I originally discovered the game here through the raving reviews it gets here: http://www.teamliquid.net/forum/viewmessage.php?topic_id=87794 I believed many on the board had not heard about this gem, and since I have time on my hand, why not a review?
Plot/Storyline
I don't want to say much here. 2D shooters generally have little storyline, but Cave Story is different; it has a great story. The “childish”graphic and the simplicity of language belies the depth of the plot about to unfold. Themes of death and sacrifices feature prominently in the game.
Graphics
Technically, it's not all that spectacular here, obvious from the screen shots. It bears many similarities to old SNES games. The characters which will fit seamlessly into the cast of Chrono Trigger and the likes. But what the game lacks in technology and resolution, it makes up for it with its meticulous attention to the details. Characters looks good and move fluidly, not paling in comparison to the top tiers SNES titles. Potraits are well drawn up and the environments are very well decorated for the most parts. Many may disagree with me, especially those who never played older games.
Sound/Music
Hmmm. I don't have much to comment here. The typical midi sounds used in many of the old consoles. All weapons and enemies' attack has their own distinct sound. But altogether, the sound and music of the game don't add or subtract much to the game. I thought some of the tracks were very good and fit the atmosphere of the game, like the few boss track. But most eventually they all become quite annoying after few repetitions.
Gameplay
Well, we've come to the most important part of the review. Whats the point of a review without mention of gameplay anyway?
Cave Story is a typical 16-bit 2D shooter. Think of it Contra or Castlevania. You control an unnamed(not really) robot walking around towns interacting with folk and exploring caves and dungeons while shooting monsters and solving puzzles.
You start the game with 3 HP and a measly Polar Gun. Throughout the game, you'll get stronger by collecting HP power-ups, collecting new weapons(some hidden) and leveling them. All weapons differ in power, speed, range and projectile trajectory, so no single weapon becomes completely obsolete in the end. Each of them are capable of leveling up when you collect “pieces” of dropped by monsters, becoming stronger and in some cases gaining special properties.
The monsters in the game is nothing spectacular or too creative. Bats, mosquitoes, jelly, ghost, beatles etc. Likewise, the bosses are typical of shooters, each with their own attacks and patterns.
The dungeons do not deviate much from the traditional models. Items and power-ups, hidden in chests, lay abound; some requiring deft and precise sequences of jumps to reach. Spikes, lava and monster are laid in strategic locations to frustrate you. Keys, important characters are hidden among them.
Unlike many shooters, Cave Story implements a item system. It is mostly used as an instrument to control game progress: for example, you need this item to enter this cave or that item before the old man tells you how to progress etc. Less prominently, some items you collect affect combat and movement drastically. I'd like to elaborate on this part but I'm afraid I'll spoil the game.
So overall how does the game add up? For me, the various features interacted and presented a smooth and enjoyable experience. New weapons, monsters and mechanics are revealed gradually but before boredom sets in. The difficulty is neither too hard or easy, manages to provide challenge without discouragement while the plot provide the incentive to progress.
Most of the images are linked from http://www.miraigamer.net. You can DL the game for free at the same website.
Cave Story is legit and people should try it out, definitely worth the admission
If you want to have only 1 playthrough and get the true ending and final level (Hell), I suggest looking at a guide, you'll need it unless you are very keen on some parts
Although, I'd have to say the soundtrack was one of my favorite parts, makes me a bit sad it didn't stand out to you. Pixel even created his own engine for the music, which gives it a unique sound, anyway.
If you've got an hour to spare, check out Ikachan, it's kind of the precursor to Cave story (made by Pixel as well).
Def a fun game and one of the best freeware games that have been around. But if you think Cave Story is hard you've never played I Wanna Be The Guy ... on the easiest setting.
your bland/distant/objective review does not do this game justice! To add:
Plot/Story - HUMOR!! you totally neglected to mention all the hilarious moments! There are so many unexpected gimmick interactions between characters early in the game. The script had me floored many times. Later on as you get more involved with the story the seriousness kicks in, but early parts of the game had me rofling. (lol balrog) - The three(?) different endings are all quite different depending on your choices in the game. And each is worth a play through because of the different amount of content Hardest/best ending obviously encompasses all stages, but gameplay also adds to the replay incentive to explore other endings -
Graphics - Many of the bosses and characters are very unique in design. Striking a appropriate balance between cute, quirky and badass. - Diverse background/environment also keeps the game fun. Without too much of a spoiler: + Show Spoiler +
Grasslands, water ways, roofs, caves, plantations, grave yards, skylines, and more!
- Cave story is VERY colorful
Music/Sound - Very subjective here, but I thoroughly enjoyed the soundtrack. I still keep a few in my mp3 player to reminisce. - What I can objectively say though, is that even the enemies have distinctive sounds to go with their unique designs, which is more example of detail focus in this game. - I personally felt that the music really enhanced the mood which helped to immerse the player in each circumstance. From the whimsical lackadaisical ebb and flow of the town theme, to the rapid heavy beat and the urgent chimes of the boss theme, I enjoyed every minute of the cave story OST and think it DID add something to the immersion and flow of the game.
Gameplay - For most of the beginning of the game, you are limited in movement in this vast world by your two little robot legs. At points in the story, you can get items that enhance that movement. Each of these items offer a trade off. Get them early for a cake walk now or suffer now but earn end game ownage. For this reason, your replay of cave story can be very different depending on when you decide to get these movement enhancing equipments. A boss that you fought easily before now becomes much harder or might require a slightly different strategy/choice of gun now because of the change in movement capabilities. - Cave story is CHALLENGING. it is not hair pulling old school battle toads unfair hard, but it has an appropriate degree of challenge to it. Enough so that you feel accomplished after beating a boss, or owning it straight on your first try. - For those who suck at timing jumps like i do, although cave story is heavily jump/shooter platform, your character drifts relatively slowly in the air which gives you enough time to react/adjust your fails. Of course at some clutch moments your initial fail will come back to haunt you when you mis-timed your jump and you faceplant into spikes instead of landing safely on ledges, but rarely are you punished for bad jumps during battle vs mobs. - Easter eggs are fun. How many found the pair of panties in the first try? - Puzzles are not difficult. They require more brains than a single player Halo campaign, but then again so does navigating to the toilet for midnight relief.
Cave story carries itself through it's original story and interesting characters. The VERY smooth gameplay keeps things flowing and the oh-I-was-SO-DAMN-CLOSE level of difficulty keeps you addicted even after many fails. It is with high praise that I urge everyone to play, even if you suck at platformers, like I did (still do?).
Note: Lawl just realized my conclusion is much like OP's, only he's got more eloquence and i've got more OOMPF.
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