Cave Story
2004
- shooter
- platform
- adventure
- indie
- action
- fantasy
- science fiction
- drama
- single player
The story
A side-scrolling platformer in which a robot traverses a strange world that has been thrown into disorder due to its violent history and a doctor that is attempting to exploit the inhabitants to aid him in his own pursuit for power.
What it’s like
Chunky 16-bit pixel art in a limited, earthy palette: mossy greens, rusted browns, cave-blue water and fiery sunsets that glow against stone walls. Its underground caverns feel damp and claustrophobic, lit by flickering lanterns and bright sky-glimpses, while open skies and floating islands bring a sudden, wistful openness. The chiptune score swings between bouncy, hopeful melodies and slow, mournful tracks that linger during quieter exploration. Movement is tight and responsive, with a steady pace of exploring, backtracking and unlocking new routes, so sessions drift easily from curious wandering to focused boss fights. The mood is nostalgic and quietly melancholy, with warm, sincere moments of friendship and sacrifice running beneath the action. Violence is frequent but cartoonish: enemies burst into pixel puffs, with some sharp boss battles and occasional tense, eerie stretches, but no gore and no sexual content. It suits an evening alone, a comfortable retro session, or anyone who loves old-school exploration and charming, understated storytelling.
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