Spelunky
Best Roguelike Games You Can Play Right Now
Few games are designed as meticulously as Spelunky. Every single item, enemy, and mechanic has a unique purpose and must be handled as such. It may seem cutesy, with its homages to Indiana Jones and upbeat retro soundtrack but be warned, very few make it out alive. There are five main levels in the game, ranging from UFO-filled ice caves to literal Hell itself, each with its own set of enemies.
It’s comically easy to die in Spelunky, with fall damage amped up and man-eating plants able to one-shot you, so learning the rules first is vital. You can trigger traps by throwing rocks at them, buy new weapons from a store, and regain a heart of health by rescuing the damsel. Spelunky also features co-op play which is just as frantic and likely the reason for many a failed friendship.