Cave Story+
Cave Story+ is a beloved cult classic indie platformer from 2004. Developed by a single Japanese programmer known as Studio Pixel, it tells the story of a heroic robot named Quote who finds himself on a mysterious floating island full of secrets.
As Quote explores the island’s various areas and comes into conflict with two opposing factions, he discovers more about the island’s dark past and his own mysterious origins. Featuring retro-inspired 2D graphics, challenging side-scrolling gameplay with different weapons and items to find, an engaging story with multiple endings, and an epic soundtrack, Cave Story+ captured the hearts of players around the world with its blend of exploration, adventure and shoot ’em up action. Its success helped inspire a new generation of independent developers and it’s now considered one of the greatest indie games of all time.
– Genre: Action-platformer video game
– Platforms: Microsoft Windows, macOS, Linux, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One
– Developer/Publisher: Studio Pixel (developer), Nicalis (publisher)
– Original Release Date: 2004 (PC), 2011 (3DS), 2014 (Switch/PS4/Xbox One)
– Gameplay: 2D side-scrolling platformer where the player controls protagonist Quote through various areas full of enemies, obstacles, and bosses. Features shooting gameplay plus various weapons and items to find.
– Story: Follows Quote, an amnesiac robot, as he explores an abandoned island and gets caught up in a conflict between two opposing factions – the Doctor and the Mimigas. Features multiple endings depending on choices made.
– Critical Reception: Widely acclaimed as a standout indie game and considered one of the best platformers ever made. Praised for its gameplay, atmosphere, soundtrack and storytelling.
– Remakes/Ports: Received enhanced re-releases on 3DS, Switch, PS4, Xbox One with updated visuals and controls but keeping the original gameplay intact.
– Awards/Accolades: Numerous awards and top spots on “best indie games” lists over the years since its release. Often cited as inspiration for later acclaimed indie games.