Recent reviews by Snarboo

Crystal Caves HD is exactly what it says on the tin: a polished remaster of the original DOS game. Rather than simply remastering the graphics, the game also includes bug fixes and rebalancing, as well as a fully featured level editor with workshop support. It includes other modern niceties, too, such as achievements, difficulty levels and controller support. And that's in addition to perfectly recreated physics and behavior from the original game!

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Crystal Caves HD is an arcade platformer with light puzzle and action elements. The player chooses their difficulty, then picks from 4 episodes at the start, each consisting of one main hub level, followed by individual levels. The basic goal of each level in the game is to collect all the crystals strewn about so Mylo, the player character, can cash out on the get-rich-quick scheme of the moment. Most levels have light puzzle solving elements, such as flipping switches to activate doors, lifts and platforms, opening new paths through the level.

Levels vary between tightly designed gauntlets where failure is not an option, to laid back, sandbox-y affairs. Complicating Mylo's quest are the numerous enemy types he will encounter, as well as additional stage hazards, such as falling rocks or reversed gravity. Fortunately, Mylo can pick up ammo for his gun to dispatch enemies, as well as power ups to aid (or hinder) him. In addition to the crystals Mylo must collect, levels are also filled with collectibles worth lots of points.

If you've played Apogee's earliest platformers, such as Monument of Mars or Arctic Adventure, you'll feel right at home here, as a lot of the mechanics are very similar. Unlike their earlier plaftormers, the hitboxes here are much more forgiving, and the gameplay more smooth flowing. There's tons of personal challenges and achievements if you want them, too, as well as a level editor for endless content.

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In short, yes!

I've always been a huge fan of Apogee's games, and this one is no exception. Despite never having played Crystal Caves in any form, nor its sibling game Secret Agent, I was able to pick up the game almost immediately. While some levels did frustrate me, their short length, coupled with ingenious solutions and setups, kept me coming back for more. The only thing I wasn't fond of was the newly added music. I appreciate adding music to a game that didn't have it before, but the NES style chiptunes don't feel very fitting.

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Do you:

1. Like old DOS-era platformers?
   
2. Like Apogee games especially?
   
3. Like a mix of puzzle and action?

Then yes, go for it!

Otherwise, you might still enjoy this if you like games like Chip's Challenge. While not identical, Crystal Caves HD features similarly fiendish level design, albeit with a more action-y bent.

If you don't like retro platformers, hate restarting levels to solve puzzles, or dislike Apogee games, you might not be convinced by Crystal Caves HD.