Best Way To Play Wiki - User contributions [en]

File:MMZZXLC.jpg

2026-06-18T00:03:29Z

Lethrys:

Legend of Zelda, The: Ocarina of Time

2026-06-17T19:02:12Z

Lethrys:

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina Of Time
| image = Ocarina Of Time.jpg
}}

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time is one of the most notable video games released, being ported to almost every Nintendo console, and getting multiple subsequent remakes: Ocarina of Time 3D, and Ocarina Of Time Switch 2.

The best way to play Ocarina of Time is '''Ship of Harkinian''', a PC port of the 1998 release's decompilation. It is extremely feature-complete with dozens of [[Tweaks]].

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://www.shipofharkinian.com/ Ship of Harkinian]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]][[File:IconMacOS.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Dynamic Screen Ratio/Resolutions (8K+)}}
{{Check|High frame-rates}}
{{Check|Texture pack support}}
{{Check|{{abbr|Custom control binds|Extra actions can be bound to separate/multiple buttons to make the layout better map to fit a modern controller.}}}}
{{Check|{{abbr|QoL|QoL is extremely feature-complete, changing unwanted quirks of the base game, as well as endless tweaks to customize almost every aspect of the game}}}}
{{Dash|Requires an N64 NTSC or PAL ROM of Ocarina of Time}}
}}

Final Fantasy 4

2026-06-17T18:57:57Z

Lethrys:

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = Final Fantasy 4
| image = FFIV_Complete_Collection.jpg
}}

The best way to play Final Fantasy 4 is the PSP remake, '''Final Fantasy 4 Complete''', however, the more accessible Pixel Remaster is still a complete experience worth supporting. The 3D remake radically changes the game's difficult and various mechanics and will be considered its own experience worth trying.

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [FF4 Complete]
| subtitle = [[File:IconPSP.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Quick save/load}}
{{Check|Multiple Soundtracks}}
{{Check|QoL settings}}
{{Check|Post-game content}}
{{Dash|Sequel Included}}
{{Dash|PSP exclusive}}
}}

{{BWTP/Silver
| title = [Pixel Remaster]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]][[File:IconMacOS.png|24px]][[File:IconAndroid.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Multiple Soundtracks}}
{{Check|QoL settings}}
{{Check|Music Toggle}}
{{Check|Accessible}}
{{Dash|Requires Gamma correction Mod to restore color issues}}
}}

Cave Story

2026-06-17T18:12:50Z

Lethrys:

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = Cave Story
| image = CaveStory.png
}}

Cave Story has had a myriad of ports and re-releases over the years as the creator handed the source code to many people back in the mid to late 2000s before being bought by Nicalis who released Cave Story+ on multiple platforms.

The best way to play Cave Story is split between '''Cave Story: Tweaked''' (a fork of the Cave Story decomp CSE2 with various [[QoL]]), '''doukutsu-rs''' (a faithful rewrite of the engine in Rust), and '''Cave Story+''' with the '''Aeon Genesis Translation Patch''' (AGTP).

{| class="wikitable bwtp-breakdown-table"
!  
! Cave Story: Tweaked
! doukutsu-rs
! Cave Story+
|-
! Cost
| {{Check|Free}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Free|Assets must be supplied, but Freeware is free to download and drop in the folder}}}}
| {{Dash|$14.99}}
|-
! FPS
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. Cave Story+ released with a 60fps cap, increasing game speed by roughly 17%. Modern engines allow a toggle for either game speed. doukutsu-rs separates game logic (ticks-per-second) from framerate, allowing for higher framerates with either game speed.}} }}
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60tps toggle with motion interpolation for higher FPS |The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. Cave Story+ released with a 60fps cap, increasing game speed by roughly 17%. Modern engines allow a toggle for either game speed. doukutsu-rs separates game logic (ticks-per-second) from framerate, allowing for higher framerates with either game speed.}} }}
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. Cave Story+ released with a 60fps cap, increasing game speed by roughly 17%. Modern engines allow a toggle for either game speed. doukutsu-rs separates game logic (ticks-per-second) from framerate, allowing for higher framerates with either game speed.}} }}
|-
! Graphics
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Original and fanmade 2xRes included|The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution (2xRes) "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by touching up some graphics and introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Original and New support (must supply assets) |The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution (2xRes) "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by touching up some graphics and introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Original and New included|The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution (2xRes) "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by touching up some graphics and introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
|-
! Resolution
| {{Check|Multiple 16:9 sizes}}
| {{Check|Fully Dynamic}}
| {{Check|Multiple 16:9 sizes}}
|-
! Lighting Engine
| {{Check|Original}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + doukutsu-rs Custom Lighting Engine|doukutsu-rs's lighting engine is applied over the top of the existing graphics with no additional changes, giving a more faithful look with added ambience. It also has a cone light emitting from the player (togglable)}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + CS+ Custom Lighting Engine| CS+'s lighting engine changes the graphics in the walls to be darkened with a blue tint to more closely mimic other metroidvania games.}}}}
|-
! Content
| {{Dash|Base game}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Extra Challenges*|User must provide assets}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Extra Challenges|Single-level challenges disconnected from the base game}}}}
|-
! Soundtrack
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + support for Extras|The original soundtrack is included, as well as the folder structure to drag/drop in soundtracks from other releases, as well as fan-made soundtracks.}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + support for Extras|The original soundtrack is included, as well as the folder structure to drag/drop in soundtracks from other releases, as well as fan-made soundtracks.}}}}
| {{Check|Original + Extras}}
|-
! Translation
| {{Check|{{abbr|AGTP translation|The AGTP translation of Cave Story is considered more iconic and flows better. It has the iconic "Huzzah!" catchphrase for Balrog instead of a generic "Oh yeah!", and the line "I pray for your victory" instead of "Best of... luck...".}}}}
| {{Dash|User must provide assets}}
| {{Xmark|{{abbr|Nicalis translation|The AGTP translation of Cave Story is considered more iconic and flows better. It has the iconic "Huzzah!" catchphrase for Balrog instead of a generic "Oh yeah!", and the line "I pray for your victory" instead of "Best of... luck...".}}}}
|}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://doukutsu.rs doukutsu-rs]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]][[File:IconMacOS.png|24px]][[File:IconAndroid.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Fully dynamic screen ratio/resolution scaling (up to 4x)}}
{{Check|Multiple Soundtrack support}}
{{Check|Custom Lighting Engine (togglable)}}
{{Check|Lots of QoL settings}}
{{Dash|Must obtain assets from Freeware/CS+/Tweaked}}
}}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://forum.cavestory.one/threads/cave-story-tweaked-new-version-1-7.15164/ Cave Story: Tweaked]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title = Features
| col1 =
{{Check|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|Multiple Soundtrack support}}
{{Check|Lots of QoL settings}}
}}

{{BWTP/Silver
| title = [https://store.steampowered.com/app/200900/Cave_Story/ Cave Story+]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconProton.png|24px]]
| cols = 2
| col1title = Features
| col2title = Patches
| col1 =
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|New Lighting Engine (togglable)}}
{{Check|Extra Challenges}}
{{Check|Special "holiday" texture packs for Halloween and Christmas}}
{{Dash|Linux support is broken in current version, must use Proton}}
| col2 =
{{Dash| [https://github.com/aarmastah/agtp-csplus AGTP-CS+] {{BWTP/Pill|Recommended|type=rec}}{{BWTP/Pill|Translation|type=tra}}}}
}}

In order to source the alternative soundtracks for Tweaked and doukutsu-rs, you can simply drag and drop the data/Soundtracks folder. Most of these soundtracks are freely available via official sources, but some have to be ripped from copies of Cave Story+.

* {{abbr|[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bqZgZYAZFXtc8Rb2tW_5hpuit9XeD9O_ "Wii-Rebalanced" - Yann van der Cruyssen and SoloMael]|Wii-Rebalanced is a re-remaster of Yann van der Cruyssen's soundtrack featured on the WiiWare release of Cave Story. This Wii-Rebalanced edit is officially endorsed by Yann on his website as the definitive version of the soundtrack.}}
* [https://gamebanana.com/sounds/52717 Arranged - DM DOKURO]
* Remastered - Danny Baranowsky and Dustin Kulwicki
* Ridiculon soundtrack - Ridiculon
* [https://www.moddb.com/mods/cave-story-famitracks-steam-mod-v-11 Famitracks - RushJet1]
* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5sdMd2IqCTnRUdoTEREZ0hVcDg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-ih87CG6utguFsg11DkDCwA SNES - livvy94]

Similarly, if you want the New graphics, they can be copied into the data folder. You can acquire the official graphics from CS+, or use [https://lethrys.com/lethrysupscale Lethrys's 2xRes texture pack].

For a {{abbr|nearly complete*|The Cave Story Tribute site does not list CSE2 and its forks due to the DMCA takedown of the source code issued by Nicalis.}} list of every Cave Story port, [https://www.cavestory.one/download/cave-story.php check out the ports page at cavestory.one].

Editing Guide

2026-06-17T18:05:22Z

Lethrys:

==Conduct==
This wiki is first and foremost a resource to give information on the best way to play games. Despite the fact that this wiki constantly states the "best" way to play a game, it does so via the (dubious, but inevitable) invisible authority of the gaming community at large, and simply presents this information from a neutral point of view. If there is a split, it is the responsibility of the wiki to list both setups as long as there is reason to believe that both setups are valid as to the best way to play a game.

It is important to note that this wiki does not offer any strategies on playing games. When the wiki says "best way to play", it is simply for the setup, not any commentary on gameplay. For more info, check [[What is "best" anyway?]]

==Page Layout==

Pages should always follow the following formula:

* First is the infobox that has the game title and an image of the game's cover.
* Second is a paragraph briefly explaining the game's state, and relevant background information.
* Third is a paragraph that always starts with "The best way to play [game] is [release]"
** for games with multiple options of the highest listed tier the text should be "The best way to play [game] is a split decision between [release] and [release]"
* Fourth is a Table (see below) for games with multiple releases that have differences worth comparing.
* Fifth is plaques, listing gold plaques first, then silver, then bronze. along with relevant extra details below each plaque.
* Sixth is any notable details, extras, and trivia worth mentioning.

==Tables==
When comparing multiple versions of a game, use a wikitable like so:

{| class="wikitable bwtp-breakdown-table"
!  
! Game ver 1
! Game ver 2
! Game ver 3
|-
! Feature
| {{Check|Full support}}
| {{Xmark|No support}}
| {{Dash|Limited support}}
|-
! 2nd Feature
| {{Xmark|No support}}
| {{Dash|Limited support}}
| {{Check|Full support}}
|-
|}

==Plaques==
When listing a single game version you can choose BWTP/Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Gold is used for a definitive version of a game. This is used for a release that is feature complete and satisfactory to the standards of the best way to play wiki. Silver is used for a functional version of a game that has minor issues. Bronze is used for a functional version of a game that has major issues.

