Cave Story Plus

 PC
User Score
8.3

Generally favorable reviews- based on 199 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 155 out of 199
  2. Mixed: 35 out of 199
  3. Negative: 9 out of 199

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  1. bskierys
    Jan 21, 2019
    6
    TLDR: Story, lore and nostalgia indie masterpiece that suffers from some bad gameplay design.
    I really enjoyed the game. It has heartwarming story that you really want to discover, and character that you care about and want to rescue. There is some nostalgia power in both graphics and music. However, as a metroidvania platformer it is only a decent game with flat level design and a lot of    TLDR: Story, lore and nostalgia indie masterpiece that suffers from some bad gameplay design.
    I really enjoyed the game. It has heartwarming story that you really want to discover, and character that you care about and want to rescue. There is some nostalgia power in both graphics and music. However, as a metroidvania platformer it is only a decent game with flat level design and a lot of repetitive backtracking. The difficulty level can be somehow uneven. I enjoyed hard platforming levels and bosses that has move set you have to learn by heart but infrequent save points along with imprecise controls sometimes made it more frustrating than hard.    … Expand
  2. MurBle82
    Dec 5, 2020
    10
    Some flaws could include how the best ending is needlessly convoluted to achieve, or how the game has an obvious difficulty spike near the end, but I found the bosses so fun to master that I didn't mind it that much.

    The charming visuals, catchy music, fun gameplay, varied weapons, visually and mechanically diverse levels all come together to make something extremely satisfying to play.
  3. asmodeos
    May 23, 2012
    9
    Incredible throwback title. Old school console on the pc, by a guy from nintendo. Im stuck on the last level, but its just my old reflexes! The multiple endings are simple and suave.
  4. Weapon0fCho1ce
    Jan 25, 2012
    10
    Cave Story is a return to a simple time of simple pleasures in all it's pixelated beauty. Very reminiscent of NES platformers like Metroid and Megaman, it is exemplary proof that adventure platformers can still hold up in a world where games are populated with chest-high walls and health regeneration. set on an island in the sky, the player controls Quote, an exploration robot who has lostCave Story is a return to a simple time of simple pleasures in all it's pixelated beauty. Very reminiscent of NES platformers like Metroid and Megaman, it is exemplary proof that adventure platformers can still hold up in a world where games are populated with chest-high walls and health regeneration. set on an island in the sky, the player controls Quote, an exploration robot who has lost his memory. Upon meeting the Mimiga, a race of small humanoid-bunny-like creatures, he soon learns of an evil scientist's plot to harness the power of the Mimiga to build his own personal army. Each stage has fantastic music sure to stick in your head long after you've completed the game. With different difficulty settings, hidden weapons and powerups, Cave Story Plus will keep you coming back for more.… Expand
  5. mrnice
    Jul 21, 2012
    9
    (The original version is free!) This game is an all-out classic and inspirational work by an individual. You will experience a journey, an adventure of great imagination and originality. Like the animated movies of Miyazaki this is a masterful and ingenious Asian gem that can only hopefully be exposed to a wide international audience. Get it for free (yay internet) if you don't care for(The original version is free!) This game is an all-out classic and inspirational work by an individual. You will experience a journey, an adventure of great imagination and originality. Like the animated movies of Miyazaki this is a masterful and ingenious Asian gem that can only hopefully be exposed to a wide international audience. Get it for free (yay internet) if you don't care for updated graphics and soundtrack.… Expand
  6. Howrus
    Nov 26, 2011
    9
    If old sprite graphics doesn't scare you - then this is very good game to play. it's Metroid-like 2-D adventure with huge map, hidden locations, power-ups that allow you to reach new locations and etc. Plus funny Mimga!
  7. wololooo
    Mar 12, 2012
    9
    The stellar solo project of Dasuke Amaya gets a semi-remake, with a graphical overhaul and tons of new content. Cute, mysterious and addictive, Cave Story holds its place as one of the greatest platformers of all time.
  8. jcdoll
    Jan 15, 2012
    10
    Absolutely awesome. One of the best games I played this year. If you like 2d platformers or grew up playing SNES (e.g. Mega Man, Metroid, Castlevania) you'll love this.
  9. MatthewTheDark
    Nov 27, 2012
    9
    Well, here it is. The king of Indie Games. A classic game with an amazing story, fun gameplay, and a good level of difficulty. So what exactly does the + version add? Sadly, not as much as $10 would be worth considering the original was free, but I got the game for $2.50 via Steam sale so I'm willing to let it slide. After all, this is still the Cave Story we've all come to know and love.Well, here it is. The king of Indie Games. A classic game with an amazing story, fun gameplay, and a good level of difficulty. So what exactly does the + version add? Sadly, not as much as $10 would be worth considering the original was free, but I got the game for $2.50 via Steam sale so I'm willing to let it slide. After all, this is still the Cave Story we've all come to know and love. Considering what they've added, I suppose the extra modes and the game itself gives it what seems like an amazing amount of replay value than your average game. However, left alone the additions seem like you're getting less bang for your buck if you buy it for the price it asks for. Then again, the game is still there. All its wondrous secrets, all its sublime gameplay, all its charm, all its great story and the price is easy to look away from due to the quality of the game itself. I highly recommend this game, despite its asking price for not many additions.… Expand
  10. Tashy497
    Dec 29, 2014
    10
    If you've put off playing this game, you must put off putting off. This game is bloody fantastic.... has the charm of older generation games, but it's not dated, it holds up and will probably hold up for many decades to come. It's one of those games that you'll want a sequel as soon as you beat it. There's some underground methods of playing this game so I only wished I researched thisIf you've put off playing this game, you must put off putting off. This game is bloody fantastic.... has the charm of older generation games, but it's not dated, it holds up and will probably hold up for many decades to come. It's one of those games that you'll want a sequel as soon as you beat it. There's some underground methods of playing this game so I only wished I researched this (originally not worrying about spoilers) because you'll have to start from scratch to go the intended route... even after replaying I still enjoyed it.… Expand
  11. keefbaker
    Oct 20, 2013
    2
    Enjoy Japanese style NES games complete with vomitously cutesy graphics and characters that make you want to laugh at their hanging crucified corpses. Then you'll probably love this...

