One great game like Cave Story is 'La - Mulana'. It has similar 2D platforming and exploration elements. You'll be exploring ancient ruins, solving puzzles, and fighting enemies. The atmosphere is really immersive.
Well, 'Spelunky' is also a good choice. It has procedurally generated levels which means you get a different experience every time you play. The controls are simple yet effective, much like in Cave Story. You have to dodge traps, fight enemies, and collect treasures as you make your way through the caves.
One game similar to Cave Story is Kero Blaster. It has a similar retro - style graphics and gameplay mechanics. You play as a frog - like character and go through various levels fighting enemies.
The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is a great choice. It has an immersive story full of political intrigue, monster hunting, and complex characters. You play as Geralt, a witcher, and your decisions impact the story's outcome.
I'd recommend 'Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight'. It has a charming art style and gameplay mechanics that are somewhat reminiscent of Cave Story. You play as a young priestess on a journey through a dangerous land filled with monsters.
One similar game is 'La-Mulana'. It has a lot of exploration elements just like Cave Story. You need to traverse through ancient ruins, solve puzzles, and fight against various enemies. The graphics have a retro feel to them which is also a characteristic shared with Cave Story.
Another option could be 'Machinarium'. It shares the characteristic of having a small, detailed world to explore. The puzzles in Machinarium are quite creative and it has a great atmosphere with its steampunk - like setting. It also has a non - verbal story that you gradually uncover as you play.
On mobile platforms, 'Downwell' has elements similar to Cave Story. It's a vertical - scrolling action game with simple controls but deep gameplay. For Xbox, 'Cuphead' can be considered in a way. It has a unique art style and challenging gameplay, much like Cave Story. And for PC again, 'Dead Cells' is a great example. It has procedurally generated levels and intense combat, which are traits also found in Cave Story.
Cave Story + is an obvious choice as it is an enhanced version of Cave Story itself. It has updated graphics and some additional features while maintaining the charm of the original.
MovieStarPlanet is quite like Hollywood Story. It allows players to create their own movie stars, customize their looks, and experience the life of a star in the movie industry. Players can participate in various events, make friends, and rise to stardom. It has a similar theme of living the glamorous life of a Hollywood - like star on a PC platform.
Divinity: Original Sin 2 is a great one. It has a deep story, strategic combat, and a large world to explore, much like Vagrant Story. Another is Pillars of Eternity, which features a rich lore and engaging gameplay. And Path of Exile, with its complex character building and dark fantasy world, is also similar to Vagrant Story.
Metro Exodus for sure. It's got great graphics and a really immersive story. You're in a post - apocalyptic Russia, fighting mutants and trying to survive. Another good one is Fallout 4. You can build your own settlements and follow a main story that's full of twists and turns. It's a classic in the post - apocalyptic RPG genre. And then there's S.T.A.L.K.E.R.: Clear Sky, which is part of the Stalker series and has a lot of the same elements like a dangerous world and an interesting story.