Cave Story +

 Switch
  • Publisher: Nicalis
  • Release Date: Jun 20, 2017
  • Also On: PC
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 181 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 136 out of 181
  2. Mixed: 22 out of 181
  3. Negative: 23 out of 181
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  1. alza2
    Mar 31, 2023
    4
    It doesn't feel good to play. The character is "floaty".

    It's frustrating and not fair. specially bosses. Usually, the save points are not too far but far enough that you have to do some not enjoyable platforming and kill some enemies before you fight the boss again. Dialogues cannot be skipped, so you have to listen again before the fight. I gave up at Monster X. You get stuck on    It doesn't feel good to play. The character is "floaty".

    It's frustrating and not fair. specially bosses. Usually, the save points are not too far but far enough that you have to do some not enjoyable platforming and kill some enemies before you fight the boss again. Dialogues cannot be skipped, so you have to listen again before the fight.

    I gave up at Monster X. You get stuck on the wheels and cannot move after having lost huge amount of life. with projectiles everywhere you cannot see anything. Even if you manage to avoid the wheels.

    I realized I didn't have much fun playing it. If the game is so punishing it should at least feel good playing and have a good story. So far the story can be summarized in few lines.

    I am having more fun writing this review. I go back enjoying some other Metroidvanias.    … Expand
  2. Andbrian
    Feb 22, 2023
    10
    I played Cave Story recently, and it ranks as one of my favorites of all time. I absolutely loved the story, the soundtrack, the gameplay, the difficulty, basically everything. Many label it as a Metroidvania, which I would say it's not (it's actually quite linear). One man (under the name Pixel) created this game (it took him 5 years to do it) and this has got me curious about otherI played Cave Story recently, and it ranks as one of my favorites of all time. I absolutely loved the story, the soundtrack, the gameplay, the difficulty, basically everything. Many label it as a Metroidvania, which I would say it's not (it's actually quite linear). One man (under the name Pixel) created this game (it took him 5 years to do it) and this has got me curious about other single-person creations, like Axiom Verge, Iconoclasts, etc. You can technically still play it for free on PC (it has always been available for free), but then you're missing out on a bunch of cool extras. Go play it!… Expand
  3. ZYMROD
    Nov 24, 2022
    9
    Gran juego con mecánicas bastante interesantes y novedades que amortiza en parte su precio. Si te gustan los juegos de exploración, personajes carismáticos y un mimado diseño de niveles, esta es tu opción
  4. FrostyMcNugs
    Nov 14, 2022
    10
    Currently, this is the most definitive version of Cave Story that you can play. This is basically the Steam version but with added content and quality-of-life fixes such as stacking Jenka's puppies instead of carrying them one by one. Also there are multiple OSTs to pick from with each giving the game a unique vibe! Though, the Steam version can probably mod that stuff in. If you justCurrently, this is the most definitive version of Cave Story that you can play. This is basically the Steam version but with added content and quality-of-life fixes such as stacking Jenka's puppies instead of carrying them one by one. Also there are multiple OSTs to pick from with each giving the game a unique vibe! Though, the Steam version can probably mod that stuff in. If you just want to pick up the game and play it, I would recommend this version over the Steam version! This is also my favorite game of all time since I first played it on the Wii :)… Expand
  5. gabfbz2331
    Jun 21, 2022
    8
    great platformer with a really cool universe really entertaining boss fights and all aaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
  6. Horrible_Goblin
    Jun 4, 2022
    6
    I played a ton of Cave Story when I was younger, and I was fully expecting to have a rollicking good time revisiting it on Switch, but I can't help feel like some of the soul is missing with this release. Perhaps it was due to Nicalis' meddling, or maybe I'm just getting old and jaded, but I can't see myself recommending this game to many people when there are so many other great actionI played a ton of Cave Story when I was younger, and I was fully expecting to have a rollicking good time revisiting it on Switch, but I can't help feel like some of the soul is missing with this release. Perhaps it was due to Nicalis' meddling, or maybe I'm just getting old and jaded, but I can't see myself recommending this game to many people when there are so many other great action platformers out there nowadays. Also, this is definitely my age showing, but the original soundtrack is the way to go.… Expand
  7. TSNintendogamer
    Jun 4, 2022
    10
    This game is the very first Indie game I've played. I wish I played it back in 2004 when I was 11 years old but I played it 5 years later. It felt so nostalgic due to the music and the gameplay is very good. It was one of those times where I felt like I was a kid in elementary school again racing home to watch tv or play that very addicting video game. I like how the story is alittleThis game is the very first Indie game I've played. I wish I played it back in 2004 when I was 11 years old but I played it 5 years later. It felt so nostalgic due to the music and the gameplay is very good. It was one of those times where I felt like I was a kid in elementary school again racing home to watch tv or play that very addicting video game. I like how the story is alittle dark. However some of the sad moments I didn't like so I felt more of the need to finish it. I love how even though the game is a metroidvania, it's more linear than the usual ones. I also like how the level up system works. It rewards you for being good at the game. With the controls, I honestly felt like it could've been a gameboy advance game. The game has gone through many versions and the best new thing about this version is that you can change the music to metal versions.… Expand
  8. WhoDaDev
    Aug 6, 2021
    10
    The best Metroidvania I've ever played, the third-best Indie game of all time, worth every penny and every minute.
  9. vbarbarian
    Jul 4, 2021
    10
    Favorite indie game of all time, own it on almost every platform. Buy at your own addiction risk.
  10. sarisa
    Jan 10, 2021
    4
    I really don't understand high notes for this game. The worst for me is that just hi scores motivated me to buy this game. It was mistake.