    I don't..... clearly....
  12. noppy_dev
    Jan 23, 2013
    8
    A good game, but just a graphics update of the original cave story. It may be cool, but just get the original one instead of paying money for something that you can get a lot of the content of and like half of the graphics for free.
  13. Keychain
    Nov 1, 2013
    10
    A masterpiece. A simply amazing experience with little to no flaws. Cave Story provides action, adventure, a great story, intense boss battles, amazing soundtrack, loving characters, great level design, and so much more. It is by far one of my most favorite games of all time, and I would recommend it to anyone.
  14. Liquid_Blue7
    Mar 17, 2012
    10
    8-Bit in its full fledged glory. I don't even like retro games yet this one was so flawless in every aspect that i couldn't resist. Not only that but its free.
  15. 95LeD
    Aug 15, 2012
    10
    People tend to say buying this game is like paying 10 euro for poor expansion of already free game. If you feel like that it's okay, but paying is not actual buying game. It's saying "thank you" for the great work made then and now, it's also getting a little gift in return. If you see no point in buying it, play free version. If you love it you'll come back. Cave Story is very addicting,People tend to say buying this game is like paying 10 euro for poor expansion of already free game. If you feel like that it's okay, but paying is not actual buying game. It's saying "thank you" for the great work made then and now, it's also getting a little gift in return. If you see no point in buying it, play free version. If you love it you'll come back. Cave Story is very addicting, fast-paced game mixing various game styles. It reminds of old games back then when boss fights were epic, challenging and unusual. Cave Story keep that rule too, you encounter many bosses and dozens of enemies on your way.… Expand
  16. fabio77
    Jun 26, 2014
    10
    If you are an old gamer like me, you'll like this game A LOT!!!
    It's short but has a high replay value (more endings and secrets to unlock).
    Awesome
  17. Zeta
    Apr 1, 2012
    10
    Starting off, the player may not be too thrilled with the story, as it isn't until some digging has been done that all is revealed to the player. This version has been given an overhaul in the graphics department, bringing the indie classic into a 16/32-bit style. There are three versions of the critically acclaimed soundtrack to choose from, including the new 3DS arrangements. TheStarting off, the player may not be too thrilled with the story, as it isn't until some digging has been done that all is revealed to the player. This version has been given an overhaul in the graphics department, bringing the indie classic into a 16/32-bit style. There are three versions of the critically acclaimed soundtrack to choose from, including the new 3DS arrangements. The gameplay takes what gamers loved about classics such as Metroid, Megaman, and Castlevania and wrapped it into a delightful package.

