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[Tapejara]

GAME INFO

Release date: March 19th 2015 (Japan), November 11th, 2015 (NA)
Price: Free!
Platforms: PS4 (NA and Japan), PS Vita (Japan only)
Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix, Tozai Games

WHAT IS SPELUNKER?

Spelunker is a franchise dating back to the 80's. Originally developed by Tim Martin for arcades and Irem for NES, Spelunker has become a bit of a cult hit. The series is known for its difficulty, wherein hazards aren't always obvious and death comes from a single hit - there's a reason the Spelunker is known as the world's weakest explorer. Taking the role of the Spelunker, players explore a mysterious cave filled with ghosts, strange creatures, environmental hazards and untold treasure.

In 2009, Spelunker received an HD re-imagining for the PlayStation 3 titled Spelunker HD. This entry in the franchise introduced six player online co-op, all with shiny next-gen graphics - though players could choose to use the original NES art style. A sequel, Spelunker Black, was released on PSN shortly after; however the game has been delisted from PSN and is no longer available.

Spelunker has made cameos in other games as well. Those familiar with 3D Dot Game Heroes may recall the Spelunker difficulty mode, wherein dying in one hit results in a game over.

Spelunker World was originally revealed by Square Enix and Irem in early 2015, as a free-to-play sequel to Spelunker HD. The story of Spelunker World is as follows:

There was once a Spelunker who dared to brave the caverns of the world despite his frail body. After discovering the location of a cave which held legendary treasure, he equipped himself for whatever might lie ahead and journeyed within. Alas, he never returned…
Ten years have passed…
Now, you are an amateur Spelunker! Follow in the footsteps of your father who disappeared 10 years ago as you head out on your first real spelunking adventure. Find your father and the legendary treasure!

In essence, Spelunker World is a free-to-play sidescrolling platformer. The game supports up to six players online, and the more players you have with you the better the rewards (and make it significantly easier). Being a free-to-play game, there are microtransactions in the form of Moon Gems (these are detailed down below). Overall, the microtransactions aren't too intrusive, allowing you to play without restrictions.

Players can collect lithograph pieces which are used to unlock gear. A variation on the collectible picture pieces from Spelunker HD, collecting sets of lithograph pieces will unlock a piece of gear that can raise certain stats or give you unique abilities. Common and rare items typically come in sets of four, super rare items in sets of nine, and so fourth. The more people you play with, the higher your drop rate for rare items.

You can also earn items by using the Dig feature. Giving your dog candies, cakes or Moon Gems will have him run off into a cave in search of treasure. You can choose to dig once or ten times in a single Digging session. Your dog may find upgrade materials, new outfit pieces - or even a pet for you to take into the caves with you!

Exploring the cave will prove challenging, as there are many tricks and traps awaiting the Spelunker. Everything will try to kill you; pits, boulders, ghosts, strange creatures, and even a rival.

FEATURES

• Six player online co-op
• Cameo costumes from various Square Enix franchises, as well as some non SE franchises
• Full character customization
• 75 challenging stages and three cave types to explore

Just Cause's Rico Rodriguez in Spelunker World

MICROSTRANSACTIONS

Spelunker World is supplemented with microtransactions, which come in the form of Moon Gems. The good thing is that the monetization model isn't intrusive nor necessary to progress through the game. Players can purchase Moon Gems, which act as an in-game currency. If the player runs out of lives or doesn't have anyone around to revive them, Moon Gems can be used to purchase a continue. Moon Gems can also be used to buy candies, which you give to your pet dog so he can dig up buried treasure.

The good news is that Moon Mems are plentiful enough that you won't have to worry about spending them on continues. You'll likely gather them through completing challenges, daily login bonuses, or by completing levels with other players. If you want a piece of gear, chances are you'll need to spend some money and hope the RNG gods are feeling nice.

LAUNCH BONUS

As a bonus for playing the game from now until November 25th at 6:59pm PST, players will have the opporutinity to unlock two Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris outfits. These items are unlocked either through collecting lithograph pieces, or by using the Digging to search for items.

