Cave Story 3D

This 3DS remake of the cult Cave Story fits the bill. It's nicely re-done, all the while keeping what made the original a brilliant game. Perfect gameplay, inspired level-design, mesmerizing musics and enticing plot: no element of this remake can disappoint the fans of good old action platforming "oldschool" games in 2D. A gem of passion you have to play.

The biggest hurdle towards recommending this game for the 3DS is the fact that it's so widely available on other platforms, and for less money.

Giving a purposefully retro 2D platformer a 3D makeover sounds like the worst idea ever, but the end result only reconfirms Cave Story as a modern classic.

It's Pixel's dream realized on a new platform for the masses, and in a form anyone can appreciate.

Cave Story 3D provides the perfect blend of action and adventure that embodies the days when Jason was the kid with a mutated frog and an awesome tank and not the kid that wandered away from his Dad and got lost in a mall.

Cave Story shouldn't be missed no matter what platform you play it on, but Cave Story 3D offers the most unique perspective on this independent gem.

Cave Story has always been an extremely charming and engaging experience, but never before has the game come alive with the type of depth and realism that the 3D visuals and lighting effects provide. When you couple all of this together with the classic high-quality platforming and shooting action of the original, not to mention an amazing remixed soundtrack, you end up with what has to be one of the most impressive video game remakes we've seen in recent years and a title you absolutely should not miss.

If you want an excellent action game on the go that captures the best elements of the glory days of old and does so with a style that is rare nowadays, get to a retailer or store and get Cave Story 3D. If you haven't played this game yet, you are missing out.

A true masterpiece. On 3D, the brand can live a second life that all the more experienced players will appreciate.

A brilliant, touching game that is truly special, and that all gamers should make it a point to play.

Mildly disappointing port of an exceptional game that retains its charm.

It's one of the best games ever made, in 3D or otherwise.

The real appeal of Cave Story 3D is a chance to see Pixel's low-rez world rendered in elaborate detail.

The art of pixel claims its place thanks to a Cave Story's remake that remains the original spirit, revamps the graphics and adds an interesting 3D effect. We hardly had seen so much talent concentrated in only one game.

At the end of the day, Cave Story 3D will most likely appeal primarily to fans of the original willing to experience one of their favourite games in its new form, or collectors of physical copies who wouldn't pass a chance to get their hands on the only retail version of the masterpiece that Cave Story is.

It's not possible to recommend this version of Cave Story over all others, but it is a worthy, good-looking adaptation of a wonderful game all the same. If the WiiWare and DSiWare versions passed you by, and you'd rather do your platforming with an analogue pad than a keyboard, Cave Story 3D is a great way to discover a game that well deserves your attention.

Whether or not you should buy Cave Story 3D boils down to A.) if you played another version before, and B.) how much you loved it. At $39.99, it's significantly more expensive than purchasing the DSiWare port ($9.99) via the 3DS eShop. Go that route, and you receive a similar, arguably better experience at a fraction of the cost.

This remake is a labour of love, and it catches the single most important thing about Cave Story. Objectively, it's a 2D game heavily inspired by Metroid. In its details, and in your hands and head, it's another world entirely.

If you haven't played Cave Story before and want to see what the fuss is about, or are a die-hard fan who needs to have it in every form possible, you simply can't go wrong with Cave Story 3D.

Taken on its own merits, however, it is an absolute blast, and if you don't play Cave Story in one form or another, you're missing out on a modern classic. [Nov 2011, p.84]

The original Cave Story is a great game, and what is being offered here is the same at the core. It looks a bit bland, but it's still fun to play, the music is still great, and the story is still interesting.

Cave Story is game that every gamer needs to play, and if Cave Story 3D is the most viable method of doing that, so be it. However you get your hands on this game, just do it. It's that good.

The new features are interesting, although not impressive technically, but under them there is still a great game, fun and challenging, that provides hours of enjoyment.

New visuals and an average 3D effect are the only differences between this game and other, cheaper versions: anyway, if you own a 3DS, never played Cave Story and fancy a hard challenge, this game is for you.

As a game, Cave Story 3D represents another strong entry in the Nintendo 3DS's software lineup this holiday season and is more than deserving of your trade-in credit or gift cards post-Christmas holiday. As an opportunity to revisit the indie-darling Cave Story, though, it feels more like a George-Lucas-esque grab at cash than a true remake or redesign.

Quotation forthcoming.

Not bad, just pointless. [Jan 2012, p.86]