Not Spelunky: Cave Story+
Every time a new indie bundle is released, anguished cries echo around the Great Hall of Comments that is carved in the dark obsidian which forms the foundations of Castle RPS. The reason? The inhabitants of that grand place are often the proud owners of every game included in the bundle due to their uncanny ability to be ahead of the curve. Therefore, it is with some trepidation that I bring the news that Cave Story is only now available on Steam, seven years after its original release, albeit in a 'plus' form. It's a lovely game, taking a Metroidvania template, then adding oddness and pretty pixels. I think it was probably partly responsible for that particular graphical trend in yon indies.
Who hasn't played it yet? Trailer with delightful music below.
For just less than six pounds, the Steam version provides the original game and a 'HD' remake, which is no doubt rather 'LD' compared to those LaserBluDiscs I've heard so much about. There's also remastered music, alongside the original tracks, and new play modes, one of which seems to take place in an entirely new area. I don't really care so much about the new gubbins but being reminded of the game's existence is enough to make me want to play through it again.
Cave Story was originally freeware and that version still seems to exist and I haven't seen anything to suggest it shouldn't. It won't be receiving the promised 'future content' though. You'll also need an English translation unless your Japanese is a lot better than mine, which I've mostly picked up from horror films. I know how to scream and be murdered by ghosts in the language, but that's about it.
I know I'll probably spend six pounds on something less worthwhile today though, so I'd like to think of the freeware version as a demo and then return to the entertainment faucet that is Steam, cash in hand.
It's one of my favourite platform adventures and for that reason I can't imagine that anyone remains who hasn't played and loved it. If you are in the former category, you're in for a treat. If you're in the latter, then good to you, sir. Good day.