Then there's 'Dust: An Elysian Tail'. It has an engaging story, beautiful 2D graphics, and side - scrolling combat mechanics. Just like in Cave Story, you'll be facing off against a variety of foes while uncovering the secrets of the game world.
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.
Binding of Isaac: Rebirth. It has a lot of procedurally generated content like Cave Story. You play as Isaac, and you have to battle through dungeons filled with all sorts of strange creatures and pick up power - ups along the way. The gameplay is intense and keeps you on your toes.
One similar game is Choices: Stories You Play. It offers a variety of storylines, many of which are set in high - school - like scenarios. You get to make choices that affect the story's outcome.
'High School Romance' is also a game like High School Story. In this game, you experience the typical high - school life, make friends, go on dates, and participate in school activities. The graphics are colorful and the gameplay is quite immersive, making it a good alternative for those who liked High School Story.
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 Sims Mobile is a great option. It has a lot of the same elements as Nightclub Story in terms of social interaction and building up a place where characters can interact. Another one is Bakery Story 2 which is similar in the sense that you are building and running a business, just a bakery instead of a nightclub. And then there's Design Home where you decorate rooms, much like you would decorate a nightclub in Nightclub Story.
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.
One similar game is Dauntless. It has a similar concept of hunting large and powerful monsters. You can team up with other players to take on these beasts and collect resources from them to upgrade your gear.
One great option is 'Alto's Odyssey'. It has a simple yet engaging story as you snowboard through beautiful landscapes. The journey of Alto and his friends in this game is quite immersive. Another is 'Brawl Stars'. It has different characters with their own backstories, and as you play in various game modes, the story unfolds more. Also, 'Genshin Impact' is free on iOS. It has a huge, detailed world with a complex main story and numerous side stories that keep you hooked for hours.
One game similar to Cave Story on Switch is Blaster Master Zero. It has a similar side - scrolling adventure style with exploration and combat elements. Another is Shantae: Half - Genie Hero. It features a charming protagonist, platforming action, and an engaging story like Cave Story. And then there's Axiom Verge, which offers a lot of exploration, unique power - ups, and a mysterious world to discover, much like Cave Story.