberman, years after the games have come and gone. (Our local anime con has Saturn Bomberman as the main multiplaer game every year, displayed on a huge projector...) I'm glad to see someone admit that for once... I find it pretty sad when online multiplayer is added to arcade games, with no respect for offline, when you KNOW the online lifespan is potentially very small for such niche games. Great when you have map-creation and multiplater-focused bonus content with it (like Capcom's Age of Booty), not so great when you ignore the offline side, just to cram online into the game (Outland's online exclusive Co-Op.) It's pretty similiar to what happened with Skullgirls; online play isn't an easy slap-in to a game, and when you have limited resources, it's even harder to justify. SG's started with online being a major priority, and even they only seem to have 1 network guy. And he couldn't get in every feature they wanted (spectator lobbies!), by the time the game released. (Even now, after release, getting in network features is much harder for them than, say, fleshing out the training mode, and patching the gameplay.) Spelunky here didn't even have a network guy, and the programming guy they have seemed like it was hard enough to code the complex interactions of objects for the game itself, into their new engine. Online would have presented a whole new set of problems. It could have very well have changed the feel of the controls offline, even, in an attempt to give moves enough buffer time for smooth online play. So far, I think they easily made the right choice. Solid offline multiplayer is much better than half-baked online multiplayer, or none at all. It'd be nice to see it patched in (once the game has made some money, like around the time of PC release), or even added as a paid DLC mode, but that's normally unlikely.

I agree with everything you said and with the restrictions they had I'm sure they made the right choice. As a consumer though, I would like to see online although I know that might be asking too much. It is still a day one purchase for me and I will use the local multiplayer when I can. I am happy just to get the game at all and I don't want to seem demanding. On the other hand, I would have taken the game sooner with no multiplayer if I had to choose.

[beanman25]

Really digging this version thus far. Controls work perfectly.

[War Machine]

It might have been hard to make online multiplayer work with all the random elements

[Daigoro]

Yu needs to pull a Fish and insult a large swath of the gaming population to get some attention on this games release. this is way too quiet a launch.

SPELUNKY!

[Shurs]

Years from now, the online multiplayer wouldn't serve any purpose. When an online community dies on an arcade game, those features might as well have never existed. However, I can still grab my 2 closest nearby friends, pull out the SNES / Saturn, and play Multitap Bomberman, years after the games have come and gone. (Our local anime con has Saturn Bomberman as the main multiplaer game every year, displayed on a huge projector...) I'm glad to see someone admit that for once... I find it pretty sad when online multiplayer is added to arcade games, with no respect for offline, when you KNOW the online lifespan is potentially very small for such niche games. Great when you have map-creation and multiplater-focused bonus content with it (like Capcom's Age of Booty), not so great when you ignore the offline side, just to cram online into the game (Outland's online exclusive Co-Op.) It's pretty similiar to what happened with Skullgirls; online play isn't an easy slap-in to a game, and when you have limited resources, it's even harder to justify. SG's started with online being a major priority, and even they only seem to have 1 network guy. And he couldn't get in every feature they wanted (spectator lobbies!), by the time the game released. (Even now, after release, getting in network features is much harder for them than, say, fleshing out the training mode, and patching the gameplay.) Spelunky here didn't even have a network guy, and the programming guy they have seemed like it was hard enough to code the complex interactions of objects for the game itself, into their new engine. Online would have presented a whole new set of problems. It could have very well have changed the feel of the controls offline, even, in an attempt to give moves enough buffer time for smooth online play. So far, I think they easily made the right choice. Solid offline multiplayer is much better than half-baked online multiplayer, or none at all. It'd be nice to see it patched in (once the game has made some money, like around the time of PC release), or even added as a paid DLC mode, but that's normally unlikely.

I wish it would have had both online and offline multiplayer.

[SAB CA]

Some footage I uploaded from the review version. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahB7auOLCNI http://youtu.be/TqjWAQkPU8U

Hey, thanks for these! I've listened to the soundtrack sample for ages now, and it's nice to see how things fit into the actual game. The sound effects also are very well done, and I love the attention to detail to things (such as dust kicking up after landing from a far drop, or the "going deeper" sound used when going into doors.)

Yu made the comment that he wanted to go for that "Mario level of Polish" in the Polygon / Verge Article, and this game seems to be one that's really trying not to take any element for granted.

Really digging this version thus far. Controls work perfectly.

Looking very good in that reguard. So glad this game is avoiding all the pitfalls that could come from a "quick and dirty port", it's more like this version is the "real" retail version of Spelunky, rather than just a cash-in port of the freeware version.

It might have been hard to make online multiplayer work with all the random elements

Yeah, I could have imagine all the shortcuts that could have been taken, if they wanted to shoehorn in online multi:

- Character must stay on same screen.
- Maps are no longer random. There's a set stage path for online multi.
- No Co-Op, just a versus mode.
- Crappy netcode. It'd have online, but it wouldn't work well enough to actually PLAY anyway...
- Bad De-sync issues, crappy lobbies, horrible desynchs...

It could have been a mess.

