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Cave Story |
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Developer: Studio Pixel Publisher: Studio Pixel Genre: Adventure > Platform Released: Dec 14, 2004 Players: 1 |
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I was honestly surprised when I started Cave Story (Doukutsu Monogatari). This 2004, platform adventure title looks like one thing but is actually something else. Like the name infers, the game’s generally about a cave story, although it’s also not that simple. Taking from the likes of Super Metroid, Zeliard and the incomparable Legend of Zelda, Cave Story manages to bring gamers an enjoyable, and fun-filled gaming experience.
The story follows a young Migima named Sue. The Migima are underground dwellers who look a bit like rabbits. A mad Doctor had been taking the Migima and using them for his evil experiments to overthrow the surface world. A young scientist, along with the wacky Doctor Booster, desperately set out to stop the evil Doctor. Players come into the scene as a mysterious and amnesiac cyborg with no name. The soldier, whom players control, befriends Sue and her friends. Together they try to stop the evil Doctor and his henchmen from gathering “red flowers� that he plans on using to turn the Migima into rampaging monsters.
In actuality, Cave Story’s side-scrolling action is accented greatly by Studio Pixel’s solid story-telling and consistent quests. What would have otherwise been a mediocre platforming game, Cave Story manages to really convey a sense of depth and purpose by keeping players busy with all sorts of side-quests and interesting characters. This game’s story could easily pass as an anime television series, to which loyal viewers would follow indubitably. Everything that happens in the game and everything players carry out has something to do with the overall progression of the story. Eventually it all ties in together which keeps the interest-rates high, and the entertainment values well intact.
Players control the soldier using the keyboard or a gamepad. The controls are quite simple; ‘Z’ is to jump and ‘X’ is fire; ‘S’ switches weapons and the arrow keys are to move around. The platforming in Cave Story is almost identical to something found in a Megaman game, except without the wall hopping. The shooting on the other hand, is much more oriented around the likes of Super Metroid. Literally it’s like combining the two games. The quality of the gameplay is also more reminiscent to something from a handheld or console title from the mid-90's. Given, most PC platform titles tend to wane in quality when compared to their console counterparts. Cave Story on the other hand, delivers a convincing story and jam-packed levels that require a hint of strategy among the grade-A platforming.
There’s a good selection of weapons and items to acquire in this game. Some items range from quest related things (such as charcoal or keys), while others include upgrading health or using a jetpack. Some of the weapons in the game include lasers, bouncing fireballs, and missiles (to name a few). Each weapon can be upgraded for up to 3 levels. Each upgrade offers players a stronger or more reliable shooting projectile, which only proves to be a very invaluable tool. While enemies start off rather simple, later in the game they also house projectiles, or fly around after players. There’s a serious requirement of skill as the game progresses. Platform junkies looking for a good thrill set against an engaging narrative, will definitely find resolve in Cave Story.
Mission quests also vary in difficulty. Although any fan of the Zelda games will be more than at home with the constant quests and story-related missions that must be completed. Quests range from menial, skill-bereft tasks such as finding a key, to platform-veteran levels that have players venturing to retrieve puppies. There’s also a bevy assortment of environments and stages. Many stages must be unlocked via completing specific quests (sometimes in non-linear fashion) that lead into another stage, seamlessly. I really have to give Studio Pixel huge props for being able to bring together a multitude of platform levels and action sequences that only highlight the plot.
Another huge plus for the game, are the boss battles. Some of these battles are completely unsuspected, and happen right out of the blue. The impromptu encounters make for some nifty tests of skill, as each boss requires different tactics to be defeated. Again, these battles seem to come right out of the playbook of a Megaman game. Some bosses even have gimmicks that will change the way players will have to approach or fight them. This adds an extra element of playability to the palate of Cave Story. Simply, not many platform games can manage to find new ways consistently to keep the gameplay values up--yet Cave Story manages to do so.
Graphics:
Well, I’ll say that this game would have easily won graphical awards back in 1989. However, I must confess that the character portraits are very well done, in the game. The backgrounds are also soundly colored and well designed. Enemies also show a range of personality and distinct purpose in their design. Yet I have to be honest, and can’t ignore the fact that through most of the game I couldn’t make out what the main character was.
Sound:
Audibly, Cave Story ranks a step above its own graphics. The Spectrum-esque sound scheme is variably on par with any Megaman game from the Gameboy. Still, everything sounds professional, it’s just a matter of whether gamers think Gameboy sounds/music is something suited to their taste.
Gameplay:
Despite having dated graphics and Gameboy sound effects, Cave Story’s gameplay was surprisingly well done. The controls are simple, comprehensively fun to use, and something any gamer can pick up and play with ease. Boss battles are a blast and the platforming is nostalgic fun. Making up for the graphics and audio, is some very solid gameplay.
Concept:
A little man hopping on platforms and upgrading his weapons sounds awfully familiar. Yet if memory serves me correctly, Megaman games have always served one-dimensional storytelling purposes. Cave Story’s plot and gameplay runs circles around the little blue guy in his metal underwear and body spandex. Interfusing a well-laid storyline with great gameplay equals an excellent concept.
Value:
Cave Story is a family friendly title that easily keeps the entertainment and gameplay values high up on the chart of interactivity. Apart from that, Cave Story is freeware and proves that big budgets aren’t always necessary to give gamers quality gameplay and legitimate storytelling, with multiple endings.
