Spelunky 2 is a brutal, hilarious co-op platformer on Xbox Game Pass

Spelunk 2 Camp Source: Windows Fundamental

Late Midweek night, Spelunky 2 officially fabricated its way to Xbox and even launched straight into Xbox Game Laissez passer. Originally released on Steam and PS4 back in September 2022 and on Switch in Baronial 2022, Xbox was the final platform holdout for this tough-as-nails platformer. As an enormous fan of the original and someone who has fond memories of dying over and over over again on Xbox 360, I was incredibly excited to see this ambitious sequel brand its fashion to Xbox.

I was quick to snag Spelunky 2 when it launched on Steam and was especially stoked about the introduction of online multiplayer. Unfortunately, the initial netcode for Spelunky 2 left a lot to be desired. Thanks to frequent lag spikes and consistent desyncs, playing with three or four friends was unnecessarily frustrating. Afterwards a few months of disappointment, my friends and I ultimately moved on to play other games. Yet, information technology appears things are in much better shape with the launch of the Xbox version of the game. I've spent several hours testing multiplayer, and I'1000 happy to report that destroying friendships is easier than ever with Spelunky 2 now on Xbox Game Laissez passer.

What is Spleunky 2?

Spelunk 2 Jungle Source: Windows Central

For the uninitiated, Spelunky 2 is a 2D sidescrolling platformer with randomly generated dungeons. Equipped with your trusty whip, a handful of bombs, and some climbing rope, your goal is the reach the center of the moon in hopes of finding your missing parents. Each run through these hazardous environments is different, requiring the actor to continue their guard up at all times. Ane misstep is the difference betwixt life and death in this unforgiving experience. As someone who's met an untimely demise at the easily of a strategically placed spike pit ane besides many times, I can't stress the importance of patience when it comes to your survival.

Spelunky truly feels similar Indiana Jones: The Farthermost Platformer, emphasizing physics, traps, and elaborate puzzles. From swinging betwixt vines to traverse deadly pits to snatching treasure from precarious and near-certain booby-trapped shrines, so much of what makes this title special comes from its obvious inspirations. Yet, one of the most significant deviations from the character popularized by Harrison Ford is that in Spelunky 2, you lot never feel like an untouchable badass. Indiana Jones always manages to go himself out of a sticky situation no matter how dire things seem. That admittedly isn't the case for our heroes in this cave-abode take a chance.

The fun and frustration of playing with friends

Spelunk 2 Dark Source: Windows Primal

Some claim that Mario Party is the ultimate friendship-destroying video game series due to its seemingly random nature and accent on improvement rewards. Yet, I've maintained that Spelunky and now Spelunky 2 are actually far more worthy of this title. Games that offer co-op options are mostly easier with friends, but Spelunky takes that idea and ruthlessly murders it. The more players you lot take on your adventure in this unforgiving platformer, the more difficult things become.

In my feel playing with friends, they are often direct responsible for a solid lxxx% of my deaths.

Up to 4 players tin descend into the hellish depths of Spelunky 2 through online or local multiplayer. Merely be warned, every action y'all take will probable have farthermost consequences for your fellow spelunkers. There is friendly burn down for everything. Accidentally jumping on a friend'south head knocks them to the footing, leaving them unable to act for a few seconds. If you practise this above a puddle of lava, this histrion will unfortunately fall and exist incinerated. If yous throw a bomb and your allies aren't aware of your intentions, they might notice themselves caught in the lethal blast radius. What about your main ways of defense confronting enemies, the whip? Yep. That too. If y'all smack a friend, they will be launched forrard and briefly rendered unconscious.

Combine these multiplayer hazards with the already-challenging stages, and y'all accept yourself a recipe for utter anarchy. In my experience playing with friends, they are often directly responsible for a solid 80% of my deaths. The inevitable blame game that follows these unfortunate accidents volition unquestionably put your relationships to the exam. While it seems easy to let the rage of defeat eat yous, I genuinely haven't laughed harder playing a video game with friends in quite some time. Information technology's tough non to smiling when you've just watched your close friends accidentally murder a shopkeeper, a turkey, and your entire expedition with one carelessly thrown bomb.

Worth a try on Xbox Game Pass

Spelunk 2 Multiplayer Source: Windows Central

I tin can't say that Spelunky two is for anybody. I dearest brutally difficult video games, and even I find myself struggling to finish this one. Even after hundreds of attempts, I haven't overcome this uncompromising 2D platformer. Withal, if you're looking for a hilarious game to try with a few close friends, information technology's worth giving a shot. For some, it might not exist the best game on Xbox Game Pass. However, for those with an iron volition and supernatural patience, you'll absolutely observe an incredible time in Spelunky ii.

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