Nintendo consoles have, as of late, become a safe haven of sort for indies looking to publish their wares on home consoles. It makes sense, then, that the Switch would receive its own port of one of the most popular indie titles of all time, Cave Story+.
Originally released in 2004 on PC, Cave Story gained popularity and became something of a legend among indie games. Since then it has appeared on Wii, DSi and 3DS as well as other non-Nintendo consoles, from the Dreamcast and the original Xbox to the PSP and even graphing calculators.
The version Switch owners are receiving was originally released on Steam back in 2011, but it has aged very well. It contains a few remastered soundtrack options, for example; the 8-bit stylised tunes are bound to be seen as classics by some, but if they aren’t your speed Cave Story+ offers a number of remixed versions, ensuring there’s something there to fit your tastes. We also have the updated graphics originally seen in the WiiWare version of the game; visually it looks a treat in HD both on the TV or on the system's own screen.
In Cave Story+ you take on the role of Quote, an amnesiac robot who awakens on a floating island and must stop the evil doctor from using the native Mimiga for his own nefarious purposes.
Along the way you’ll encounter a number of allies, from the Mimiga people themselves, to a fellow robot named Curly Brace who will help you on your adventures. With their help you’ll have to run, jump and shoot your way through the island and put a stop to the evil doctor’s plans along the way.
The Cave Story+ controls are easy to understand, much in the same way that old school 8-bit games are. The A button controls Quote’s jumps, while the B button handles firing whichever gun you have equipped. The X button will bring up an equipment screen that allows you to change weapons or to check your map. The L and R buttons will also allow you to switch between your weapons, which we prefer, but to each their own. You can also take your pick of any of the Switch’s available control options, from single Joy-Con to Pro controller. All of them work well, though for obvious reasons we prefer to avoid the single Joy-Con configuration when possible.
What makes Cave Story so great, however, is the impeccable level design. New enemies and traps are introduced with a level of finesse that isn’t often seen in AAA titles, let alone indie releases. One element that stood out to us happened early on when a series of pitfalls were thrown our way. The first pit was easy enough to fall into, but contained nothing. The very next series of them contained spikes that would spell certain doom, though we had been trained to look for these.
The narrative is also delivered with a light touch, with the story being split up into small, easily digestible tasks. This not only makes it easier to follow what’s going on, but it’s also easier to play portably. Save points are all over the world, making the game equally easy to pick up and play.
It’s possible to beat Cave Story+ in a few short hours, but multiple endings combined with choices that can’t be repeated make for excellent replayability. Over the course of this review we actually played through the game a total of five times in order to get each of the endings as well as try out multiple weapons. Cave Story+ also features a challenge mode in which you race through sections of the game with set weapons and compete for the best time. Your times will be uploaded to the leaderboards where you can compare them against your friends as well as the community at large. A two player option is also due to be added in an update later this summer.
Conclusion
If you haven’t played Cave Story yet, you need to; it’s an essential title for any fan of Metroidvania style games. Its wonderful pacing, fantastic controls and charming visuals make it a must-have for fans of the genre, especially those that have yet to play it. If there was the equivalent of a required reading list for games, Cave Story+ would be on it.
Comments 95
Might be worth it for the physical edition's artwork alone
Just got back from gamestop with mine. As a die hard Cave Story fan, the release in general is just so awesome to me. Cave Story on a home console (a physical release at that) at long last.
I'll try to pick up the physical version this Friday. Hopefully there'll be some left...
Might pick this up as it is a physical release.
I'm just playing and enjoying Master Blaster Zero (which is odd, because I generally don't really like these types of games, but anyways ...), that game set me back $10.
Even taking into account, that this is a remake, when looking at comparisons to the NES original, it's obvious that a lot of work went into this, so yeah, I'll have to pass on Cave Story+ at this price tag (esp. since I already own it on more than one other system^^).
Even at half the price, it would feel like pushing it. It might be different for aficionados of physical editions, but I'm not one of those at all.
Better than I expected
Cool. I'll get it somewhere down the line. I bought it twice and would be willing to get it for the third time for the sake of comfy controls (3DS never had that for me, but I still love the system).
I'm waiting for Pirate Queen's Quest DLC for Half-Genie Hero.
Irked that digital is so much when this is the same version on Steam that's way way wayyyyyyy less, but nice to finally get to play it
Already had a game breaking bug though, first boss fight, he lunged at me and the game broke, he kept blinking but I couldn't move, he didn't attack, just flat up froze
For $30 I'd expect better.
