iOS Games Similar to Cave Story in Terms of Gameplay

Dragon Quest Builders 2. It has elements of exploration and combat like Monster Hunter Stories. You build and create in a world filled with various creatures. While the main focus is on building, the encounters with monsters and the need to strategize during combat are comparable.

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 has some similarities. It has a lot of items to discover and a procedurally generated world, which gives a sense of exploration like Cave Story. The action - based combat and the need to constantly adapt to new situations are also comparable.

Momodora: Reverie Under the Moonlight. It has a side - scrolling platformer style like Cave Story. The game has a charming art style and challenging gameplay. There are boss battles that require skill and strategy, much like in Cave Story. Also, the environmental design in Momodora gives a sense of immersion similar to what Cave Story offers.

In Nintendo fighting games, the focus is mainly on combat between multiple characters in an enclosed space or on a stage. There are combos, special moves, and a lot of emphasis on out - manoeuvring your opponents. For example, in Super Smash Bros., you can use items to gain an advantage. However, Cave Story is a very different beast. It's a 2D platformer where combat is just one aspect of the overall gameplay. You're exploring a world, solving puzzles, and the combat is more about shooting enemies in a side - scrolling environment rather than the fast - paced, character - vs - character combat in Nintendo fighting games.

One more game is 'Long Live the Queen'. Here, like in 'Maid Story', you have to manage different aspects. In 'Long Live the Queen', you're managing the life of a princess, making choices about her skills, relationships, etc. It has that element of strategic decision - making which can be related to 'Maid Story'.

Flyff (Fly for Fun). It has a similar style of character progression where you level up and gain new abilities. The flying system in Flyff is really cool and adds an extra dimension to the gameplay, just like Maple Story has its unique features.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild has some similarities. In both games, exploration is a key element. You roam around a large world, encounter various enemies, and solve puzzles. The combat in Breath of the Wild, while different in some ways, also requires strategy and quick thinking like in The Last Story.

Sushi Story could be considered. It's all about running a sushi restaurant. You create different sushi dishes, decorate your sushi place, and attract customers. The gameplay mechanics of serving customers and growing your business are comparable to Restaurant 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.