Cave Story+
2011
- shooter
- platform
- adventure
- indie
- action
- fantasy
- science fiction
- comedy
- drama
- single player
The story
A young amnesiac hero discovers a hidden land and vows to protect the defenseless creatures who live there! Can he stop the mad doctor and learn the truth about his own past? Highly polished and addictive, Cave Story+ uses retro-game stylings to deliver an all-out action/adventure extravaganza that’s both charming and deadly!
What it’s like
Chunky 16-bit pixel art in a warm, saturated palette: sunlit grassy hollows, rust-brown cave tunnels lit by pale blue crystal and orange lava glow, and a sudden shift to cold metallic laboratory corridors. The sprites are small and expressive, with rabbity mimiga and bright-eyed critters bobbing around the screen, while the hero's gun flashes and enemies burst into clean pixel puffs. The soundtrack is the centerpiece, a set of bright chiptune melodies that swell into anthemic rock-tinged themes during boss fights and drop to quiet, wistful piano-like loops in the quieter villages. Hands-on, the controls are tight and responsive, with a satisfying weight to every jump and shot. Its vibe is nostalgic and bittersweet, with a playful cuteness that can turn sharp, suited to a weekend afternoon, a late-night session, or a replay for anyone who loves old-school action. Pacing is exploratory, with backtracking through interconnected caverns and a steady ramp in difficulty. Its emotional arc follows a bewildered, amnesiac lone wanderer who slowly becomes a protector of small, vulnerable creatures. Violence is frequent and cartoonish: shooting and stomping enemies, with some bloodless but dangerous, sudden deaths and moments of dark, unsettling story beats. For players who want retro action with heart, a challenging but charming adventure, and a story that rewards curiosity.
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