Cave Story

Cave Story, crafted single-handedly by Studio Pixel in 2005, is the indie darling that basically proved one person could outshine entire studios. It’s a platformer brimming with charm, heart, and surprisingly emotional storytelling. You start with a tiny hero in a cavern and quickly find yourself in a tale of robots, floating islands, and moral dilemmas disguised as boss fights. The gameplay feels like a love letter to the golden age of 8-bit, with tight controls and weapons that grow along with your bravery. It’s equal parts whimsical and heartbreaking, the kind of game that sneaks up on you with genuine soul.