![]() The narrative's tension ends up matching the gameplay's tension, particularly in the second half when enemies start to ramp up, creating a cohesion between story and gameplay that is seldom found in most games, let alone Metroidvanias. The plot itself is far darker than the colourful world leads on, tackling themes of slavery, weaponry, and the responsibility of war. Other times it's a conveniently placed house with a save point in a dangerous area. Sometimes the respite isn't always a docile village, but instead a puzzle with no risk of death. It's important that this give and take of challenge and rest has been established immediately since this is the formula the whole game works on. It feels rewarding getting through a difficult set-piece and being given a respite in return. Traveler stumbles upon a village filled with NPCs. The thrill of completing a challenging stage is at times enough, but Studio Pixel goes one further with story. ![]() It's a lot to take in at once, but it feels rewarding to conquer. ![]() Traveler has momentum to his walk and jump, backtracking is at times necessary to make progress, and weapons can level down just as easily as they can level up. Instead, it commands an understanding of the mechanics. It's easy enough to die in the opening cave, but it doesn't feel unfair. Studio Pixel treats plot like a reward and that shows in the design. When he finally makes it out of the cave, he's greeted with a village that suddenly feels more exciting to explore than if the game had simply started there. Traveler wakes up in an abandoned cave, on a floating island, and without any indication of where to go. The brief interludes of story work so well thanks to how they're interspliced within the gameplay. Which is surprising, really, because Cave Story+ is more of a platformer than most Metroidvanias. That isolated mood makes it all the more impactful when stumbling upon an NPC. Much of the experience is spent platforming through colourful locations and shooting exotic enemies, but it holds on tight to a feeling of solitude. Lonely is perhaps the best way to describe Cave Story+'s tone.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |