User Score
6.8

Mixed or average reviews- based on 156 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 90 out of 156
  2. Negative: 40 out of 156

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  1. Dec 15, 2020
    8
    Spelunky 2 is a wonderful, albeit flawed game design-wise, with brutal difficulty, often funny deaths, and TONS of replayability and secrets to find.
    The music is very fitting for each area, collecting gold is addictive and the enemies/traps tend to create very interesting situations you have to think your way out of.
    If you enjoyed Spelunky 1, this is surely not gonna disappoint, aside
    Spelunky 2 is a wonderful, albeit flawed game design-wise, with brutal difficulty, often funny deaths, and TONS of replayability and secrets to find.
    The music is very fitting for each area, collecting gold is addictive and the enemies/traps tend to create very interesting situations you have to think your way out of.
    If you enjoyed Spelunky 1, this is surely not gonna disappoint, aside from frustrations with its higher difficulty and sometimes unfair damage, but the developer Derek Yu is hard at work ironing those out as the game goes along.
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  2. Nov 27, 2020
    10
    I'm a huge fan of the original game as well as HD version. Spelunky 2 is better in every possible way. I might even say that it is my absolutely favorite game of all time (and my gaming experience started early 90's). I just can't stand all the people who give this absolute masterpiece a score of 0 because of difficulty. Guys, WTF? This game is supposed to be difficult and punishing. It'sI'm a huge fan of the original game as well as HD version. Spelunky 2 is better in every possible way. I might even say that it is my absolutely favorite game of all time (and my gaming experience started early 90's). I just can't stand all the people who give this absolute masterpiece a score of 0 because of difficulty. Guys, WTF? This game is supposed to be difficult and punishing. It's the core of Spelunky's game design. But because of this fact it's also extremely rewarding. Please, be sensible and don't blame the game if you don't have enough persistency to gain skill required to beat it. Give it another chance, watch some streams and tips and Spelunky will open to you. Expand
  3. Dec 26, 2020
    10
    I loved Spelunky HD and I think Spelunky 2 is a better game.
    It's a really rewarding game to play even if you aren't playing perfect.
    The hardest part of getting into Spelunky is knowing how monsters/items interact with each other you will die so many times to things you couldn't know without dying there. The secret/alternate ending is fun and the secret levels after that are cool but I
    I loved Spelunky HD and I think Spelunky 2 is a better game.
    It's a really rewarding game to play even if you aren't playing perfect.
    The hardest part of getting into Spelunky is knowing how monsters/items interact with each other you will die so many times to things you couldn't know without dying there.
    The secret/alternate ending is fun and the secret levels after that are cool but I don't think I'll ever complete it.
    The daily challenge is really the only thing I've been playing recently after getting all the achievements.
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  4. Dec 2, 2020
    9
    If you don't like hard games, and are bad at platforming, don't buy this game. Most of the other bad reviews are foolish and nonsensical. This game IS HARD, but there are shortcuts you can make after beating every four levels and there are various techniques/preparations to beat certain bosses. And if that's not for you, online is coming. Get friends. This game is easier with friends sinceIf you don't like hard games, and are bad at platforming, don't buy this game. Most of the other bad reviews are foolish and nonsensical. This game IS HARD, but there are shortcuts you can make after beating every four levels and there are various techniques/preparations to beat certain bosses. And if that's not for you, online is coming. Get friends. This game is easier with friends since they can revive you. But if you dare rate this game anything lower than a 5 just because its harder than spelunky HD/way too hard, you are an abomination of a human and you clearly don't know how to form an opinion. The developer made spelunky 2 harder than one on purpose. He changed a lot of things because he wanted two to feel like your first time spelunking in spelunky HD, not for it to feel the EXACT same. By the way the souls series is harder than both games combined. (get good) Expand
  5. Dec 12, 2020
    10
    If you're a fan of spelunky 1, you'll likely be a fan of spelunky 2. Same concise design, same imaginative artstyle, a fine (if slightly bland) soundtrack and moderate difficulty will encourage replays in true roguelite fashion. Minor difficulty inconsistencies at launch have been corrected, and as it stands it has set the bar for games of it's type, much like it's predecessor.
