Visit the Classics: Cave Story

A game that stands the test of time is a game that is beloved by all. Cave Story, with 2 remakes known as Cave Story+ and Cave Story 3D, as well as being on a plethora of platforms. Platforms include it being freeware on Windows, the Nintendo Wii, DSi, 3DS, and Switch, as well as the PSP and Steam. This multi-platform game has received many accreditations and praise, such as the rare 10/10 on Steam. The game has received multiple 8s and 9s on many gaming sites as well, making it very popular. This game has been speedrun so many times that the completion time is under one hour to beat the game, which is a very impressive feat.

6 scores given to Cave Story by multiple reviewers.

So what is Cave Story about? Cave Story is about an amnesiac robot waking up in a cave in seemingly nowhere. Throughout the story, you meet little friendly creatures called Mimiga, and an evil villain named The Doctor, who has been kidnapping and experimenting on them. So, with an expanding arsenal, you set out to confront and defeat the doctor.

The gameplay in Cave Story is a fast-paced Bullet Hell shooter. Your little character carries an arsenal of weapons with him that you can use to destroy enemies, but you also have to be wary you don’t slip up and get hit in retaliation. Weapons vary from the very puny Polar Star, which is the first weapon you get, to the destructive Missile Launcher, firing a limited volley of missiles that obliterate enemies, to the Flamethrower, which fires little bouncy fireballs at your opponents. There are a few more weapons that can be found, but all are unique and fun to use.

Enemies in the game range from random blobs to mutated bugs, but each zone, or area, in the game has their own unique enemies to fight, and each one with their own bosses to fight. The boss fights are the meat of the game, as the most fun is to be had here. They range from twin dragons to a giant machine, to a giant fish with an iron head (fittingly named Ironhead).

All in all, Cave Story is a fun multi-platform game, and can appeal to gamers of all ages and all playstyles. I give this classic gem a 9/10 due to its immense polish, extremely fun gameplay, and rewarding combat system, plus the few additional time trial modes it has. The only thing it lacks is a longer play time, with most average runs ending after about 4-5 hours.