    Great music? Maybe I got different version of this game? It's just set of very dull 8bit clicks. It's awful. Please, just compare to Octopath Traveler to see what does it really mean good music in video game before using that term. Truth to be told,    I really don't understand high notes for this game. The worst for me is that just hi scores motivated me to buy this game. It was mistake.

    Great music? Maybe I got different version of this game? It's just set of very dull 8bit clicks. It's awful. Please, just compare to Octopath Traveler to see what does it really mean good music in video game before using that term. Truth to be told, if not by music, perhaps it would score 5 or even 6/10.

    In terms of story it's very immature (in terms of "script", not 18+stuff of course). Not that I have something to this crazy story. It's just constant feeling like if author made all of this without deeper idea.

    Graphics is OK - given what sort of game it is.

    The best would be to compare this game to other of the like. Axiom Verge is very good comparison to Cave Story+: also made by one person, also 8bit metroidvania. But Axiom is just far, far, far better in all aspects: story (especially story), gameplay & music.

    In terms of "metroidvania" Cave Story+ is rather average representative of genre, that didn't live up to my expectations.    … Expand
  11. alan2pc
    Oct 15, 2020
    9
    So a single guy made this game over 15 years ago. And today you can play it handheld on the Nintendo Switch! I’ve played about 50 games on the switch and this was one of few that I was completely drawn into right away, and played every day until I beat it. Gameplay reminds me of megaman games for the NES, but with a better story and some rpg elements. Oh, and there are multiple endings,So a single guy made this game over 15 years ago. And today you can play it handheld on the Nintendo Switch! I’ve played about 50 games on the switch and this was one of few that I was completely drawn into right away, and played every day until I beat it. Gameplay reminds me of megaman games for the NES, but with a better story and some rpg elements. Oh, and there are multiple endings, and you can see them all in the same run! I do wish there was always a save point before all bosses. That’s my only beef. Great game. 9/10… Expand
  12. Daisuk
    May 26, 2020
    5
    Not a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, just very forgettable. It's extremely annoying at times. You sometimes need to do very long stretches of the game over and over if you die - which is fine in games where you feel you learn something by doing it again and again - but in this one it just felt like a grind most of the time. Controls are a bit floaty, and although a lot of theNot a bad game by any stretch of the imagination, just very forgettable. It's extremely annoying at times. You sometimes need to do very long stretches of the game over and over if you die - which is fine in games where you feel you learn something by doing it again and again - but in this one it just felt like a grind most of the time. Controls are a bit floaty, and although a lot of the enemies are cool, the level designs aren't particularly interesting, in my opinion. Overall, I felt a lot more frustrated than satisfied with this game.… Expand
  13. XV_
    Mar 14, 2020
    9
    There are some one-person-made games that have attained a lot of praise but to me, the most noteworthy might be Cave Story, it has an irresistible charm in every aspect imaginable, and when you hit the credits cutscene you'll be prompted to start a new game+ right away.