Wish the U.K got the cart version because getting a manual and a cd makes the price more bearable
@Ralek85 I like that game but couldn't get past the fist stupid boss!
With cave story, I may enjoy this but then again I thought the same about shovel knight and I can't stand it......are they similar?
@Ralek85 NES original, er, wtf?! 😹
Do you mean Blaster on the NES? Because BM0 isn't a remake.
And Cave Story was a free P.C game that single handedly started the indie game scene really. I think others came before it, but this game that consistently gets 9's and 10's and almost won a GOTY award was a free game made by 1 man and it just took off like gangbusters.
I picked it up today...and of course it is still the same goodness that you remember. The CD was nice and the booklet was cool. I still have yet to go through it because i was on my lunch break. I've bought this thing 4 times and then have a free one (OG) on the PC. I think it on steam as well...hmmm. Oh well, still liking the experience of the bigger screen/resolution of the switch.
Having both the PC and the 3DS versions, I can't justify buying this again for the Switch. It is an incredible game though so if it's your first outing, then absolutely get it!
I'm one of the few people who still haven't played this game. I'll probably get this when I get a Switch, I don't mind paying a premium for a physical copy, especially when the box art looks as good as it does in that picture. I don't expect it to be as good as Metroid though. Every game I try that has been tagged as 'Metroidvania' (god I hate that term) always leaves me somewhat disappointed. Probably because I'm expecting it to be as good as Metroid.
Wow...such a strong recommendation. On paper it seems I would love this game but for some reason it's never really looked interesting to me.
@GravyThief Haha yeah. The only other 'Metroidvania' game that I've played that IS as good as Super Metroid is Castlevania: Symphony of the Night on PS1.
@PAHTK I have no idea, as I never played the original, but this is what Wikipedia has to say on the matter:
"Blaster Master Zero is a platform video game developed and published by Inti Creates for the Nintendo 3DS and Nintendo Switch. The game is a remake of Sunsoft's Blaster Master for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) ..."
Also, I'm very well aware of the origins of Cave Story, and like I said, I already own it on at least two systems (that come to mind), but none of this changes the fact, that this release is - in my view - overpriced.
Just come to europe sooner than Binding of Isaac! With or without physical edition, I don't really care.
@Ralek85 it's a remake in the same way Samus Returns is a remake of Metroid II. It uses similar gameplay, but functionally is a totally new game with new plot, etc.
I think I must be one of the only people who has never played this game! Consequently, I've placed an order with Best Buy. I hadn't planned to get the physical version, but it's $7 cheaper for me, so it's pretty much a no-brainer. Hope it lives up to the reputation
@KIRO Well, I can't really speak to that with confidence, since I really couldn't get into Shovel Knight, but structurally, the games are certainly similar. The unique movement and combat in Shovel Knight (using his proverbial shovel for both) feel and play quite a bit different though - at least that would be my impression.
As for Blaster Master Zero, what is the trouble you'Re having with the 1st boss? I mean, I kinda su** at these games - action-platformer, esp. 2D that is - but I had not issues in the game so far, and I've played like 4-5h. It's almost too easy, but that suits me well tbh, at least in this particular genre
Just picked it up for 12 bucks with a $20 Gamestop card for Father's Day!! 😁😁
@Alikan I don't want to sound smug, but the fact that "It uses similar gameplay, but functionally is a totally new game with new plot, etc." is kinda the point of making a remake right?
Otherwise it would be a rereleae or remaster. I mean, at least that is what I expect of an actual "remake". If the game just looks, sounds and plays better (like in terms of framerate etc.), it's pretty much a remaster to me. If it's the exact same game, running on a different plaform (and adapted to e.g. that platforms control scheme), it's a rerelease, basically, any Virtual COnsole game for example.
Anything that goes beyond a remaster, changes to actual mechanics, structure, story etc. while still keeping the core or soul of the game intact, I would consider a remake.
Pushing things even further ... well, depending on that, I would say we are talking about an adaptation, or spiritual successor, or whatever really ^^
Also, like I said, I never played the original, so I wouldn't know, but any review I glanced it referenced it as an actual "remake".
I'm another one of those that's never played Cave Story, though I've been aware of it for some time. Looking forward to finally getting the chance - so, come to the UK, any time you're ready...
It's a great game if you haven played it, but not good enough to be released for the 37474th time.
just ordered physical edition never played it but lets bring it on
@Ralek85 just didn't want you to think this was just a graphics bump. Blaster Master Zero and Blaster Master are both metroidvanias but there is not a retread of the same levels and enemies with no changes. It's a full remake.