  6. Dec 15, 2020
    10
    Aside from The Dwelling being a bit too overtuned, once you get comfortable with it, it's really only punishing if you are careless, so I can't really subtract for that. This game is about patience, skill, and putting all you've learned into each new run. It excels at that, but does take quite a bit of trial and error to get up to a level where you can consistently get to 2-1, but thatsAside from The Dwelling being a bit too overtuned, once you get comfortable with it, it's really only punishing if you are careless, so I can't really subtract for that. This game is about patience, skill, and putting all you've learned into each new run. It excels at that, but does take quite a bit of trial and error to get up to a level where you can consistently get to 2-1, but thats fine, this ain't a game for p*ssies. Expand
  7. Oct 2, 2020
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Excellent game. They added just enough to make it feel different from the original. They added quality of life changes (such as being able to choose from multiple routes VIA a shortcut - genius!) without messing with the controls that made Spelunky 1 so enjoyable. If you have waited for this sequel for over 10 years, as I have, then you won't be disappointed. Expand
  8. Oct 2, 2020
    8
    graficas, jugabilidad e historia bastante buena, le falta un poco para ser mejor pero no me quejo el juego es bueno y garantiza pasar un buen rato
  9. Oct 23, 2020
    9
    Coming from the first game this feels like a true sequel with new and improved levels, more enemies, more Items, and most importantly, more secrets. Most negative reviews I've read have been criticizing the games difficulty, which to me is unfounded, because the brutal difficulty and unforgiving level design are a huge selling point to most fans and the problems many were having with theComing from the first game this feels like a true sequel with new and improved levels, more enemies, more Items, and most importantly, more secrets. Most negative reviews I've read have been criticizing the games difficulty, which to me is unfounded, because the brutal difficulty and unforgiving level design are a huge selling point to most fans and the problems many were having with the first level have been fixed. The new art design and smoother controls are direct improvements and the game manages to do this while still capturing the essence of the original. The only things the original did better was avoiding soft locks, but otherwise I have no harsh words for this game. 9.5/10 Expand
  10. Oct 4, 2020
    10
    really good, you should buy. buy now. Spelunky 1 but everything is better than the original
  11. Oct 18, 2020
    10
    It's got everything I could have hoped for in a sequel, a true successor to Spelunky HD.
  12. Nov 12, 2020
    9
    Masterpiece. May not be my absolute favorite, but super enjoyable and hilarious. Imo the user score is way too low. While I can totally see why it is, if you want to try this game, you need to dive in with a certain mind-set. Don't be afraid to make fun of yourself, process the rooms ahead of you, and prepare to get one-shot my an enemy launching you into lava. Trust me, it's so much moreMasterpiece. May not be my absolute favorite, but super enjoyable and hilarious. Imo the user score is way too low. While I can totally see why it is, if you want to try this game, you need to dive in with a certain mind-set. Don't be afraid to make fun of yourself, process the rooms ahead of you, and prepare to get one-shot my an enemy launching you into lava. Trust me, it's so much more fun when you experience it yourself. Expand
  13. Jan 22, 2021
    10
    Wonderful game, this is a must have indie title. The graphics are great looking keeping the old spelunky art style with more detail and similar gameplay. The game is based on secrets and exploration leaving so much to discover. What will you find when you go spelunking?
  14. Dec 16, 2020
    10
    Beautiful in its simplicity, remarkable in its replayability. Highly recommend.
  15. Nov 16, 2020
    10
    I've played over 2,000 hours of Spelunky HD on the Xbox 360. It's safe to say its a game very dear to my heart. I think Spelunky 2 very much captures the same spirit and succeeds in many of the same ways as HD. The game has several new areas, a new secret path, and lots of new enemies. The frequent complaint that its too similar to the first game is definitely true. I don't view this as aI've played over 2,000 hours of Spelunky HD on the Xbox 360. It's safe to say its a game very dear to my heart. I think Spelunky 2 very much captures the same spirit and succeeds in many of the same ways as HD. The game has several new areas, a new secret path, and lots of new enemies. The frequent complaint that its too similar to the first game is definitely true. I don't view this as a negative because I love the first game enough that I don't mind, and I also believe that it would require changing something that is core to the charm of Spelunky to make it an entirely fresh experience.

