Claim set · data/claims/spelunker-history.yaml

Spelunker (history and reception)

Game: Spelunker.

Spelunker began as a game for Atari computers from MicroGraphic Image. Computer Entertainer reviewed it in November 1983, under its Atari computers heading, as "a superb exploration game from MicroGraphicImage, Inc." on 48K disk. Reviewing the NES version in October 1987, the same newsletter called it an adaptation of a game done originally by Tim Martin and MicroGraphicImage for Atari computers, which it had reviewed almost four years before, "before the title was licensed to Broderbund". spelunker-history/atari-original

MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers; read on the page imageCRITICALLY SPEAKING..ATARI COMPUTERSComputer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunker; read on the page imagefrom MicroGraphicImage, Inc. The player is the Spelunker, aComputer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunker; read on the page imagedifficult to put away once you start playing. (Solo Play.) (48K Disk)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo software, Spelunker; read on the page imageBroderbund. It's an adaptation of a game done originally by TimComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo software, Spelunker; read on the page image — the OCR splits the company across two lines as "MicroGraphicl" / "mage for Atari computers."; the page image prints "Tim Martin and MicroGraphicImage for Atari computers", the company as one wordoriginal almost four years ago, before the title was licensed to Broderbund.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The 1983 review names no designer; Tim Martin's name comes from the 1985 reviews of Broderbund's edition and from the 1987 review (see authors). No MicroGraphic Image box, manual, or dated advertisement has been read, so no release month is claimed beyond the review's issue.

Cited by: Spelunker

Reviews of Broderbund's edition name Tim Martin and MicroGraphic Image as Spelunker's authors. Electronic Games, in April 1985, heads its review "Designed by Tim Martin / and Micro GraphImages", and David Stone, in Computer Gaming World's February 1985 issue, wrote that "MicroGraphic Image and Tim Martin, the game's authors, deserve at least one kudo each". spelunker-history/authors

MagazineElectronic Games, vol. 3, no. 4 (April 1985) · p. 56 (image 56), Computer Gaming, Spelunker review header; read on the page image — the next line reads "and Micro Craphlmages" in the OCR; the page image prints "Designed by Tim Martin / and Micro GraphImages"Designed by Tim MartinComputer Gaming World, vol. 5, no. 1 (February 1985) · p. 33 (image 33), Atari Playfield, SpelunkerMicroGraphic Image and TimComputer Gaming World, vol. 5, no. 1 (February 1985) · p. 33 (image 33), Atari Playfield, SpelunkerMartin, the game's authors, deserve at leastChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Spelunker

Computer Entertainer's November 1983 review of the MicroGraphic Image release gave it four stars of four for graphics and four for play, and recommended it for one player. It described the opening to Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition, an elevator that carries the Spelunker down the left of the screen, ropes, ladders, conveyor belts and an abandoned mining train, a cavern of thirty screens, and a battery-powered fan as the only defense against ghosts. It noted the resemblance to Bill Hogue's Miner 2049er but called Spelunker "an original", and warned that a nudge of the joystick while hanging on a rope or ladder easily cost a life. spelunker-history/atari-1983-review

Value
{
 "review": "Computer Entertainer",
 "of": 4,
 "scores": {
  "graphics": 4,
  "game play": 4
 }
}
MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunkerment of a well-known classic piece, Moussorgsky's Pictures At AnComputer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunkerelevator travels the left side of the screen, carrying the SpelunkerComputer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunkering train, (The entire cavern area covers thirty screens.)Computer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunkerdefense against wandering ghosts; they can be driven off temporarilyComputer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunker, An Originalplayers of Miner 2049er, but this is no copy-cat game. SPELUNKERComputer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunker, An Originalvery easy to lose a Spelunker just by nudging the joystick right orComputer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunker, An OriginalRecommended.Computer Entertainer, vol. 2, no. 8 (November 1983) · p. 124 (image 12), Critically Speaking..Atari Computers, Spelunker; read on the page image — the page image prints the ratings as "(★★★★/★★★★)"; the OCR garbles the starsSPELUNKER (x * * x / *« * * *) is a superb exploration gameComputer Entertainer, Vol. 3, No. 9 (December 1984) · p. 2, rating legend — the next line reads "Second set of stars-Quality of Play Action"; the legend is the newsletter's, cited here from its December 1984 issueFirst set of stars - Quality of GraphicsChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The star ratings were read on the page image (p. 124, image 12): four and four, the same format as the review above it. The OCR prints the folio 124 correctly.

