Computed from player tags · Not ranked by quality
24 games like Cave Story (2026)
Every game below overlaps with Cave Story on things players said about it rather than on our opinion of what feels alike. Each entry shows what it matched on, so you can throw out the ones matching on the part you did not care about.
The games like Cave Story on a map
Compare the whole catalogueThe same 24 games, plotted rather than listed. The two axes below are the ones the ranking is built from, so a game sitting high and right is a game the formula placed near the top. Change either axis to see the field a different way. Where we hold a publisher wordmark, the game is drawn as its mark rather than a dot.
24 games have both
Axes are fitted to these 24 games rather than the full 0 to 100 scale, because a filtered list shares a narrow band and would otherwise sit in one corner. End values are marked. A point on the left edge is the lowest of thesegames, not a low score.
Players. The share of Steam reviews marked positive, pulled toward the catalogue average in proportion to how few reviews stand behind it. A game with 200 reviews moves a long way toward the average; one with 200,000 barely moves at all. Without this a title sitting at 100 percent on nine reviews outranks Half-Life 2 at 98 percent on 278,000.
Popularity. A blend of two things that are not the same. Audience is how many people wrote a Steam review, which is a floor on how many played it. Reach is how many language editions of Wikipedia document the game, which is cultural footprint rather than sales. A game can score high on one and low on the other: a huge free-to-play title has audience without reach, and a landmark console exclusive has reach without a Steam audience at all. Where both exist they are averaged; where only one does, that one carries it.
- Mobile
- Multi-platform
- Nintendo
- PC
- PlayStation
- Xbox
Every point links to that game's entry. The value map and the reception map are fixed views of the same data.
How positions are decided
No paid placement, no favouritism, live third-party data
- Placed by the published method, not by us. Every coordinate is computed from the axis definitions and weights printed on this site. Nobody moves a point. See the axes.
- Nothing here is paid for. No sponsored placements, no promoted slots, no arrangement of any kind affects a position. If that ever changes it will be labelled and sit outside the ranking.
- No favouritism, including our own. The 16 games we have written full reviews of are scored by exactly the same formula as the other 1,510, from the same third-party inputs, and they land where it puts them. Our own opinion of a game does not enter its coordinates.
- A position is not an endorsement. It says how a game was received and what it costs, not that we recommend it. Where we do recommend something, it carries a written review with a name on it.
- Fetched from live third-party data. Player sentiment from Steam, critic aggregates as published on store pages, prices checked hourly, attention from Wikipedia. Each figure carries its source and the date it was read, and we do not adjust any of them.
The short version
- Closest match: VVVVVV, which both science fiction and difficult.
- Cave Story is tagged Platformer, Metroidvania, Indie, Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics, Action, Adventure, 2D by Steam players. Those tags are what the matching runs on.
- 24 games qualify, each with at least fifty player reviews behind its sentiment figure.
Why players value Cave Story
The five things Steam players tag Cave Story with most. This is the yardstick every game below is measured against: the closer a game matches these, the more it is likely to scratch the same itch.
- Platformer
- Metroidvania
- Indie
- Great Soundtrack
- Pixel Graphics
| Reception | on Steam (93% of 8,305) |
|---|---|
| Watch-outs | no widespread problems reported by players |
| Price | $14.99 |
Tags, sentiment and reported problems come from Steam players; the story line is from Wikipedia. We do not add a written opinion of our own.
How these were matched
Steam tags carry the most weight, because players apply them and they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Souls-like, Atmospheric and Cozy exist as tags and as nothing else, which is exactly the vocabulary this question needs. Formal genres count for less, themes and a shared studio for more.
Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are thrown out before matching. Nearly everything is tagged Singleplayer, so matching on it is matching on nothing. That cutoff is computed from the catalogue rather than fixed, so it moves as the catalogue grows.
All 24, closest first
- 1
VVVVVV
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Platformer and Indie; published by the same company.
VVVVVV is a platform game all about exploring one simple mechanical idea - what if you reversed gravity instead of jumping?
VVVVVV at a glance Released 2010 Studio Terry Cavanagh Player sentiment 96% positive of 10,540 Price $4.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (96% of 10,540)
Matches Cave Story on: 5 of 5 — Platformer, Metroidvania, Indie, Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: Pixel Graphics, Precision Platformer, Platformer, Indie, 2D Platformer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $4.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:Pixel GraphicsPlatformerIndieGreat SoundtrackDifficultRetro2DExploration
- 2
Katana ZERO
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack and Story Rich.