    Truly a love letter to an age of gaming long since past, and simply one of the best games ever made.
    Here is a game that is sure to withstand the test of time.

    I do not, however, recommend this game to people who don't like fantastic/catchy music, old school gameplay, or charm in their video games.    … Expand
  18. SylarHRG
    Mar 6, 2013
    9
    Got it for $2.50 on a steam sale. Totally worth it, BUT, make sure you are playing with a controller. Keyboard controls are klunky and a little bit annoying. With that being said and reading some of the reviews, I had no idea there was an original or what the "plus" entailed when I purchased this game. All I know is that my $2.50 has gone a long way, a hell of a lot further than aGot it for $2.50 on a steam sale. Totally worth it, BUT, make sure you are playing with a controller. Keyboard controls are klunky and a little bit annoying. With that being said and reading some of the reviews, I had no idea there was an original or what the "plus" entailed when I purchased this game. All I know is that my $2.50 has gone a long way, a hell of a lot further than a starbucks coffee would.… Expand
  19. upi
    Jan 15, 2013
    9
    Cave Story's charm lies in it's polished platforming, great pacing and an ability to connect with the player on an emotional level. You start out a stranger to a world, without instruction or introduction, but before long you will get involved with the world and it's characters a lot more than you'd expect from 2D platformer.
  20. Claytality
    Mar 31, 2013
    9
    I was on the fence about buying this game but I am so glad I did. Never played the original Cave Story but this game was AMAZING. So much content for such a low price, a game this good would have cost $40 back in the day. Good story, good platforming, great action, great exploration make this game one for the ages. I believe a critic said it best with "the best nes/snes game neverI was on the fence about buying this game but I am so glad I did. Never played the original Cave Story but this game was AMAZING. So much content for such a low price, a game this good would have cost $40 back in the day. Good story, good platforming, great action, great exploration make this game one for the ages. I believe a critic said it best with "the best nes/snes game never released". No loading times, no queues, good music. Ability to choose when/if you upgrade your weapons during the story is nice. Although I beat it in about 7 hours, I replayed it 2 more times to get the other endings/weapons. Multiple difficulties if you aren't so great at old-school platformers like me Ability to change controls helped a lot on keyboard.… Expand
  21. cidgrad01
    Dec 30, 2013
    8
    I’m pretty burnt out on the whole indie retro fad but I enjoyed this game. Where I think a lot of these retro games go wrong is when they implement shoddy controls like the NES games of yore. That makes it not fun to play. I’m pleased to say that Cave Story has excellent controls, though, and is a lot of fun to play.

    This reminded me of old NES games such as Metroid but felt like an    I’m pretty burnt out on the whole indie retro fad but I enjoyed this game. Where I think a lot of these retro games go wrong is when they implement shoddy controls like the NES games of yore. That makes it not fun to play. I’m pleased to say that Cave Story has excellent controls, though, and is a lot of fun to play.

    This reminded me of old NES games such as Metroid but felt like an improvement because it controls so well. The final boss fight was a challenge to beat, but not because it was cheap or frustrating. It was merely difficult and required some skill to get through.

