Spelunky64 (2024)
a COMMERCIAL game by ‘Paul Koller’ & Team for Commodore 64
Written for BrewOtaku #004 by Usman A. Khan
If you’re like us and wanted to experience the roguelike delight of ‘Spelunky’ on the Commodore 64, Paul Koller has made this treasure-hunting platformer dream come true. Spelunky64 brings all the adventure, difficulty, and charm of the original game to the best-selling 8-bit computer.
“The World is Not a Cave”
Right off the bat, you’ll be thrilled to notice how smooth the scrolling is when it comes to Spelunky64. Achieving fluid, multi-directional scrolling on the C64 is no small feat, especially without additional hardware assistance. Paul Koller took this challenge head-on, and the game runs impressively well. The limitations of the Commodore 64’s hardware are cleverly navigated, with all controls boiled down to a single Atari-style joystick. Up for jump, a quick button press for attacking, and a combo of down+button for bombs and up+button for ropes – simple yet effective. Beyond technical achievements, the gameplay itself shines. The randomized caves, treasure hunting, and punishing difficulty are all there. Spelunky64 stays faithful to the core elements that made the original game a classic, where each session offers a new challenge with procedurally generated levels.
With hazards around every corner and limited resources, you’ll need to think fast and plan ahead. The frustration of dying is matched only by the satisfaction of progressing deeper into the caves.
For fans of the original, this remake is an unexpected treat. Koller’s ability to translate the roguelike elements to a Commodore 64 environment is nothing short of impressive. The game holds onto that addictive “just one more try” quality that made the original so popular.
Conclusion
A must-play for anyone who thrives on unearthing hidden secrets. Its mostly smooth gameplay and rewarding exploration will keep players coming back. But, hey, steer clear from snakes, spiders, man-eating plants, etc. – and be sure to save those damsels in distress.
