Parents' Guide to Cave Story 3D

Game Nintendo 3DS 2011
Cave Story 3D Poster Image

Common Sense Media Review

Mark Raby By Mark Raby , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 10+

Remake of indie puzzler has eerie vibe with talk of killing.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 10+?

Any Positive Content?

Parent and Kid Reviews

age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

age 8+

Based on 6 kid reviews

What's It About?

In CAVE STORY 3D, players must escape a vast and seemingly unending series of cave tunnels and passages. The story is unraveled as players progress through the game, though the underlying goal is to find and rescue several bunnies that are trapped throughout the cave. There is an overall dark tone with several references to killing; and players spend much of the game wondering exactly how all the pieces of the story fit together.

Is It Any Good?

Our review:
Parents say ( 1 ):
Kids say ( 6 ):

Cave Story 3D is a remake of an independent computer game, Cave Story, which was created by one independent developer. In today's environment of games that cost tens of millions of dollars to create, a game like this seems almost inconceivable, so the fact that Cave Story managed to grab so much attention is a testament to the magic, wonder, and mystery that is contained in this small adventure.

Granted, this 3D re-envisioning of the game packs in new features and graphical enhancements, but the raw intrigue and "old-school" style that made the original such a hit is here in full force. This game was built not because a group of executives sat in a conference room and discussed the most profitable game ideas, but because one guy wanted to create something fun and unique, and that passion comes across in droves.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about the violent dialogue and dark tone to the game. Why do you think the game designer chose to make the game like this?

  • When have you put the needs of others ahead of your own?

  • Have you ever been faced with dangerous situations in real life? How did you react?

Game Details

  • Platform : Nintendo 3DS
  • Pricing structure :
  • Available online? : Not available online
  • Publisher : NIS America
  • Release date : November 8, 2011
  • Genre : Adventure
  • ESRB rating : E10+ for Fantasy Violence
  • Last updated : November 11, 2020

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