Cave Story

1UP (A)

In short, Cave Story feels like the most amazing console game from the year 1990; that it's only now coming to console 20 years later shouldn't be held against it. On the contrary, Pixel's indie classic feels right at home amidst a screen full of Virtual Console channels. It's a must-play masterpiece for anyone who like classic action games -- or any kind of action game, really. The only real question is which will amaze you more: That this is the work of a single man, or that they actually do make 'em like this anymore.

Nintendojo (9.8 out of 10)

There's really not much more to say about the game. Nicalis did a fantastic job of turning one of the best indie games of all time into something Wii owners could be proud to download. The game is a blast to play and should not be missed by anyone who owns a Wii.

Destructoid (9.5 out of 10)

All in all, Cave Story is an incredible game that I'm sure I will be playing again and again for the rest of my life. It succeeds at telling a great story, providing fantastic run-and-gun gameplay, and a huge world to explore, and it does so with a style and technique all its own. For a new 2D action/exploration game to come along now, more than twenty years after the genre's creation, and still be this fresh, is an achievement in and of itself. As someone who had the PC version of the game for years, but never finished it, due in part to a preference towards the console experience, Cave Story on WiiWare is a godsend. The new modes, graphics, and sound, plus the ability to play with a NES-style controller on an HDTV, makes the experience feel totally deluxe. If the original Cave Story was a like VHS rough-cut bootleg, this WiiWare port is the special edition DVD -- an indispensable purchase for any fans of the genre.

GamingTrend (95 out of 100)

Cave Story is a great demonstration of what WiiWare should be all about. Allow me to step on my soapbox for a bit, but too many developers use WiiWare as a dumping ground for cheap Beer Pong or "_____ Party" games that feel like App Store rejects. Cave Story flies in the face of all that. It's currently the finest game available for WiiWare, and one of the best games available for the Wii.

Cheat Code Central (4.6 out of 5)

Nonetheless, Cave Story is a great game. It feels like some sort of gem from a bygone era that, while complete, never saw the light of day (think Star Fox 2). It's debatable whether gamers should fork over the $12 for the WiiWare experience or stick to the free PC download, but if one thing is for sure, it's that everyone should get this game in some form.

Official Nintendo Magazine (91 out of 100)

A platformer that easily holds it own against the Castlevanias and Metroids of the world.

Eurogamer.net (UK) (9 out of 10)

If this game had been released on the NES 20 years ago, it would be recalled by a generation of players as a high point of the 8-bit era. The fact that console gamers are only getting their first crack at Cave Story in 2010 doesn't make the experience any less memorable.

PAL Gaming Network (PALGN) (9 out of 10)

As a tribute to the past, Cave Story succeeds immeasurably, but it doesn’t rely on its reverence to get by, as each and every other element of the game is outstanding and breaches upon perfection. It echoes gaming greats, but is also startlingly unique. With an varied and strategic weapon system, a brilliantly realised open world and a plot with twists, turns and many unconventional surprises, Cave Story is a game for our times that should not be missed. So get into a little fight, but don’t be scared – because it’s simply one of the best games on WiiWare.

N-Europe (9 out of 10)

A love-letter to any gamer who plays for the sheer fun of it. Cave Story is not only the likely WiiWare game of the year, it’s also a very serious contender for game of the year.

Game Informer Magazine (9 out of 10)

Still, offering a near-perfect balance of exploration, combat, platforming, puzzles, and charm, Cave Story is the epitome of what I want from a downloadable title.

Nintendo Life ( )

It's almost impossible to convey the sheer amount of charm and personality found throughout Cave Story. The game's eccentric world draws you in from the moment you begin playing and the ever-increasing intensity and action only further maintain the game's enjoyable gameplay scheme. When you combine all of this with an engaging storyline and plenty of bonus gaming modes to tackle after you've completed the game's main quest, what you have is one of the most playable and addictive titles to hit WiiWare to date. Cave Story is exactly the type of game we need to see more of on WiiWare and a game that absolutely no platformer fan should miss out on.

NintendoWorldReport (9 out of 10)

Once you’ve finished the main quest (a few times to get all the endings), you can engage in a challenging boss rush, a time attack mode, and even play through the main game with secondary character Curly Brace. The main game itself is surprisingly long; just when you think you’ve beaten it, you realize you’re only halfway done! Furthermore, there are a lot of decisions you’ll have to make that will decide not only what ending you get, but what areas you can explore and what equipment you find! To experience the entire breadth of Cave Story requires multiple playthroughs. This is probably the best game I’ve played so far this year, and I’m betting you will love it, too.

GamePro (US) ( )

Cave Story would have been considered a classic if it released two decades ago, and while PC gamers can still experience the game for free, players exclusive to the Wii will find Cave Story to be a worthy title to add to their collection.

Games TM (9 out of 10)

Only an ill-advised endgame difficulty curve stops us calling Cave Story a totally flawless videogame. It is a game best experienced, not described, and we'd rather you discover exactly why it's held in such high regard for yourself. If you need further convincing, then consider this. Though the original is free to download on PC, Cave Story still feels like a steal at £8.40.

