I’ve got it! Here’s the deal with cave story +
Price is 30 bucks in NA
It’s got four soundtracks: original, “Remastered,” “Plus,” and “Famitracks.” I’m like 99% sure the “Famitracks” version is new to the Switch game, and also it’s extremely good (probably my favorite of the four, though I switch often).
It’s got a few minor graphical upgrades, though none that I particularly noticed (facial animations??).
It’s got a number of challenge modes, which I THINK are all from previous versions but might not have ever been all in the same game before.
It does NOT have whatever extra stuff was in the weird 3DS version (extra areas)
In a week or so there will be free DLC adding a cooeprative multiplayer mode, which sounds awesome.
Aside from that, it is definitely a “definitive” edition. ANy feature that has ever been in any veresion of Cave Story, with the exception of the extra areas in the 3DS game, is here.
The beautifully-produced box comes with a mini-soundtrack in one of those small CDs. My car can’t play it so idk what’s on it yet (i do know it’s the Famitrack version, which as I mentioned earlier is excellent), maybe I’ll put it in my PC later and report back. It also has a manual that is made to look like an NES manual (same dimensions, but smaller), and it’s a treat. Lots of great art and cute writing in the informal style of some NES manuals (including a “Nicalis Seal of Quality” on the inside cover).
If it sounds like I’m trying to sell it, it’s just because I do think it’s a great package! I would certainly call it the “definitive” version of the game, and the physical release feels like the end of a journey for a game so many people love. I don’t at all regret buying it one last time,
Here’s a few negatives:
Controls are only barely customizable
Soundtrack can only be changed from the main menu. The good news is that quitting the game to the main menu, changing the soundtrack, and loading the save is REALLY fast, so it’s no hassle at all, and the way I play is I change the soundtrack whenever I die, which is a cute way to keep things interesting.
Co op mode not out yet.
Only has the “plus” translation (didn’t earlier paid versions include the original translation?? don’t remember)
OH I FORGOT ONE LAST THING: in the desert area, instead of having to get the 5 dogs one at a time, which is a total slog on repeat playthroughs, you can get all five dogs, each one stacking on top of the previous one, until you’re wearing a giant stack-o’-dogs on your head! It’s extremely cute AND convenient.
EDIT: Nicalis has also said, and I just confirmed this by looking at some press stuff from May, that the Switch version has some completely-new levels, but I’m not sure where they are. Either they’re secret, or one of the bonus modes I haven’t played yet is actually new, contrary to what I said above, OR the new stages are coming as DLC. I’ve been blowing through the game pretty casually in my idle time, so I may have overlooked a new secret. I’ll be playing it for-real with my roommate when the coop comes out.