Katana ZERO is a stylish neo-noir, action-platformer featuring breakneck action and instant-death combat. Slash, dash, and manipulate time to unravel your past in a beautifully brutal acrobatic display.
Katana ZERO at a glance Released 2019 Studio Askiisoft Player sentiment 98% positive of 76,036 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.5/10 · Steam: (98% of 76,036)
Matches Cave Story on: 4 of 5 — Platformer, Indie, Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: Pixel Graphics, Action, Great Soundtrack, Story Rich, Platformer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:Pixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackStory RichPlatformerIndie2DDifficultRetro
- 3
Celeste
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 10 player tags including Difficult, Pixel Graphics and Great Soundtrack.
Help Madeline survive her inner demons on her journey to the top of Celeste Mountain, in this super-tight platformer from the creators of TowerFall. Brave hundreds of hand-crafted challenges, uncover devious secrets, and piece together the mystery of the mountain.
Celeste at a glance Released 2018 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,352 Price $4.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.5/10 · Steam: (97% of 146,352)
Matches Cave Story on: 4 of 5 — Platformer, Indie, Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: Precision Platformer, Difficult, Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $4.99 — $10.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:DifficultPixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackIndiePlatformer2DStory RichCute
- 4
CrossCode
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Indie and Great Soundtrack.
A retro-inspired 2D Action RPG set in the distant future. CrossCode combines 16-bit SNES-style graphics with butter-smooth physics, a fast-paced combat system, and engaging puzzle mechanics, served with a gripping sci-fi story.
CrossCode at a glance Released 2018 Studio Radical Fish Games Player sentiment 92% positive of 18,408 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (92% of 18,408)
Matches Cave Story on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: Action RPG, Pixel Graphics, RPG, Female Protagonist, Puzzle — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:Pixel GraphicsIndieGreat Soundtrack2DStory RichRetroAnimeSci-fi
- 5
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Metroidvania, Platformer and Great Soundtrack.
Play the critically acclaimed masterpiece. Embark on a new journey in a vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles on your quest to unravel Ori’s destiny.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps at a glance Released 2020 Studio Moon Studios Player sentiment 97% positive of 146,084 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.3/10 · Steam: (97% of 146,084)
Matches Cave Story on: 4 of 5 — Platformer, Metroidvania, Indie, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Beautiful, Metroidvania, Platformer, Great Soundtrack, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $29.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Cave Story:MetroidvaniaPlatformerGreat SoundtrackStory RichExplorationCute2DIndie
- 6
Hollow Knight
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 9 player tags including Metroidvania, Platformer and Great Soundtrack.
Forge your own path in Hollow Knight! An epic action adventure through a vast ruined kingdom of insects and heroes. Explore twisting caverns, battle tainted creatures and befriend bizarre bugs, all in a classic, hand-drawn 2D style.
Hollow Knight at a glance Released 2017 Studio Team Cherry Player sentiment 97% positive of 559,290 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.9/10 · Steam: (97% of 559,290)
Matches Cave Story on: 4 of 5 — Platformer, Metroidvania, Indie, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Metroidvania, Souls-like, Platformer, Great Soundtrack, 2D — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:MetroidvaniaPlatformerGreat Soundtrack2DDifficultIndieExplorationStory Rich
- 7
Ikaruga
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Classic, Great Soundtrack and Shooter; released around the same time (2001).
Shoot! Dodge! and... Get Hit!? "Ikaruga" is a vertical shoot 'em up that features an unique polarity-switching gameplay. Switch the ship's polarity and "get hit and absorb" enemy bullets! Achieve High Score with the chain bonus!
Ikaruga at a glance Released 2001 Studio Treasure Player sentiment 95% positive of 2,364 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: (95% of 2,364)
Matches Cave Story on: 2 of 5 — Indie, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Shoot 'Em Up, Bullet Hell, Arcade, Classic, Action — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:ClassicGreat SoundtrackShooterSci-fiDifficultIndie2DRetro
- 8
Nine Sols
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Metroidvania, Difficult and 2D.
