A Story… about Caves (free game!)

Posted on January 14, 2012.

This is where the UCHG takes on the heroic challenge to play every title in the book ‘1001 Video Games You Must Play Before You Die’. This one comes from Fen:

Here’s an excellent game you can go and grab right now, and for free.

There have been a number of indie games released in recent years that explicitly appeal to our love of retro, harking back to those wonderful days when games weren’t just about graphics — but were about that pure essence of great gameplay.

1001 No.24: ‘Cave Story’ (2004, PC)

Cave Story is one of these games. There is currently a remake being sold on Steam — but the original Japanese release has been fully translated and amazingly released for free. It’s got a brilliant little storyline with multiple endings, and a great sense of humour too. The gameplay is pure class, with a range of challenging enemies and levels, some really putting your platforming skills to the test. Some of the bosses are damn difficult — but if you can master it, it’s so satisfying. Think a kind of mashup of Mario and Metroid. It’s ace.

And the best thing about it? For me, it’s because it looks and feels like a NES game. The sound, graphics and platforming are pure retro, and I love it. Did I mention that it’s free? Get it right now!