Spelunky: Tally

I have reviewed each episode of "Love, Death + Robots" and am a big video games guy, so thought I'd do the same process for Amazon's "Secret Level".

"Spelunky" is a game that I have played before, though didn't recall the name of the character you played as or if they had any particular personality. A bit of subsequent research has informed me that Ana is the character in "Spelunky 2" which is a game I've not gotten around to yet.

Ana Spelunky (Ariana Greenblatt) dies in another cave exploring mishap and returns to the entrance to the cave. In the entrance area she meets Liz Mutton (Merle Dandridge) and older explorer who has a similar line of explorations and restarts. Ana is still more enthusiastic that Liz, but a number of deaths lead to frustration and the brink of despondency, until Liz reframes their experience.

Again, as with a few of these, it's almost too short to form an opinion on. There's a nice cartoony style to the animation and the vocal work is fine. The idea of infinite lives has been looked at in a couple of other episodes of the run, and I don't think this manages to approach it as deeply as the "New World" one. That though had more time and a more complete story.

Again, this is fine, for what it is - it's just not much.

Spelunky, the iconic roguelike platformer, has always been known for its unique blend of challenging gameplay and memorable music. However, one particular track in the game's soundtrack stands out-"Tally." This final piece in the soundtrack brings a wave of nostalgia, transporting listeners back to the vibrant sounds of the 1980s.

From the very first notes, "Tally" evokes a sense of retro coolness. The synth-heavy melodies and upbeat rhythms immediately remind you of the music that defined an era-from classic arcade games to the synthwave soundtracks of early 80's films. It's an upbeat, slightly melancholic piece that perfectly complements the triumphant yet bittersweet conclusion of Spelunky.

What makes "Tally" truly impressive is how it not only honors the 80's influences but also integrates them seamlessly into the game's broader, more modern sound design. It's like a bridge between two worlds-an homage to the past with a fresh, contemporary edge. The combination of catchy melodies, driving basslines, and electronic textures feels nostalgic but still fits perfectly within the context of Spelunky's innovative world.

This track doesn't just serve as background music; it feels like an emotional payoff for the player, rewarding both the challenges of the game and the hard-earned sense of accomplishment. The 80's vibes are a fitting end to a game that has been all about embracing risk and reward.

In conclusion, "Tally" is a masterful composition that highlights Spelunky's exceptional soundtrack. It's a perfect blend of retro flair and modern ingenuity, making it one of the most memorable pieces in the game. Whether you're a fan of 80's music or a lover of great game soundtracks, this track is a highlight you won't want to miss.

Out of most of these episodes, the Spelunky episode sticks out in a good way. Unlike the Mega Man episode which was rather disappointing, this provides conclusive story beats and plenty of references to the games in a very short runtime. Similar to a good chunk of runs I've had trying to complete Spelunky 2, the episode presents the challenges of a roguelike in the vein of being able to come back from death at any moment. Both characters are also compelling enough for the miniscule amount of time we spend with this game. Loved the references to the axolotl, giant olmec head, and friendly turkeys. I personally think it should have been maybe a few minutes longer in length but it's easily digestible for any person whether they've played the games or not.