Cave Story

Cave Story is a 2004 PC game created by primarily by independent developer Daisuke Amaya. It follows the events of an defeated entity from a recent war who later comes to their senses in a cave, leaving them to fend for themselves until they encounter a legion of native inhabitants. The traveller is soon laid witness to a murderous research doctorate who arrived alongside colleagues to study the aftermath of this cavernous island after the war's conclusion. Along the narrative, the player is placed into positions of uncertainty as they balance self-preservation over the looming threat on life upon the island. While the game outwardly boasts an inviting atmosphere within its graphics and soundtrack, it is a volatile story that often delves into heartbreaking situations that can leave a lasting impact on the player. And with its multiple endings, the experience is personalised to impact the player for each turn.

Thoughts

Just staring at the outer wall…

A running theme in Cave Story is isolation, from being left in a cave by yourself and having to relearn the world around you. This certainly is felt during this scene where we are seeking refuge to a remote mountain outside of the Doctor's control, but does any of this really apply when we've escaped the island with Kazuma? We have no contact with the rest of Kazuma's family, none of the Mimiga, and no other living being other than the flying dragon and Kazuma Sakamoto. This journey is portrayed as an silent, endless excursion to refuge, leaving you to reflect on all of the people and places you've knowingly left in harm's direct path due to your inability to overcome a tyrannical colleague. Indeed, the outer wall is indeed a peaceful setting, but it is one at the expense of every person you've started your new life with. Whose team were you on for the entirely of the scenario up to this point? The connections and bonds made thus far -- if this was your final choice, were they ever of any value to you? Whatever the case might be, you've again achieved isolation. Together.