Ah, another port.
@SanderEvers With me already importing both the Mana Collection and Dragon Quest Heroes 1+2, which already makes a total of over 150€, for my birthday next week? My dad gonna call me mad if I told him I'd need USD as well. But I do plan on getting like $50 from play-asia for occassions such as this one right here sometime down the road anyway. So good point, I guess, just not this month. Still don't understand what's taking them so long to release this and BoI digitally. Minecraft and Shantae get a physical release later this year, too, so why can't Cave Story and BoI just release it digitally and worry about physical releases later?
Excellent game
@KIRO I'm still trying to wrap my head around who doesn't like shovel knight =D Though to answer your question, I would say these games are only similar in the sense that they are both side scrolling platformers.
Shovel Knight plays more like a Mega Man / Ducktales game, while Cave Story + plays like Super Metroid. I love both games, so I can't say for sure if you will like it... if you dislike platformers in general, then I would say stay away.
Copy in transit.
My brother bought me this for 3DS years ago... and I never played it. So, Switch it is.
I'm surprised the price wasn't really a factor in the review, whereas it was for SFII. I'll still probably end up getting both.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE
SLIGEACH_EIRE So ports for wii u are okay lol
2SLIGEACH_EIRE8 hours ago
Shame about the glitches. Still for €17 I don't really have any complaints. Darksiders 2 had glitches too but it didn't impede my enjoyment of the game.
@JaxonH my 3DS and now my Switch copy will remain sealed in the vault lol as I have it on the Wii. So not in a hurry to play it....One day though when Cave goes on sale for Switch I will nab it. Great game tho If you haven't played it yet! 👍
@JaxonH oops you did say you never played it. Ok well then you will enjoy it if you plan on cracking it open. My bad
I've got it pre ordered! I couldn't pick it up today but I will tomorrow.
I ve had the 3ds version in backlog for a long time but decided to hit up GameStop this morning. I really wish devs would bring back manuals or even a little book of artwork that explains the story. I missed out on 1001 spikes so I'll be getting that as well. I'm loving the game and feel bad that I held off playing it all these years. This is a must play in my opinion.
Awesome edition of the game. Never played it so I'm glad I'm playing it first on the Switch.
@Anguspuss Nothing wrong with Darksiders Warmastered Edition. It's a remaster, they put some work in and released a game even at this late stage on Wii U when everybody else, including Nintendo have moved on. It cost me €17 including postage to Ireland for a launch day physical copy. That's great value for a substantial game.
This game has done little work and as far as I'm aware they're charging €30 for a digital copy that's over in a few hours. Yet another indie looking for a quick cheap buck. It's Binding of Isaac: Part Deux. In more ways than one. And would you look at that? It just so happens that it's the same greedy publisher. You can play the original for free. The original game has been knocking around since 2004 and this is based on a 6 year old Steam version. Oh what's that I hear you say? 2 player? Big whoop, the effort. And it's not even ready. I've made my feelings clear before about developers putting out games before they're finished properly.
I haven't been able to find any info regarding the "new levels" teased by Nicalis. What's up with that? Did they just flat out lie or are the new levels just some more challenge mode stuff?
@SLIGEACH_EIRE Thought to be fair, this is a game that seems to turn up on everything so not really the big N's fault....this time.
Played the normal version many years ago on the pc and was surprised how good it is. All i remember is that it became really difficult towards the end. Later i learned that i made a mistake. Didnt get the good weapon.
This game never really clicked with me, and at that price I don't think it'll ever be in my switch library. Pretty sure I got this exact game in a humble bundle for less than a dollar.
Still not sure why I would want to play this over the free PC version.
This was a great game. Axiom verge and owlboy are also some great ones to play. These metroidvania games are definitely my favorite type for sure.
Don't even want to look at the Canadian eShop pricing.
Got it waiting in my mailbox for when I get home later.
30$ isn't that expensive for a physical release. How many games are cheaper than that upon release ?
30$ for digital, on the other hand, is pure theft. I'll be waiting to dl it as soon as its price drops !
But is it worth $30?
@Alikan I see, sorry for the text wall then, and thanks for the info. Irrespective of the games labeling, it's actually quite good, which is what matters - or should matter at least. And I still think if this is a $10 game, Cave Story+ is overpriced.
Now this is interesting.
Cave Story+ on the PC's challenges and extras were a glitchy mess. After you complete a challenge, the game closes for some reason. Leaderboards don't work. Starting a challenge and then quitting makes you play as Curly for all challenges until you soft reset. The settings for new or old BGM and graphics only work for the main game, not the challenges or Curly Story.
Surely this isn't shovelware and they've fixed this stuff, right?
That's assuming these extra things are even in this version.
Also, @Steve_Bowling, you shouldn't have said the protagonist's name. It's supposed to be a secret you only learn through the best ending. Shame on you.
@Discipledoctor The Sand Pit is new and is unlocked by getting he Fireball. There's also the Machine Gun Challenge, which isn't technically new, but was only included in the Steam version until now
Picked this up for £22 physical, including postage from US to the UK, off Amazon.com. Looking forward to it. Never played before.
I really don't understand the $30 price, especially when the keychain that it comes with is random. This game is obviously damn good, and I'd love to have it for my Switch, but it's yet another indie with an inflated price. Shame.
My 3rd copy of Cave Story which i got from Amazon for 23 bucks. My Favorite version is the 3d classic looking one on 3ds. I would rate this one a 7. However I have played the game. For anyone who hasn't played I would just say this. Pick it up. Its a great sidescroller/platformer. Probably best to get the cartridge too unless they lower the price on the Digital Download which to be honest should be like 10 dollars and no higher. Not really a need to play for people who played it already unless you really want to do it again like me.
@Ralek85 I'm stuck on drap trappers can you believe I'm a seasoned gamer but still suck at many types of games.
I love Cave Story, but I can't quadruple-dip at that price.
It deserves all the praise it gets, and being it is the only HD version (besides PC maybe?) and a portable to boot, I think it's worth the price to anyone who hasn't played it.
Whoa wait... There was supposed to be a keychain in the case? My copy had no such thing! >={
I'll see if I can get it at less than $40 CAD. I love this game and want it physical, but $40 are a lot but I can't find it local and shipping will make it more.
@Jayvir Keychain was Gamestop pre-order only
The other copies get instruction booklet and mini soundtrack CD (though I forget if it's all copies of the game or the initial first packaging, someone would have to look it up)
...ahh, this story never gets old...
I got the physical and am quite happy with it. Great game and happy to see a color manual inside as well as a mini music disc if you want to listen to music from the game. For $30 I feel that is more than fair for this game and am very satisfied.
Also remember that Switch version is supposed to have an extra part that hasnt been avail before on PC and also local Co-Op is coming shortly after release via update adding co-op using curly as 2nd player... I cant wait for that.
@PAHTK
Import the cart. I got it from video games plus for under £30 delivered.
I might consider it as I am enjoying some classic old games recently.
Iv'e been playting this game for years on several platforms, to now have this as a physical is fantastic. I fully applaud the work of Nicalis, please do 1000 spikes in physical too.
@SLIGEACH_EIRE yup just my thoughts on Darksiders for WiiU. Lazy port after they rereleased it on PS4 and XBOX one which at least they run at 1080p 60fps. Doubt the WiiU version is.
@Anguspuss never let the hypocrit forget, loses all credibility, not that he ever had any. The day Switch finally gets the web browser and Netlfix apps he's been banging on about he'll change tac and say "great, more ports".
@Ralek85 @8-Bit_Zorldo see I played the original and BM0 and I never once thought they were the same game, clearly wrong though, so I apologise.
@electrolite77 $30 is still cheaper than £30 though, not by much thanks to Brexit and May, but at least I got it yesterday for slightly cheaper.
Best money I ever spent on a game
Loving the little instruction booklet with the beautiful artwork and the Soundtrack mini-Cd.!!!
THANK YOU NICALIS!
I totally agree with the conclusion to this review.
if you click on the button "Buy on Amazon" from Spain, it redirects you to some weird products:
+18? (it's still Amazon website)
http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=1p8d49&s=9
Looks decent, but overrated in the review.
@PAHTK What are you talking about? I said nothing about BM0 being the same game, I said - as I read in about half a dozen or so reviews, I glanced over - that it is a remake of Blaster Master (NES). That's not my opinion - as I've never played the original - but just what I kept reading repeatedly. That's really all I can say on the issue.
@Ralek85 I never said you did. You said it was a remake which I didn't think it was. 8bit then corrected me so I was apologising to you. Because I never thought it was the same game but clearly it is.