    I wish more retro games would stick to Cave Story’s formula and go with fun over frustration as a game mechanic.    … Expand
  22. Rewe
    Mar 3, 2012
    5
    Cave Story was one of my favorite games of all time. This, however, is an insult. The original Cave Story is free and provided a complete experience. This version adds BARELY anything new to the game, and what it does add is mostly garbage. A graphical overhaul that does absolutely nothing to help the experience and basically attempts to remove the nostalgia factor the original had, asCave Story was one of my favorite games of all time. This, however, is an insult. The original Cave Story is free and provided a complete experience. This version adds BARELY anything new to the game, and what it does add is mostly garbage. A graphical overhaul that does absolutely nothing to help the experience and basically attempts to remove the nostalgia factor the original had, as well as a new soundtrack that nearly made me quit the game immediately. There ARE options to switch back to the old graphics and soundtrack, but at that point you'd be removing almost all of what makes this "Plus". I should also mention that whereas the translation work done in the most popular English translation patch is great, the translation here feels like it was made by a bunch of 6th graders. Not in the sense that it is poorly translated, but the dialogue just seems stale. I would have GLADLY payed for the original. However, since the original is free and has been for years, it really feels greedy to make me pay money for a version with inferior music and uselessly refined graphics. Just go download the freeware version and a translation patch, you'll have the same experience for free.… Expand
  23. Jotamide
    May 31, 2012
    9
    This game has it all: great art style, simple controls, fun boss battles, interesting story, multiple endings and lots of unlockable content. Not for nothing is the king of indie games...long live the king!
  24. tech-noir
    Apr 11, 2012
    8
    Cave Story+ is a famous Japanese independent game that was originally released as freeware with a fan translation. This re-release offers a choice of playing with the original graphics and music, or the remastered graphics and music. Whatever your choice may be, the game is a well done fanfare reminiscent of the classic platform games on the NES and SNES. The keyboard controls takes someCave Story+ is a famous Japanese independent game that was originally released as freeware with a fan translation. This re-release offers a choice of playing with the original graphics and music, or the remastered graphics and music. Whatever your choice may be, the game is a well done fanfare reminiscent of the classic platform games on the NES and SNES. The keyboard controls takes some getting used to even though they are simple to learn, but you do have the option of rebinding the keys and using a gamepad. The plot is comparable the well established lore of yesteryear by being invited to save people and rid a world of evil. The enemies are stereotypically Japanese in design, as well as the overall game mechanics and boss battles. Some of the dialog can be slightly amusing and sometimes charming, but this once again, does not steer too much away from what we have grown accustomed to enjoy from the 80s and 90s console eras. The difficulty settings can be adjusted to your liking, and they each provide an adequate challenge depending on what option you have decided to go for. The power-up system rewards the players who go out of their way to collect dropped items from downed foes. Switching between each weapon rapidly can be tricky, but this does not hinder the player from enjoying the changes, as adapting comes somewhat quickly through your progress. The different weapons acquired throughout the game are all quite useful and play very different from each other. As you change between them, there is much satisfaction shooting down your enemies and conquering bosses. While the storyline is reminiscent of past decades, it is surprisingly unique, in addition to flowing and developing well. This appealing plot provides the player with plenty of entertainment for many hours as you progress through the story. After tougher areas or tougher boss battles, your weapons' levels go down quite a bit as you take damage, and gathering the necessary drops in order to get them back to full power can be a chore. Cave Story+ is full of retro charm, from its game play style to its artistic inventions. There is very little to complain about, as I cannot think of any serious flaws. The resolution settings do not allow for true full screen, as black borders will be placed at the sides. The platforming elements in conjunction with the shooting can sometimes take some skill and getting used to, especially in high action sections. Some portions of the game (namely some bosses) become quite frustrating, no matter what difficulty setting you are playing on. This forces the player to redo a part of the game again in order to face the same boss (or bosses). Each repetition is about five minutes or longer, which constitutes of a problem to me, as dying with certain bosses occurs often. It is a game that may not be for everyone if the genre is not to their liking, but overall, it is quite the accomplishment, especially if you keep in mind that it was designed entirely by one single person, and achieves such positive results. The music is nothing short of superb. It embodies all that was great from the 8-bit and 16-bit eras and makes it exceptional and complementing to the game's presentation and plot. There is also a considerable amount of replay ability, as there are unlockable game modes and four different endings. If you love platform games with shooter elements, this is a must play. If you are unsure about the genre, you owe it to yourself to give this indie classic a try. It took me about 7 hours to complete.… Expand
  25. hit925
    Jan 1, 2012
    6
    The story is interesting but overall it is a bit overrated. It is very basic and the graphics could be better. Nothing amazing or really unique about it.
  26. KingMob4313
    Aug 21, 2013
    10
    A metroivania game with tight controls to rival the best of the 16 bit age, an awesome soundtrack and a story that hits you in surprising ways, I cannot recommend this game enough. Truly stellar.