Cited by: Spelunker

Broderbund published Spelunker for Atari computers and the Commodore 64. Computer Entertainer's December 1984 Availability Update lists "x-Spelunker (BRO)" for the fourth quarter under both Atari computers and the Commodore 64; the page's legend for the x is cut off at the scan's edge after "x - indicates sh". Electronic Games gave Broderbund's Atari version as a 48K disk at $29.95, and COMPUTE! reviewed it in July 1985 for the Commodore 64 with a disk drive and for Atari 400, 800, XL or XE computers with at least 48K and a disk drive, at $29.95. spelunker-history/broderbund-edition

MagazineComputer Entertainer, Vol. 3, No. 9 (December 1984) · p. 144 (image 16), Availability Update, Atari Computers, Fourth Quarter; read on the page image — the line appears twice on the page, once under ATARI COMPUTERS, FOURTH QUARTER and once in the run-on of COMMODORE 64, FOURTH QUARTER at the top of the middle column, between "Sierra Championship Boxing (SOL)" and "Stress Manager (BI)"; the page's code table reads "BRO - Broderbund"x-Spelunker (BRO)Electronic Games, vol. 3, no. 4 (April 1985) · p. 56 (image 56), Spelunker review header; read on the page image — the line before reads "Broderbund/ Atari computers/"48K disk/ $29.95COMPUTE!, issue 62 (July 1985) · p. 52 (image 54), Reviews, SpelunkerRequirements: Commodore 64 with a diskCOMPUTE!, issue 62 (July 1985) · p. 53 (image 55), Reviews, Spelunker$29.95Computer Entertainer, Vol. 3, No. 9 (December 1984) · p. 144 (image 16), Availability Update, legend; read on the page image — not in the OCR; the italic legend at the lower right is cut off at the scan's edge, so only its start is quoted, and what the x indicates in this issue is not claimedx - indicates shChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The December 1984 listing dates Broderbund's release to late 1984 only as a schedule; no Broderbund advertisement or box has been read. The scan places the listing's page (printed p. 144) before the issue's cover (image 17).

Cited by: Spelunker

An undated cassette instruction sheet for a Commodore 64 edition (it loads with Shift and RUN/STOP, uses joystick port 2 and the RESTORE key) gives the rules: the player starts with five lives in a cavern six levels deep, and each level completed earns bonus points, 10,000 times the level's number, and an extra life. Batteries recharge the energy pack that powers the Phantom Blaster, and a life is lost if the charge reaches zero; two kinds of key open two kinds of door, bats fly away from bright light, and steam from the volcanic vents and fire pits can cost a life. D drops dynamite, F sends up a flare, and the space bar uses the Phantom Blaster, which blows ghosts away. spelunker-history/computer-rules

ManualSpelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 1, To startplayer. Press Shift and Run/StDp together. Press PlayOur translationplayer. Press Shift and Run/Stop together. Press PlaySpelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 1, To start — the line before ends "Plug your joystick into"Port 2,Spelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 1, The GameYou begrn the game with five lives. The cavern is 6.Our translationYou begin the game with five lives. The cavern is 6 (levels deep)Spelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 1, The Gamebonus points and earn an extra life. The deeper theSpelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 1, To help you along the wayscreen. Recharge often , as you will lose a life if yourSpelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 1, To help you along the wayBattery Charge ever reaches ^ero.Our translationBattery Charge ever reaches zero.Spelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 1, To help you along the waykinds of doors. The Keys that you collect will beSpelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 2, To further increase the challenge — the line before ends "Ghosts can be bSown" (blown)away with your portable Phantom Blaster Press theSpelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 2, To further increase the challenge — the sentence on bats; the next paragraph has flares picked up and sent up with the F keyhome only in the dark and tly away from bhghl Mght^.Our translationhome only in the dark and fly away from bright light.Spelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 2, To further increase the challenge — the line before reads "Vofcanic Vents and Fjre Pits are everywhere. They"pour out steam that can cost you a. iife^ so walch yourOur translationpour out steam that can cost you a life, so watch yourSpelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 2, Special keysPress the RESTORE key to start the game again fromSpelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 2, Special keysthe begirining. Press D to drop dynamite. Press F toOur translationthe beginning. Press D to drop dynamite. Press F to (send up a flare)Spelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 2, Special keyssend up a Ware, Press SPACE BAR to use PhantomOur translationsend up a flare, Press SPACE BAR to use Phantom (Blaster)Spelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 2, ScoringBonus Points For Completing a Ljewel - 10,000 pointsOur translationBonus Points For Completing a Level - 10,000 pointsSpelunker, cassette instructions (Internet Archive item agm_Spelunker_Manual) · image 2, Scoringmultiplied by the number of the level completed.Revised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Quotes the loading, port, RESTORE, Phantom Blaster, bats, steam and battery lines; locators moved to image 2.