    Cave Story has stellar and commendable gameplay, it blends platforming and shooting beautifully, always giving you    There are some one-person-made games that have attained a lot of praise but to me, the most noteworthy might be Cave Story, it has an irresistible charm in every aspect imaginable, and when you hit the credits cutscene you'll be prompted to start a new game+ right away.

    Cave Story has stellar and commendable gameplay, it blends platforming and shooting beautifully, always giving you balanced challenge and rewarding jumps. It's structured like a Metroidvania type of game borrowing a little the shooting and platforming aspects from Metroid and a similar narrative structure from Castlevania, although it is its own thing. Story-wise, I was hooked immediately with the art direction and music, the script is great and has an unbelievable and seamless tone shift between whimsical, comedic and often darker moments, its simply brilliant.

    Speaking of its length, its a relatively short experience, it took me roughly 5.30 hours to complete but having several endings and combinations, it is a positive thing, which makes it more replayable. The music is also incredible, and it hits the right notes to set the mood in each area, and sometimes it cuts abruptly to make a moment more dramatic.

    This edition comes with a little soundtrack cd and an instruction manual with some cool artwork and hints in it, it also has a co-op local mode which I couldn't try, and you can shift freely between original graphics or remastered, is it also possible to change the style of music in 4 variations; original, remastered, rock instrumental (?) and a one that sounds more chiptune than the others, it's not necessary but it makes your replays more enjoyable.

    There's not a big issue within this game, some bosses are way too easy and the last boss can be a little frustrating but that's all, it doesn't ruin your experience at all, maybe the jumping physics are a little hard to grasp at the beginning but nothing too bothersome.

    Overall I'll recommend this game to anyone who owns a Switch and especially those Metroidvania fans, it has a balanced challenge and interesting story that is kind of hard to put the control down.    … Expand
  14. Tentri
    Feb 6, 2020
    10
    My favorite game of all time i fell in love with the gameplay story and the soundtrack everything about this game is well done and the fact that this was made just by one person is absolutely fantastic
  15. mitolxx
    Sep 13, 2019
    8
    Great indie game! The music, story and retro graphics are pretty good. The "only" problem for me is that it was a little bit short, but anyway if you have the opportunity to play it, you should!
  16. TheHambro
    Jul 21, 2019
    8
    I have always heard how much of a great game Cave Story is, so I decided to pick up Cave Story+ and see if it lived up to its praise; and, it definitely does.

    Cave Story+ has some very crisp pixel art, fantastic music, weird but adorable characters, and a vague story. The gameplay consists of precise platforming and shooting enemies with various weapons you will find throughout your    I have always heard how much of a great game Cave Story is, so I decided to pick up Cave Story+ and see if it lived up to its praise; and, it definitely does.

    Cave Story+ has some very crisp pixel art, fantastic music, weird but adorable characters, and a vague story. The gameplay consists of precise platforming and shooting enemies with various weapons you will find throughout your journey that has an interesting mechanic of collecting experience to level up your weapon. The game is linear in the sense that you won't have to discover areas and instead move through one level to another. The bosses are interesting and fun, but won't offer much of a challenge. There are multiple endings you can go for, but just be warned that if you want the best ending, be prepared to work for it. My criticisms are that the length is incredibly short and you could probably beat it in one sitting, and that the $30 price tag is a bit much for a digital purchase, so I recommend picking up the physical version.