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = Game Version
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]]
| cols = 2
| col1title = Features
| col2title = Patches
| col1 =
{{Check|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|Other Attribute}}
{{Dash|Some minor issue}}
| col2 =
{{Dash|'''Patch A''' by (Author){{BWTP/Pill|Required|type=req}}}}
{{Dash|'''Patch B''' by (Author){{BWTP/Pill|Recommended|type=rec}}}}
}}

==Patches==
Patches can be listed for games. Try to keep patches to things that are mostly crash fixes, QoL and translation focused.

BWTP displays the following pills next to patches and the like.

{{BWTP/Pill|Required|type=req}} 
{{BWTP/Pill|Recommended|type=rec}} 
{{BWTP/Pill|Optional|type=opt}} 
{{BWTP/Pill|Avoid|type=bad}} 

{{BWTP/Pill|Required|type=req}} is to only be used if it's required for a game to be playable, such as if a game needs the patch in order to boot, or to not crash. {{BWTP/Pill|Recommended|type=rec}} is for patches that are faithful to the original game, and enhance the experience. {{BWTP/Pill|Optional|type=opt}} is for additional patches that may change the game in a manner that is less faithful, but is still worth documenting. {{BWTP/Pill|Avoid|type=bad}} is self explanatory.

Additionally details about each patch can be given.

{{BWTP/Pill|Translation|type=tra}} can be used to note a translation patch. 
{{BWTP/Pill|Delocalization|type=del}} can be used to note a delocalization/decensorship patch. 
{{BWTP/Pill|QoL|type=qol}} can be used to note a [[Quality Of Life]] patch. 
{{BWTP/Pill|Texture|type=tex}} can be used to note a Texture pack. 

==Legality==

As per conduct, this wiki is a database of the most commonly accepted opinions of the gaming community as to the best way to play a game. If it includes information of a DRM crack of a game that gives better performance, or builds of leaked source code that give the best way to play, ''it is an obligation of this wiki to provide that information''. That being said, this wiki will never link to any pirated content. The purpose of this wiki is to provide information on the best way to play a game, not make a moral or legal judgment.
__NOTOC__

Editing Guide

2026-06-17T18:04:01Z

Lethrys:

==Conduct==
This wiki is first and foremost a resource to give information on the best way to play games. Despite the fact that this wiki constantly states the "best" way to play a game, it does so via the (dubious, but inevitable) invisible authority of the gaming community at large, and simply presents this information from a neutral point of view. If there is a split, it is the responsibility of the wiki to list both setups as long as there is reason to believe that both setups are valid as to the best way to play a game.

It is important to note that this wiki does not offer any strategies on playing games. When the wiki says "best way to play", it is simply for the setup, not any commentary on gameplay. For more info, check [[What is "best" anyway?]]

==Page Layout==

Pages should always follow the following formula:

* First is the infobox that has the game title and an image of the game's cover.
* Second is a paragraph briefly explaining the game's state, and relevant background information.
* Third is a paragraph that always starts with "The best way to play [game] is [release]"
** for games with multiple options of the highest listed tier the text should be "The best way to play [game] is a split decision between [release] and [release]"
* Fourth is a Table (see below) for games with multiple releases that have differences worth comparing.
* Fifth is plaques, listing gold plaques first, then silver, then bronze. along with relevant extra details below each plaque.
* Sixth is any notable details, extras, and trivia worth mentioning.

==Tables==
When comparing multiple versions of a game, use a wikitable like so:

{| class="wikitable bwtp-breakdown-table"
!  
! Game ver 1
! Game ver 2
! Game ver 3
|-
! Feature
| {{Check|Full support}}
| {{Xmark|No support}}
| {{Dash|Limited support}}
|-
! 2nd Feature
| {{Xmark|No support}}
| {{Dash|Limited support}}
| {{Check|Full support}}
|-
|}

==Plaques==
When listing a single game version you can choose BWTP/Gold, Silver, or Bronze. Gold is used for a definitive version of a game. This is used for a release that is feature complete and satisfactory to the standards of the best way to play wiki. Silver is used for a functional version of a game that has minor issues. Bronze is used for a functional version of a game that has major issues.

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = Game Version
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]]
| cols = 2
| col1title = Features
| col1title = Patches
| col1 =
{{Check|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|Other Attribute}}
{{Dash|Some minor issue}}
| col2 =
{{Dash|'''Patch A''' by (Author){{BWTP/Pill|Required|type=req}}}}
{{Dash|'''Patch B''' by (Author){{BWTP/Pill|Recommended|type=rec}}}}
}}

==Patches==
Patches can be listed for games. Try to keep patches to things that are mostly crash fixes, QoL and translation focused.

BWTP displays the following pills next to patches and the like.

{{BWTP/Pill|Required|type=req}} 
{{BWTP/Pill|Recommended|type=rec}} 
{{BWTP/Pill|Optional|type=opt}} 
{{BWTP/Pill|Avoid|type=bad}} 

{{BWTP/Pill|Required|type=req}} is to only be used if it's required for a game to be playable, such as if a game needs the patch in order to boot, or to not crash. {{BWTP/Pill|Recommended|type=rec}} is for patches that are faithful to the original game, and enhance the experience. {{BWTP/Pill|Optional|type=opt}} is for additional patches that may change the game in a manner that is less faithful, but is still worth documenting. {{BWTP/Pill|Avoid|type=bad}} is self explanatory.