The sheet names no publisher or date, and the Internet Archive files it among Atari 8-bit manuals; the Commodore keys are why this claim calls it a Commodore 64 edition's sheet. The disk editions' instructions have not been read.

Cited by: Spelunker

David Stone reviewed Broderbund's Atari version in Computer Gaming World's February 1985 Atari Playfield column. He wrote that it "out jumps Jumpman" and outdoes Miner 2049er, that the cave is six levels deep and he had not reached the bottom after many hours, and that the game uses the keyboard beside the joystick: the space bar for the phantom blaster, F for a flare, D for dynamite. He missed a two-player mode and a way to skip to deeper levels, said it passed his "NO FAIR" test, and called it "a class act". spelunker-history/cgw-review

MagazineComputer Gaming World, vol. 5, no. 1 (February 1985) · p. 33 (image 33), Atari Playfield, Spelunker — the line before ends "Spelunker out jumps Jump-"man, out bounces Bounty Bob in Miner 2049,Computer Gaming World, vol. 5, no. 1 (February 1985) · p. 33 (image 33), Atari Playfield, SpelunkerThe cave itself is large — six levels deep.Computer Gaming World, vol. 5, no. 1 (February 1985) · p. 33 (image 33), Atari Playfield, Spelunkerhave not yet reached the bottom level.Computer Gaming World, vol. 5, no. 1 (February 1985) · p. 33 (image 33), Atari Playfield, Spelunkering are a two-player feature and the ability toComputer Gaming World, vol. 5, no. 1 (February 1985) · p. 33 (image 33), Atari Playfield, Spelunkersuperior game because it passes my “NOComputer Gaming World, vol. 5, no. 1 (February 1985) · p. 33 (image 33), Atari Playfield, SpelunkerThe game is a class act. I highly recommendChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Spelunker

Bill Kunkel reviewed Broderbund's Atari version in Electronic Games in April 1985. He found that after a few rounds most players would be absorbed by "this skillful send-up of cave exploring in an action-game context", called the graphics first rate, and singled out a ride in a coal car. He found the keyboard functions "a bit of a hassle" and the on-screen spelunker, if anything, over-sensitive. spelunker-history/eg-review

MagazineElectronic Games, vol. 3, no. 4 (April 1985) · p. 56 (image 56), Spelunker reviewabsorbed by this skillful send-up of caveElectronic Games, vol. 3, no. 4 (April 1985) · p. 56 (image 56), Spelunker reviewThe graphics, as mentioned, are first rateElectronic Games, vol. 3, no. 4 (April 1985) · p. 56 (image 56), Spelunker reviewcoal car and move along the stretch ofElectronic Games, vol. 3, no. 4 (April 1985) · p. 56 (image 56), Spelunker reviewa bit of a hassle, but that's hard to avoidElectronic Games, vol. 3, no. 4 (April 1985) · p. 56 (image 56), Spelunker review — the signature closes the review; the "(Louise Kohl)" above the Spelunker heading closes the review before it(Bill Kunkel)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Spelunker

Steve Hudson reviewed Spelunker for the Commodore 64 and Atari computers in COMPUTE!'s July 1985 issue. In his account the goal is the Hidden Pyramid, in the deepest corner of a cavern of six levels, past bats, ghosts, lava, and steam vents. He found the graphics "exceptionally well done", the scrolling faultless, and the sound effects worth praise, and compared it with Lode Runner as a game that "exercises mind as well as muscle". spelunker-history/compute-review

