Parents' Guide to

Cave Story 3D

By Mark Raby, Common Sense Media Reviewer

age 10+

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

Game Nintendo 3DS 2011
Cave Story 3D Poster Image

A Lot or a Little?

What you will—and won't—find in this game.

  • Cave Story 3D Game: Screenshot #1
  • Cave Story 3D Game: Screenshot #2
  • Cave Story 3D Game: Screenshot #3

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age 13+

Based on 1 parent review

nickk1
nickk1 Adult
July 29, 2015
age 13+

Fantastic.

Cave Story is an amazing game and one of the best on 3DS. The music, graphics and gameplay is some of the best ever made, and considering it was made by one guy is inspiration to create something truly wonderful. But... This review makes me think you didn't play the game. Because this game is actually quite violent. The plot follows Quote and Curly Brace, who attempt to protect these bunnies called Mimiga from harm. Although the game does become incredibly dark. For one thing, depending on your choices in the game, Curly Brace can die a horrible death after she gives you her air tank so you don't drown. Also, the Evil Doctor who is kidnapping Mimiga, force feeds them red flowers, which as described by one of the Mimiga: "Causes their blood pressure to skyrocket as they drop dead." Not to mention that one of the Mimiga, Arthur, is killed while trying to save the Mimiga from harm. With that said, don't let that keep you from playing this fantastic game. It's not for youngsters, but if you think your kid can handle it, you're giving them one of the best video games ever made.

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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 (7 ):

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
  • Available online?: Not available online
  • Publisher: NIS America
  • Release date: November 8, 2011
  • Genre: Adventure
  • ESRB rating: E10+ for Fantasy Violence
  • Last updated: August 29, 2016

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