Recommendation:
Platform games aren’t for everyone when it comes to skill, but the story in this game is something the entire family can enjoy. If you’re a parent looking for something fun for your kid to play, or you’re a platform junkie looking for a genuinely nostalgic experience, Cave Story definitely delivers. This game is a must-try and gamers won’t be disappointed.
The story follows a young Migima named Sue. The Migima are underground dwellers who look a bit like rabbits. A mad Doctor had been taking the Migima and using them for his evil experiments to overthrow the surface world. A young scientist, along with the wacky Doctor Booster, desperately set out to stop the evil Doctor. Players come into the scene as a mysterious and amnesiac cyborg with no name. The soldier, whom players control, befriends Sue and her friends. Together they try to stop the evil Doctor and his henchmen from gathering “red flowers� that he plans on using to turn the Migima into rampaging monsters.
In actuality, Cave Story’s side-scrolling action is accented greatly by Studio Pixel’s solid story-telling and consistent quests. What would have otherwise been a mediocre platforming game, Cave Story manages to really convey a sense of depth and purpose by keeping players busy with all sorts of side-quests and interesting characters. This game’s story could easily pass as an anime television series, to which loyal viewers would follow indubitably. Everything that happens in the game and everything players carry out has something to do with the overall progression of the story. Eventually it all ties in together which keeps the interest-rates high, and the entertainment values well intact.
Players control the soldier using the keyboard or a gamepad. The controls are quite simple; ‘Z’ is to jump and ‘X’ is fire; ‘S’ switches weapons and the arrow keys are to move around. The platforming in Cave Story is almost identical to something found in a Megaman game, except without the wall hopping. The shooting on the other hand, is much more oriented around the likes of Super Metroid. Literally it’s like combining the two games. The quality of the gameplay is also more reminiscent to something from a handheld or console title from the mid-90's. Given, most PC platform titles tend to wane in quality when compared to their console counterparts. Cave Story on the other hand, delivers a convincing story and jam-packed levels that require a hint of strategy among the grade-A platforming.
There’s a good selection of weapons and items to acquire in this game. Some items range from quest related things (such as charcoal or keys), while others include upgrading health or using a jetpack. Some of the weapons in the game include lasers, bouncing fireballs, and missiles (to name a few). Each weapon can be upgraded for up to 3 levels. Each upgrade offers players a stronger or more reliable shooting projectile, which only proves to be a very invaluable tool. While enemies start off rather simple, later in the game they also house projectiles, or fly around after players. There’s a serious requirement of skill as the game progresses. Platform junkies looking for a good thrill set against an engaging narrative, will definitely find resolve in Cave Story.
Mission quests also vary in difficulty. Although any fan of the Zelda games will be more than at home with the constant quests and story-related missions that must be completed. Quests range from menial, skill-bereft tasks such as finding a key, to platform-veteran levels that have players venturing to retrieve puppies. There’s also a bevy assortment of environments and stages. Many stages must be unlocked via completing specific quests (sometimes in non-linear fashion) that lead into another stage, seamlessly. I really have to give Studio Pixel huge props for being able to bring together a multitude of platform levels and action sequences that only highlight the plot.
Another huge plus for the game, are the boss battles. Some of these battles are completely unsuspected, and happen right out of the blue. The impromptu encounters make for some nifty tests of skill, as each boss requires different tactics to be defeated. Again, these battles seem to come right out of the playbook of a Megaman game. Some bosses even have gimmicks that will change the way players will have to approach or fight them. This adds an extra element of playability to the palate of Cave Story. Simply, not many platform games can manage to find new ways consistently to keep the gameplay values up--yet Cave Story manages to do so.
Graphics:
Well, I’ll say that this game would have easily won graphical awards back in 1989. However, I must confess that the character portraits are very well done, in the game. The backgrounds are also soundly colored and well designed. Enemies also show a range of personality and distinct purpose in their design. Yet I have to be honest, and can’t ignore the fact that through most of the game I couldn’t make out what the main character was.
Sound:
Audibly, Cave Story ranks a step above its own graphics. The Spectrum-esque sound scheme is variably on par with any Megaman game from the Gameboy. Still, everything sounds professional, it’s just a matter of whether gamers think Gameboy sounds/music is something suited to their taste.
Gameplay:
Despite having dated graphics and Gameboy sound effects, Cave Story’s gameplay was surprisingly well done. The controls are simple, comprehensively fun to use, and something any gamer can pick up and play with ease. Boss battles are a blast and the platforming is nostalgic fun. Making up for the graphics and audio, is some very solid gameplay.
Concept:
A little man hopping on platforms and upgrading his weapons sounds awfully familiar. Yet if memory serves me correctly, Megaman games have always served one-dimensional storytelling purposes. Cave Story’s plot and gameplay runs circles around the little blue guy in his metal underwear and body spandex. Interfusing a well-laid storyline with great gameplay equals an excellent concept.
Value:
Cave Story is a family friendly title that easily keeps the entertainment and gameplay values high up on the chart of interactivity. Apart from that, Cave Story is freeware and proves that big budgets aren’t always necessary to give gamers quality gameplay and legitimate storytelling, with multiple endings.
Recommendation:
Platform games aren’t for everyone when it comes to skill, but the story in this game is something the entire family can enjoy. If you’re a parent looking for something fun for your kid to play, or you’re a platform junkie looking for a genuinely nostalgic experience, Cave Story definitely delivers. This game is a must-try and gamers won’t be disappointed.
By: William Usher
Posted: Tuesday October 24, 2006
Posted: Tuesday October 24, 2006
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