  27. Accelerator-kun
    Dec 25, 2012
    7
    Cave Story is one of the best indie games I ever played. Then, why only a score of 7? It's simple. The original game is a FREEWARE, and this doesn't add enough contents to recommend it at full price (like new challenges), and the new graphic/sound is not worth the price, since the original was better (and free) . Seriously, the price is too high. But if you find it on a discount, buy it!Cave Story is one of the best indie games I ever played. Then, why only a score of 7? It's simple. The original game is a FREEWARE, and this doesn't add enough contents to recommend it at full price (like new challenges), and the new graphic/sound is not worth the price, since the original was better (and free) . Seriously, the price is too high. But if you find it on a discount, buy it! It's very funny and challenging, and it also has multiple endings and achievements. Highly recommended while on a discount.… Expand
  28. Simon8000
    Jun 18, 2012
    2
    Here it is. The indie game to rule them all. Apparently. If you like fighting by doing almost nothing but shooting yourself into the air and then shooting your target with the most poorly named weapons ever, then this game is for you. I admit its pretty long and has replay value, but I would never pick this game up again. I dont wanna look like a person who needs graphics to have fun, butHere it is. The indie game to rule them all. Apparently. If you like fighting by doing almost nothing but shooting yourself into the air and then shooting your target with the most poorly named weapons ever, then this game is for you. I admit its pretty long and has replay value, but I would never pick this game up again. I dont wanna look like a person who needs graphics to have fun, but this game just failed graphics wise. The new content is like buying a 99 cent DLC for your CS game. 10 bucks for the same game with updated but still bad graphics and extra content equal to a cheap DLC? No.… Expand
  29. orugari
    Aug 6, 2012
    1
    Definitively not. Because + is an expensive DLC of the original free which is just destroy the spirit of free game made by retro lovers. Play that kind of game without set up gamepad configuration is shame. Doing the game on normal, this is just too easy... Play on hard, there is nothing more than just wasting time to get one shot and go back to the last save point which is almost every 10Definitively not. Because + is an expensive DLC of the original free which is just destroy the spirit of free game made by retro lovers. Play that kind of game without set up gamepad configuration is shame. Doing the game on normal, this is just too easy... Play on hard, there is nothing more than just wasting time to get one shot and go back to the last save point which is almost every 10 seconds... So difference between Normal and Hard is just time to beat the game.
    Graphics are just perfect for a free game, but the "new" style is very ugly.
    Story really poor, can't skip text, can't bind keys... Well, Cave Story+ doesn't deserve that success.    … Expand
  30. BasilZero
    Jun 1, 2013
    8
    Cave Story+ is a pretty good 2D platformer which takes elements and aspects from different types of other genres such as shooters, RPG and action games. The game has a sarcastic eastern tone to it with a few internet meme references along with the fact that the game uses audio and a art style which was common in the 1980s and 1990s but is unique now. The game's storyline and charactersCave Story+ is a pretty good 2D platformer which takes elements and aspects from different types of other genres such as shooters, RPG and action games. The game has a sarcastic eastern tone to it with a few internet meme references along with the fact that the game uses audio and a art style which was common in the 1980s and 1990s but is unique now. The game's storyline and characters will make you enjoy your experience along with the sheer difficulty some of the levels and areas of the game will bring to you. Get this game on Steam while it is hot with the price it will be depending if its summer or winter. You will not regret the purchase of this game at all.… Expand
  31. doniell
    Jan 20, 2013
    7
    From the whole game mechanics, this game really reminds me of the SNES era. And it is quite a good game which is fun to play. But because people are writing that CaveStory is THE Indie Game, I was a little disappointed, because not only the classic games like Super Metroid are better - Cave Story also does not add anything to the genre. It is a good game, but nothing new and nothing great.
  32. DoctorMedic
    May 17, 2013
    10
    It's worth ten dollars. I know that when I'm buying this game, Pixel's getting a cut of the money. I can't wait for his next project, Gero Blaster. 10/10 diamondium comets.
  33. mugen_is_here
    May 4, 2023
    2
    It's midway between Super Meatboy and JRPG style games. There's some platforming involved. If you like Super Meatboy and you like JRPG style games then you're going to love this one.
  34. ninja_dolphin
    Jul 16, 2013
    9
    Cave story is a fantastic throwback to the NES and SNES days with near perfect design, memorable music and a great style. The game has a great amount of challenge that will test your gaming skills and has a mysterious and intriguing story. Only real problem I had with this game was the occasional difficulty spikes in bosses combined with a few far apart save points. Overall a fantasticCave story is a fantastic throwback to the NES and SNES days with near perfect design, memorable music and a great style. The game has a great amount of challenge that will test your gaming skills and has a mysterious and intriguing story. Only real problem I had with this game was the occasional difficulty spikes in bosses combined with a few far apart save points. Overall a fantastic game that will be considered a classic for years to come.… Expand
  35. jcasetnl
    Jul 1, 2013
    6
    This game is an homage to the old 8-bit action adventure games I used to play when I was a kid. If you enjoy those old games you may like Cave Story. The game has a few cool innovations for the genre and so far the story is reasonably interesting and charming.

