The music from the first game is so much better imo

[Uncle Jon]

Thoughts on the soundtracks of both games?

[Blanc]

This is a pretty common opinion, in my experience. The only track I'd really hold as being particularly outstanding is The Thirst, and that's just because I'm a sucker for organs.

[The Letter F]

There was also just more variety in the first game. It's been a while since I played it, but I believe each level had several commonly songs, and then also had rarely played versions of songs as well that were randomly selected. I don't believe any level in Spelunky 2 has more than 1 song? So in a game where you repeatedly playing levels over and over, the music can wear thin rather quickly unfortunately.

Also, from a subjective view, the fist game was going for a more "Jazzy" vibe, which people seemed to really appreciate, where as the second game seems to have no particular music theme (or one that I could discern anyway).

[Tvrobot10]

I think I mostly like Spelunky HD's soundtrack better but Spelunky 2 definitely has some great music too. I would like to point out that Spelunky 2 may seem like it has only one song for each area, but the music is actually dynamic. For example: There is different music if you are at 1 heart. The music also slows down if you stay still. From a speedrun perspective: Spelunky 2's music is probably better because it continues through levels unlike in Spelunky 1. In Spelunky 1 (from a speedrun perspective) the music would start and then quickly stop at the level transition and then restart/play a different song in the next level. This would keep going with the music being interrupted each time.

[Torres, The Devourer]

Originally posted by The Letter F:

There was also just more variety in the first game. It's been a while since I played it, but I believe each level had several commonly songs, and then also had rarely played versions of songs as well that were randomly selected. I don't believe any level in Spelunky 2 has more than 1 song? So in a game where you repeatedly playing levels over and over, the music can wear thin rather quickly unfortunately.

Also, from a subjective view, the fist game was going for a more "Jazzy" vibe, which people seemed to really appreciate, where as the second game seems to have no particular music theme (or one that I could discern anyway).

Splelunky 2's music was going for a more atmospheric vibe.

[Spicy Groggy]

Yeah this is honestly one of my biggest complaints about this game. I do love the fact that the songs are dynamic in Spelunky 2, changing as you get deeper in the world or when certain enemies appear. But if you're having a bad day and are stuck in the dwelling you're gonna get sick of that song.


Spelunky HD's soundtrack has so much variety and uniqueness. That variance made death feel less repetitive and created a sense of adventure again. At least for me.

[Herzog]

I muted the music after a few hours of play. Honestly I don't know any music after the Olmec stage.

[JonathanR]

Everyone here thinks they are talking about the first game when they are actually talking about the second.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgozaTCo5Zs

[iksDi]

I hope they expand the soundtrack or something in the future. Dynamic music is ok but only 1 "usual" track... gets too repetitive and annoying pretty fast, literally within a few hours. 3-4 non-dynamic tracks are a lot better in this case. The option in settings to switch them is a not bad compromise. Or 1-2 alternatives for the first few areas at least.

[globefish23]

They should definitely look at player data to discern the curve of time spent in each level (which probably drops off exponentially after the Dwelling), then increase the amount of tracks according to that curve.

[ThisWasSparta]

Yeah, I prefer HD's, there's just no debate in my mind. Hell, Olmec's theme, that one temple theme, it's all so good, even outside of the game's context. 2 really made me appreciate the amount of variety HD had, too. The Dwelling is the obvious thing to point to, considering it's the area you'll spend the most total time in, except maybe the CO.

Though to be fair, 2 has roughly double the amount of areas and a system that dynamically alters the music playing based on the game state. Personally, I would've preferred static tracks, because I can barely tell what part of it is the dynamic system, even when it's pointed out to me, but it's a decision I can respect.

[ThisWasSparta]

Originally posted by Jonathan R:

Everyone here thinks they are talking about the first game when they are actually talking about the second.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zgozaTCo5Zs

Everyone? More than half of the comments here are making a clear distinction between OG and HD, good sir.

[Guardian_Angel]

Can't say I agree. I like both OSTs equally. It's just that the HD aims for catchy, upbeat songs, which are generally more favoured. But they didn't always make sense in the environment they were used in. Like 'Temple 1', which was far too dramatic for a regular level.

Spelunky 2's music is much more on par with presenting the biome, and much more layered too. While HD had multiple tracks for one biome, 2's tracks change with what's happening on the screen.

Another thing I find is: HD's score is more self-sufficient and can be listened to outside the game. 2's, on the other hand, synergise exceptionally well with the actual levels the play on.
Give me any of 2's tunes and I'll readily tell you what biome it comes from. Not so much with HD's. But that's just my opinion.

And this one is a personal bias, but the Cosmic Ocean's 'Ripple' track is by far the best one I've heard in both games.

[Trev-9000]

Originally posted by Guardian_Angel:

Like 'Temple 1', which was far too dramatic for a regular level.

I have to say, Temple 1 is my favourite track in HD. It is designed to be really intense because you've basically made it to the last area of the game and this is about as deadly as its gonna get, it always gets me absolutely pumped whenever I hear it.

I don't think 2s OST gets enough credit. This might just be personal preference for me as well but I find Dwelling really gets me pumped to start a new game, its such a catchy tune. I think for newer players they hate this track in particular because its where you spend the most time and if you're dying over and over its all you'll be hearing.

As Guardian_Angel has said though, the songs are meant to be more atmospheric. I've said this somewhere on here before but all songs in Spelunky 2 are basically re-imaginings of songs from HD. They all have similar elements and beats but the sound and feel of the music has been completely re-imagined for a fresh new experience. Thats quite a hard thing to accomplish.

[Elevna]

spelunky 2 dwelling music hits hard