MagazineCOMPUTE!, issue 62 (July 1985) · p. 52 (image 54), Reviews, SpelunkerSteve HudsonCOMPUTE!, issue 62 (July 1985) · p. 52 (image 54), Reviews, SpelunkerYour goal? The Hidden Pyramid, whichCOMPUTE!, issue 62 (July 1985) · p. 52 (image 54), Reviews, SpelunkerGraphically, Spelunker is exception-COMPUTE!, issue 62 (July 1985) · p. 53 (image 55), Reviews, Spelunkerand scrolling is faultless, The result is aCOMPUTE!, issue 62 (July 1985) · p. 53 (image 55), Reviews, Spelunkeras muscle. You'll have to think thingsChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Spelunker

In the UK the Commodore 64 version came from Ariolasoft. Its full-page advertisement in Zzap!64's July 1985 issue sells Broderbund's Spelunker as a "U.S. TOP 20 HIT", out on cassette at £9.95 and on disk at £12.95, with six levels of increasing challenge, and Zzap!64's high-score table of March 1986 lists "SPELUNKER (Ariolasoft)". spelunker-history/uk-c64-ariolasoft

MagazineZzap!64, issue 3 (July 1985) · image 30, Ariolasoft advertisement; read on the page image (no printed folio)Spelunker Cassette £9.95.Zzap!64, issue 3 (July 1985) · image 30, Ariolasoft advertisement; read on the page image (no printed folio)Spelunker Disk £1 2.95 - includes VAT & p&p. U.K. orders only.Our translationSpelunker Disk £12.95 - includes VAT & p&p. U.K. orders only.Zzap!64, issue 3 (July 1985) · image 30, Ariolasoft advertisement; read on the page image (no printed folio)cheque/P. 0. made out to Ariolasoft U.K. Ltd.Zzap!64, issue 11 (March 1986) · p. 79 (image 79), high scores — the next line reads "410,275 Jason Roberts, Crosby,"SPELUNKER (Ariolasoft)Zzap!64, issue 3 (July 1985) · image 30, Ariolasoft advertisement; read on the page image (no printed folio) — not in the OCR; the advertisement also reads "OUT NOW ON CASSETTE & DISK" and "SPELUNKER from Broderbund"U.S. TOP 20 HITZzap!64, issue 3 (July 1985) · image 30, Ariolasoft advertisement; read on the page image (no printed folio) — the line goes on "increasing challenge"6 Levels ofChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The advertisement prints no folio; it is cited by image number. The artwork is signed Frank Langford.

Cited by: Spelunker

In May 1987 Zzap!64 listed US Gold's Broderbund Blasters, a £9.99 cassette compilation of Karateka, Choplifter, Stealth, and Spelunker, among compilations soon to be released, and called Spelunker a multi-load platform game, "visually awful, but incredibly playable". It noted that all four had been released by Ariolasoft and had a mixed reception. spelunker-history/uk-broderbund-blasters

MagazineZzap!64, issue 25 (May 1987) · p. 41 (image 41), compilations, And soon to be released, Broderbund Blasters — the lines before read "BRODERBUND" / "BLASTERS"US Gold, £9.99 cassetteZzap!64, issue 25 (May 1987) · p. 41 (image 41), compilations, And soon to be released, Broderbund Blasters — the line before reads "Spelunker - -set m s&ven huge caverns, ifijs" (set in seven huge caverns, this)multi-load piattorm game is a visL*ally awful,Our translationmulti-load platform game is a visually awful,Zzap!64, issue 25 (May 1987) · p. 41 (image 41), compilations, And soon to be released, Broderbund BlastersAll tour wrere ongin^Hy reieased by Arioiasoft,Our translationAll four were originally released by Ariolasoft,Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Spelunker

Irem published the Famicom version in Japan under license from Broderbund, as IF-03 at ¥4,900. A retrospective Famicom catalog dates it 7 December 1985. Irem's advertisement in Famicom Magazine's February 1986 issue calls it Irem's new cartridge, carries the line "©1985 IREM Licensed from Broderbund", and asks buyers to return the questionnaire in its case by 15 February 1986 for a draw: survival gear for 500 and a Pelican Guard box for 1,000. Irem's advertisement in the April 1986 issue names the winners, five of each prize "and 495 others" and "and 995 others". spelunker-history/famicom-release