    On the downside, as a platformer, it's only passable. The movement and jump mechanics don't feel tight and you tend to slide    This game is an homage to the old 8-bit action adventure games I used to play when I was a kid. If you enjoy those old games you may like Cave Story. The game has a few cool innovations for the genre and so far the story is reasonably interesting and charming.

    On the downside, as a platformer, it's only passable. The movement and jump mechanics don't feel tight and you tend to slide off edges of platforms technical sections will seriously test your patience. If you're hoping for the precise, predictable feel of games like Metroid or Mega Man, it ain't happening.

    For me, play mechanics are king for old school platform games, and with 25 years of time this one should have gotten it perfect. It just holds back what could be a much better game.    … Expand
  36. AnonJ
    Dec 26, 2013
    6
    Too Much Hype

    I had very high expectations before I started playing the game, because many people have been saying how wonderful it is. However, I was actually a bit disappointed when I finished it. First is the story. I just don't understand what's all the hype about what appears to be a totally typical, predicable even mundane+stereotypical Japanese RPG story. Yeah, at least it    Too Much Hype

    I had very high expectations before I started playing the game, because many people have been saying how wonderful it is. However, I was actually a bit disappointed when I finished it.

    First is the story. I just don't understand what's all the hype about what appears to be a totally typical, predicable even mundane+stereotypical Japanese RPG story. Yeah, at least it isn't unbearable, but I don't see anything extraordinary or of serious literal value about it. An ultimate boss which doesn't really have (nor need, in this genre's logic) consistent/sensible story/explanation to support(even the stories recounted by the boss himself and background information differ fundamentally); an all-too-predictable mainstream ending; and not to mention a little bit of inconsistencies here and there during the progression. Compared to what other indie games such as Bastion/Braid can offer, this story looks totally mainstream, even so typically big-production.

    Second is the gameplay. I know Pixel(the developer) probably intentionally wanted it this way, but the incessant nuisance of having to fight over areas which you have long cleared off, again and again, throughout the whole game, is simply annoying. One death, and you have to do 20 minutes of repetitive work totally from the beginning. Not to mention the same happens in a lot of story scenarios where you don't even die nor do anything wrong at all. In the end, after what is easily an hour’s job just on one task, you’ll easily find the experience boring and even unpleasant.

    Of course, I’m not here to deny it of aspects it did great on. Such as a quite meticulous attention to details, the general design and music. Those facts are made much more salient by the nature of a one-man-shop operating over 5 years. On this he deserves respect and credit. However, I’m sorry to say only these don’t guarantee a great game. 6/10 is my maximum here.    … Expand
  37. Madman3
    Jan 15, 2017
    6
    Cave Story has a lot of desirable features as a game but has a few baffling and easily fixed problems with its execution. Graphically, both the original and plus are appealing and the music for both versions is really excellent. The overall world, whilst not hugely developed, is pretty interesting and as settings go it all feels rather nice and fantastic (as in the literal sense of theCave Story has a lot of desirable features as a game but has a few baffling and easily fixed problems with its execution. Graphically, both the original and plus are appealing and the music for both versions is really excellent. The overall world, whilst not hugely developed, is pretty interesting and as settings go it all feels rather nice and fantastic (as in the literal sense of the word fantastic). The characters are pretty good and have appealing designs.

