First Look at Spelunky 2 is here, Arrives 2019

Spelunky 2 finally is getting some much-wanted new info. Indie game creator Derek Yu sat down with the folks at the Playstation Blog and shared details about the sequel to indie darling Spelunky. We also got a first look at gameplay for Spelunky 2! Check out the trailer.

It seems like an eternity when Mossmouth, the indie studio behind Spelunky, unveiled a sequel on October last year. Truth be told, while Spelunky is often regarded as not only one of the best indie games but as one of the best games ever created, the game wasn’t really screaming for a sequel. The ingeniously well-designed rouge-like platformer entered cult status for an almost perfect level creation algorithm and perfectly tuned controls. Despite sporting a cutesy visual style, behind that veil lies a brutally difficult and cryptic game, demanding razor-sharp decision-making and pixel-perfect platforming.

Naturally, the announcement of Spelunky 2 was received extremely positive and came as a big surprise to fans. How can you improve on a pretty much perfect game? Is it possible to deliver an even better game?

Derek Yu thinks so. The creative mind behind Spelunky 2 is aware that the indie game scene has evolved drastically since the first Spelunky, and for its sequel to offer a meaningful experience the indie developer had not only to improve superficial aspects like visuals. Indeed, fans of the original will immediately notice the new and updated art style. Like expected, art assets have greatly increased in resolution and detail, but it’s the new things that really catch your eye.

Multiple times we witness an entirely new physical fluid system which extends from water to lava. And it’s not that it’s a nice thing to look at only. These fluids can be used as gameplay mechanics, whether it is to soften a fall or circle enemies with burning lava.

The short trailer begs to be watched multiple times. Spelunky 2 will also feature rideable mounts that help in traversing quickly and even enable reaching hard to get spots as a sacrificial launching pad.

Players of the first Spelunky will especially be delighted by the inclusion of online play. A feature whose lack was a major drawback. Now, you’ll be able to easily team up with friends and try to complete that one successful run.

Yu also hints at an aspect not many would associate with Spelunky. Storytelling. Without delving deeper into it, we are only teased with developer-created and player-created narratives. What this means will be seen in the future.

Spelunky is launching sometime in 2019 for PS4 and PC.