Book懐かしファミコン パーフェクトガイド (Perfect Guide of Nostalgic Family Computer) · PDF p. 123, ファミコンソフト完全目録, 1985, no. 83 — the OCR reads r and j for the title brackets 『 』0831985/12/07 rスペランカーjアイレムOur translation083, 1985/12/07, Spelunker, IremFamily Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 52 (image 52), Irem advertisement; read on the page image61985 IREM Licensed from Br0derbDundOur translation©1985 IREM Licensed from BroderbundFamily Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 52 (image 52), Irem advertisement; read on the page image — the OCR spaces the characters; the text runs on "リッジ「スペランカー」のケースに入っているアンケート用紙をおくりかえしてください"アイレム の NEW カートOur translationIrem's NEW cart(ridge)Family Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 52 (image 52), Irem advertisement; read on the page image'86 年 2 月 15 日 まで にOur translationby 15 February 1986Family Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 52 (image 52), Irem advertisement; read on the page image — the page image's box caption reads "スペランカー IF-03 希望小売価格 4,900円" (Spelunker, IF-03, suggested retail price ¥4,900); the strip's other prices are Zippy Race (IF-01, 4,500円) and 10-Yard Fight (IF-02, 4,900円)4.900 円Our translation¥4,900Family Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 52 (image 52), Irem advertisement; read on the page image — the page image reads "A賞 サバイバルギア 500名様" (prize A, survival gear, 500 people) and "B賞 ペリカンガード・BOX 1000名様" (prize B, Pelican Guard box, 1,000 people), with a badge "PRESENT! '86 2/15まで"サバ イ バ ル キッ ト の 内 容Our translationthe survival kit's contentsFamily Computer Magazine, no. 10 (18 April 1986) · p. 35 (image 35), Irem advertisement, 当選オメデトウ; read on the page image — the winners' list under "A賞 サバイバルギア" and "B賞 ペリカンガード・BOX", five names each before these lines他 495 名 様 他 995 名 様 分Our translationand 495 others; and 995 othersChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The catalog is an unsigned retrospective mook that names no source for its dates. The price, code, and prizes were read on the page images; the April advertisement prints the same caption, IF-03 at 4,900円.

Cited by: Spelunker

Irem's Famicom advertisements, in Famicom Magazine's February and April 1986 issues, describe the game: find treasure in a deep underground cave past eerie ghosts, bats, poison gas, and pitfalls; clear everything, get the key and go on to the next passage; and at the legendary pyramid lies a vast treasure. spelunker-history/famicom-premise

MagazineFamily Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 52 (image 52), Irem advertisement; read on the page image — the OCR spaces the characters奥 深い 地底 洞 くつ から 宝物 を みつけ だそ う 。Our translationFind the treasure in the deep underground cave.Family Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 52 (image 52), Irem advertisement; read on the page imageめ 。 伝説 の ピラ ミッ ド へ たど り つい たら そこ に は ぼう 大 な 宝Our translation(go on.) When you reach the legendary pyramid, there lies a vast treasureFamily Computer Magazine, no. 10 (18 April 1986) · p. 35 (image 35), Irem advertisement; read on the page imageいか かる 。 すべ て を クリ ア し て カギ を 手 に 入れ 次 の 通路 に 進Our translation(dangers) assail you. Clear everything, get the key, and go on (進め) to the next passageChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The middle sentence, "ぶきみなゆうれい、こうもり、毒ガス、落とし穴など危険がつぎつぎとおそいかかる" (eerie ghosts, bats, poison gas, pitfalls and other dangers assail you one after another), was read on the page image of p. 35, which prints 落とし穴 correctly where the OCR of p. 52 reads 沙とし穴; the OCR's spacing makes it a poor quote.

