When comparing HyperRogue vs Spelunky, the Slant community recommends Spelunky for most people. In the question“What are the best roguelikes/roguelites on PC?” Spelunky is ranked 15th while HyperRogue is ranked 73rd. The most important reason people chose Spelunky is:
Spelunky features 4 player local co-op where players share the same screen, which can get a bit hectic.
Specs
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Pros
Pro Unique geometry
HyperRogue takes place in the hyperbolic plane. The grid of hexagons and heptagons and the straight lines which seem to be parallel diverge and never cross and many more unique and unusual geometric shapes.
Pro Easy to get into
A bit like in chess, the basic mechanics are based purely on movement, so no keys to learn. There are no stats, and most creatures are killed with a single hit -- the same is true for the player, but like in Chess, moves which would immediately lead to being killed are forbidden, so the game is over only when you are checkmated. Advanced parts of the game world include lands based on more complex mechanics, and magical orbs which give temporary special powers.
Pro Many different areas
Many areas based on various themes (R'Lyeh, Desert, Overgrown Forest, Living Cave, Palace, Carribean, etc.)
Pro Turn-based roguelike or local coop roguelite
Can be played both as a turn-based roguelike, and as a roguelite with smooth time. Local coop is available in the roguelite mode.
Pro Up to 4 player local co-op
Spelunky features 4 player local co-op where players share the same screen, which can get a bit hectic.
Pro Provides an interesting challenge by heavily relying on increasing your skill
Spelunky gives the player everything needed to succeed from the start so it is only when the players skills get better will they advance.
Pro Quick sessions so you can play in short bursts
Being that Spelunky is at its heart a roguelike the gameplay sessions can tend to be quick as the player will die quite often. This makes for something that can be played in quick bursts throughout the day. The convenient saving also lends to this as a game that is still ongoing can be quickly saved in order to be picked up at a later time.
Pro Expanded gameplay through mods to improve replayability
Ranging from Mega Man to Metroid, there are a tone of great mods for Spelunky all of which make for a new experience in the game which vastly expands the replayability.
Cons
Con Strange visual choices
One of the selling points of the game is also one of its biggest weaknesses. For some, it's simply headache inducing to look at.
Con Co-op is boring and confusing
In co-op this game is very confusing with little instruction on how to play. With little to spice up the game play, it gets boring quickly.
Con Difficult to the point of frustration
Spelunky is pretty difficult and some could say abusive, but with practice and a desire for masochism the game can be mastered.