Cave Story

Release Date: December 20, 2004
Platforms: Steam, Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo Switch
Developer: Studio Pixel
Publisher: Studio Pixel
Genre: Metroidvania

Prep: the most easy version of the game to obtain would be the Steam version or the Digital Nintendo Switch version. For physical you got the 3DS version which is the remake or the Switch version of Cave Story + which is the upgraded original game.

Pre-Game: By @Shadow815x

Cave Story was made by one single person, Daisuke "Pixel" Amaya. This is a metroidvania that got released on December 20th 2004 as a freeware game for Windows.

That he would spend 5 years making this game in his free time. I remember watching different top 10s and similar videos during the early 2010's and what really stuck with me was how good people thought the game was and how many got touched by it. But I didn't have a way to play it and I did forget about it as life went on. Then I learned a Switch physical was released for the game, so I picked up that. I have yet to play it, so I'm glad I have this opportunity to experience this game for the first time along with the EXP Monthly crew. I am eager to find out if this game lives up to its legacy.

This game had a massive impact on the indie game industry. Due to its story and gameplay, it could rival major studios. The success of Cave Story led the way for other indies to use the 2D retro look like Shovel Knight and The Messenger, to name a few. I think the indie scene would have looked way different today if it wasn't for Cave Story.

So, as a big fan of both metroidvania and indie I'm excited to finally play this game.