Cited by: Spelunker

Famicom Magazine's February 1986 issue gave the Famicom version a map guide: its game index lists Spelunker at p. 107, its contents page offers it a complete strategy with detailed maps and the shortest route through stage 1, and p. 107 carries Irem's license line. The April 1986 issue carries the same license line on p. 80. spelunker-history/famicom-magazine-coverage

MagazineFamily Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 4 (image 4), game index — the OCR reads the leader dots as ドド and にスペ ラン カー ドド ドド に ドド に に に 107Our translationSpelunker ...... 107Family Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 5 (image 5), contents< わし い マ ッ プ で 完全 攻略Our translation(く)わしいマップで完全攻略, complete strategy with detailed mapsFamily Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 5 (image 5), contents — the OCR reads 最和 for 最短; the line goes on to Bokosuka Wars ("バサム帝国の全貌が いま明らかに"), and the next line pairs the titles, "スペ ラン カー | ポコ スカ ウォ ー バ"@ 1 面 の 最 和 経路 も ズバ リOur translation1面の最短経路もズバリ, the shortest route through stage 1, spelled outFamily Computer Magazine, no. 7 (February 1986) · p. 107 (image 107), Spelunker guideIREM Licensed from BroderbundFamily Computer Magazine, no. 10 (18 April 1986) · p. 80 (image 80)1985 IREM Licensed from BroderbundRevised after a check by a second AI model, 2026-11-06: Cut to the quoted index, contents and license lines; the guide's length, manga and tricks dropped.

The guide's extent (pp. 107-111), the April issue's trick manga (pp. 43-50, credited to Yamada Goro) and its six reader tricks (pp. 80-81) are in the issues' contents indexes, read from the page images, but the OCR of those pages is too garbled to quote, so they are not claimed here.

Cited by: Spelunker

Irem also made an arcade Spelunker. A retrospective list of arcade games dates it January 1986, after the Famicom version, on Irem's M62 board, credits Broderbund in brackets, and lists Spelunker II: 23 no Kagi in September 1986. spelunker-history/arcade-release

BookアーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · 国内編 (Japan), アイレム (Irem) section86/01 スペランカー [ Broderbund ] ( M 62)Our translation86/01 (January 1986) Spelunker [Broderbund] (M62)アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · 国内編 (Japan), indexスペランカー ブ□ーダーバンド/アイレム86/01Our translationSpelunker, Broderbund/Irem, 86/01アーケードTVゲームリスト 国内・海外編 (1971-2005) · 国内編 (Japan), index — the row above reads "スペランカー n 23の鍵", Spelunker II: 23 no Kagiブローダーバンド/アイレム86/09Our translationBroderbund/Irem, 86/09Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The list is a retrospective compilation (2005) that names no source for its months. No arcade flyer, manual, or dated trade listing from 1985 or 1986 has been read for this claim.

Cited by: Spelunker

Game Machine's issue of 15 July 1986 ranks Spelunker (Irem) 19th among table-type video games in its '86上半期ベストゲームス25, the best 25 of the first half of 1986, with 584 points. The points are a cumulative total, not an average: the paper adds up every ten-point rating from about six months (twelve issues) and ranks the games by the sum. spelunker-history/arcade-game-machine-chart

MagazineGame Machine, no. 288 (15 July 1986) · printed p. 28 (PDF p. 15, right page), '86上半期ベストゲームス25, テーブル型TVゲーム機; read on the page image — the OCR runs "18 / チョップリフター(セガ社) / 598 / 19 / スペランカー (アイレム) / 584 / 20 / ファイナライザー(コナミ)"; the page image shows the row "19 | スペランカー (アイレム) | 584" under the columns 順位 / 機種名(メーカー名) / 得点 (rank, machine (maker), points)スペランカー (アイレム)Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The method was read on the page image: "十段階に評価した評価…をすべて加算し、その合計の多い順に順位をつける方法を採った" (all the ten-point ratings are added and ranked by total) and "約六ヵ月間(十二回)のすべての評価の積み重ね" (the accumulation of all ratings over about six months, twelve issues). The current ranking on the facing p. 29 does not list Spelunker.

