So I started playing Spelunky... and I think I'm finally starting to see why people always rave about this game, which is somewhat surprising because I tried the free version a long time ago and I didn't really care for it from what little I can remember, but to my surprise the paid version has managed to grab me and I don't know why.
It's not like I don't have problems with the game. The first time a giant boulder came out of nowhere and killed me was complete bullshit, and I really don't like that stupid ghost. It kills my fun when I'm just minding my bussiness exploring the levels and getting loot. I'm slowly getting used to the ghost's presence, but I'd prefer if the ghost just didn't exist.
But yeah, from what little I've played it's been some good (if somewhat frustrating) fun. I put it in the same category of "games I can play in-between other games or when I don't know what to play" as games as CSGO, TF2, Poker Night and Duke Nukem 3D.
The giant boulder doesn't come out of nowhere. Golden idol in a big open space is a sign of trouble in something as treacherous as Spelunky and it only triggers after you pick it up (like that scene in Indiana Jones).
Also, the ghost turns into a relative non-issue soon enough. Yeah, it might seem imposing given that it one-shots you on touch, but it's very slow as is and can easily be kited around with a bit of know-how. That's after ignoring the fact that the stages are usually small enough to the point that you can see most of a - if not the entire - level in far less than three minutes (which is when the ghost spawns). To make matters even more peachy, the appearance of the ghost can (without spoiling why) actually be very beneficial to you! Maybe you're walking around too much rather than running when it's safe to do so; wouldn't be the first time I've seen or heard that from a Spelunky newbie. Bottom line though: the ghost is designed around the game's sensibilities, its presence is moreso a mental guardbreak rather than a 'physical' roadblock that impedes your overall progress and the only time it is truly threatening, is when you attempt to juggle multiple things at the same time (fulfilling requirements for secrets, aiming for 500k+ highscores, collecting all the
valuable goodies, maximizing the most out of items like the pickaxe, ...) after gaining a ton of in-game experience.
If you stick with the game, you'll eventually get to the point where you won't really sweat the ghost being, well, there.
Ohh I really do need to get this game.
I'm going through FPS fatigue with the popular ones these past few years, so Call of Juarez: Gunslinger really caught me off-guard with how good and well-executed it is. Not only in the way its narrative unfolds, but also due to how satisfying the shooting feels (which naturally enhances Arcade Mode's worth).
Also: you're A-OK in my book if you liked The Club. That game was ahead of its time unfortunately, and with Bizarre Creations being out of the picture now...
