Cave Story+

About Cave Story+

Cave Story+ is a 2D platform shooter with retro charm and modern polish. Developed by Nicalis, it dropped in 2011 but feels like a love letter to 80s arcade games. You play as a nameless amnesiac boy stumbling through a mysterious cave, uncovering a sci-fi conspiracy involving the Mimiga people and a mad scientist. The game blends tight platforming with bullet-hell shooter sections, all wrapped in a quirky, pixel-art story. It’s the kind of game that makes you nostalgic for a childhood you never had. Available on PC, Switch, Linux, and Mac, it’s a short but punchy adventure with multiple endings to chase.

Gameplay

You spend most sessions hopping between platforms, dodging enemy fire, and upgrading your weapons by collecting scattered items. Controls are snappy, jump feels weighty, shoot is precise. Each level throws new challenges: one minute you’re fending off jellyfish-like enemies in a cavern, the next you’re racing through a tunnel while dodging falling rocks. Boss fights are the highlight, mixing pattern recognition and reflexes. The game’s hand-drawn maps hide secrets, like upgrade parts and alternate routes, encouraging repeat playthroughs. With no multiplayer, it’s all about mastering its rhythm, whether you’re blasting through hordes or solving environmental puzzles.

What Players Think

Cave Story+ has a 84.2 IGDB score from 98 critics, with 72% of players finishing the main story in under 15 hours. Community moods lean nostalgic (68%) and challenging (42%), while 35% call it “charming.” Average playtime sits at 12.5 hours, but completionists log 20+ chasing all endings and secrets. Reviews praise the “tight controls” and “creative level design,” though some note the story’s dated writing. Over 60% of players unlock the hardest ending, requiring precise weapon builds and boss strategies. The game’s 17 achievements on PC focus on exploration and combat mastery, with “Secret Chief” being the most earned.

PlayPile's Take

Cave Story+ is a must-play for fans of retro-inspired platformers and bullet-hell shooters. At its peak price of $15, it offers solid value for its 10, 15 hour runtime, especially with replayability from multiple endings. Skip if you prefer open worlds or modern 3D action. The controls and pacing feel dated by 2024 standards, but its charm and difficulty curve make it rewarding for those who relish mastering retro mechanics. The Switch port is ideal for short bursts, while PC offers the sharpest visuals. Achievement hunters will appreciate the hidden depth, but don’t expect a impressive narrative.

Storyline

You wake up in a dark cave with no memory of who you are, where you came from or why you're in such a place. Uncovering Mimiga Village you discover that the once-carefree Mimigas are in danger at the hands of a maniacal scientist. The Mimigas’ only hope rest squarely on the shoulders of a quiet, amnesiac boy who can't remember his own name.