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Cave Story Review

Blogs > magicbullet
Post a Reply
1 2 Next All
magicbullet
Profile Blog Joined November 2007
Singapore163 Posts
September 05 2009 09:07 GMT
#1
Cave Story Review
[image loading]

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
[image loading]



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
[image loading]

[image loading]


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

[image loading]


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.

[image loading]


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.

[image loading]

[image loading]

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.
[image loading]



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.

*****
In the long run we are all dead - J.M. Keynes
Adeny
Profile Blog Joined January 2009
Norway1233 Posts
September 05 2009 09:13 GMT
#2
Sounds like A Link to the Past, but with guns n' sidescrolling n' shit. Guess I'll have to try it out.
motbob
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
United States12546 Posts
September 05 2009 09:15 GMT
#3
Cave Story is FUCKING HARD in some parts.

If you want to beat it and get the "good" ending you're going to have your work cut out for you.

But if you've never played it you must go download it!
ModeratorGood content always wins.
magicbullet
Profile Blog Joined November 2007
Singapore163 Posts
September 05 2009 09:21 GMT
#4
On September 05 2009 18:15 motbob wrote:
Cave Story is FUCKING HARD in some parts.


Yeah. I just saw the beginning of sacred ground and OMG! Death spikes everywhere!
In the long run we are all dead - J.M. Keynes
Mikilatov
Profile Blog Joined May 2008
United States3897 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-09-05 09:42:47
September 05 2009 09:42 GMT
#5
=)

Didn't get a chance to read this yet, but I'm glad that someone got something out of that thread I made a while back, haha.
♥ I used to lasso the shit out of your tournaments =( ♥ | Much is my hero. | zizi yO~ | Be Nice, TL.
SaveYourSavior
Profile Blog Joined July 2008
United States1071 Posts
September 05 2009 10:15 GMT
#6
Robot's name is Quote


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
a
Loanshark
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
China3094 Posts
September 05 2009 10:35 GMT
#7
Reminds me of Area Flat.
No dough, no go. And no mercy.
Manifesto7
Profile Blog Joined November 2002
Osaka27148 Posts
September 05 2009 11:59 GMT
#8
Really nice review. Put in the spotlight.
ModeratorGodfather
kefkalives
Profile Blog Joined January 2007
Australia1272 Posts
September 05 2009 12:57 GMT
#9
Sounds like you'd like braid OP.

Speaking of braid, the single finest game i have ever played. this has inspired me to review it. rawr.
prOxi.bOn ; \\ What makes most people feel happy/Leads us headlong into harm.
Kenpachi
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
United States9908 Posts
Last Edited: 2009-09-05 13:30:04
September 05 2009 13:28 GMT
#10
I remember retards going crazy of this game.

To discuss with them go to
+ Show Spoiler +
Clan Hime@USEast


reading the review told me why those retards went crazy o_O
Nada's body is South Korea's greatest weapon.
MrHoon *
Profile Blog Joined April 2008
10183 Posts
September 05 2009 13:31 GMT
#11
One of the greatest Japanese Indi games ever made

I reccommend it to anyone.

Also if you have some graphic card problem like I had, I'd recommend this thread where Maleorderbride helped me play cavestory
dats racist
freelander
Profile Blog Joined December 2004
Hungary4707 Posts
September 05 2009 13:50 GMT
#12
I don't think this game has 16 bit graphics..
I think it's 8 bit with palette switches.

Nice review btw.
And all is illuminated.
BarneyEX
Profile Joined March 2009
Malaysia98 Posts
September 05 2009 14:21 GMT
#13
Personally I think the difficulty is above average which makes it pretty challenging. The stage that leads to the true ending is plain hellish.
Kenpachi
Profile Blog Joined August 2009
United States9908 Posts
September 05 2009 14:26 GMT
#14
garrrrr its fun but so hard x_x

+ Show Spoiler +
fuck the flying green insects.
Nada's body is South Korea's greatest weapon.
ninjafetus
Profile Joined December 2008
United States231 Posts
September 05 2009 15:26 GMT
#15
This is probably the best indy freeware game ever made. It's a must play.
LordWeird
Profile Blog Joined November 2007
United States3411 Posts
September 05 2009 15:31 GMT
#16
On September 05 2009 18:42 Mikilatov wrote:
=)

Didn't get a chance to read this yet, but I'm glad that someone got something out of that thread I made a while back, haha.


That was a great thread actually. I've gained several hours of entertainment from some of those games. Now I've started Cave Story. So yeah...

BTW I wish there was a review for each of those games you posted.
Chains none
wander
Profile Joined October 2008
Japan45 Posts
September 05 2009 16:33 GMT
#17
Cave Story is awesome, nice review!

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).
lac29
Profile Blog Joined December 2008
United States1485 Posts
September 05 2009 17:41 GMT
#18
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.
Perguvious
Profile Blog Joined November 2008
United States1783 Posts
September 05 2009 18:55 GMT
#19
I don't like this game that much

I don't really like the controls, but the music was definitely one of it's strong points
Railxp
Profile Blog Joined February 2008
Hong Kong1313 Posts
September 05 2009 18:56 GMT
#20
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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