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Cave Story+

Nintendo Switch, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2011

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Quick resume

Run, jump, shoot, fly and explore your way through a massive action-adventure reminiscent of classic 8- and 16-bit games.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Platform, Shooter

Pros

  • Engaging story with multiple endings
  • Challenging and rewarding gameplay
  • Memorable soundtrack
  • Nostalgic pixel art style
  • High replay value with extra modes

Cons

  • Some difficulty spikes and obscure requirements for true ending
  • Lack of widescreen support and some bugs
  • No cooperative or multiplayer features
  • Controversy around publisher nicalis
  • Limited character customization

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore, choose weapons, and make decisions affecting endings."

  • Competence
    4

    "Gameplay involves skillful platforming, weapon management, and challenging boss fights."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal progression and exploration without competitive multiplayer or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    4

    "High replay value with multiple endings, challenge modes, and secret content encourages repeated play."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Primarily a single-player experience with no cooperative multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players experiment with different weapons and strategies; some customization of playstyle."

  • Domination
    -4

    "No evidence of exerting control over others; gameplay is individual and story-driven."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Immersive story and nostalgic atmosphere provide strong escape from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Encourages trying different weapons, exploring secrets, and multiple endings."

  • Exploration
    3

    "Exploration of varied levels and hidden secrets is a key gameplay element."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some expression through choice of weapons and visual/audio settings, but limited character customization."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strong fantasy setting with imaginative characters, story, and world."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Solo play with minimal social interaction or community features."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills and knowledge through challenging gameplay and story progression."

  • Health
    -5

    "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity involved."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "No close social relationships formed within the game; mostly individual experience."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management roles present."

  • Progression
    5

    "Strong progression through weapon upgrades, health increases, and story advancement."

  • Relaxation
    1

    "Balanced challenge with moments of tension; not purely relaxing but rewarding."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Engaging pixel art and memorable soundtrack provide sensory enjoyment."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social status or recognition systems; focus on personal achievement."

  • Story
    5

    "Narrative immersion with multiple endings and character interactions."

  • Strategy
    4

    "Requires planning weapon use, managing upgrades, and tactical combat."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Challenging boss fights and difficult sections provide tension and excitement."

  • Value
    3

    "Offers extensive content, replayability, and quality for the price."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat-focused gameplay with shooting and defeating enemies."

  • Survival
    3

    "Players must avoid damage and manage health to progress."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026