Spelunker II: Yūsha e no Chōsen Deep cut
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer
Spelunker
Certified classic
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1985 |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Micro Graphic Image |
| Publisher | Brøderbund Software |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Spelunker |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 13 |
Spelunker is a platformer released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Micro Graphic Image and published by Brøderbund Software.
It belongs to the NES's earliest wave of games. Other notable NES releases from 1985 include Super Mario Bros., Excitebike and Ice Climber.
It is part of the Spelunker series; on the NES you can also try Spelunker II: Yūsha e no Chōsen. The series also appears on other systems with Spelunker (C64).
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Spelunker is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Spelunker cheats & codes
32 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Lives | IXOOPSVK |
|---|---|
| Start With 1 Life | AANATPZA |
| Start With 6 Lives | IANATPZA |
| Start With 9 Lives | AANATPZE |
| Become Invisible! | AEXAYTAP |
| Jump A Little Higher | SNEAKEVN
EANEEAAA |
Spelunker walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Spelunker.
If you like Spelunker, the Matrix also picks…
Super Mario Bros. Classic
Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Super Mario Bros. 2 Classic
Ice Climber Classic Co-op
Donkey Kong Classic
Kirby's Adventure Classic
Mappy Classic
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Spelunker FAQ
When did Spelunker come out on the NES?
Spelunker was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985.
Who made Spelunker?
It was developed by Micro Graphic Image and published by Brøderbund Software.
Is Spelunker multiplayer?
No. Spelunker is a single-player game.
How long does Spelunker take to play?
As a platformer, Spelunker typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Spelunker on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.