Spelunker HD closely follows Timothy Martin’s brilliant original effort of 1983, even down to the quirky level-scrolling scheme that forces the explorer to get dangerously close to the screen edges. All of the cursed original enemies and terrain threats remain, but with so many new additions I’ve lost count. It boasts 100 all-new levels set in 10 newly designed HD worlds, plus the familiar explorer who is liable to pass out from lacing up his boots too tightly: Spelunker may have the weakest character in all of gaming!

Spelunker HD closely follows Timothy Martin’s brilliant original effort of 1983, even down to the quirky level-scrolling scheme that forces the explorer to get dangerously close to the screen edges. All of the cursed original enemies and terrain threats remain, but with so many new additions I’ve lost count. It boasts 100 all-new levels set in 10 newly designed HD worlds, plus the familiar explorer who is liable to pass out from lacing up his boots too tightly: Spelunker may have the weakest character in all of gaming!

But what this anemic explorer lacks in might, he makes up for in bravery. He’ll need it because Spelunker HD has more pits, tricks, traps and enemies than a cactus has spines. I’ve been to the lowest depths, battling through poisonous bat droppings and a plethora of creeping, crawling, jumping and flying creatures. I’ve maneuvered the flame vents, geysers, flash floods, earthquakes, rolling boulders and ice slopes all with treasure in hand! The real sticker is overcoming the ghosts of previously fallen spelunkers — every gamer who has ever climbed down into the dark cave but failed to escape is now hell bent on your demise.

While Spelunker is famous for its challenging gameplay and absurdly weak hero, the Spelunker music is famous in its own right. It isn’t uncommon to hear a street band’s rendition of the classic theme wafting through the underground tunnels while awaiting a train bound for the Tokyo Game Show. If you need more proof, check out our website and scroll down to the ‘Fan Tributes’ section where you can check out some of our favorite live performances.

Spelunker HD includes multiple levels of difficulty, assuring plenty of re-playability for ambitious explorers who survive the first pass. You should bring some friends too, just in case you get waylaid. Up to six can play together online, so join me – it’s hard to maintain sanity alone in this labyrinth, and I’ve been down here for weeks!