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Spelunky

PC (Microsoft Windows) • 2013

Global score

92

/100

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Quick resume

Spelunky is a unique platformer with randomized levels that offer a challenging new experience each time you play. Journey deep underground and explore fantastic places filled with all manner of monsters, traps, and treasure.

Pros

  • Highly replayable with procedural generation
  • Challenging but fair gameplay
  • Tight and responsive controls
  • Rich emergent interactions and secrets
  • Local co-op and competitive modes

Cons

  • Steep difficulty curve may frustrate some players
  • No online multiplayer
  • Can be punishing and unforgiving
  • Some players find music repetitive
  • Lack of narrative depth

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have full control over their actions and decisions in procedurally generated levels with many emergent interactions."

  • Competence
    5

    "High skill ceiling with precise platforming, strategic resource management, and learning enemy and trap mechanics."

  • Competition
    2

    "Includes daily challenge leaderboards and deathmatch modes, but many players focus on personal improvement and solo runs."

  • Continuation
    5

    "Highly addictive with players investing hundreds of hours and repeatedly returning despite frequent deaths."

  • Cooperation
    2

    "Supports local co-op for up to 4 players with teamwork elements, but also strong solo play focus."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players can experiment with item combinations and emergent gameplay, though within predefined level structures."

  • Domination
    -3

    "Interactions emphasize shared challenge and mutual respect rather than exerting control or superiority over others."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a challenging distraction and stress relief, with immersive exploration and discovery."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily driven by intrinsic interest and desire to master the game."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Encourages trying new strategies, discovering secrets, and learning emergent interactions."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Procedurally generated levels and many secrets promote continuous discovery and curiosity-driven play."

  • Expression
    3

    "Unlockable characters and cosmetic variations allow some self-expression."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Features imaginative settings, mythical creatures, and improbable events in a cartoonish style."

  • Fellowship
    2

    "Community engagement through leaderboards and local co-op fosters social connection."

  • Growth
    5

    "Strong emphasis on learning, skill acquisition, and personal improvement through repeated play."

  • Health
    -5

    "Primarily sedentary gameplay with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and precise control; not suited for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Social interactions are surface-level, focused on competition or cooperation rather than close relationships."

  • Leadership
    -3

    "Players generally participate equally or supportively; no strong leadership roles."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players collect items, gold, and unlock characters, though progress resets on death."

  • Relaxation
    -3

    "High tension and challenge with frequent deaths; not primarily a relaxation experience."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable audiovisual style with dynamic music and colorful visuals."

  • Status
    2

    "Leaderboards and achievements provide recognition and social status opportunities."

  • Story
    1

    "Minimal overarching narrative; emergent stories arise from gameplay interactions."

  • Strategy
    5

    "Requires planning, quick decision-making, and problem solving to navigate hazards and enemies."

  • Thrill
    4

    "High suspense and tension from permadeath, time limits, and unpredictable dangers."

  • Value
    5

    "Players report excellent value for time invested due to high replayability and challenge."

  • Violence
    4

    "Combat and destruction are core gameplay elements, with many ways to kill enemies and interact violently."

  • Survival
    5

    "Central motivation is avoiding death and overcoming threats in a hostile environment."

Updated

Information

Genres

Indie, Adventure, Platform

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    Last update: 20/12/2025