On the Download: November 20-26

Yesterday, I took a look at the big Autumn Steam Sale, which has entered its' third day.  For anybody who has not picked up Back to the Future game or Knights of the Old Republic, they are on sale for 10 and 5 dollars respectfully.  From someone who has bought them, they are well worth the money you are paying.  Also for those who own an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch, there is a huge Thanksgiving sale this weekend.  The highlights of this grand App Store sale are Infinity Blade for 3 dollars and Real Racing 2 HD and Spider Man: Total Mayhem for a mere dollar.  Today, we will be taking a look at the two big downloadable games that were released earlier this week in Cave Story+ and Metroid II: Return of Samus.

Cave Story+ came this past Tuesday on Steam for a mere $8.49.  Cave Story started out back in 2004 as a freeware game and has grown into a full-fledged indy hit available for the Nintendo Wii, DSi, and 3DS.  For those who have played Metroid or Castlevania: Symphony of the Night will feel right at home in Cave Story.  You are dropped in this labyrinth-like world with no memories or knowledge of who you are and left to your own devices.  Explore the gorgeous 2D world to find new weapons and equipment in order to further your exploration, help out the Mimigas and stop the villains who stand in your way.  For Cave Story+, Team Pixel has upped the resolution on the 2D visuals, remastered the soundtrack, added six new play modes including a Boss Rush mode and promised future content updates.  Personally, I have only played an hour of Cave Story+ and I am impressed.  It is a well constructed game that hooks you in right in with its' similar feel to Metroid.  You just want to keep playing to see what new weapon, upgrade or secret you can find.  If you are interested, pick up Cave Story+ soon because it is only 15% off for a limited time.

Talking about Metroid, back a few months I promised myself that I will get Metroid II: Return of Samus the day it is released on the Nintendo eShop.  Well to my pleasure it came yesterday and yours truly bought the Game Boy Virtual Console game for his 3DS.  Metroid II originally came out for the Game Boy back in November of 1991.  Metroid II follows Samus' mission to exterminate the Metroids from their home planet of SR388 as they threaten the well-being of galactic life.  DUe to the limits of the Game Boy, Metroid II was a departure from the originals' much larger open-ended world as its world was much more linear, but still offers enough exploration to keep Metroid fans satisfied.  If you have a 3DS and are starving for games, go on the Nintendo eShop, drop the 4 dollars needed to buy Metroid II and enjoy one classic portable game.