As well, players will also get bonus "cakes" which can be used for in-game rewards.

Spelunker World is giving out ten cakes as a North American launch bonus! All players who boot up Spelunker World will receive ten cakes from 11/11 12:00 until 12/2 23:59 (Pacific). With this special bonus, all players can experience Doggie Digging x 10 + Chance Bonus!

MEDIA

Spelunker World Launch Trailer

JOIN THE SPELUNKERGAF PSN COMMUNITY!

Looking for some fellow Spelunker fans? Send me a PM and I'll invite you to the SpelunkerGAF PSN community!

 

[toythatkills]

Is this game good? The gameplay videos look slow and shit.

How is the freemium aspect of it?

 

[Tapejara]

Is this game good? The gameplay videos look slow and shit.

How is the freemium aspect of it?

From what I've read the game can be completed without purchasing anything, and microtransactions are handled really well. I'm still waiting for the game to appear on the NA PlayStation Store so I can play it and see for myself.

 

[RM8]

I bought a PS3 for Spelunker HD. Is it time already for a PS4?

 

[Verder]

NOOOO

wait is this by the splunky guy? If so

NOOOOOO

Edit-its not. But can I get a splunky 2!!

 

[Kalor]

I had no idea this was getting an English release. I enjoyed the ten levels I played through and the microtransations seemed to be handled well based on what I can infer. I'll likely play this again now that it is in English.

 

[Camjo-Z]

Is this game good? The gameplay videos look slow and shit.

How is the freemium aspect of it?

It's good but Spelunker is a bit of a methodical game where you have to be very precise about your movements and actions. This version is definitiely easier and more forgiving than the other installments, and since it's free there's no reason not to check it out. The levels can all be played without spending a dime as well, no timers or limited lives or anything.

 

[toythatkills]

It's good but Spelunker is a bit of a methodical game where you have to be very precise about your movements and actions. This version is definitiely easier and more forgiving than the other installments, and since it's free there's no reason not to check it out. The levels can all be played without spending a dime as well, no timers or limited lives or anything.

So what do you buy?

 

[Tapejara]

The game just went live on the NA PS Store: https://store.playstation.com/#!/en...orld/cid=UP0082-CUSA03286_00-MINSPEZPS4NA0000

 

[Enter the Dragon Punch]

Japan only for Vita? The fuck Square

 

[Tizoc]

The game just went live on the NA PS Store: https://store.playstation.com/#!/en...orld/cid=UP0082-CUSA03286_00-MINSPEZPS4NA0000

Gonna dl it when I get home and hopefully remember to play through it to get the bonus stuff XP

 

[Camjo-Z]

So what do you buy?

IIRC you buy "moonstones" that you use to roll for better outfits and gear (some are purely cosmetic, others give you buffs that make the game easier or can be used to get extra treasures in the levels), expand your clothing box to hold more outfits, or be able to revive yourself in the middle of a level if you lose all your lives. Basically it's just Puzzle & Dragons style monetization applied to a platformer. These things can also be found as random drops in the game as well for people who don't want to pay.

 

[Arzehn]

Pleasant surprise, but sad they haven't brought the Vita version over as well... hopefully soon? Looking forward to playing in the future, hopefully OT won't be dead by then. These games are supposed to be pretty fun from what I've heard.

 

[Srey Plaughtered]

Tried it out for a while and it's surprisingly fun, especially online. Don't like how small the safe fall distance is, I died just by jumping most of the times.

 

[Zee-Row]

This game is fun as hell for a free to play!

 

[rainking187]

That's okay Square, I really didn't want a new game to play on my Vita anyways.

 

[Remk]

Did an american Vita insult SquareEnix's mom or something?

Localize this and Chaos Rings already!

 

[Oneself]

Fun and charming game, feels a lot like a Nintendo game. Too bad it's 30fps, it definitely shouldn't be.

But, hélas, the free to play / microtransaction is shit so I'll stick with the HD version (better anyways, and so is Spelunker BTW, just because you asked if it's the same game, no it's not).

 

[Gutss]

only got arthurs armor and a bird pet, do i rerroll this to get better items in the free 10 cake event guys?