GameZone (9 out of 10)

It’s hard to put a price on a game like Cave Story. The game has been free for the better part of six years, and now Nintendo has put a $12 price tag on it. But despite the fact that Cave Story can be acquired for the very low price of $0, it’s difficult not to recommend the WiiWare version. This is essentially the same game that Studio Pixel released six years ago, but it features enough extra content to justify a purchase. It’s also perfect for those gamers who aren’t too into the whole PC gaming thing. Additionally, it’s worth supporting a quality title such as Cave Story and the efforts of developer Pixel. Cave Story on WiiWare is a fantastic download for those who enjoyed the original and newcomers alike.

Game Informer Magazine (8.75 out of 10)

Reinvigorated by the folks at Nicalis, Daisuke Amaya’s remarkable game is engrossing, challenging, and quite lengthy for a downloadable title. Beyond the updated presentation, long-time fans have several new modes to look forward to, including a timed boss attack run and a full campaign playthrough as one of the game’s other characters. Don’t be dissuaded by the simple throwback style – this game is deserving of a trip down memory lane, even if you’ve never walked this way before.

GameTrailers (8.7 out of 10)

There are multiple endings and weapon paths, as well as a boss rush mode and a hellishly hard challenge mode, plus the option to play the game as female robot Curly Brace, which is sure to make some fan fiction writers very happy. Cave Story is earnest without being sappy and is retro but never remedial. Free is always the better price, but quality is quality, couches are comfy, and holding a Wii-mote sideways while blasting away just feels right.

gamrReview (8.5 out of 10)

I find Cave Story to be a game well worth playing. It's a fun game in its own right, and it's also a wonderful retro experience. As a vocal dissenter of the retro gaming craze, I still admit feeling extremely happy when I see an old-school game done properly. In other words, a retro game made with the idea in mind that the old model can be improved upon, rather than viewing it like gospel, wherein any change in convention is blasphemy. It won't set the world on fire, but it undoubtedly succeeds in delivering its intended experience to gamers. I can't personally recommend the Wiiware version over the freeware version, but the choice is yours.

IGN (8.5 out of 10)

Cave Story is one of the best "NES" games ever made. It tells an elaborate tale full of endearing characters, fun boss fights, and satisfying weapons. The polish and tight controls are on par with what you would have found in a first-party Nintendo NES game. Delightful, whimsical, and curious, this is a game that begs to be explored.

The A.V. Club (B+)

A trio of predictable but worthwhile modes now supplement the main story: time attack, boss rush, and the ability to play through the story again as another character, Curly (the owner of the aforementioned unmentionables). That puts most of the spotlight, rightly, on Cave Story as it has existed for years. It’s a world well worth exploring, and its running and gunning proves as endearing as the quest, seasoned with unexpected tangents like barf jokes and the need to fetch five puppies for a key-holding old lady. Cave Story is content to toss you into its world knowing nothing, leaving you to unfold the engrossing storyline as you go. Whether you follow it all the way through shouldn’t depend on whether you’ve been waiting all these years for this, or are reading about it for the first time.

Jeuxvideo.com (16 out of 20)

Cave Story est un jeu bourré de charme qui, malgré sa réalisation datée, s'impose comme un indispensable du genre. Evidemment, il est préférable d'avoir connu des titres comme Super Metroid ou Castlevania pour apprécier ce titre qui s'en inspire à tous les étages. Mais sa plus grande force est de mêler les genres (plates-formes, aventure, shoot...) et d'en obtenir un résultat des plus cohérents. Sans doute un peu trop facile, Cave Story n'est reste pas moins séduisant et original, en tête des ovnis que nous vous conseillons sur WiiWare.

Gamekult (8 out of 10)

Prise en main intuitive, scénario prenant et parfaitement rythmé, game design parfaitement étudié, réalisation graphique et sonore taillée pour faire vibrer la corde des ménestrels vouant une passion aux pixels et à la chiptune : le titre de Daisuke Ayama marque des points sur tous les tableaux et ne souffre d'aucun véritable défaut, à l'exception de petits soucis de pistes voilées sur la bande son remasterisée. Indispensable à la culture vidéoludique de ceux qui ne connaissent pas encore l'histoire des Mimigas et suffisamment enrichi pour mériter l'attention de ceux ayant déjà marché dans la grotte sur PC, cette version WiiWare mérite largement ses 1.000 points, ne serait-ce que pour donner les moyens à son créateur longtemps bénévole de financer un nouveau projet aussi raffiné que celui de Cave Story.

Indius (16 out of 20)

Cave Story a tout du jeu mythique. Malgré une expérience un peu courte pour les rushers et les bons joueurs, l'aventure vous surprend sans cesse. Des graphismes au poil et une bande sonore digne de jeux "triple A" servent une gameplay intuitif et prenant : simple, mais efficace. On prend un plaisir immense à guider notre robot à travers des niveaux bien pensés, bourrés d'ennemis, de pièges et de secrets. La trame variable et non linéaire du titre peut lui assurer une rejouabilité plus que correcte pour les gros fans. Disponible gratuitement depuis 2004, le concept de base n'a pas pris une ride et est toujours aussi accrocheur. Il est un devoir pour le fan de jeu indépendants d'essayer Cave Story, au moins la version gratuite.

RetroManiac (4 out of 5)

En definitiva, si buscas un buen plataformas de acción y aventura, con muchos escenarios que explorar, situaciones divertidas y retos importantes, Cave Story es tu juego. No se te hará corto, es suficientemente variado e interesante, y toda una oda a lo que un solo tipo puede hacer con sus propios recursos. Eso sí, amantes de lo facilón abstenerse de acercarse.