Nine Sols is a lore rich, hand-drawn 2D action-platformer featuring Sekiro-inspired deflection focused combat. Embark on a journey of eastern fantasy, explore the land once home to an ancient alien race, and follow a vengeful hero’s quest to slay the 9 Sols, formidable rulers of this forsaken realm.
Nine Sols at a glance Released 2024 Studio RedCandleGames Player sentiment 94% positive of 45,195 Price $29.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (94% of 45,195)
Matches Cave Story on: 3 of 5 — Platformer, Metroidvania, Indie
Why players like it: Metroidvania, Souls-like, Difficult, Action, 2D — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $29.99 — $15.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:MetroidvaniaDifficult2DPlatformerStory RichIndieSci-fi
- 9
Chrono Trigger
Why it matched: both science fiction and story-rich; shares 9 player tags including Classic, Story Rich and Great Soundtrack.
The timeless RPG classic returns loaded with upgrades! Journey to the forgotten past, to the far future, and to the end of time. A big adventure to save the planet, now begins…
Chrono Trigger at a glance Released 1995 Studio Square Player sentiment 88% positive of 13,489 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: (88% of 13,489)
Matches Cave Story on: 2 of 5 — Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: JRPG, RPG, Classic, Story Rich, Great Soundtrack — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Cave Story:ClassicStory RichGreat SoundtrackRetroPixel Graphics2DAnimeSci-fi
- 10
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Metroidvania and Platformer.
“Ori and the Blind Forest” tells the tale of a young orphan destined for heroics, through a visually stunning Action-Platformer crafted by Moon Studios.
Ori and the Blind Forest: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio Moon Studios GmbH Player sentiment 95% positive of 71,430 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (95% of 71,430)
Matches Cave Story on: 4 of 5 — Platformer, Metroidvania, Indie, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Atmospheric, Great Soundtrack, Metroidvania, Platformer, Adventure — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:Great SoundtrackMetroidvaniaPlatformerStory RichCuteDifficult2DIndie
- 11
Antichamber
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Exploration and Difficult.
Antichamber is a mind-bending psychological exploration game where nothing can be taken for granted. Discover an Escher-like world where hallways wrap around upon each other, spaces reconfigure themselves, and accomplishing the impossible may just be the only way forward.
Antichamber at a glance Released 2013 Studio Alexander Bruce Player sentiment 95% positive of 17,755 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (95% of 17,755)
Matches Cave Story on: 4 of 5 — Platformer, Metroidvania, Indie, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Puzzle, First-Person, Indie, Surreal, Exploration — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:IndieExplorationDifficultGreat SoundtrackMetroidvaniaReplay ValueSci-fiPlatformer
- 12
Wuppo: Definitive Edition
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Metroidvania, Exploration and Platformer.
Play as an exiled 'wum' looking for a new home in this bizarre but charming world, filled with strange creatures, puzzles, monsters and political chaos.
Wuppo: Definitive Edition at a glance Released 2016 Studio snekflat Player sentiment 94% positive of 5,976 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.7/10 · Steam: (94% of 5,976)
Matches Cave Story on: 3 of 5 — Platformer, Metroidvania, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Metroidvania, Exploration, Platformer, 2D, 2D Platformer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:MetroidvaniaExplorationPlatformer2DCuteGreat SoundtrackStory RichDifficult
- 13
Skul: The Hero Slayer
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and 2D.
Guide 'Skul' on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.
Skul: The Hero Slayer at a glance Released 2021 Studio SOUTHPAW GAMES Player sentiment 93% positive of 57,566 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (93% of 57,566)
Matches Cave Story on: 4 of 5 — Platformer, Metroidvania, Indie, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: Indie, Action, Action Roguelike, Pixel Graphics, 2D — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:IndiePixel Graphics2DPlatformerMetroidvaniaDifficultStory RichCute
- 14
Hyper Light Drifter
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack and Indie.
Explore a beautiful, vast and ruined world riddled with dangers and lost technologies.
Hyper Light Drifter at a glance Released 2016 Studio Heart Machine Player sentiment 93% positive of 19,135 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.0/10 · Steam: (93% of 19,135)
Matches Cave Story on: 4 of 5 — Metroidvania, Indie, Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: Pixel Graphics, Great Soundtrack, Atmospheric, Adventure, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:Pixel GraphicsGreat SoundtrackIndieDifficultExploration2DMetroidvaniaSci-fi
- 15
Far Cry
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Classic, Shooter and Difficult; released around the same time (2004).
