Cave Story+’s Switch packaging is a work of art ⊟
Cave Story is out again, in approximately the 8343423th iteration since its original PC freeware release in 2004. You’ve probably played it multiple times. And despite (I’m going to guess) having your life changed by this wonderful game in at least one of its forms, you might question whether you need another copy of it.
Well, it’s great on Switch, of course. But the strongest case for owning it again is, well, the case. This thing is gorgeous.
The packaging itself is display-worthy, with beautiful cover art and cool interior artwork displaying faux Japanese-language ads for Cave Story and 1001 Spikes.
But then inside the package, you get a mini-CD soundtrack, featuring Famicom-style arrangements of the game’s music (also available in-game!), and an amazingly detailed NES-esque instruction booklet. If you’re under 30 and you’re reading this, video games used to come packed with instruction booklets, which included directions on how to play the game, along with information about the story, characters, and enemies. Ask your parents.
Copies purchased at GameStop also include a red microfiber pouch with the Cave Story logo on it (suitable for holding some game carts, Joy-Cons, or whatever you want to pouch) and a randomly selected keychain. Mine was Quote, and it’s very cute. Go ahead and check the gallery above; you don’t have to trust my cuteness gauge. Curly Brace and Balrog are also very cute.
Beyond just having the most convenient access yet to Cave Story – Cave Story on 3DS was very convenient, but the Switch’s gimmick allows me extra options – this lovely package turns the game into a sort of document, an artifact. I prefer to own games digitally unless there is some intrinsic value to the thing, and with Cave Story+, the beauty of the thing sells it.
BUY Cave Story+ for Nintendo Switch
