Cave Story Wii Launch Party

Today is finally the day. We've been "covering" Cave Story since November 16, 2008, and now, finally, one can purchase it online.

In case you aren't familiar with Cave Story, you can check out my review of the free PC version.

The Wii version costs 1200 points. Some people think this is too much, however, remember a few things:

1. Nintendo decides the price of all WiiWare software.
2. The game includes all of the "DLC," so you won't have to shell out any more cash.
3. The game includes updated audiovisuals.

The download should be available around 11:00 a.m. Central time. Without launching into another meta-review, this is all the info I have.

Anyone else downloading the game?

MEGA MAN 10

Yes, you heard right. Mega. Man. 10. Fuck yes! Capcom is set to release 10 in March of next year, so 8bitcity will continue coverage of any news on the game.

There isn't too much info right now, but here is a scan of the Nintendo Power article:



Two robot masters have been announced: Sheep Man and Commando Man. The article shows an ice level. In addition, the article mentions that Proto Man and Mega Man will be playable characters along with a yet unnamed hero (probably Bass).

Judging from the official artwork, I think it's safe to say that Proto Man will play a bigger role in this game, possibly possessing a regular quest and achievements like Mega Man. A little more support for Proto Man would be nice-- it's frustrating to have the character in 9, yet the game doesn't let you play as Proto on the higher difficulties or Endless level.

If I weren't too exhausted I'd write more, but there isn't too much news on Mega Man 10 now. Capcom should be releasing a trailer in the next few months, so these are truly exciting times. Good job, Capcom, for releasing Mega Man 10 before the fangame was completed!

Here is an in-depth article on Commando Man but it's not the best.

In other, more depressing news, it appears that Cave Story for the Wii may be dangerously close to becoming vaporware. The word on the internet is that Nicalis submitted the game to Nintendo twice, only to have it rejected both times. If you remember correctly, Cave Story was supposed to be released about a year ago... hopefully Cave Story gets released early next year as well, and 2010 will be remembered as another great year for 8-bit gaming!

Finally:



There are way too many similarities for that to be a coincidence. Capcom does a great job of changing the original Star War poster to fit the crazy early Mega Man box art style. But compare the pictures: Death Star changed to Dragon. Tie Fighters changed to planes, Darth Vader changed to both Mega Man and Proto Man. The Composition of Mega Man and Proto Man are similar to Darth and the Death Star. Proto Man's scarf cape is flowing cloth like Leia's dress. Mega Man's beam matches Luke's beam. Leia has a gun, and Mega Man is also holding a similar gun. Mega Man is standing on a platform in the foreground similar to the rocks that Luke and Leia are on. Both drawings have a similar city in the background. Both have two robots in the "middle ground." Obvious Star Wars pastiche is obvious.

Cave Story Wii Ware Screen Shots

New screens were posted to Go Nintendo, Kotaku, and, as expected the official Cave Story Wii blog. If you haven't been keeping up with development, the game is actually set to launch THIS YEAR, if all the bugs get worked out and whatnot. I suspect (hope?) that they will take their time, and not release the game until it's ready. Like Miyamoto said: a delayed game is good eventually, but a rushed game is bad forever. Above you can see the comparison of Quote, old and new. Below, are two screenshots from Cave Story, running on a Wii. You have the option to play with the old or new graphics... and for a while I was determined to stick it out and play the game with all of the original graphics/artwork... but damn, does the new artwork look good. Could Pixel defy logic and prove that more pixels == better? Yes, probably.

If you are a fan of Cave Story (if you aren't, I highly recommend you visit the official site, Tyrone R. (the producer for Cave Story Wii) and Pixel have been posting fanservice (not THAT kind) for weeks. You can check out other updated characters, enemies, Pixel's sketches, etc. etc. to etc.

Q: How many pixels does it take to upgrade Cave Story graphics?
A: Just one.

Help for the simple-folk: Double-click pictars make them bigger.

Doukutsu Monogatari: Cave Story

Cave Story is the tale of an silent, amnesiac robot fighting, discovering, and ultimately overcoming his past. I just discovered the game about a month ago, but apparently I was late to the game. Cave Story was released in 2004, with an English translation patch released in 2005.



The game plays like Metroid, with different controls. You explore non-linear areas, look for treasure, fight bad guys, discover secrets, etc. What sets Cave Story apart, however, is arguably the story (which I won't spoil, I'll just say the plot is detailed, makes perfect sense, and really does a great job of creating realistic characters).

Plus, Cave Story has some of the most inspired 8-Bit music I've ever heard. The music inspired a group of remixers to remix the entire soundtrack: find the remix album here. Which is pretty impressive because this game is freeware. You heard me, freeware. One guy (artist name "Pixel") programmed and designed the entire project, by himself, over 5 years. I'm completely impressed that someone would have the dedication to make something this inspired, and then just give it away to the world. Squirming in your computer chair with excitement? Fine, here's the Cave Story English Fan Page. You'll find the game and the English translation patch.



I said the story was what set Cave Story apart from other video games... but that's not quite right. It's not the story, it's the combination of story, beautiful 8-Bit Graphics (with the kick ass PC pallet), unique weapons, perfect controls, atmosphere, and music. Cave Story just does so many things right.

I'm always hesitant to call a game perfect... but it's hard to say how Cave Story could conceivably be improved (other than an expanded map, but that could be said of any adventure game, so it isn't really a valid criticism).

Quote (the little guy from the screen shots), will certainly have a permanent place in my memory. I've already started my second Cave Story game. Cave Story surpasses most commercial games. It's a testament to truly brilliant game design.