 

[daydream]

vita version not coming over is hilarious, wtf square

 

[Ivan 3414]

So wait, this is a different game from Spelunky?

 

[Tizoc]

OP I would suggest updating the thread title so it would read Spelunker World (PS4)...
That way at least a few PS4GAFfers would know about it.

I played about an hour of it but on my US account first
Played later on my main account and got the bonuses, gonna aim to play through the next few days to earnt he remaining bonuses.

The game really requires you to not rush even though you got a timer at the top, but stages are short and restore points are close by to make it less tedious.

If anyone has an issue with the landing from jumps note that this has been the case in previous spelunker games. It may be strict but just don't rush and you'll be fine.

Bonus points for providing a pet though, that little fella is so cute <3

So wait, this is a different game from Spelunky?

Spelunky was inspired by this series.

 

[Fewr]

Looks good. I'll try it when I get home.

 

[Planet]

I wish they would recognize Europe exists. But I will go exactly as Tizoc did for now.

 

[jimboton]

Slightly OT, but I want to say that if Derek Yu ever announces Spelunky 2 I will alternate between shedding tears of joy and laughing ilke a madman for a prolonged period of time.

 

[sixteen-bit]

So wait, this is a different game from Spelunky?

Yeah. Spelunker is an OG kusoge.

 

[Tapejara]

OP I would suggest updating the thread title so it would read Spelunker World (PS4)...
That way at least a few PS4GAFfers would know about it.

It doesn't seem like other OT's put the platform beside the game title, so I'm hesitant to do that. If you guys can come up with a subtitle that incorporates the PS4 I'd be willing to PM a mod.

Edit: I PM'd a mod. We'll see what happens .

 

[Tizoc]

Yeah. Spelunker is an OG kusoge.

Not sure if serious but
Elaborate please?

 

[kassatsu]

Played the Japanese version when it launched... Never got a dog

The grind was real

 

[Kouriozan]

I always wondered why people confused Spelunker and Spelunky... maybe I'm just too old.
Will try when it hits the EU store.

 

[Camjo-Z]

Not sure if serious but
Elaborate please?

The NES Spelunker is widely regarded as a shitty game by people who aren't willing to put up with its BS. I think it's probably safe to say that every person who's ever played that game died within the first 3 seconds by stepping off the elevator and falling through the miniscule gap between it and the ground.

 

[dead monkey uk]

Someone is trolling hard with the free Lara Croft outfit.

 

[toythatkills]

I always wondered why people confused Spelunker and Spelunky... maybe I'm just too old.

It's because their names are almost identical.

Hope that helps.

 

[AngryNapkin]

I downloaded and played it. Took 5 minutes to get through the freemium bs and around 60 presses of X. Walked forward to a rock I couldn't get past and uninstalled.

 

[Camjo-Z]

I downloaded and played it. Took 5 minutes to get through the freemium bs and around 60 presses of X. Walked forward to a rock I couldn't get past and uninstalled.

You know there are rocks you have to bomb, right?

 

[Tizoc]

You know there are rocks you have to bomb, right?

They explain that in the friggin' tutorial too.
This is a game one should not rush through and take it a little slow. It's also cute looking, dat puppy is effin' adorable X3

The NES Spelunker is widely regarded as a shitty game by people who aren't willing to put up with its BS. I think it's probably safe to say that every person who's ever played that game died within the first 3 seconds by stepping off the elevator and falling through the miniscule gap between it and the ground.

The game was popular in Japan though I take it? Which reminds me there's the 80s Spelunker, the recent PS3 HD game and this one right?

 

[Tapejara]

Made some slight changes to the info in the OP. Will add some information on how microtransactions work later today.

They explain that in the friggin' tutorial too.
This is a game one should not rush through and take it a little slow. It's also cute looking, dat puppy is effin' adorable X3



The game was popular in Japan though I take it? Which reminds me there's the 80s Spelunker, the recent PS3 HD game and this one right?