    There are a few minor problems to get into before I tackle the game's main problems. The controls are slightly slippery, making some of the more complicated platforming a bit of a hassle, a problem compounded by instant death traps and long climbs which result in falling getting you a lot more work. The dialogue is pretty thin and there really isn't much additional to gain outside of the main linear path of the story. A big personal gripe was the methods of getting the multiple endings, which were often fairly nonsensical and unreasonably difficult.

    By far the biggest issue with Cave Story is the level design, which is straight up BAD. The overall layout of the levels seems to have been designed with a fairly linear path in mind, but it often forces backtracking over re-spawning, simple enemies that pose no real original challenge. On top of this, the overall level design is very "flat" (left to right or up and down, not many different paths to take), so unlike games like Metroid that force backtracking and manage to stay interesting, Cave Story forces you down pretty boring levels multiple times.

    Save points are not adequately distributed throughout levels or between key boss battles. This makes the game more frustrating and is more likely to grate your nerves than test your skills. This gets especially bad near the end of the game and for some of the different endings.

    Whilst I have many big problems with Cave Story, I think it is still a worthwhile experience, just with some big flaws. The overall designs of the characters and world is very nice and the presentation is tidy and appealing, and a lot of the gameplay is pretty fun. However, the game suffers from huge amounts of tedium due to its level design which conflicts with the actual gameplay. It's easy to tell this was a one man job in that sense, but otherwise it's pretty neatly handled. If you can stomach the boring level design, this has a lot to offer, but that is a serious negative for this game overall.    … Expand
  38. LPmariiio
    Nov 7, 2013
    8
    This game was really fun to play through. Awesome characters, nice story and atmosphere and also good controls. The levels are nicely designed and all in all it's a great game.
  39. Witherfang
    Aug 18, 2014
    8
    Are you prepared to die and try again. or are you an expert at wht you do? cave story is a highly fun and addicting platformer for it gives you quite an experience and the story itself is pretty brilliant the game can only get better from playing and well being good. like the saying get good scrub could be the true name for cave story. for beginners the have a mode for you but if you trulyAre you prepared to die and try again. or are you an expert at wht you do? cave story is a highly fun and addicting platformer for it gives you quite an experience and the story itself is pretty brilliant the game can only get better from playing and well being good. like the saying get good scrub could be the true name for cave story. for beginners the have a mode for you but if you truly want tot experience the game you oughta put it on normal or hard. the graphics and level design are very good! and the amazing part is the user based decisions. such as do i want to go here? do i want to fight them? what next? some of those decisions affect the gameplay and plat. the game truly is beautiful. some faults are manual save but aswell that gives the player a responsibility making the game more challenging if you forget to save on a specific part of a level and you die you may be pushed back a couple levels or just a bit behind. if you want an extra challenge try no saving unless you have to leave and go else where. the game is really fun you should buy it its worth the money thanks for reading!… Expand
  40. GuywiththeGames
    Apr 10, 2015
    8
    Its a metriod style indie game that is simply great. I think the game is well built, the graphics are good, there's a good sense of progression, and its fun to explore. The only real problem is that the way you get some of the better endings to the games make no sense and is cryptic.
  41. Dco326
    May 30, 2023
    6
    Ma kakvi brate nisam ni hteo da igram kraj, jako me smorila igrica sve sto kaze ovaj prvi od 6 je u pravu to ej to. Nikad vise.
  42. nitorita
    Aug 22, 2019
    8
    Cave Story+ is a solid platformer with a nice goofy story. The controls are confusing at first, but once you figure out that the "use" button is activated by looking down (contrary to pretty much any other game you've ever played in your life), you'll be fine for the rest of the game.

