Cave Story for PC. This 2004 freeware game manages to excel in nearly every category it's in. The plot is amazing thanks to the well-craftedCave Story for PC. This 2004 freeware game manages to excel in nearly every category it's in. The plot is amazing thanks to the well-crafted characters and presentation. The soundtrack is great and memorable, and the gameplay is the most unique that I have ever played. The graphics make the game a retro gamer's dream come true. The control for the game is excellent. All the keys respond well to button inputs and it feels natural for a PC platform game. The way to find health capsules, missile upgrades, new weapons, and story items feels especially great, making Cave Story feel a lot like Metroid, one of Cave Story's inspirations. As legendary as Cave Story is, I must admit it's only 99% perfect. The process of getting this can be frustrating with its logic and difficulty spike in the last area. However, it's all worth it when you get the best ending, or even the normal ending, which is just as satisfying. Another issue is backtracking. This game makes you backtrack to previous areas from time to time, and it can get repetitive at times. Best ending process and backtracking aside, Cave Story is a legendary game that should serve as inspiration for other indie games. With its legendary characters, story, gameplay, and soundtrack, I can easily say that the original Cave Story is the best game I have ever played, and I would definitely recommend it.
In this review, I would also like to mention the ports of Cave Story I have played, rather than re-do an entire review on them. The Wiiware version of the game is great. the updated graphics and soundtrack are great, and the additional modes in the game make it a definitive version of Cave Story. if you liked the PC game, I highly recommend trying out the Wiiware version of the game. As for comparison to the PC, I prefer the original PC version, but that may be because it has a bit more of a nostalgic feel to me. but that's just my opinion.
The 3DS E-Shop version is pretty good as well. this version meshes the additional modes from the dsiware and plus versions of the game. while I do like this, I can't help but feel the controls for the game can be a bit clunky at times. Aside from this, I think you should give this one a try.
The 3DS retail version, surprisingly, is my least favorite port of the game. the way enhanced graphics are great, but I feel the game is nowhere near worth its price tag of $40. this version of the game only includes 1 additional mode, not counting the mode allowing you to turn on 2D character sprites. the game also made me really confused by adding brand new areas(no, I am not kidding). more life capsules and more missile upgrades have bee added to the game, making Cave Story in this port a lot easier. if you are looking for this port, try finding it for less than $20.… Expand
