A story written and programmed by a single person in their spare time became one of the most influential independent titles in gaming history – and Cave Story is shining proof of it. This melancholic, action-packed adventure platformer about a nameless robot awakening in underground caves gained cult status long before the term "indie game" was in vogue.
The gameplay is a classic combination of nimble action and exploration in the metroidvania style. You fight your way through branching caves, collect and upgrade various weapons, and gradually uncover a touching story about a nation of rabbit-like creatures called the Mimiga and a malevolent doctor. The weapon mechanic is unique: each weapon gains experience, but drops a level when you take a hit – so every injury hurts twice as much. The game is famous for its multiple endings and hidden areas for the most persistent players.
The original was created by Japanese developer Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya entirely alone over the course of five years and released for free in 2004. This act of pure creative passion inspired a whole generation of independent creators. The Cave Story 3D version for the Nintendo 3DS was created by studio Nicalis in collaboration with the author, converting the originally two-dimensional game into fully 3D-rendered scenery with stereoscopic depth.
This reinterpretation preserves the original gameplay but rebuilds the environments into spatial dioramas – caves, cemeteries, and laboratories now recede across several layers, and the handheld's 3D effect lends them tangible volume. The game also includes the option to switch to an arranged or original soundtrack, whose catchy chiptune melodies are among the icons of the indie scene.
Culturally, Cave Story foreshadowed an entire wave of independent games and proved that a single passionate creator can make a work comparable to the output of major studios. Its influence on the genre and on the entire indie culture is undeniable, and the 3DS version offers one way to experience this classic on the go.
Why play: A cult indie classic with a touching story and precise metroidvania gameplay, reworked on the 3DS into spatial scenery with stereoscopic depth.
Game 31 of 132 for Nintendo 3DS
