# Spelunx

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***Spelunx and the Caves of Mr. Seudo*** is an educational computer game intended for young children developed by [Cyan](/source/Cyan_Worlds) (now Cyan Worlds) in 1991.

## Gameplay and plot

*Spelunx* is a first-person [point-and-click adventure](/source/Adventure_game) game. It is structured as a collection of rooms connected by a series of tunnels (accessed via elevator). Each room contains interactive mini-games and experiments, most of which introduce the player to a specific field of knowledge. A hidden control panel within the game allows for the rearrangement of the caves and other locations, and even for the expansion of the caves with the addition of newer rooms. Although it was the intention of Cyan to continue releasing new rooms over time for players to explore, this never occurred.

Although Spelunx contains a basic [frame story](/source/Frame_story) (centered on the scientific endeavors of one Professor Spelunx and his willing assistant, Mr. Seudo), there is no other plot. Although the characters Professor Spelunx and Mr. Seudo are mentioned (and even depicted in-game) the player never meets them.

## Development

It was designed by the brothers [Robyn](/source/Robyn_Miller) and [Rand Miller](/source/Rand_Miller) (better known now as the creators of *[Myst](/source/Myst)*). The game was programmed and implemented using [HyperCard](/source/HyperCard), with Robyn Miller hand-drawing all of the in-game graphics and scenery. The game's title was derived from the verb "[to spelunk](/source/Spelunking)", referring to the act of exploring caves. It was intended to be explored and played with—like a toy—rather than completed or won.

## Reception

*[Computer Gaming World](/source/Computer_Gaming_World)* stated that *Spelunx* would "provide hours of entertainment in a variety of ways for both children and adults".[2]

## Legacy

In 1993, following the release of Myst, Cyan produced a colorized version of Spelunx. Although the original [monochrome](/source/Monochrome) version contained small amounts of color at specific locations or during specific events (utilizing [MacroMind](/source/MacroMind) Player, a predecessor of [Adobe Flash](/source/Adobe_Flash)), this new version (colorized by artist Josh Staub) contained full-color scenery and animation (as well as a small [easter egg](/source/Easter_egg_(media)): an image of Myst Island hidden within one of the original rooms).

More recently, the color version has been ported to Windows and released on the [Steam](/source/Steam_(service)) digital distribution service as part of the *Cyan Complete Pack*, alongside other early Cyan titles (including *Myst*).

## See also

- *[The Manhole](/source/The_Manhole)* (1988)
- *[Cosmic Osmo and the Worlds Beyond the Mackerel](/source/Cosmic_Osmo_and_the_Worlds_Beyond_the_Mackerel)* (1989)

## References

1. ["Cyan Worlds' Games Available Via Steam"](https://web.archive.org/web/20110808085014/http://www.cyanworlds.com/news/?p=20). CyanWorlds.com. August 18, 2010. Archived from [the original](http://www.cyanworlds.com/news/?p=20) on August 8, 2011. Retrieved May 5, 2012.

1. Howell, Robert (May 1992). ["The Great Underground Educator"](http://www.cgwmuseum.org/galleries/index.php?year=1992&pub=2&id=94). *Computer Gaming World*. No. 94. pp. 74–75. Retrieved 24 November 2013.

## External links

- [Entry for *Spelunx*](http://www.homeoftheunderdogs.net/game.php?id=4904) at [Home of the Underdogs](/source/Home_of_the_Underdogs)

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Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Spelunx](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spelunx) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spelunx?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.