    This part is not a critique but just a comparison for people interested in this game or in Spelunky HD.

    Spelunky 2 is more difficult compared to Spelunky HD for sure. The secret ending(s) are also significantly more challenging to get to. Spelunky 2 has more content overall, but ultimately less interesting level generation. Spelunky HD has several level generation events that have a random chance to occur. These events are present in the 2nd game but much less common or interesting. The events in the first game are much harder than a normal level, sometimes even unfair, but that is part of what makes Spelunky HD great. Dying in a funny or interesting way isn't a big deal because the game is short enough to beat in half an hour. That doesn't make subsequent playthroughs any less interesting because of these level modifiers. In short: The 2nd game is harder but is more consistent and fair in its rules, it also has more variety in enemies, areas, items. Spelunky HD is easier but relies more on RNG but as long as you can laugh off your mistakes it benefits because of it.
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  16. Oct 14, 2020
    10
    A shining example of how a sequel can improve on the original in every possible way. With its silky smooth controls, charming visuals and music, endless secrets & discoveries and rewarding, skill-based gameplay, Spelunky 2 is a true delight. Probably the best rogue-like platformer ever made.
  17. Jan 25, 2021
    8
    If you liked the first Spelunky, you will most likely find yourself liking this one too. I plays just like the old one, but better. With QOL improvements, smoothened graphics and some new ideas.
    Two downsides:
    - it's, unfortunately, an epitome of the old saying: "if life gives you lemons, it really doesn't matter, as you will get blasted from the other side of the room with no way of
    If you liked the first Spelunky, you will most likely find yourself liking this one too. I plays just like the old one, but better. With QOL improvements, smoothened graphics and some new ideas.
    Two downsides:
    - it's, unfortunately, an epitome of the old saying: "if life gives you lemons, it really doesn't matter, as you will get blasted from the other side of the room with no way of predicting that". Some say it's just high and demanding difficulty level, some say it's what makes this game compelling, others that this is just unfair design choice. One thing is sure, some more visibility on the hazards would be nice, the game's still challenging without it.
    - The Olmec fight. It's definitely too long for the pace that this game has. I don't see any reason not to change it completely.
    Nevertheless, it's a fun game to come back to once in a while to see if you can get lucky this time around, but be prepared for getting tilted, as for the ways in which you can die, Derek Yu came up with plenty.
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  18. Oct 3, 2020
    10
    A bunch of old Spelunky 1 veterans has a lot of comments on the game design but without really making useful reviews for those of you who are looking in to the world of Spelunky for the first time. Perhaps this review got your back.

    Spelunky 2 still got the same core game mechanics as the first game but with a lot more features, and it is also a lot harder! In Spelunky 2 you follow the
    A bunch of old Spelunky 1 veterans has a lot of comments on the game design but without really making useful reviews for those of you who are looking in to the world of Spelunky for the first time. Perhaps this review got your back.

    Spelunky 2 still got the same core game mechanics as the first game but with a lot more features, and it is also a lot harder! In Spelunky 2 you follow the old characters footsteps all the way to a cave on the moon:

    Every time you start the game you will get a randomly generated and challenging map, keeping the game fresh and new for every playthrough.
    When you've completed about 4 stages you enter the next world/area. If you die you have to start over.

    Every stage got a 3 minute timer before a deadly ghost spawns to chase and kill you, so you have to think about your decisions.
    When spelunking you will find a lot different enemies, traps, treasures, weapons, power-ups, pets to rescue which gives HP and secrets.
    Gold you gather can be used in shops you find, or be kept for the high score.

    The game has a bunch of achievements: speedrun, no gold run, pacifist run and a few hidden ones too. Can be played 4 players: split-screen and online co-op, deathmatch, daily run and unlockable characters.
    Also unlockable shortcuts so you can jump to later areas.

