Play Hottarman no Chitei Tanken (Japan) Online

Game Overview

Hottarman no Chitei Tanken is one of those weird, wonderful NES games that never made it outside Japan—which is a shame, because it’s basically Spelunker if Spelunker had a drill and a death wish. You play as this little guy burrowing underground, carving tunnels through dirt while avoiding collapsing ceilings, bottomless pits, and whatever else the game decides to throw at you. The controls take a second to get used to (jumping feels a little floaty), but once you do, it’s oddly satisfying to just… dig.

There’s something about the way treasures pop out of the walls, or how you’ll suddenly drop into a hidden cavern full of enemies, that makes it hard to put down. The music’s got that classic NES charm too—upbeat, slightly frantic, and perfect for when you’re desperately trying to escape a cave-in. Just don’t be surprised if you die a lot at first. It’s that kind of game.

If you’re into retro adventures with a side of chaos, this one’s a great way to kill an afternoon.