The creator of the successful 2D platformer Spelunky, Derek Yu, shared on new screenshots and details about the sequel. It still does not have any approximate release dates, but the game designer assured that development is progressing well.
Spelunky 2 was announced in October 2017 during the Paris Games Week event. The developers haven't spoken about it for quite a while, but according to Derek, they were so busy with work that they didn't notice how time was passing. Each day, the game has been showing 'steady progress.'
One of the main goals the creators mention is improving the visual components. They were aided by fan feedback on the trailer to make the graphics nicer and more detailed. 'I think we've achieved the right balance: the visuals are clear, elements are easily distinguishable, but at the same time, details stand out sufficiently,' Derek wrote. 'The lighting and fluid effects have become more expressive, making the world even more dynamic and alive.'
Another goal was to make each playthrough feel like a 'personal adventure.' 'By making decisions in the original game, players created many of their own stories, and in my opinion, that remains very important,' he noted. 'We want to continue supporting such creativity, so we strive to bring more variety into the game.' The sequel will feature new items, 'crafted with special care and capable of interacting with the world in obvious and subtle ways,' along with characters like merchants that assist the player. Some familiar NPCs will return.
A significant focus is also on the musical accompaniment. Eirik Suhrke, who also composed the first part, is creating 'dynamic, layered' compositions that help immerse players in the game's atmosphere. Each location will have its own musical theme, but that's not all: a unique set of sound effects is being prepared for each creature, item, trap, and surface. 'When you land on the grass in the jungle, you'll hear a different sound than if you jump on a conveyor belt in the volcanic level,' Derek explained. 'This innovation may seem insignificant, but it actually brings something unique to each game area.'
Moreover, the authors will attempt to make the Deathmatch mode as engaging as Adventure Mode, improving the menu and journal. Derek noted that the sequel will embody ideas he had many years ago.
The developers are not ready to announce a release date, but the team is getting "closer and closer" to that event. Spelunky 2 will first be released on PC and PlayStation 4, and then on other platforms.
The original Spelunky was released as a free game in 2008. An enhanced version became available on Xbox 360 in 2012, on PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Vita in 2013, and on PlayStation 4 in 2014. The platformer received high praise from critics (rating on — 83–90 points out of 100) and was commercially successful (in 2016, sales exceeded one million copies).
Source: 3dnews.ru