    There are only two problems I can point out with this game. The first is that the jumping is a bit    Cave Story+ is a solid platformer with a nice goofy story. The controls are confusing at first, but once you figure out that the "use" button is activated by looking down (contrary to pretty much any other game you've ever played in your life), you'll be fine for the rest of the game.

    There are only two problems I can point out with this game. The first is that the jumping is a bit slippery, which means it's hard to get a solid landing when jumping to other platforms. This can get a little frustrating sometimes, but it's not that big of a deal overall.

    The second is that the final boss battle is a pain in the royal *** to deal with, and you will definitely rage at it for hours and even consider uninstalling as you try to beat it over and over. Why is it hard, you ask? Because it's four consecutive bosses without any save points in between.

    I was tempted to drop the game's rating to a 7 because of the final boss battle being overwhelmingly difficult, but then I realized after learning the bosses that it was actually a lot easier than I expected and it only seemed hard at first. Catharsis hit me hard right after I beat the final boss, and that gave the game back its 8 rating for me.

    Overall, I enjoyed the game, and I'd recommend trying it out. Don't hesitate to use a guide to clear the final boss battle, because it really is hard.    … Expand
  43. RageRuner
    Jun 23, 2020
    5
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Cave Story was a freeware game, this adds nothing to the story, the price isn't worth what we get, Boss rush is 100% a master piece, it was taken off the forums in a competition, and its great, however, everything else besides Curly mode is speed running, why not a attack chamber, and why not make them yourselves, i think that would be very cool, and speaking of Curly mode, why does this exist? This was a waste of space on the modes menu, i'm sorry, but this isn't worth what they are asking… Expand
  44. NoodlePsychosis
    Jun 21, 2020
    10
    This game just does it for me. The charming visuals, catchy music, fun gameplay, varied weapons, visually and mechanically diverse levels all come together to make something extremely satisfying to play. Its also fun even in the non-gameplay sections with great characters and an engaging story, that can be surprisingly dark in some parts.

    Sure some flaws could include how the best    This game just does it for me. The charming visuals, catchy music, fun gameplay, varied weapons, visually and mechanically diverse levels all come together to make something extremely satisfying to play. Its also fun even in the non-gameplay sections with great characters and an engaging story, that can be surprisingly dark in some parts.

    Sure some flaws could include how the best ending is needlessly convoluted to achieve, or how the game has an obvious difficulty spike near the end, but I found the bosses so fun to master that I didn't mind it that much. I like challenge in my games, and this one was pretty fun to figure out,

    This game is ported to almost every Nintendo console ever since the Wii, which warms my heart to see new generations continually get the chance to experience the game. Sure there are incredible blockbuster's like Witcher 3 out there, showing everyone revolutionary levels of world design and story can be. But this game focuses on the simple joys of jumping and shooting. And when its this good and fun to replay, I find it really hard to complain. There's not a single soul I wouldn't recommend this game to.    … Expand
  45. Norlanzt
    Apr 18, 2022
    9
    It's a good remastered for the original. It removes the 50 fps cap. Same story with additional modes.
  46. Anatra
    May 8, 2022
    10
    I loved this game. Ost and graphic are awesome, one of my favorite arts style, and with a high difficulty, I spent hours playing it.
  47. 3ls0ul
    Mar 7, 2023
    9
    Este juego aún no lo eh jugado o completado, así que pondré una reseña y nota diferentes cuando lo haga.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 6 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 0 out of 6
  1. PC PowerPlay
    Feb 29, 2012
    90
    An indie classic on par with Braid or Limbo. [March 2012, p.50]
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  2. LEVEL (Czech Republic)
    Feb 27, 2012
    70
    Retro fun at its best – catching story, long life span, absorbing playability and beautiful visuals. The only disadvantage is the old freeware version which is almost as good as this improved one. [Jan 2012]
  3. Games.cz
    Feb 8, 2012
    80
    Cave Story+ is quite an engaging, an entertaining, even nostalgic experience if you are inclined to be swept over by a wave of nostalgia. An ideal game for everyone, who is longing for classical times of video games, and who is not ashamed of it.
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