Cave Story+ Review: Still a Perfect Piece of Gaming History

If you have ever wondered why a 2D platformer from 2004 remains a cultural touchstone, Cave Story+ is your answer. While the original homebrew classic by Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya was a message-board legend long before terms like "indie" or "metroidvania" were common parlance, this enhanced release from Nicalis proves that the core experience is essentially untouchable. It is, quite simply, a perfect videogame.

A Masterclass in Level Design

At its heart, Cave Story+ is a polite, subterranean adventure where you navigate a world populated by bunny people threatened by a villainous doctor. The gameplay loop—exploring, shooting, and collecting items to unlock new pathways—never feels repetitive. Each gadget you acquire, from double-jump boots to a machinegun that lets you pogo-jump across chasms, broadens your options without ever making the world feel cluttered or confusing.

The combat system is equally smart. The game features a leveling system tied to your weapons rather than your character. If you play skillfully, your firepower grows; if you take unnecessary risks and get hit, your weapons lose power. It is a deceptively sugary experience that stays pleasantly tart underneath, punishing carelessness just enough to keep you on your toes.

The "Plus" Factor: Remixed and Refined

Nicalis’s update isn't just a port; it adds a perky, stirring soundtrack remix and new art that evolves the retro aesthetic without falling into twee indulgence. Purists may find the "dehuzzahification" of certain character lines—like Balrog’s catchphrase change from "Huzzah!" to "Oh yeah!"—a bit contentious, but these are minor gripes in an otherwise sensitive, thoughtful rework.

Beyond the main campaign, the Plus release includes bonus content that adds significant longevity. You get a boss rush mode, pitiless platforming gauntlets, and the option to replay the adventure with a different lead character. By the time you reach the end, you will likely find yourself joining the ranks of the speedrunners and cartographers who continue to pick apart the game's secrets and alternate endings years later.