Cited by: Spelunker

Broderbund released the NES version in North America in September 1987, according to Nintendo of America's list of licensed NES games. Computer Entertainer's November 1987 Availability Update marks "x-Spelunker (BRO)" as shipped, beside Broderbund's Deadly Towers, Lode Runner, and Raid on Bungeling Bay. spelunker-history/nes-release

PublisherNES Games (Nintendo of America release list) · PDF p. 11Spelunker Broderbund September 1987Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 8 (November 1987) · Availability Update — the lines before read "x-Deadly Towers (BRO)", "x-Lode Runner (BRO)", "x-Raid/Bungeling Bay (BRO)"; the month heading above them is garbled ("Po") in the OCRx-Spelunker (BRO)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 8 (November 1987) · Availability UpdateNOTE: Programs noted “x” have shipped asChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Spelunker

The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) lists Spelunker under Broderbund Software in its Index By Game Manufacturers as "Programmed by Irem Corp.", as it lists Deadly Towers. spelunker-history/nes-irem

PublisherThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 161, Index By Game Manufacturers, Broderbund Software, Inc.; read on the page image — the line reads "Spelunker™ Prograrrined by kem Corp 141" in the OCR and "Spelunker™ Programmed by Irem Corp. . . . 141" on the page image; the next is "Deadly Towers™ Programmed by Irem Corp. . . . 129"Prograrrined by kem CorpOur translationProgrammed by Irem Corp.Checked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Spelunker

The Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) gives the NES version's story as "Raiders of the Lost Pyramid": the fortune of King Tut's richer brother, Tut-Tut, lies in a pyramid at the bottom of the deepest cave in the world, guarded by the ghosts of earlier spelunkers. The player goes down through six levels of caverns past steam vents, lava pits, and bats, on ropes and ladders, over waterfalls, and on an abandoned mine railroad. spelunker-history/nes-premise

PublisherThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 141, SpelunkerRAIDERS OF THE LOST PYRAMIDThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 141, SpelunkerTut, lies within a pyramid, buried in the deepest part of the deepest cave in theThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 141, Spelunkeryou through the six levels of intricate and increasingly challenging subterraneanThe Official Nintendo Player's Guide (1987) · p. 141, Spelunkertumble over waterfalls and plunge to the very depths ofChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The NES manual has not been read.

Cited by: Spelunker

Computer Entertainer reviewed the NES version in October 1987, gave it three and a half stars of four for graphics and three and a half for game play, and recommended it at $29.95 for one player, with a pause. It listed elevators, conveyors, an abandoned mine train, bats, lava pits, steam vents, dynamite, and secret passages among six levels of caverns, and wrote that the game, "a delightful game of exploration when introduced in 1983", is "every bit as much fun now" on the Nintendo system. spelunker-history/nes-ce-review

Value
{
 "review": "Computer Entertainer",
 "of": 4,
 "scores": {
  "graphics": 3.5,
  "game play": 3.5
 }
}
MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo software, Spelunker; read on the page imagecan prove deadly, and there are many secret passages among the sixComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo software, Spelunker; read on the page imageblasting through rock. SPELUNKER was a delightful game of exploration when introduced in 1983, and it's every bit as much fun now inComputer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo software, Spelunker; read on the page imagethis new version for the Nintendo System. (Solo play; Pause.)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo software, Spelunker; read on the page image — the line follows the Spelunker review; the Arkanoid review above ends "(MSR $49.95)"Recommended. (MSR $29.95)Computer Entertainer, vol. 6, no. 7 (October 1987) · p. 10, Nintendo software, Spelunker; read on the page image — the page image prints the ratings as "(★★★1/2/★★★1/2)"SPELUNKER (XxXx1/2/XxXx1/2) is a cave exploration game fromChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

The star ratings, the price, and "introduced in 1983" were read on the page image (p. 10, footer "Computer Entertainer - October, 1987"). The order of the two sets, graphics then play, is the newsletter's legend (see atari-1983-review).

Cited by: Spelunker

By June 1988 Broderbund had dropped Spelunker from its NES line: Computer Entertainer's Summer CES report says Lode Runner, Raid on Bungeling Bay, and Spelunker had been deleted from the Broderbund catalog to make way for three new titles, leaving Deadly Towers, the best seller of its first releases. spelunker-history/nes-dropped

MagazineComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · p. 11 (image 11), Summer CES report, Broderbund Software, Inc.This company has retained only DEADLY TOWERS, the best-sellingComputer Entertainer, vol. 7, no. 3 (June 1988) · p. 11 (image 11), Summer CES report, Broderbund Software, Inc.BUNGELING BAY and SPELUNKER have been deleted from theChecked by a second AI model, 2026-11-06.

Cited by: Spelunker