    Cave Story+ is such an enjoyable experience throughout, and I see why it garnered the praise that it has over the years. I highly recommend it, and you should definitely pick this one up!    … Expand
  17. Perivoje
    Jun 20, 2019
    1
    Game sucks ass platforming in this game is just ridiculous and the fact that when you get hit by a enemy and you lose a level of the weapon sucks the soundtrack is good but the game is not this makes cave story one of the worst games i've ever played
  18. JJTX
    Mar 24, 2019
    8
    If there is ever a hall of fame for indie games, Cave Story will be in the inaugural class. It's still hard to believe this game was designed, written, composed, programmed, and published by a single person. Pixel's labor of love is a wonderful and charming adventure with elements of Metroid, Mega Man, Kid Icarus, and Spelunky. It will stay with you long after you complete the relativelyIf there is ever a hall of fame for indie games, Cave Story will be in the inaugural class. It's still hard to believe this game was designed, written, composed, programmed, and published by a single person. Pixel's labor of love is a wonderful and charming adventure with elements of Metroid, Mega Man, Kid Icarus, and Spelunky. It will stay with you long after you complete the relatively short but challenging campaign.… Expand
  19. quanta
    Jul 16, 2018
    6
    Rather overrated game. Sure, it's a remake and that's fine but it cannot score similar to, say, Hollow Knight.

    Cons: combat is pretty lackluster, especially boss fights; controls are laggy and jumping has lots of inertia and sucks; visuals are okey -- not great like some make you believe -- and the showing the damage every time anybody gets hit sticks out like a sore thumb Pros:    Rather overrated game. Sure, it's a remake and that's fine but it cannot score similar to, say, Hollow Knight.

    Cons:
    combat is pretty lackluster, especially boss fights;
    controls are laggy and jumping has lots of inertia and sucks;
    visuals are okey -- not great like some make you believe -- and the showing the damage every time anybody gets hit sticks out like a sore thumb

    Pros:
    the story and its delivery are actually good    … Expand
  20. ThePedro01
    Jun 24, 2018
    10
    El juego en si lo recomiendo, tiene buena música e historia eso si, es muy frustrante incluso diría que un poco difícil, lo juge en 2013, cuando salio cave story + en PC y me pareció un juego excelente y emotivo también ademas es un juego antiguo que ya esta cumpliendo sus 14 años desde que salio al mercado en japon.
  21. the_green_banan
    Jun 20, 2018
    10
    This game is worth every cent you used to buy it with. It has a great story, memorable characters, fun game play, and great level design. Also there is a lot of extra content from 5 ost's to a alternate story featuring Curly Brace.
  22. beeco
    May 1, 2018
    7
    Slightly overrated in my opinion. The story is great, and the characters are cute, but thats about as far as it goes for my pros. the combat system is meh at best, not a fan of four direction shooting, and the enemies are not memorable except for that cute little robot, but maybe thats just cause hes my keychain now. I guess to each their own
  23. DaeWay
    Apr 3, 2018
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. First of all, you can't just write a review for game and say its bad just because its apparently too hard. If your complaining about that, then u should try the Arma series. I'm not saying that hard difficulty isn't hard or anything, but suck it up and actually get good at the game. Eventually you will succeed and you should prepare yourself by first going for easy, then normal so you can get a better jist of the game.
    Just saying though, I believe cave story is one of the best platformers i have ever played. I regret to inform you though i have yet to fully complete the true ending of the game by defeating ballos and need to get good myself, but at least I have almost beat the game. I loved this platformer since i was little. I found that sometimes it became a bullet hell with enemies attacking you once u get into range and boss fights that are deadly. But what i didn't really like that much was that you had to fight Balrog three times before he became a "good guy".    … Expand
  24. Chimera17
    Feb 23, 2018
    10
    This game is fantastic. However, do not play it on hard mode. Ever. Music is fantastic, the game looks good, it plays well (and is very fun), has the perfect difficulty, fantastic level design, and has multiple endings (get the normal ending before the best one). Only downside is the MASSIVE difficulty spike near the ending (if you want to get the best one), and the fact that the bestThis game is fantastic. However, do not play it on hard mode. Ever. Music is fantastic, the game looks good, it plays well (and is very fun), has the perfect difficulty, fantastic level design, and has multiple endings (get the normal ending before the best one). Only downside is the MASSIVE difficulty spike near the ending (if you want to get the best one), and the fact that the best ending is pretty much impossible to figure out on your own.… Expand
  25. Grichfive
    Nov 16, 2017
    10
    (Spanish) Conserva toda la esencia de esta obra de arte por parte de PIXEL y los geniales chicos de la remasterización del 2012 (NICALIS), me parece un poco exagerado agregar el dichoso multijugador y solo me duele que o tenga secuela. Recomiendo su compra a los aficionados de los juegos tipo metroidvania.
  26. DavidRA
    Nov 16, 2017
    8
    Buen juego, entretenido con buena música, recomendado 100% dado el precio que tiene (en especial si no lo has jugado en ninguna otra plataforma), además de que viene con un bonito manual y un CD con su música.
  27. Sausage22
    Nov 8, 2017
    7
    I liked few hours that I spend in this game, but I can't really see anything special, I'm stil impressed that it was created by one person. It's just solid 2d platformer.
  28. Smart86
    Oct 6, 2017
    10
    This game is awesome. Catchy music, fantastic looking retro-pixel art style, good story (with different endings according to how you play), perfect controlls (I prefer using the pro controller) and new two player simultaneous couch coop.