Off the top of my head:

Spelunker (NES, arcades; re-released on Virtual Console for Wii U and 3DS; re-released on mobile as Everyday Spelunker)
Spelunker HD (PS3)
Spelunker Black (PS3; delisted)
Spelunker Collection (PS3/Vita)
Spelunker World (PS4/Vita)

 

[ramoisdead]

I enjoyed Spulenker HD for the PS3 so I'll give this one a shot.

 

[Tapejara]

Added some information to the OP regarding microstransactions. And thanks mods for updating the thread title!

 

[Teknoman]

How does online co-op work? I dont think i've played...well anything online on my PS4 yet aside from abit of Plants vs Zombies, SFV beta, and Battlefront beta.

I need to get into Last of Us MP, but thats another subject altogether.

 

[Tizoc]

Man the Spelunker theme just keeps me going lol.
Do the later stages consist of more than 5 sections? Cuz really 3-4 is enough IMHO

 

[RedBoot]

Yay, I got the guy from Secret of Mana's outfit! Not his hair, though.

Looks like the Lara Croft outfit isn't directly given, it's just in the gatcha and droppable in levels. Unless I missed something.

Game itself is fun, assuming you're good with Spelunker gameplay. Looks like the whole game is playable for free, though you won't be able to continue mid-level without spending the premium currency (you do get some for free). The actual rates for buying premium currency are pretty bad, though. Roughly $3-5 per roll on the gatcha at basic rates.

 

[Tapejara]

How does online co-op work? I dont think i've played...well anything online on my PS4 yet aside from abit of Plants vs Zombies, SFV beta, and Battlefront beta.

I need to get into Last of Us MP, but thats another subject altogether.

Basically you pick a level and then choose to create or search for a room. If you join a room you play through the stage and then you have the choice to continue with your team or go back to the world map. It's not the most intuitive setup, but it's pretty easy to get a co-op game going with friends.

Yay, I got the guy from Secret of Mana's outfit! Not his hair, though.

Looks like the Lara Croft outfit isn't directly given, it's just in the gatcha and droppable in levels. Unless I missed something.

Game itself is fun, assuming you're good with Spelunker gameplay. Looks like the whole game is playable for free, though you won't be able to continue mid-level without spending the premium currency (you do get some for free). The actual rates for buying premium currency are pretty bad, though. Roughly $3-5 per roll on the gatcha at basic rates.

Yeah, I'm not a fan of the prices. Thankfully Moonstones are abundant enough that you don't really need to worry on spending the ones you earn in-game on continues.

Also, you can get the Lara outfit quicker if you use the dig feature...but that requires Moonstones. Pretty shitty considering they made it sound like you get Lara just for playing.

 

[Tizoc]

EDIT: NVM figured it ou above :V

What about the Pet though do I gotta 'dig' for it?

 

[Tapejara]

Yeah, the dog/pets seem to be unlocked through lithograph pieces or digging. I think there's a "Pet Event" going on where you can unlock a white dog named Snowball through digging.

For Lithograph pieces it seems like the more people you play with, the better pieces of gear you'll get.

 

[Hyperfludd]

Man, this is pretty fun. I love helping people online.

 

[AngryNapkin]

You know there are rocks you have to bomb, right?

Don't care, I wasn't about to waste an hour going through the freemium bs and tutorial.

 

[Zee-Row]

I got snowball using a piece of candy! Awesome!

 

[Tizoc]

^Lucky youuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu! I still hadn't gotten me a cute pet DX

So I gotta keep replaying Stages 1-15 if I want to get the promoted stuff like the TR outfits etc.?
Cuz that's rather dull, I replayed those stages a few times and only got like 1 fragment of an item :/

Eff it, gonna go play through the later stages, I overall enjoy it and there are some clever ideas there.

Don't care, I wasn't about to waste an hour going through the freemium bs and tutorial.

You can SKIP the tutorial
If you were stuck at the friggin' tutorial that teaches you what to do throughout the early rooms, then...sorry but that's an issue on you, I got past that tutorial just fine.

The game offers you enough stuff to make it through the stages, thus you don't have to spend a single dime/cent.

 

[Poimandres]

Wait, IREM?! I thought they were dead?