Last Strike: Cave Story

Every so often I used to pick up Cave Story and play a little, but this year in Digital Imaging class I was fortunate enough to have nothing to do, and what a better way to spend my time than by playing Cave Story. Today therefore marks the day where I in fact completed the game with the Good Ending (I'm going for True Ending next week). I do not think it needs to be said but Cave Story really is a fantastic game and it is hard to believe it is indie. All components of it are just simply so on top. Cave Story I believe truly shows how anyone can still make not just a game, but a game that is AAA and has that originality component to it. So lets go into a little more detail on what makes Cave Story so amazing.

I want to start with the graphics. Now the graphics obviously hold dear in many gamers hearts because it brings back the nostalgia factor. That feel of that classic simple 8-bit game is so nice to play. Cave Story definitely can capture any hardcore gamer with just that appeal.

The soundtrack to Cave Story is simply phenomenal. The game has so many memorable themes that are just enjoyable to hear. It takes the classic 8-bit style that works perfectly with the game and adds depth to it in a way that makes it a classic soundtrack for all generations.

Gameplay is a classic run and gun however it adds a nice twist to it. There is no character leveling up. Which makes the game interesting. Basically when an enemy is defeated it drops experience, which levels up the gun the character is currently using. Then when the player is hit they lose experience. Its a good reward and penalty system that forces the player to get better at the game and create a way for a nonstandard leveling up system that works successfully. This is one of my favorite features of the game simply due to the fact of how creative and well the system works.

Now not only is gameplay top of the line, but also story. The story, while not the main point of the game, is well revealed. Throughout the game the player slowly figures out what is truly going on, though they are lost at first. The character gradually learns the events and what they must do and while it is a fairly linear story, it still is entertaining.

So basically if you have not played Cave Story, you should. Whether it is the Wii version or the PC version (though I have only played PC) this is a must play and one of the best indie game, I would say, of all time. Pixel truly is a design genius and I am looking forward to what he might make in the future.

Wins:

• Great Graphics: The games graphics bring that classic 8-bit feel
• Nice Soundtrack: A classic 8-bit sounding score that is a great game soundtrack
• Innovative Gameplay: Fantastic Graphics and art

Loses:

• Not the Best Story: A little more depth could have been added to the story but it wasn't deplorable
• Wii Version seems to ruin it: The Wii versions updated graphics and music create a not so nostalgic feel

And for the Score Junkies out there: Cult Classic ( 4.5/5 Slashes)