Additionally details about each patch can be given.

{{BWTP/Pill|Translation|type=tra}} can be used to note a translation patch. 
{{BWTP/Pill|Delocalization|type=del}} can be used to note a delocalization/decensorship patch. 
{{BWTP/Pill|QoL|type=qol}} can be used to note a [[Quality Of Life]] patch. 
{{BWTP/Pill|Texture|type=tex}} can be used to note a Texture pack. 

==Legality==

As per conduct, this wiki is a database of the most commonly accepted opinions of the gaming community as to the best way to play a game. If it includes information of a DRM crack of a game that gives better performance, or builds of leaked source code that give the best way to play, ''it is an obligation of this wiki to provide that information''. That being said, this wiki will never link to any pirated content. The purpose of this wiki is to provide information on the best way to play a game, not make a moral or legal judgment.
__NOTOC__

File:Star Fox 64.jpg

2026-06-17T17:09:26Z

Lethrys:

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night

2026-06-17T01:25:58Z

Lethrys:

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = Castlevania: Symphony of the Night
| image = Castlevania_-_Symphony_of_the_Night_.webp
}}

Castlevania: Symphony of the Night has had various re-releases with changed, added, and/or region-exclusive content.

The best way to play Symphony Of The Night is a split decision between the '''original PlayStation release''' and the '''Xbox 360 release'''.

{| class="wikitable bwtp-breakdown-table"
! style="width:100px;" |  
! class="bwtp-head" | PlayStation
! class="bwtp-head" | Sega Saturn
! class="bwtp-head" | Xbox 360
! class="bwtp-head" | PlayStation 4
|-
! Performance
| {{Dash|OK}}
| {{Xmark|Poor}}
| {{Check|Best}}
| {{Check|Best}}
|-
! Content
| {{Dash|Base game}}
| {{Check|2 extra areas}}
| {{Dash|Base game, missing end FMV}}
| {{Check|Extra character Maria Renard, ported both JP only Familiars.}}
|-
! Voices
| {{Check|Original EN/JP voices}}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Japanese text/voice only|The Saturn Version was never given an official English Translation}}}}
| {{Check|Original EN/JP voices}}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|New Voices|Considered controversial, script is based on the PS1 English, not the original Japanese, and was presumably rewritten to be easier to "take seriously".}}}}
|-
! Ending Theme
| {{Check|I Am the Wind}}
| {{Check|I Am the Wind}}
| {{Dash|Admiration of Clan}}
| {{Dash|Mournful Serenade}}
|-
! Resolution
| {{Check|240p}}
| {{Check|240p}}
| {{Dash|720p/1080p}}
| {{Dash|1080p}}
|-
|}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = PlayStation 1
| subtitle = [[File:IconPS1.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Original Voice Acting}}
{{Check|Ending FMVs}}
{{Check|240p}}
{{Dash|Some lag}}
}}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = Xbox 360
| subtitle = [[File:IconXbox360.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Original Voice Acting}}
{{Xmark|No Ending FMVs}}
{{Dash|720/1080p}}
{{Check|Minimal to no lag}}
}}

{{BWTP/Silver
| title = PS4 version
| subtitle = [[File:IconPS4.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Xmark|New Voice Acting}}
{{Dash|720/1080p}}
{{Check|Minimal to no lag}}
}}

Sonic The Hedgehog 2

2026-06-17T01:20:59Z

Lethrys:

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = Sonic The Hedgehog 2
| image = Sonic2.png
}}

Sonic The Hedgehog 2, similarly to [[Sonic The Hedgehog (1991)]], has had numerous ports over the years, as well as countless fan projects. The best way to play Sonic 2 is '''Sonic 2 Absolute,''' a mod of the decompilation of the 2013 Android port.

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://teamforeveronline.wixsite.com/home/sonic-2-absolute Sonic 2 Absolute]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{BWTP/Row|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{BWTP/Row|Widescreen}}
{{BWTP/Row|Knuckles}}
{{BWTP/Row|Hidden Palace}}
{{BWTP/Row/Warn|Requires Data.rsdk}}
}}

Alternatively, you can play the original release on real hardware/an emulator.

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = Genesis/Mega Drive Release
| subtitle = [[File:IconMD.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{BWTP/Row|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{BWTP/Row/Warn|Sonic Origins release is buggy {{BWTP/Pill|Avoid|type=bad}}}}
}}

The 2013 decomp is also a viable alternative.

{{BWTP/Silver
| title = [https://github.com/RSDKModding/RSDKv4-Decompilation/releases 2013 Port Decomp]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{BWTP/Row|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{BWTP/Row|Widescreen}}
{{BWTP/Row/Warn|Requires Data.rsdk}}
{{BWTP/Row/Warn|Minor sound inaccuracies}}
}}

[[Category:PC]]
[[Category:Sega Genesis/Mega Drive]]

Legend of Zelda, The: Twilight Princess

2026-06-17T01:17:14Z

Lethrys:

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = The Legend of Zelda Twilight Princess
| image = Twilight Princess.jpg
}}

Twilight Princess has a PC port of the 2001 decomp called '''Dusklight'''. It is touted as a very feature-complete decomp port project and has many [[QoL]] improvements.

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://twilitrealm.dev/ Dusklight]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]][[File:IconMacOS.png|24px]][[File:IconAndroid.png|24px]][[File:IconIOS.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|{{abbr|Multiple platforms supported|Dusklight is in active development and may be ported to more systems}}}}
{{Check|Dynamic screen ratio/resolutions (8K+) }}
{{Check|Uncapped framerates}}
{{Check|Gyro support}}
{{Check|Texture pack support}}
{{Check|{{abbr|Custom control binds|Extra actions can be bound to separate buttons to make the layout better fit a modern controller. However, this release, being based on the 2001 Gamecube version, only has two equipment buttons compared to three in the 2015 HD re-release (and other 3D Zelda titles). See below for extra binding options.}}}}
{{Check|{{abbr|QoL|DuskLight has two settings on boot: "Original" and "DuskLight". Original preserves the 2001 release features while DuskLight adjusts the bloom levels, as well as disables some things many players find annoying, such as repeated collectible jingles. BWTP finds Dusklight to be faithful to the original game, but improves upon existing issues in the base game.}}}}
{{Check|Mirrored visuals option to match the Wii release}}
{{Dash|Built-in (unofficial) achievements}}
{{Dash|Requires a Gamecube NTSC ISO of Twilight Princess}}
{{Xmark|Missing extra Wolf Link amiibo dungeon of 2015 HD re-release}}
}}
Due to Dusklight being based on the original 2001 Gamecube release, the controls may not map very well to modern controllers. There are additional mods that port the more standardized Wii U HD release's controls to Dusklight with some catches.

The only fully-featured mod that can remap controller glyphs to different layouts is to use Dawnlight (a fork of Dusklight) that gives three equipment slots like the 2015 HD re-release, along with [https://gamebanana.com/mods/678669 HATenshi's Wii U-like preset UI mod] that gives comprehensive remapping visuals to match all player types to all controller types.

Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door

2026-06-17T01:07:38Z

Lethrys:

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
| image = Ttyd.jpg
}}
'''Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door''' is a turn-based RPG developed by Nintendo.
BWTP has a split decision between '''The Original Gamecube Release''' and the '''Switch 2 remaster'''.

{| class="wikitable bwtp-breakdown-table"
! style="width:100px;" |  
! class="bwtp-head" | Gamecube
! class="bwtp-head" | Switch 2
|-
! FPS
| {{Check|60fps}}
| {{Xmark|30fps cap}}
|-
! Content
| {{Dash|Base game}}
| {{Check|2nd pit boss, Prince Mush, etc.}}
|-
! Soundtrack
| {{Check|Original only}}
| {{Check|Original + remaster, switchable}}
|-
! Setup
| {{Dash|Emulator + textures + patches}}
| {{Check|None required}}
|-
! Patches
| {{Check|[https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-paper-mario-ttyd-hd-texture-pack-v2-5-may-9th-2024HD Texture Pack] {{BWTP/Pill|Recommended|type=rec}}{{BWTP/Pill|Texture|type=tex}}}}
{{Check|[https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/3092 TTYD+] {{BWTP/Pill|Optional|type=opt}}{{BWTP/Pill|Delocalization|type=del}}{{BWTP/Pill|QoL|type=qol}}}}
| {{Check|None required}}
|}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = Nintendo Switch 2
| subtitle = [[File:IconNSwitch.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Plug and Play}}
{{Xmark|Some abilities and new features unavailable with gamecube controller}}
}}
{{BWTP/Gold
| title = Nintendo Gamecube
| subtitle = [[File:IconGameCube.png|24px]]
| cols = 2
| col1title = Includes
| col1 =
{{Check|60fps}}
| col2title = Patches
| col2 =
{{check|[https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-paper-mario-ttyd-hd-texture-pack-v2-5-may-9th-2024 HD Texture Pack] {{BWTP/Pill|Recommended|type=rec}}{{BWTP/Pill|Texture|type=tex}}}}
{{Check|[https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/3092 TTYD+] {{BWTP/Pill|Optional|type=opt}}{{BWTP/Pill|Delocalization|type=del}}{{BWTP/Pill|QoL|type=qol}}}}
}}
The HD texture pack is a '''must-have.''' It is extremely faithful to the original art direction and is a strict improvement. TTYD+ fixes translation issues and incorrect item descriptions, as well as restoring censorship from the Japanese release. For a 100% faithful play-through, this can be skipped.

File:Azure Striker Gunvolt.jpg

2026-06-16T18:33:48Z

Lethrys:

Cave Story

2026-06-16T14:09:42Z

Lethrys: FPS talk

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = Cave Story
| image = CaveStory.png
}}

Cave Story has had a myriad of ports and re-releases over the years as the creator handed the source code to many people back in the mid to late 2000s before being bought by Nicalis who released Cave Story+ on multiple platforms.

The best way to play Cave Story is split between '''Cave Story: Tweaked''' (a fork of the Cave Story decomp CSE2 with various [[QoL]]), '''doukutsu-rs''' (a faithful rewrite of the engine in Rust), and '''Cave Story+''' with the '''Aeon Genesis Translation Patch''' (AGTP).

{| class="wikitable bwtp-breakdown-table"
!  
! Cave Story: Tweaked
! doukutsu-rs
! Cave Story+
|-
! Cost
| {{Check|Free}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Free|Assets must be supplied, but Freeware is free to download and drop in the folder}}}}
| {{Dash|$14.99}}
|-
! FPS
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. Cave Story+ released with a 60fps cap, increasing game speed by roughly 17%. Modern engines allow a toggle for either game speed. doukutsu-rs separates game logic (ticks-per-second) from framerate, allowing for higher framerates with either game speed.}} }}
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60tps toggle with motion interpolation for higher FPS |The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. Cave Story+ released with a 60fps cap, increasing game speed by roughly 17%. Modern engines allow a toggle for either game speed. doukutsu-rs separates game logic (ticks-per-second) from framerate, allowing for higher framerates with either game speed.}} }}
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. Cave Story+ released with a 60fps cap, increasing game speed by roughly 17%. Modern engines allow a toggle for either game speed. doukutsu-rs separates game logic (ticks-per-second) from framerate, allowing for higher framerates with either game speed.}} }}
|-
! Graphics
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Original and fanmade 2xRes included|The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution (2xRes) "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by touching up some graphics and introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Original and New support (must supply assets) |The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution (2xRes) "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by touching up some graphics and introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Original and New included|The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution (2xRes) "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by touching up some graphics and introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
|-
! Resolution
| {{Check|Multiple 16:9 sizes}}
| {{Check|Fully Dynamic}}
| {{Check|Multiple 16:9 sizes}}
|-
! Lighting Engine
| {{Check|Original}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + doukutsu-rs Custom Lighting Engine|doukutsu-rs's lighting engine is applied over the top of the existing graphics with no additional changes, giving a more faithful look with added ambience. It also has a cone light emitting from the player (togglable)}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + CS+ Custom Lighting Engine| CS+'s lighting engine changes the graphics in the walls to be darkened with a blue tint to more closely mimic other metroidvania games.}}}}
|-
! Content
| {{Dash|Base game}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Extra Challenges*|User must provide assets}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Extra Challenges|Single-level challenges disconnected from the base game}}}}
|-
! Soundtrack
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + support for Extras|The original soundtrack is included, as well as the folder structure to drag/drop in soundtracks from other releases, as well as fan-made soundtracks.}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + support for Extras|The original soundtrack is included, as well as the folder structure to drag/drop in soundtracks from other releases, as well as fan-made soundtracks.}}}}
| {{Check|Original + Extras}}
|-
! Translation
| {{Check|{{abbr|AGTP translation|The AGTP translation of Cave Story is considered more iconic and flows better. It has the iconic "Huzzah!" catchphrase for Balrog instead of a generic "Oh yeah!", and the line "I pray for your victory" instead of "Best of... luck...".}}}}
| {{Dash|User must provide assets}}
| {{Xmark|{{abbr|Nicalis translation|The AGTP translation of Cave Story is considered more iconic and flows better. It has the iconic "Huzzah!" catchphrase for Balrog instead of a generic "Oh yeah!", and the line "I pray for your victory" instead of "Best of... luck...".}}}}

|-
! Patches
| {{Check|None required }}
| {{Check|None required }}
| {{Check| [https://github.com/aarmastah/agtp-csplus AGTP-CS+] {{BWTP/Pill|Translation|type=tra}}}}
|}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://doukutsu.rs doukutsu-rs]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]][[File:IconMacOS.png|24px]][[File:IconAndroid.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Fully dynamic screen ratio/resolution scaling (up to 4x)}}
{{Check|Multiple Soundtrack support}}
{{Check|Custom Lighting Engine (togglable)}}
{{Check|Lots of QoL settings}}
{{Dash|Must obtain assets from Freeware/CS+/Tweaked}}
}}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://forum.cavestory.one/threads/cave-story-tweaked-new-version-1-7.15164/ Cave Story: Tweaked]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|Multiple Soundtrack support}}
{{Check|Lots of QoL settings}}
}}

In order to source the alternative soundtracks for Tweaked and doukutsu-rs, you can simply drag and drop the data/Soundtracks folder. Most of these soundtracks are freely available via official sources, but some have to be ripped from copies of Cave Story+.

* {{abbr|[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bqZgZYAZFXtc8Rb2tW_5hpuit9XeD9O_ "Wii-Rebalanced" - Yann van der Cruyssen and SoloMael]|Wii-Rebalanced is a re-remaster of Yann van der Cruyssen's soundtrack featured on the WiiWare release of Cave Story. This Wii-Rebalanced edit is officially endorsed by Yann on his website as the definitive version of the soundtrack.}}
* [https://gamebanana.com/sounds/52717 Arranged - DM Dokuro]
* Remastered - Danny Baranowsky and Dustin Kulwicki
* Ridiculon soundtrack - Ridiculon
* [https://www.moddb.com/mods/cave-story-famitracks-steam-mod-v-11 Famitracks - RushJet1]
* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5sdMd2IqCTnRUdoTEREZ0hVcDg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-ih87CG6utguFsg11DkDCwA SNES - livvy94]

Similarly, if you want the New graphics, they can be copied into the data folder. You can acquire the official graphics from CS+, or use [https://lethrys.com/lethrysupscale Lethrys's 2xRes texture pack].

{{BWTP/Silver
| title = [https://store.steampowered.com/app/200900/Cave_Story/ Cave Story+]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconProton.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|New Lighting Engine (togglable)}}
{{Check|Extra Challenges}}
{{Check|Special "holiday" texture packs for Halloween and Christmas}}
{{Dash|Requires [https://github.com/aarmastah/agtp-csplus AGTP-CS+] translation mod for best experience}}
{{Dash|Linux support is broken in current version, must use Proton}}
}}

For a {{abbr|nearly complete*|The Cave Story Tribute site does not list CSE2 and its forks due to the DMCA takedown of the source code issued by Nicalis.}} list of every Cave Story port, [https://www.cavestory.one/download/cave-story.php check out the ports page at cavestory.one].

Legend of Zelda, The: Majora's Mask

2026-06-15T19:18:56Z

Lethrys: Typos

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = Majora's Mask
| image = Majoras Mask.jpg
}}

The best way to play Majora's Mask is via '''Zelda 64: Recompiled''' (a recompilation of the original 2000 release) with [https://github.com/Nerrel/MMHD/releases/ Nerrel's MMHD texture pack].

{| class="wikitable bwtp-breakdown-table"
!  
! Zelda 64: Recompiled + MMHD
! 2 Ship 2 Harkinian
|-
! Roms
| {{Dash|Requires NTSC-U N64 ROM}}
| {{Dash|Requires NTSC-U N64 ROM or Gamecube ISO}}
|-
! FPS
| {{Check|Frame interpolation up to 360fps}}
| {{Check|Frame interpolation up to 360fps}}
|-
! Resolution
| {{Check|Dynamic aspect ratio and resolution, super-sampling only available at 240/480p}}
| {{Check|Dynamic aspect ratio and resolution, up to 2X super-sampling}}
|-
! Textures
| {{Check|Texture pack full support}}
| {{Check|Texture pack support}}
|-
! QoL
| {{Check|Feature-complete}}
| {{Check|Extremely feature-complete + Tweaks + Randomizer}}
|}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://github.com/Zelda64Recomp/Zelda64Recomp/releases Zelda 64: Recompiled]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]][[File:IconMacOS.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|QoL settings}}
{{Check| Needs [https://github.com/Nerrel/MMHD/releases/ Nerrel's MMHD texture pack] for best experience}}
}}

Alternatively '''2Ship2Harkinian''', a port of the 2000 release decomp to various platforms, 2Ship lends itself to many extra Tweaks and features. It is also compatible with MMHD, but has issues preventing complete parity between releases.

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://github.com/HarbourMasters/2ship2harkinian/releases 2Ship2Harkinian]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]][[File:IconMacOS.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|Lots of QoL settings and Tweaks}}
}}

There is also the 3DS port of Majora's Mask that adds controversial changes to bosses, mechanics and adds some extra content such as a fishing hole. The patch [https://restoration.zora.re/ Project Restoration] fixes much of the game to restore it to the faithfulness of the original 2000 release.

{{BWTP/Silver
| title = [Majora's Mask 3D + Project Restoration]
| subtitle = [[File:Icon3DS.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|MM3D exclusive modules/textures}}
{{Check|Fishing Holes}}
{{Dash|Requires 3DS ROM}}
}}

Cave Story

2026-06-13T21:08:22Z

Lethrys: Fix doukutsu-rs link, typos, cleanup, etc.

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = Cave Story
| image = CaveStory.png
}}

Cave Story has had a myriad of ports and re-releases over the years as the creator handed the source code to many people back in the mid to late 2000s before being bought by Nicalis who released Cave Story+ on multiple platforms.

The best way to play Cave Story is split between '''Cave Story: Tweaked''' (a fork of the Cave Story decomp CSE2 with various [[QoL]]), '''doukutsu-rs''' (a faithful rewrite of the engine in Rust), and '''Cave Story+''' with the '''Aeon Genesis Translation Patch''' (AGTP).

{| class="wikitable bwtp-breakdown-table"
!  
! Cave Story: Tweaked
! doukutsu-rs
! Cave Story+
|-
! Cost
| {{Check|Free}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Free|Assets must be supplied, but Freeware is free to download and drop in the folder}}}}
| {{Dash|$14.99}}
|-
! FPS
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. The release of CS+ added a 60fps option. It has been ported to tweaked to allow either play speed.}} }}
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. The release of CS+ added a 60fps option. It has been ported to tweaked to allow either play speed.}} }}
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. The release of CS+ added a 60fps option. It has been ported to tweaked to allow either play speed.}} }}
|-
! Graphics
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Original and fanmade 2xRes included|The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution (2xRes) "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by touching up some graphics and introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Original and New support (must supply assets) |The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution (2xRes) "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by touching up some graphics and introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|Original and New included|The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution (2xRes) "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by touching up some graphics and introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
|-
! Resolution
| {{Check|Multiple 16:9 sizes}}
| {{Check|Fully Dynamic}}
| {{Check|Multiple 16:9 sizes}}
|-
! Lighting Engine
| {{Check|Original}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + doukutsu-rs Custom Lighting Engine|doukutsu-rs's lighting engine is applied over the top of the existing graphics with no additional changes, giving a more faithful look with added ambience. It also has a cone light emitting from the player (togglable)}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + CS+ Custom Lighting Engine| CS+'s lighting engine changes the graphics in the walls to be darkened with a blue tint to more closely mimic other metroidvania games.}}}}
|-
! Content
| {{Dash|Base game}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Extra Challenges*|User must provide assets}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Extra Challenges|Single-level challenges disconnected from the base game}}}}
|-
! Soundtrack
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + support for Extras|The original soundtrack is included, as well as the folder structure to drag/drop in soundtracks from other releases, as well as fan-made soundtracks.}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + support for Extras|The original soundtrack is included, as well as the folder structure to drag/drop in soundtracks from other releases, as well as fan-made soundtracks.}}}}
| {{Check|Original + Extras}}
|-
! Translation
| {{Check|{{abbr|AGTP translation|The AGTP translation of Cave Story is considered more iconic and flows better. It has the iconic "Huzzah!" catchphrase for Balrog instead of a generic "Oh yeah!", and the line "I pray for your victory" instead of "Best of... luck...".}}}}
| {{Dash|User must provide assets}}
| {{Xmark|{{abbr|Nicalis translation|The AGTP translation of Cave Story is considered more iconic and flows better. It has the iconic "Huzzah!" catchphrase for Balrog instead of a generic "Oh yeah!", and the line "I pray for your victory" instead of "Best of... luck...".}}}}

