How this score was computed
The VGC Score is a weighted blend on a press-comparable 0-100 quality scale. Steam approval rates are first calibrated (95% positive on Steam ≈ 89.5 quality, since Steam approval skews high). Press and tracked creator reviews each count ~2x a player review and share one cap against player evidence (creator buy/skip calls pool into an approval rate, calibrated like Steam approval); all-time sentiment is capped and halved (it's context, not verdict); reviews of the current build carry the most weight when a fresh patch anchors the window; and a 'typical game' prior keeps small samples from pegging the scale. Because press reviews and Metacritic user aggregates describe the launch build, their weight decays as the game ages (3-year half-life after a 1-year grace). That's how a game that launched rough can outgrow its old reception once updates win players over. Reviews under 2h playtime (the refund window), non-Steam activations, and free copies are downweighted.
| Component | Positive | Quality (0-100) | Weight (pseudo-reviews) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Press reviews (Metacritic) | – | 88 | 20 |
| All-time Steam reviews | – | – | 0 |
| Metacritic user ratings | – | 84 | 108 |
| Post-patch Steam reviews (trust-weighted) | – | – | 0 |
| Calibration prior (typical game) | – | 72 | 50 |
Scoring window: last 30 days (no significant patch detected) · 0 reviews sampled · 0 total reviews in window · weighted 0 up / 0 down · computed 5h ago · full methodology →
Press & Creators reviews (12)
Individual verdicts from outlets we track: scored reviews first, most trusted outlets first among them. The small badge is each outlet's trust score: how well its scoring history aligns with players.
- 90
“If you haven’t played Cave Story yet, you need to; it’s an essential title for any fan of Metroidvania style games. Its wonderful pacing, fantastic controls and charming visuals make it a must-have for fans of the genre, especially those that have yet to play it. If there was the equivalent of a required reading list for games, Cave Story+ would be on it. ”
read full review ↗ - 90
“It's almost incredible how well Cave Story has managed to stand the test of time. It isn't a particularly old title, but its limited resources and one-man development team seem like a recipe for a dated entry. Instead, it manages to justify its existence in any given generation with each re-release. The Island has yet to lose its lustre, the characters their charm, and the level design that sweet balance of difficulty, which makes defeating a challenging boss or getting through a brutal platforming section all the more satisfying. Beneath the surface lies a poignant narrative about the consequences of war that takes itself surprisingly seriously without compromising the overall whimsical mood. Cave Story+ isn't just a good game in 2017; it's downright impressive.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“Cave Story+ isn’t the definitive version of Cave Story, I think that crown still belongs to the WiiWare version, but then again, that version isn’t portable. I do miss the ability to switch graphical styles, but it’s really the only regrettable absentee. Having no Pro Controller support is more concerning, but I’m hoping that sees a patch fairly quickly. The bottom line, though, is Cave Story is great and you should play it.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Cave Story+ may have already been around in other formats before but it's such a delightful game to play that it's still recommended to everyone, this time with the added bonus of including all the soundtracks of the game's previous versions. Its finely designed difficulty curve will set everyone on their course and the magnificent boss fights only make this even more of a timeless classic.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“The biggest addition is to the price tag, but Cave Story itself is still a masterclass in minimalist video game design.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Cave Story+ is an absolute blast of a game. It’s addicting, it’s entertaining, and the multiple endings will keep you playing time and time again. It’s one of the Switch’s best releases and one you shouldn’t miss out on.”
read full review ↗ - 92
“More than ten years after its first release, Cave Story+ still holds its ground as the apex of its genre. There is hardly anything left to be improved upon regarding its gameplay, visuals, or soundtrack - and this plus version is truly the definitive release of the game. You'd be doing yourself a disservice by not adding it to your library.”
read full review ↗ - 80
“This game is fun to to play. The gameplay is addictive. However, 50 euros is way too much for an old game.”
read full review ↗ - 91
“It uses the upgraded visuals of previous ports, and does feature multiple soundtrack options, but outside of that it’s essentially Cave Story as you remember it. Of course that is still a positive thing, but as someone who has played through the game a few times, I’d only suggest it to fans if you’re either dying to play some more Cave Story, or looking to scratch a Metroidvania itch on the Nintendo Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 90
“Cave Story, I now know, is considered a classic for good reason! [Issue #28, July/August 2017, p. 23]”
- 90
“Cave Story+ is an excellent port and it feels right at home on the Nintendo Switch.”
read full review ↗ - 81
“Countless fantastic 2D action games released since Cave Story initially debuted yet it remains a wonderful experience that every genre fan needs to play. Now that it's available on Switch, even more gamers can see why it's such a timeless classic.”
read full review ↗
Nintendo Life
Cubed3
NintendoWorldReport
FNintendo
Metro GameCentral
Switch Player
Gaming Age
COGconnected
Video Chums