    The game itself is a metroidvania style game which means you can explore the dungeons, get better items & weapons to reach new areas, where you can    This game is awesome. Catchy music, fantastic looking retro-pixel art style, good story (with different endings according to how you play), perfect controlls (I prefer using the pro controller) and new two player simultaneous couch coop.

    The game itself is a metroidvania style game which means you can explore the dungeons, get better items & weapons to reach new areas, where you can find upgrades for life and missiles.
    I recommend this game to every switch owner, because its one of the best 2D platformers ever made.
    The original of this game was developed by Daisuke Amaya and was able to download for free on PC.

    If you've never played cave story you missed a great game. The switch version is the best up to now (imho), because of the added 2 player mode, playing it portable, and all the settings (i.e. different music mixes for the game). The switch version comes with a full coloured manual (with beautiful artworks) and the soundtrack on mini disc. Some retailers (gamestop) have a pouch and a keychain added as well.    … Expand
  29. Spoonz
    Sep 17, 2017
    10
    I've played this game for an incredibly long amount of time. I have gotten both endings for this game in normal mode so I'm pretty sure I have enough experience to write this review. This video game was made out of compassion as the creator spent over 5 years making it in this spare time, and boy does all that time and effort really show. This game is a classic in my eyes, some people mayI've played this game for an incredibly long amount of time. I have gotten both endings for this game in normal mode so I'm pretty sure I have enough experience to write this review. This video game was made out of compassion as the creator spent over 5 years making it in this spare time, and boy does all that time and effort really show. This game is a classic in my eyes, some people may say it's too short and some people may say it's too hard when your trying to get the best ending. But in my opinion, this video game is perfect for all ages. (Though I have to agree that the hard mode is ridiculously difficult and I would not recommend it whatsoever, but that still doesn't stop this game from being a true masterpiece)… Expand
  30. FrankoAmmo
    Aug 3, 2017
    8
    I had never played that game and decided to buy it for the Switch! I had to say I was impressed, but not VERY much like others. The game is fairly simple and easy in general (standard difficulty), but interesting. The gameplay mechanics are well done and the story is good. The graphics are very nice as the songs.
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Awards & Rankings

7
#7 Best Switch Game of 2017
43
#43 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2017
25
#25 Most Shared Switch Game of 2017

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 12 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 12 out of 12
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 12
  3. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. FNintendo
    Sep 1, 2017
    90
    Cave Story+ may have already been around in other formats before but it's such a delightful game to play that it's still recommended to everyone, this time with the added bonus of including all the soundtracks of the game's previous versions. Its finely designed difficulty curve will set everyone on their course and the magnificent boss fights only make this even more of a timeless classic.
    Read full review
  2. XGN
    Aug 11, 2017
    80
    This game is fun to to play. The gameplay is addictive. However, 50 euros is way too much for an old game.
    Read full review
  3. COGconnected
    Aug 1, 2017
    90
    Cave Story+ is an excellent port and it feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch.
    Read full review
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