So i have a bit of a dilema on my hands, and it is time... i have very little of it. but i still LOVE to run games. I need help to find a new one, and difficult limits to fit a game into.
Almost definately has to be a 2D platformer. Preferably playable with just keyboard, but this one isnt a hard limit. general speedrun needs to be around 30 to 40 minutes when compitent (Shovel Knight takes me about an hour with a PB of 49:10 when practicing) or less. under 20$ on steam. no emulators.
any suggestions are super helpful. games i am already looking at are Ori and the Blind Forest, Hollow Knight, and Hyper Light Drifter (though i know vwry little about thier speedruns, they all look fun)
Been a while since I've played it, but Kero Blaster might be something to look at. It fits the requirements, though lots of mashing is required to improve.
These two games are good for your requirements, except that they are much shorter, but they are still fun anyway (and free).
Checkout Celeste: https://speedrun.com/Celeste
It's an incredibly fun speedrun and it matches all of your requirements :D
Electronic Super Joy is on sale for around $3 I believe, fun platformer with some active runners.
Halloween Forever is a fun. Has some interesting breaks, variability, pretty short (10min WR atm), and needs some more members. Pretty cheap too.
https://www.speedrun.com/Halloween_Forever https://store.steampowered.com/app/425650/