As a longtime devotee of precision platformers, I can say without reservation that Cave Story+ remains one of my all-time favorites. From its lovingly crafted pixel world to the finely tuned balance of exploration, combat, and narrative, this title delivers everything I look for in an action-adventure. Originally created by solo developer Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya over five years, the 2011 Nicalis release preserves the indie spirit while adding widescreen support, bonus modes, and a refined soundtrack. Even now, more than a decade later, no other retro-style game has held my attention—or offered so many thrilling replays—quite like Cave Story+.
Overall Impressions
Stepping into Mimiga Village feels like revisiting childhood classics. However, the game still offers fresh surprises at every turn. The seamless blend of tight platforming and an emotionally charged story arc is its greatest strength. Some boss battles in the base edition feel slightly uneven—especially in zones where hitboxes demand pixel-perfect timing. Yet this is a small flaw compared to the thrill of uncovering hidden rooms and weapon upgrades. Among indie throwbacks, Cave Story+ perfectly balances nostalgia with modern design.
Gameplay Mechanics
Every jump, weapon swap, and dash in Cave Story+ is built for maximum control. The Curly Brace and Polar Star guns each have distinct handling, and discovering each weapon’s nuances is rewarding. On my first run, I snuck past Medusa’s gaze, tested rapid-fire Strafe shots, and mastered the Dragon and Booster weapons. The recent Steam ports lack local co-op and full widescreen modes—an unfortunate omission. Fortunately, third-party versions like doukutsu.rs restore native widescreen and even add Linux support. While some bosses spike the difficulty more than others, learning their patterns is part of the fun.
Story and Characters
Cave Story+ stands out for its emotional depth. Quote’s silent determination, the Mimiga’s innocence, and the Doctor’s tragic motives create a story that lingers. Early in the game, I was moved by Toroko’s plight, rooting for her safe return as much as my own success. Furthermore, the world-building—sprawling ruins, the Egg Corridor, and the Final Cave—keeps the stakes high. Among friends, “Is it more like Earthbound or Cave Story?” has become a running joke. It’s clear why—this game blends lighthearted charm with genuine heartbreak.
Visuals and Graphics
Pixel’s 16-bit art style shines in this edition. Each sprite is crafted with care—the twirl of a bullet, the expressions of NPCs, and the bright Sand Zone palette immerse you in the world. Moreover, Nicalis added subtle animation upgrades like fireflies drifting in the forest and extra frames for the Dragon’s flame attack. These details show respect for the original vision. The sprites never feel crowded, and the backgrounds reward exploration without distracting from the action.
Sound and Music
The soundtrack, composed by Pixel, is exceptional. Breezy flute melodies in Grass Town, ominous basslines in the Core, and triumphant boss fight fanfares create an unforgettable audio experience. On my surround system, the echoing chamber of the Labyrinth still sends chills down my spine. Additionally, sound effects are crisp—the click of switches, the hum of barriers, and the punch of each weapon enhance immersion. Although there is no voice acting, the music cues and character portraits convey emotion beautifully.
Difficulty and Replayability
Cave Story+ balances accessibility with challenge almost perfectly. During my first final boss attempt, I had to refine every dodge, driven by sheer determination. Since then, challenge runs—no-weapon, pacifist, and boss rush modes—have kept me coming back. In fact, many players have never beaten the final boss, which speaks to its tough-but-fair design. Personally, I’ve completed the game over a dozen times, each revealing new secrets or strategies. Ultimately, with hidden pathways, layered maps, and multiple endings, it offers endless replay value.
Developer Trivia and Behind-the-Scenes
Daisuke “Pixel” Amaya’s personal story is as captivating as his game. He handled every aspect—design, art, music, and programming—in his spare time, releasing Cave Story for free in 2004. Its cult success led to ports on almost every platform. The 2011 Nicalis remaster came from fan demand, with lead developer Tyrone Rodriguez securing Pixel’s approval for new modes. Interestingly, the original code still contains hidden debug features, and community patches have revived unused boss fights.
Final Thoughts
Cave Story+ remains the benchmark for indie action-adventures. With pixel-perfect gameplay, memorable characters, and an immersive world, it deserves every bit of praise. Whether you are a seasoned speed-runner or new to retro platformers, it will challenge and enchant you. For me, it remains a personal favorite—an endlessly rewarding journey into the heart of indie brilliance.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
