Cave Story
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Cave Story
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| Developer(s) | Studio Pixel (Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya) |
| Publisher(s) | Studio Pixel (independent) |
| Designer(s) | Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya |
| License | Freeware (except for WiiWare version) |
| Engine | Custom |
| Platform(s) | Windows, Mac OS X, Linux, PSP, Xbox, Amiga OS, GP2X, Wii (WiiWare) |
| Release date(s) | December 20, 2004 |
| Genre(s) | Action-adventure |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
| Media | Free download, WiiWare |
| System requirements | Windows 98, 2000 or XP, DirectX 5.0+, Mac OS X 10.3.9, AmigaOS 4, Linux (by fan conversion) |
| Input methods | Keyboard or gamepad |
Cave Story (洞窟物語 Dōkutsu Monogatari) is a freeware action-adventure video game released in 2004 for PC, designed and created over five years[1] by Daisuke Amaya, art-name Pixel. It has been translated to English by Aeon Genesis.
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[edit] Gameplay
The main character moves across the game screen, and can jump and shoot at will. Initially, the player may only run and jump, but a variety of weapons and items can be acquired throughout the game. Weapons can be obtained from treasure chests or traded at various locations in the game.
[edit] Plot
[edit] Story
The main character awakens in an underground cavern with no memory of how he came to be there. He finds a village populated by rabbit-like creatures called Mimigas, who are being persecuted by the Doctor. Two of the Doctor's servants, Misery and Balrog, are looking for a Mimiga named Sue, but mistakenly abduct a Mimiga named Toroko. The player's main quest is to rescue Sue, save the Mimigas from the Doctor, and escape the floating island on which the game is set. There are four different endings.
[edit] Reception
Cave Story has been very well-received by critics. 1UP.com described it as "so massive that it rivals modern GBA Castlevania and Metroid games in terms of scope and play time."[2] InsideMacGames ascribed the game's popularity to its "polished feel, engaging storyline, and compelling artwork".[3] In the July 2006 issue of Swedish game magazine Super PLAY, Cave Story was given 1st place on their list of the 50 best freeware games of all time.[4] EGM stated that "The burgeoning Western indie game scene owes a tremendous debt to Japanese pioneers like Studio Pixel, whose freeware hit Cave Story proved that with sufficient vision, skill, and passion, a single developer can still craft a deep, compelling action game."[5]
[edit] Versions and ports
Cave Story has been ported to the AmigaOS 4,[6] Linux[7] and Mac OS X[8] operating systems, the PlayStation Portable[9], Xbox, and GP2X. A Nintendo DS demo has been released [10].
[edit] WiiWare
A version for the Nintendo Wii will be released via WiiWare in 2009.[11][12] Developed by Nicalis, the WiiWare version will have "new, exclusive content and features" including widescreen and 480p display options, and new character designs by Amaya.[12] The game will feature enhanced graphics and music (arranged by Yann van der Cruyssen and others), but players will be able to switch them for the original music and visuals.[13]
[edit] References
- ^ The Independent Gaming Source: The PIXEL Interview
- ^ Freeloader: Doukutsu Monogatari from 1UP.com.
- ^ Doukutsu Monogatari Freeware Available at InsideMacGames
- ^ "GRATIS TOPP 50". (July 2006). Super PLAY #125: pp. 118-121.
- ^ "The Rise and Fall (and Rise?) of Japan". (September 2008). Electronic Gaming Monthly #222: p. 63.
- ^ http://se.os4depot.net/index.php?function=showfile&file=game/adventure/cavestory.lha
- ^ http://in.solit.us/archives/show/114532
- ^ http://www.wctc.net/~luvmimac/cavestory/
- ^ http://cavestorypsp.googlepages.com/
- ^ http://cavestory.ravenworks.ca/
- ^ New WiiWare Games: Cave Story And Boingz
- ^ a b Cave Story - fact sheet
- ^ The Cave Story interview - we get the full skinny from Nicalis frontman Tyrone Rodriguez, and Pixel himself