    This is a true challenge only for the worthy. Get it if you like really hard platformers.
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  19. Oct 6, 2020
    10
    Un juegazo que mejora en casi todos los aspectos a predecesora, mas dificultad y secretos(resalto este punto ya que aún no encuentro todos sus secretos), jugabilidad increíble, y aunque el soundtrack no es tan bueno como el de la primera entrega sigue siendo buena y recomendable a todos los que gusten de plataformeros 2D
  20. Feb 6, 2021
    9
    Holy **** a lot of people hated this game huh? I'll just wanna add that the game is incredible. Pretty much everyone is pissed at the difficulty, and I'm not gonna disregard their opinion by saying that they suck at the game or anything. The game is very difficult, and sometimes deaths are a little BS. Unlike other rogue likes where you will be able to finish 9 out of 10 runs, in thisHoly **** a lot of people hated this game huh? I'll just wanna add that the game is incredible. Pretty much everyone is pissed at the difficulty, and I'm not gonna disregard their opinion by saying that they suck at the game or anything. The game is very difficult, and sometimes deaths are a little BS. Unlike other rogue likes where you will be able to finish 9 out of 10 runs, in this you'll finish probably 1 out of 10 runs even if you're crazy good at it. BUT the thing is, it's perfect for Spelunky because the game moves QUICK. A start to end in the game is 20-30 minutes if you're not doing the secrets and is intense AS **** Finally finishing a 30 min run is probably the most concentrated quality of purely gameplay you're gonna get. This is my "pick up and play game" where I just boot it up when I don't have much time to play more campaign kind of games and just want to have a quick round or so. This is perfect for that and a very well designed game. I do think the music was better in the original though, and they should've kept the default run at 4 levels itself.

    Detailed Steam Review: https://steamcommunity.com/id/siraymando/recommended/418530?snr=1_5_9__402
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  21. Dec 29, 2020
    10
    Wery hard game, cool! I like play spelunky with dualshok 4 on D-pad. Hello from Donbas)))
  22. Jan 6, 2021
    10
    I'd definitely reccomend this game to everyone - at least to try. Spelunky 2 is already one of my most-played game, with almost all the achievements and beaten the true ending multiple times (to clarify, I have it on ps4 as well). Once you put in the hours, the game becomes a beautifully designed smooth ride through the levels, where the only thing stopping you is the occasional mistake.I'd definitely reccomend this game to everyone - at least to try. Spelunky 2 is already one of my most-played game, with almost all the achievements and beaten the true ending multiple times (to clarify, I have it on ps4 as well). Once you put in the hours, the game becomes a beautifully designed smooth ride through the levels, where the only thing stopping you is the occasional mistake. You feel like a just whipping all the enemies and flying through the levels. There is so much variety in the gameplay, even better with all the alternate routes (not just jungle and volcana, temple and tidepool) with choosing to go for true ending, choosing to go shopkeeper-genocide or forgiveness, true crown, eggplant and all the NPC questlines in every run. I was not disapointed. Expand
  23. Feb 4, 2021
    10
    The game is much harder than both Spelunky Classic and Spelunky HD but this is why its such a good run off game from both of these. BTW I will be going into small spoilers in this game but not large enough to mark as spoiler

    I have played all games in order and fallen in love with classic and HD. This is mostly likely why I, unlike other reviewers are fine with the scale in difficulty
    The game is much harder than both Spelunky Classic and Spelunky HD but this is why its such a good run off game from both of these. BTW I will be going into small spoilers in this game but not large enough to mark as spoiler

    I have played all games in order and fallen in love with classic and HD. This is mostly likely why I, unlike other reviewers are fine with the scale in difficulty as I have done everything in both games and enjoy the new challenge of Spelunky 2.

    Movement/enemies/items:
    The movement translates perfectly from HD to 2 as I went back to HD recently and it felt great. The enemies move the same as last game and any new monsters fit in perfectly amongst everything else even if they can be very annoying from time to time. Some items such as the cape, climbing gloves and jetpack had changes from the original games which was for the best. The inclusion of every new item was executed perfectly and they all fit in perfectly.

    Shops:
    The main part of shops are the keepers and these were balanced out nicely. Shop keeper movement is slower and more predictable but they can now climb ladders which adds another dimension of shop keeper combat through out the game. This new AI applies to every NPC in the game so strategies are transferable. The explosive items in shops force the play to plan their attack instead of just mindless murder of shop keepers in the previous games. The varying layouts of basements and attics in shops are a nice addition.

