Crystal Caves HD

It's a DOS era puzzle platformer, where most levels have a 'correct' path through and the player is expected to die a few times trying to execute on it perfectly. This HD remake addresses the biggest problem with the original (which I have played way too much): Everything loads and reloads WAY faster. Hardly groundbreaking, but I enjoyed it a lot, and the new achievement system and stats add a little extra 'keep going' engagement. I liked it. I'm surprised I liked it. I mean it's just a game I already have, but a little bit better.

A classic

Having never played the original, this was a new experience for me although I had played Secret Agent HD. Crystal Caves and Secret Agent both use the same engine. Thus, the experience was similar to Secret Agent HD. Crystal Caves HD is puzzle 2D platformer that you can play casually. The story is almost nonsensical and really only the gameplay matters in this game. In many levels you have to find the correct way to finish the level. Sometimes there are multiple ways to finish a level and other times only one way. Therefore, the gameplay has some trial and error. But levels are short and saving is only allowed outside levels. It is possible to softlock a level without the possibility to progress anymore and then you are forced to restart the whole level. This can be considered part of the process of finding the solution to the level, although one could argue that this is bad game design from the original developers (Apogee Software). Finding the Wormhole achievement is definitely worth it, since it opens a secret level with completely different style and remiscent of a different and more famous 2D platformer from the 90s.

Classic colorful missions to get best results

Because this is very similar to Secret Agent HD (which I loved), I will link that review here: https://steamcommunity.com/profiles/76561198071206305/recommended/1607670?snr=1_5_9__402 Long story short: This is an excellent remake of an already excellent retro PC platformer. The controls are tight and the gameplay is challenging. In fact, although you can select from 3 difficulty levels, much of the difficulty is user-guided regardless of what difficulty you select. You can simply try to collect all the crystals in each level and head to the exit, but much of the satisfaction comes from trying to maximize your score. This involves beating levels without taking a hit, seeking out all bonus items, shooting every egg to collect letters to spell "bonus", triggering and collecting hidden fruit, hitting certain terrain from below to discover bonus crystals, maximizing temporary power-ups, and strategically managing your ammo (which is consistent between stages) to decide which enemies are worth shooting. Luckily, the levels aren't overly long so re-starting them usually isn't too punishing. The achievements are fun to get (although one is a bit grind-heavy), and there is even a hid…

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