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 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.
One game similar to Cave Story is Kero Blaster. It has a similar pixel - art style and engaging gameplay. You play as a frog - like character, shooting your way through levels filled with various enemies.
Another game is VVVVVV. It has a simple yet captivating art style. The core gameplay of VVVVVV, which involves flipping gravity to navigate through levels, is unique but still shares the sense of exploration and platforming challenges that are characteristic of Cave Story.
Hyper Light Drifter. It has a top - down view with action - packed combat and exploration. You move through different areas, fight enemies, and uncover secrets, just like in Cave Story. Another is Yoku's Island Express. It combines pinball mechanics with platforming and adventure, giving a unique experience similar to Cave Story in terms of exploration and progression.
One game similar to Cave Story is Knytt Stories. It has a similar charm in its pixel art graphics and exploration - based gameplay. You can run, jump, and discover different areas filled with secrets.
PixelJunk Eden has a somewhat similar art style. It has that hand - drawn, pixelated look which gives it a charming, indie feel like Cave Story. Another one is 'Braid'. The beautiful, detailed pixel art in Braid is quite comparable. It also has a unique gameplay mechanic that adds to its appeal.
The game 'Metanet Hunter' is similar. It has a simple yet addictive gameplay where you control a character and navigate through levels, much like in Cave Story. It also has some platforming elements.
Cooking Mama: Cook Off. It's a PC game where you can cook different dishes just like in Bakery Story you manage a bakery. There are lots of mini - games within the cooking process which makes it really engaging. Another is Diner Dash. You manage a diner, seat customers, take orders, and serve food quickly. It has a similar concept of running a food - related business.
One of the PC games with a great story is 'The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt'. It has a complex narrative filled with political intrigue, moral dilemmas, and a richly detailed world. The story follows Geralt, a witcher, as he searches for his adopted daughter in a war - torn land. Another is 'Mass Effect' series. The overarching story about saving the galaxy from the Reapers while also dealing with personal relationships among the crew is captivating. And 'Half - Life' has a unique and immersive story that keeps players on the edge of their seats as they uncover the secrets of Black Mesa.
One great option is 'Persona 5 Royal'. It has a captivating story set in a modern - day Japan with a touch of the supernatural. You play as a high school student who discovers he can enter a world of palaces within people's hearts. The characters are well - developed, and the story is full of twists and turns. Another is 'Nier: Automata'. It has an anime - inspired art style and a deeply philosophical story that explores themes of humanity, AI, and existence. The multiple endings add to its replayability. Also, 'Final Fantasy XV' offers a beautiful anime - like world and a story about friendship and a prince's journey to save his kingdom.