    Background levels:
    The addition of the background levels was very well executed as many secrets and bonus items are behind the main level. This adds more options for the player to get items that were more scarce in Spelunky HD. These items are mainly bombs and the change is very noticeable as I have never, in my 1000+ runs of Spelunky 2, run out of bombs when trying to get to the black market or back ground levels in general. This change is very nice as many of my HD runs have been cut short due to lack of bombs.

    Branching Paths/Multiple Endings:
    The Branching levels add nice alternatives if you are sick of one side and also add a tactical choice when going into world 2 and 4. Examples would be if you are lacking in bombs, the black market would be a good choice, if you didn't have movement, Vlad's cape is a good choice in Volcania. This is better than HD and Classic with only one path but HD has 2 bosses unlike Classic. Others can be said about the Temple or the Tide Pools. The multiple endings allow for newer players to set goals and slowly make their way to the large endings. Getting a shortcut, learning how to fight certain areas or bosses(Wont talk about as they are major spoilers) are all carry over from HD but well implemented into Spelunky 2.

    Overall this game is a full 10/10 and a great improvement of HD and Classic. The reason why I'm talking about Spelunky Classic so much is because I recommend you play the games in order starting from Classic. Spelunky Classic is the easiest game and a good starting block to get into the other games. Both HD and Classic get you used to the perma death mechanic but being fully dedicated to the games you need some dedication. Overall you need some dedication to play this game but its well worth as winning is very satisfying.
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  24. Jun 11, 2021
    10
    I've been playing Spelunky sense the freeware version and this is by far the best iteration. With over 250 hours of play time already I still enjoy working towards the cosmic ocean ending. The game is challenging to learn but that's what makes it so rewarding to master. It adds a ton of new content compared to the last game with branching paths, mounts and far more elaborate secrets toI've been playing Spelunky sense the freeware version and this is by far the best iteration. With over 250 hours of play time already I still enjoy working towards the cosmic ocean ending. The game is challenging to learn but that's what makes it so rewarding to master. It adds a ton of new content compared to the last game with branching paths, mounts and far more elaborate secrets to discover and overcome. The music is also great besides the dwelling music being a bit underwhelming when compared with the previous games. This game is in contention with being my favorite game of all time with Celeste. Get this game if you enjoy a challenge and don't have an ego that makes you blame the game for your own failures to overcome. Expand
  25. Oct 9, 2021
    10
    Despite its difficulty, Spelunky 2 is a marvel of both platforms and roguelikes. While it is tough as nails, it feels fair and lessons can be taken from each and every death. All the zones are distinct and fun while still being extremely challenging for most players. Having a game this tough still be this fun and hilarious to play with friends is extremely challenging. Highly recommendedDespite its difficulty, Spelunky 2 is a marvel of both platforms and roguelikes. While it is tough as nails, it feels fair and lessons can be taken from each and every death. All the zones are distinct and fun while still being extremely challenging for most players. Having a game this tough still be this fun and hilarious to play with friends is extremely challenging. Highly recommended for those looking for a tough-as-nails platformer experience without it feeling super unfair. Expand
  26. Dec 23, 2021
    8
    Sadly the game design isn't as perfect as the first game, you will have unfair and tedious moments. Obvious examples would be death from unavoidable explosion, unavoidable usage of bombs/ropes or slowly moving around items to maximize resources.

    In some ways it makes sense though, the game is much bigger than it's predecessor with much more to find and experience. It's not
    Sadly the game design isn't as perfect as the first game, you will have unfair and tedious moments. Obvious examples would be death from unavoidable explosion, unavoidable usage of bombs/ropes or slowly moving around items to maximize resources.

    In some ways it makes sense though, the game is much bigger than it's predecessor with much more to find and experience.

    It's not necessarily a bad thing though, there will be a lot more memorable moments because of the more chaotic nature of the game. In fact, it's seriously impressive in how many hilarious ways you can die in this game.