Played it on the DS when it was released on the DSi Ware store, but this looks way better in comparison. Maybe I'll get it when I finally get a Switch, but on the other hand I still have the 3DS version here unplayed... Hm...
https://www.hotukdeals.com/deals/cave-story-nintendo-switch-amazoncom-2245-2722615
£22.45 delivered from Amazon.com [and it's the initial special edition version with the CD/booklet].
I have the WiiWare version and don't think I'll double dip. Although haven't even played it yet.
I take it if I own the physical 3DS game, even with a 20% off cut on Amazon Prime there is no reason to buy this at all is there?
I think I'm halfway thru the original (free) PC download. What I played I really enjoyed. Time to give it another shot.
@PAHTK All good then
This is a great game but I already own 3 versions of it.
I'll stick with the 3DS eShop version of the game, but it's a great game for those who haven't yet played it.
@tanookisuit If you're referring to "Cave Story 3D" (which I believe is the only retail 3DS version of the game), that's actually the worst version of the game ever released. You very well may wish to double dip with the Switch version if that's the only version of the game you own.
@BulbasaurusRex I enjoyed it and I've played the original on PC. I liked the 3D depth added to it and really don't recall anything crazy different on that one to make it worse. Perhaps you just missed the pixel art?
@tanookisuit The general opinion is that the remade 3D backgrounds make it difficult to tell which objects belong to the foreground or the background, and the 3D effect isn't that great. It's also very overpriced compared to the other versions of the game, although that wouldn't matter in this situation.
@BulbasaurusRex Well we know what opinions are like. I never had a problem with the non pixel art and really enjoyed it, but I didn't play it in 3D either. I also got it second hand years ago (before the price spike) so it cost me I think like $20 for the full thing with the 3D sleeve and all. I know it's a lot more expensive than that now because the repack they did of it was awful and full of cut corners so price either way isn't an issue on me. Mine came down to it being different enough to bother which it appears it's not.
@tanookisuit $20 is still overpriced when you could've gotten it on WiiWare for $12 or on the 3DS eShop for $9.99. Originally, they had the balls to actually price it at $40!
@MyLegGuy Do you have Cave Story+ on Steam? As someone who has beaten the true end as Quote and Curly, and all of the challenges, I have never seen this happen in my game. Try verifying your game's cache.
Right click Cave Story+'s icon on your library>click properties>click local files>click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
If this issue still persists, just uninstall and reinstall the game. Your save files won't be altered in any way by doing this.
If you still can't get Cave Story+ working right, tell me your OS. Windows 10 can have some problems with Steam games, or perhaps older OSs as well.
Lastly, yes Nicalis is a pretty horrible company... Bought 1001 Spikes on Wii U and they never fully fixed it.... One time during my Junior year of high school I was interviewing people from game companies for an english paper. Of course Yacht Club Games and Wayforward responded immediately...but not even a "sorry no thanks" from Nicalis....
@FlameRunnerFast
I've reinstalled the game and still have the problems.
Other people have the same problems I have, just look it up.
I'm using Windows 10 right now, but I had the same problems on my old laptop running Windows 8.
You may have not seen the one where you play challenges as Curly because it only happens if you have the graphics mode set to original.
The original BGM setting actually does work in challenges, but not graphics.
There's an achievement called Merry Holiday Happy Euphemism that doesn't have an icon. IIRC, you loose challenges if you delete your save file where you got the True End.
All the bugs I've found are really common and show that they didn't do enough testing. And, worst of all, these glitches have literally been known for years and Nicalis just doesn't care. On the Steam page for Cave Story+, at the bottom of the feature list, it says "Future content updates". That's funny.
I bought the physical and as said its a great game. Well worth $30 in my view especially for the physical.
Never played it before so I bought it.
I've played this on WiiWare and on 3DS, and the PC version shortly after it was first released over a decade ago. I'm not convinced that a port of the Steam version had to be priced at $30.
@Snaplocket That's cool. How was that relevant to a tongue-in-cheek post made a month and a half ago to someone who wasn't sure if they'd like Cave Story? Never said I was looking for someone that didn't like Shovel Knight. Just joking with Kiro that he didn't.
@roadrunner343 thanks! I thought I'd love shovel but it's just too hard for me. Yet, I see, to do ok with the metroid games.....I'll jump in this when I get some spare cash. Thanks again.
I would like to try the game, but we have almost 2019 and the game is still overpriced. 30€ ( 35 dollar)in the german eshop.
I had never played this game until picking it up shortly after the Switch's launch. Wow, what I've missed out on all these years. Nearly four years later, this is still one of the five best games I've played on the Switch.
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