Cave Story+

Genre: Action-Platformer

Players: 1-2 Co-Op (Local)

.

Review:

Cave Story is an Action-Platformer that was first released on PCs fifteen years ago as a free download, spreading via word-of-mouth and eventually getting numerous ports and enhancements, even including a full remake on the 3DS. It is a game that has endured largely due to its top-notch gameplay, endearing characters and story, and solid soundtrack.

While Cave Story has a lot of elements that feel a lot like a Metroidvania, it’s fairly linear in nature, with very little exploration. Honestly, I would have liked for this game to have included more Metroidvania elements, as having the connected world here often feels like a bit of a tease. However, the gameplay here is still excellent, regardless, with some really good, fast-paced shootery action.

Instead of exploration, the focus is primarily on this action, and the game does some interesting things to set it apart. Every different weapon you use upgrades as you grab experience from enemies, but when you get hit, you lose experience for your current weapon, giving combat another element of risk beyond simply dishing out and taking damage.

The Nintendo Switch version of the game is the “plus” version, which includes a reworked localized script, improved visuals and sound, a new level, a “machine gun challenge”, and two-player co-op play. Still, you can’t quite say this is the definitive version of the game, as the extensive remake on the 3DS featured a pretty impressive graphical overhaul.

However, while this version of the game is overall pretty good, there’s one thing about this release that’s really tough to swallow. This is a fifteen year-old game that was originally released for free selling for $30 on the Nintendo Switch. That’s a steep price for most indie games already, but given this game’s age and history, that seems especially absurd.

Cave Story+ is still an excellent version of a great Action-Platformer, but it’s not without its flaws, and the price tag is just absurd. If you see this game on sale, it’s well worth getting, but until then it may be best to wait for a price drop.

tl;dr – Cave Story+ is an excellent version of a great Action-Platformer, but the price tag is absurdly high for a 15 year-old game that started out as a free download on PCs.

Grade: B+

^{You can support eShopperReviews on Patreon! Please click HERE to become a Sponsor!}