I agree with everything you said and with the restrictions they had I'm sure they made the right choice. As a consumer though, I would like to see online although I know that might be asking too much. It is still a day one purchase for me and I will use the local multiplayer when I can. I am happy just to get the game at all and I don't want to seem demanding. On the other hand, I would have taken the game sooner with no multiplayer if I had to choose.

I wish it would have had both online and offline multiplayer.

It would have been nice, but I have to admit... I've gotten really tired of sloppy online multi this gen. Much more so than getting tired of games I wish had online, not having it (like the Scott Pilgrim game, for example).

My pro-consumer side prefers polish MUCH more than bulleted feature list. It's something Nintendo continues to focus on, when making their games. They get so many elements of their games so solid, so all-around, that they have an undeniable quality that exceeds many others.

I'm glad Yu & Co. seems to have headed in that direction. Seems perfect, given the inspirations.

[taoofjord]

Can't wait to finally get my hands on this! :)

[B00TE]

Some footage I uploaded from the review version. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahB7auOLCNI http://youtu.be/TqjWAQkPU8U

Thanks for these, I was able to get a few more people interested after showing them your videos. And now to listen to their pain as they try out the PC version!

[Gexecuter]

Spelunky is one of my most anticipated releases of 2012, played so much of free version is not even funny. Next week is gonna be sweet.

Some footage I uploaded from the review version. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ahB7auOLCNI http://youtu.be/TqjWAQkPU8U

Seems like damsels have less health than in the original, seems like i won't be able to use them as a trap defuser and human missile anymore :(
Also the shop music is great.

[Archon473]

He made it look more cutesy, and changed the music... *palms face*

[Teknopathetic]

"He made it look more cutesy, and changed the music... *palms face*"

Are we pretending the original isn't cutesy or something? Looks pretty much the same style, just obviously significantly more detailed compared to the very low-res sprites of the original.

[Archon473]

This version seems bright and welcoming. The freeware version was not foreboding by any means, but you had to heed its warnings. Honestly, it might be that the music set the right mood for me and changing it is taking me away from how I associate with the game. The colors do seem brighter. The trailer looked like birthday cake and candles were exploding everywhere.

[War Machine]

Live stream of XBLA Spelunky: http://www.twitch.tv/xblafans

[B00TE]

Live stream of XBLA Spelunky: http://www.twitch.tv/xblafans

Thanks for posting this. I haven't been able to stop watching this. Watching other people play it has been way more entertaining than I thought it would be!

[Daigoro]

i really cant wait to get my hands on this game.

come on Wednesday morning!

anyone know how big the download is?

[War Machine]

i really cant wait to get my hands on this game. come on Wednesday morning! anyone know how big the download is?

It's almost 160MB

[JPBrowncoat]

Played some of the PC version. Can't wait.

[bon]

Live stream of XBLA Spelunky: http://www.twitch.tv/xblafans

Wow, the new music is cool.

[Daigoro]

sweet Indy gif.

cant wait to see that on Bluray.

It's almost 160MB

oooh nice. tiny. ill be up and playing in no time.

[rohlfinator]

Live stream of XBLA Spelunky: http://www.twitch.tv/xblafans

Is it a bit faster than the original, or is it just me?

[brettchalupa]

As of now, yes. I am not positive that it is permanently exclusive so maybe it could come to other platforms later. I don't think Derek Yu has commented on it.

When asked about Spelunky coming to PC, Derek said, "In all likelihood, yeah."

Not really a confirmation or definite information, but for the sake of sales and the kind of developer Derek is, I would say Spelunky is coming to PC (as would Derek).

[rpmurphy]

When asked about Spelunky coming to PC, Derek said, "In all likelihood, yeah." Not really a confirmation or definite information, but for the sake of sales and the kind of developer Derek is, I would say Spelunky is coming to PC (as would Derek).

Well, even if the new game doesn't come to PC, the original PC game is still a blast to play. Hopefully the XBLA game will be a big hit!

[War Machine]

The game is definitely faster, and it's coming to PC, but they have to keep giving those non-committal answers because of the XBLA exclusivity window

[Cranzor]

When asked about Spelunky coming to PC, Derek said, "In all likelihood, yeah." Not really a confirmation or definite information, but for the sake of sales and the kind of developer Derek is, I would say Spelunky is coming to PC (as would Derek).

Yeah, I saw someone posted that earlier. Sorry about that. I wasn't sure if he commented on it. I hope it comes to PC eventually. It seems like most indie games end up doing better on PC than XBLA.

[brettchalupa]

Didn't see that is was posted, sorry if I missed it!

I think the reason a lot of indie games do better on PC is because they are able to reach a wider audience. That's the most obvious, but support Mac and Linux drives some more sales which I am sure is always nice.

[beanman25]

I'll post some gameplay this afternoon. Really bad at this, but absolutely love it.

[beanman25]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8vFFMudjXk


Here ya go guys!


Sorry for not being too good at the game! haha

[Alo81]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y8vFFMudjXk Here ya go guys! Sorry for not being too good at the game! haha

God daaaamn that music