A tropical paradise seethes with hidden evil in Far Cry®, a cunningly detailed action shooter that pushes the boundaries of combat to shocking new levels. Freelance mariner Jack Carver is cursing the day he ever came to this island.
Far Cry at a glance Released 2004 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 82% positive of 11,764 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.6/10 · Steam: (82% of 11,764)
Matches Cave Story on: 1 of 5 — Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: FPS, Action, Classic, Shooter, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes (details)
Shared with Cave Story:ClassicShooterDifficultStory RichSci-fiGreat Soundtrack
- 16
Defy Gravity Extended
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Indie and 2D.
Defy Gravity is an action platformer that is a mix between classic platforming and gravity based puzzle solving.
Defy Gravity Extended at a glance Released 2016 Studio Paul Fisch Player sentiment 86% positive of 8,531 Price $0.55 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.2/10 · Steam: (86% of 8,531)
Matches Cave Story on: 3 of 5 — Platformer, Indie, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Puzzle-Platformer, Platformer, Indie, Puzzle, Space — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $0.55 — $14.44 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:PlatformerIndie2DDifficultSci-fiGreat SoundtrackRetroShooter
- 17
Braid
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 7 player tags including Platformer, Indie and 2D; released around the same time (2008).
This is the original version of Braid from 2009, which may not work well on newer systems. For an updated version of the game with nicer graphics, more levels and a large amount of developer commentary, see Braid, Anniversary Edition.
Braid at a glance Released 2008 Studio Jonathan Blow Player sentiment 93% positive of 9,957 Price $14.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.9/10 · Steam: (93% of 9,957)
Matches Cave Story on: 3 of 5 — Platformer, Indie, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Puzzle-Platformer, Puzzle, 2D Platformer, Platformer, Indie — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $14.99 — about the same price
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:PlatformerIndie2DGreat SoundtrackDifficultClassicStory Rich
- 18
Mighty No. 9
Why it matched: both science fiction and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Platformer, Anime and Retro.
Mighty No. 9 is a 2D Side-scrolling Action game that takes the best elements from 8 and 16-bit classics that you know and love and transforms them with modern tech, fresh mechanics, and fan input into something fresh and amazing!
Mighty No. 9 at a glance Released 2016 Studio Inti Creates Player sentiment 50% positive of 3,453 Price $19.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 4.6/10 · Steam: (50% of 3,453)
Matches Cave Story on: 3 of 5 — Platformer, Indie, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Platformer, Action, Anime, Kickstarter, Side Scroller — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $19.99 — $5.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:PlatformerAnimeRetroIndieDifficultSci-fi2DGreat Soundtrack
- 19
Sonic Adventure 2
Why it matched: both science fiction and story-rich; shares 7 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Platformer and Classic; released around the same time (2001).
Experience two unique adventures featuring both long-time heroes and new and returning villains as they battle for the fate of the world!
Sonic Adventure 2 at a glance Released 2001 Studio Sonic Team Player sentiment 89% positive of 28,482 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 7.5/10 · Steam: (89% of 28,482)
Matches Cave Story on: 2 of 5 — Platformer, Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: Action, Great Soundtrack, 3D Platformer, Platformer, Fast-Paced — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report crashes and freezes, performance and stutter (details)
Shared with Cave Story:Great SoundtrackPlatformerClassicReplay ValueRetroStory RichSci-fi
- 20
Papers, Please
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Indie, Pixel Graphics and Story Rich.
Congratulations. The October labor lottery is complete. Your name was pulled. For immediate placement, report to the Ministry of Admission at Grestin Border Checkpoint. An apartment will be provided for you and your family in East Grestin. Expect a Class-8 dwelling.
Papers, Please at a glance Released 2013 Studio Lucas Pope Player sentiment 97% positive of 80,337 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.4/10 · Steam: (97% of 80,337)
Matches Cave Story on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: Indie, Political, Simulation, Point & Click, Singleplayer — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:IndiePixel GraphicsStory RichRetro2DGreat SoundtrackReplay ValueDifficult
- 21
Touhou Luna Nights
Why it matched: both difficult; shares 9 player tags including Metroidvania, Difficult and Exploration.