    All in all, it's still Spelunky - highly tense game with tight controls and mechanics that requires from you to learn and adapt.
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  27. Dec 24, 2021
    10
    I think the game provides enough new content, new mobs and new challenges to continue being entertaining. I am as addicted on 2 as I was on 1. Many mechanics were changed. Mobs and bosses became harder, not by the amount of damage they do to you, but by the change on their movement and new skills, but the game is not impossible as some people are saying. The attention to details is great.I think the game provides enough new content, new mobs and new challenges to continue being entertaining. I am as addicted on 2 as I was on 1. Many mechanics were changed. Mobs and bosses became harder, not by the amount of damage they do to you, but by the change on their movement and new skills, but the game is not impossible as some people are saying. The attention to details is great. I got surprised by many things I saw during my playtime. Expand
  28. Aug 19, 2022
    9
    Great roguelike, has good improvements to the first one, like online mode and nice graphics and other endings. I'm definitely addicted.
  29. May 26, 2022
    10
    This second chapter is even better than the previous one. I've been playing it since Day One and I finished the game today. You may think this is a downside, but it isn't. The fact that this game is so long-lived is good. I do not understand even in this case the vote so low of the public, perhaps because it is difficult? I can't know this, the only thing I know is that this is a game toThis second chapter is even better than the previous one. I've been playing it since Day One and I finished the game today. You may think this is a downside, but it isn't. The fact that this game is so long-lived is good. I do not understand even in this case the vote so low of the public, perhaps because it is difficult? I can't know this, the only thing I know is that this is a game to play absolutely Expand
  30. Jun 20, 2022
    8
    An improved version of Spelunky for the most part. Really though it acts as a shakeup to the original with a more pleasant art style and a litany of new mechanics. If you enjoy Spelunky you'll enjoy this. I will say though that it feels like a lot more could have been added to this sequel. Mods to the game add to the game, but it feels unfair to include that as a part of my rating.
  31. Jul 30, 2022
    9
    I bought this game twice. First on PC and then later switch.
    Kicks my ass constantly but I go back for more pretty frequently. I am by no means an expert and will probably never experience the ultimate endings. However, going for the basic route again and again by myself and with new players is always a treat, no matter how disastrously it ends.
    Only gripe is that I wish there was an
    I bought this game twice. First on PC and then later switch.
    Kicks my ass constantly but I go back for more pretty frequently. I am by no means an expert and will probably never experience the ultimate endings. However, going for the basic route again and again by myself and with new players is always a treat, no matter how disastrously it ends.

    Only gripe is that I wish there was an option to listen to more than one song in each area like in HD as I prefer that to the same song over and over again with adaptive twists.
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  32. Aug 25, 2022
    10
    Brutal, infuriating, brilliant.

    I did play quite a lot of the other spelunky game on steam (i was going to call it the original but i believe that one was already a remake of an older version), this one just improves on the existing formula without losing the bits that make the game really pop. I can see it wouldn't be for everyone but if this is up your street then you are going to
    Brutal, infuriating, brilliant.

    I did play quite a lot of the other spelunky game on steam (i was going to call it the original but i believe that one was already a remake of an older version), this one just improves on the existing formula without losing the bits that make the game really pop.
    I can see it wouldn't be for everyone but if this is up your street then you are going to want to spend a whole lot of time playing it!
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Metascore
91

Universal acclaim - based on 16 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 16
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 16
  3. Negative: 0 out of 16
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 18, 2020
    90
    Blitworks took the best from 8-bit platformers (Rick Dangerous! Montezuma’s Revenge!), evolved it greatly, and wrapped it up in visuals worthy of 2020. The result is amazing but be aware that you’ll be dying over and over and over again, because part of the game’s retro heritage is its frustrating difficulty level. Other than that, I have absolutely no complaints and place Spelunky 2 among my top 10 games of the year. [12/2020, p.46]
  2. Oct 31, 2020
    80
    If you loved the original, you’re going to love Spelunky 2, and find it equal to its predecessor in all ways except one- where the original was a trail blazer, the new game seems content to, much like it asks of its players, simply plumb into familiar depths.
  3. Oct 8, 2020
    95
    Spelunky 2 takes the ridiculously polished foundation from the first game and blows it out with new content, mystifying secrets, and big-time cave mole jerks.