Spelunker (USA)

In Spelunker (USA) on the NES, players take on the role of a brave cave explorer (spelunker), with the main mission of exploring vast caverns, collecting treasures, and finding a way out of the underground labyrinth. The game is renowned for its high difficulty and the protagonist's extreme fragility, making every step fraught with deadly peril.

Players must control the Spelunker, moving across platforms, climbing ropes, jumping over gaps, and avoiding countless obstacles. Threats include bats dropping guano, flying ghosts, venomous snakes, falling rocks, steam vents, and even deep pools of water that can instantly drown the character. Even a short fall from a seemingly insignificant height is enough to cause the Spelunker to lose a life, highlighting his extreme vulnerability.

To aid in the adventure, the Spelunker is equipped with several useful items. Flares can be used to ward off bats and ghosts, while bombs help destroy obstructing rocks. Ropes can be used to ascend or descend difficult-to-reach areas, and keys are necessary to open locked doors. Managing these items is crucial as they are limited in quantity.

The ultimate goal of each stage is to find a large treasure at the end of the cave, often a giant diamond or a valuable artifact, and then find the exit. The cave maps are extensive and complex, requiring players to memorize paths and plan carefully. Spelunker challenges not only the player's control skills but also their patience and puzzle-solving abilities in finding the optimal path and avoiding ridiculous deaths.