Touhou Luna Nights is a Metroidvania title with a heavy emphasis on exploration and action. Developed by Team Ladybug, creators of multiple fantastic action games thus far.
Touhou Luna Nights at a glance Released 2019 Studio Team Ladybug Player sentiment 97% positive of 14,936 Price $17.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (97% of 14,936)
Matches Cave Story on: 5 of 5 — Platformer, Metroidvania, Indie, Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: Metroidvania, Difficult, Side Scroller, Exploration, Bullet Hell — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $17.99 — $3.00 pricier
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:MetroidvaniaDifficultExplorationPlatformer2DAnimePixel GraphicsIndie
- 22
Half-Life
Why it matched: both science fiction, story-rich and difficult; shares 6 player tags including Classic, Sci-fi and Shooter.
Named Game of the Year by over 50 publications, Valve's debut title blends action and adventure with award-winning technology to create a frighteningly realistic world where players must think to survive. Also includes an exciting multiplayer mode that allows you to play against friends and enemies around the world.
Half-Life at a glance Released 1998 Studio Not recorded Player sentiment 96% positive of 163,786 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.9/10 · Steam: (96% of 163,786)
Matches Cave Story on: none of the top five directly; it matched on other tags below
Why players like it: FPS, Classic, 1990's, Singleplayer, Sci-fi — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: players report performance and stutter, softlocks and broken quests (details)
Shared with Cave Story:ClassicSci-fiShooterStory RichRetroDifficult
- 23
Undertale
Why it matched: both story-rich and difficult; shares 8 player tags including Great Soundtrack, Story Rich and Pixel Graphics.
UNDERTALE! The RPG game where you don't have to destroy anyone.
Undertale at a glance Released 2015 Studio 8-4 Player sentiment 96% positive of 338,731 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.8/10 · Steam: (96% of 338,731)
Matches Cave Story on: 3 of 5 — Indie, Great Soundtrack, Pixel Graphics
Why players like it: Great Soundtrack, Story Rich, Choices Matter, Multiple Endings, Pixel Graphics — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:Great SoundtrackStory RichPixel GraphicsIndie2DReplay ValueCuteRetro
- 24
Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game
Why it matched: both science fiction and story-rich; shares 8 player tags including Classic, Story Rich and Sci-fi.
Fallout® 2 is the sequel to the critically acclaimed game that took RPG'ing out of the dungeons and into a dynamic, apocalyptic retro-future. It's been 80 long years since your ancestors trod across the wastelands.
Fallout 2: A Post Nuclear Role Playing Game at a glance Released 2009 Studio Black Isle Studios Player sentiment 94% positive of 17,454 Price $9.99 Verdict: GamingPickz Score 8.1/10 · Steam: (94% of 17,454)
Matches Cave Story on: 1 of 5 — Great Soundtrack
Why players like it: RPG, Post-apocalyptic, Classic, Isometric, Open World — the tags Steam players apply most
Price vs Cave Story: $9.99 — $5.00 cheaper
Watch-outs: no widespread problems reported by players
Shared with Cave Story:ClassicStory RichSci-fiRetroExplorationGreat SoundtrackReplay Value2D
Common questions
What game is most like Cave Story?
VVVVVV, on the evidence we have. It both science fiction and difficult. That is a statement about overlap, not a promise you will like it as much: two games can share every tag and still feel different to play.
How is "similar to Cave Story" decided?
By overlap on the tags Steam players applied to each game, the formal genres, the themes both sit in, and whether the same studio made them. Tags carry the most weight because players write them, so they describe how a game feels rather than how it was filed. Tags carried by more than a third of the catalogue are ignored: matching on "Singleplayer" is matching on nothing. Every entry below shows exactly what it matched on.
Are these ranked by quality?
No. They are ordered by how much they overlap with Cave Story. Where two games overlap equally, the better received one goes first, but that only moves a game a place or two. Each entry shows its own player sentiment so you can weigh that separately.
Do you get paid for these recommendations?
No. The order is computed from tag and genre overlap and nothing else. No placement here can be bought, and a game appearing high on this page is a statement about resemblance rather than an endorsement.