Cave Story
Storytelling Reinvention:
makes use of multiple ending scenarios, decided through player-choice, in order to expand and enhance the player’s interactions with the narrative
Game Information
Release Date: December 20th, 2004
Developer: Studio Pixel
Publisher: Studio Pixel
Rating: Everyone 10+
Genre: Action, Role-Playing, Platformer
Price: $14.99
Website: http://studiopixel.sakura.ne.jp/
Cave Story focuses on an amnesiac protagonist who awakens in a cave located on a floating island. The island is populated by Mimigas, a race of sentient, rabbit-like creatures. A particular species of red flower that grows in the island causes the normally peaceful Mimigas, upon ingesting the flower, to temporarily grow to an abnormally large size with great strength and fall into a violent frenzy. The island also conceals an artifact called the Demon Crown, which has vast magical powers. Shortly before the game begins, Professor Booster, the Sakamoto family, the "Doctor," and various assistants formed a scientific party to research the island, but they became stranded.
The player progresses by navigating puzzles and shooting enemies. These interactions are blended together with decisive narrative moments that ultimately shape the ending of the story. The game,
doesn't judge you or punish "wrong" choices, as there's no such thing. Whichever path you choose is the correct one, the story as it's meant to be told by you. It's a sweet, purposely naive way to craft a game. (Teti)
All in all, Cave Story’s implementation of player-choice incentivizes multiple playthroughs and reinforces its storyline in a variety of ways, ultimately bringing home a message of perseverance and hope in the face of extreme odds.
References:
1. Teti, John. "Cave Story." Eurogamer. n.p., 8 Apr. 2010. Web. 3 Mar. 2016. <http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/cave-story-review>
Researcher: Eli Campbell
