Cave Crawler (PC) Review

 

Cave Crawler is a 2D Side-Scrolling Platformer. It is a very classic platformer with jumping controls similar to Super Mario Bros 1, which means slightly floaty movement (which isn't necessarily a negative thing), and a shooting ability similar to the Mega Man games. There is however a much bigger emphasize on platforming than on shooting in Cave Crawler. The game is also noticeably easier than the Mega Man games. Funnily enough I have read people both complaining about too low as well as too high difficulty. Cave Crawler consists of 7 levels, including a Tutorial and a Bonus stage. If anything I would rate the game as a bit too forgiving with its four lives, that allow you to make a couple of mistakes. The game is unfortunately also way too short. Your first playthrough shouldn't take you longer than 15-20 mins. This is a bit brief. A higher replay value through additional difficulty settings, scoreboards or speedrun possibilities would therefore have been appreciated. More levels would have also been nice. The game sadly also lacks any real kind of a story or lore. You are just a guy, who explores caves for reasons only known to him.

Nonetheless, what is there is actually quite good. The levels progressively implement new gameplay elements and enemy types (within the limited scope) and there is even a boss fight in the fifth level. The enemy AI is serviceable, but certainly not the best and you will sometimes see them simply walking off platforms into the abyss. I nevertheless enjoyed the platforming quite a bit. The game recognizes short and long jumps and even allows you to slightly correct your jumps. It therefore reminded me indeed a lot of older NES games, like the early Mario games.

Cave Crawler is also through its visual style and sound effects very reminiscent of these good old 8 Bit videogames. Something that my not be to everybody's taste, but was certainly appreciated by me.

 

Pro:

- Enjoyable Platforming Gameplay

- Fitting Retro Visuals and Soundeffects

 

Contra:

- Super short (15-20 mins) and not much replay value

 

Result:

Cave Crawler is definitely worth a look for fans of 2D Platformers and manages to create a fitting atmosphere. The lack of content or replay value unfortunately holds it back a lot, but I still really enjoyed my time with the game.

 

6.5/10