Spelunky!

[Josiah]

You guys gotta check this out. Rather than explaining it myself, watch this video.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5IRc9uPANo
and download it here:
http://forums.tigsource.com/index.php?topic=4017.0

It's so novel, and IMO, some clever design choices on the part of the developer.
My friend Justin showed us this at our RP weekend and I think it's a great find.

[Josiah]

I just spent like... longer than I should have playing this game. It is the definition of procedurally generated content done right.
Also, play with a 360 gamepad. The Keyboard controls aren't very intuitive, but it feels much better on the gamepad.

[Josiah]

Okay so, after -quite- some time, I just beat Spelunky for the first time moments ago.
I tell you, folks, this game has had my attention more than any other game has in a long, long time. I know it sounds silly. The game was made using a GAME MAKER and is FREE. How good can it be, right?
Just thought I'd let you in on THE NEWS.

This does not mean I will stop playing Spelunky.

[Walker]

This was exciting until I read the last sentence. I guess now we can only hope your thumbs fall off.

But seriously, I'm glad you're still enjoying it. I might have to finally give it a shot on Saturday. If only to try and beat it in less time than you.

[Josiah]

So, as you might've guessed, I continued playing Spelunky for some time.
For those who are not aware, there are four -very challenging- unlocks to accomplish in Spelunky. I played the crap out of the game until I achieved them all.

I don't want to spoil anything for you guys, so I won't tell you about the unlocks, but I've enjoyed the challenge.
My records right now are as follows (all records also include beating the game with that score):

Shortest Time
8:14

Most Cash Collected
$792,125

Most Enemies Killed
145

Most Damsels Rescued
10

Out of 821 Attempts, I have beaten the game 6 times
I believe my first "win" was around 450 attempts. I have unlocked all the shortcuts.

I still play occasionally just for kicks, but usually take stupid, fun risks and get killed quickly.

[Walker]

I just beat the game for the first time today.

I have the shortcuts but rarely use them anymore.

I've only unlocked the Sun Room challenge.

[Josiah]

Congrats! Was it exciting for you?

[Walker]

It's a nice sense of closure. I don't feel like I HAVE to play it anymore. I would like to reach the city of gold at least once, though. The farthest I've gotten is the Ankh from the black market. But I died prematurely and it was wasted. Oh well.

The "you beat the game" music was cool. I like the main menu theme a lot too.

[Josiah]

I had a similar experience when I beat the game for the first time. I definitely had a sense of closure, and my playthroughs became much less about getting as far as I can, but rather, going in with very specific goals.
EG: Try for city of Gold. Don't find the Udjat Eye? Go for Damsel saves instead.
Once I was satisfied with my City of Gold cash winnings, I moved on to speedruns. It really was a different sort of self-motivation to play. Strong, I think.

The main menu theme is wicked awesome.

[Walker]

Version 1.0 is now available. It doesn't look like there are as many gameplay improvements...mostly bug fixes. Still worth grabbing, I think.

Also, the game is coming to XBLA with new graphics in the next year.