When comparing Spec Ops: The Line vs Cave Story+, the Slant community recommends Spec Ops: The Line for most people. In the question“What are the best games on Steam with a rich story?” Spec Ops: The Line is ranked 15th while Cave Story+ is ranked 34th. The most important reason people chose Spec Ops: The Line is:
The gameplay is constantly changing with environmental effects to new enemies and weapons that they use. This keeps the player constantly learning and adjusting their playstyle in order to be successful.
Specs
Ranked in these QuestionsQuestion Ranking
Pros
Pro Gameplay keeps one on their toes
The gameplay is constantly changing with environmental effects to new enemies and weapons that they use. This keeps the player constantly learning and adjusting their playstyle in order to be successful.
Pro A dark exploration of whether the player has a choice
It is up to the user on how the take in the meaning of the content of the game. There are no cutscenes, everything is portrayed by gameplay, which makes the interpretation somewhat personal. This type of presentation also explores whether the player has any choice in what they are doing in the game, which can be liberating while also weirdly strict.
Pro Tons of fun and unique weapons
In cave story you have access to tons of upgradable weapons with unique properties for different situations.
Pro Great soundtrack
Great soundtrack, superb.
Pro Great storyline
Cave Story offers a pretty deep storyline, more than one would think by just taking a quick glance at the game. There is a reason this game is still so popular after being around for so many years and it's story is it.
Pro Incredibly challenging, with hard mode for veterans
Cave Story is hard and the hard mode even harder, which makes this game great for players looking for a new challenge.
Pro Multiple versions available
After the initial release in 2004, the game has been ported to other platforms and updated along the way by various fans and indie devs.
Cons
Con Multiplayer progression is lacking
While playing multiplayer modes there is a progression system where you can unlock new gear and weapons, though it feels a bit contrived and not that rewarding.
Con Little player agency
Almost an on-the-rails shooter means it reduces some of the impact of the points it makes.
Con Disturbing story
With how cute the game looks, the story is surprisingly dark.
Con Getting the best ending is almost impossible without a guide
Getting the best ending requires a few highly counter-intuitive if not nonsensical actions to be taken.
Con No complete version
The exclusive content based in platform means that there is no single edition that has every available option. The Switch release seems to come closest, but even it is missing some options available in other releases.