|-
! Patches
| {{Check|None required }}
| {{Check|None required }}
| {{Check| [https://github.com/aarmastah/agtp-csplus AGTP-CS+] {{BWTP/Pill|Translation|type=tra}}}}
|}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://doukutsu.rs doukutsu-rs]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]][[File:IconMacOS.png|24px]][[File:IconAndroid.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Fully dynamic screen ratio/resolution scaling (up to 4x)}}
{{Check|Multiple Soundtrack support}}
{{Check|Custom Lighting Engine (togglable)}}
{{Check|Lots of QoL settings}}
{{Dash|Must obtain assets from Freeware/CS+/Tweaked}}
}}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://forum.cavestory.one/threads/cave-story-tweaked-new-version-1-7.15164/ Cave Story: Tweaked]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|Multiple Soundtrack support}}
{{Check|Lots of QoL settings}}
}}

In order to source the alternative soundtracks for Tweaked and doukutsu-rs, you can simply drag and drop the data/Soundtracks folder. Most of these soundtracks are freely available via official sources, but some have to be ripped from copies of Cave Story+.

* {{abbr|[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bqZgZYAZFXtc8Rb2tW_5hpuit9XeD9O_ "Wii-Rebalanced" - Yann van der Cruyssen and SoloMael]|Wii-Rebalanced is a re-remaster of Yann van der Cruyssen's soundtrack featured on the WiiWare release of Cave Story. This Wii-Rebalanced edit is officially endorsed by Yann on his website as the definitive version of the soundtrack.}}
* [https://gamebanana.com/sounds/52717 Arranged - DM Dokuro]
* Remastered - Danny Baranowsky and Dustin Kulwicki
* Ridiculon soundtrack - Ridiculon
* [https://www.moddb.com/mods/cave-story-famitracks-steam-mod-v-11 Famitracks - RushJet1]
* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5sdMd2IqCTnRUdoTEREZ0hVcDg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-ih87CG6utguFsg11DkDCwA SNES - livvy94]

Similarly, if you want the New graphics, they can be copied into the data folder. You can acquire the official graphics from CS+, or use [https://lethrys.com/lethrysupscale Lethrys's 2xRes texture pack].

{{BWTP/Silver
| title = [https://store.steampowered.com/app/200900/Cave_Story/ Cave Story+]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconProton.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|New Lighting Engine (togglable)}}
{{Check|Extra Challenges}}
{{Check|Special "holiday" texture packs for Halloween and Christmas}}
{{Dash|Requires [https://github.com/aarmastah/agtp-csplus AGTP-CS+] translation mod for best experience}}
{{Dash|Linux support is broken in current version, must use Proton}}
}}

For a {{abbr|nearly complete*|The Cave Story Tribute site does not list CSE2 and its forks due to the DMCA takedown of the source code issued by Nicalis.}} list of every Cave Story port, [https://www.cavestory.one/download/cave-story.php check out the ports page at cavestory.one].

Cave Story

2026-06-12T15:24:07Z

Lethrys: Update Lethrys Upscale link, fix typos

{{BWTP/Infobox
| title = Cave Story
| image = CaveStory.png
}}

Cave Story has had a myriad of ports and re-releases over the years as the creator handed the source code to many people back in the mid to late 2000s before being bought by Nicalis who released Cave Story+ on multiple platforms.

The best way to play Cave Story is split between '''Cave Story: Tweaked''' (a mod of the Cave Story decomp CSE2 with various [[QoL]]), '''Doukutsu-rs''' a faithful rewrite of the engine in rust, and '''Cave Story+''' with the '''Aeon Genesis Translation Patch''' (AGTP).

{| class="wikitable bwtp-breakdown-table"
!  
! Cave Story: Tweaked
! Doukutsu-rs
! Cave Story+
|-
! Cost
| {{Check|Free}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Free|Assets must be supplied, but freeware is free to download and drop in the folder}}}}
| {{Dash|$14.99}}
|-
! FPS
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. The release of CS+ added a 60fps option. It has been ported to tweaked to allow either play speed.}} }}
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. The release of CS+ added a 60fps option. It has been ported to tweaked to allow either play speed.}} }}
| {{Check|{{abbr|50/60fps toggle|The original Freeware release of Cave Story played at a cap of 50fps. The release of CS+ added a 60fps option. It has been ported to tweaked to allow either play speed.}} }}
|-
! Graphics
| {{Dash|{{abbr|1X res and fanmade 2X res included|The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240 pixels, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution 640x480 "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are considered somewhat controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|1X res and 2X res support (must supply assets) |The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240 pixels, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution 640x480 "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are considered somewhat controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
| {{Dash|{{abbr|1X and official 2X res included|The original 2004 freeware release of Cave Story ran at a native resolution of 320x240 pixels, similar to early second and third-generation retro video games. Cave Story+ released with a set of double-resolution 640x480 "New" graphics done in-house by Nicalis, which are considered somewhat controversial to some based on their inconsistent quality and art direction. The Switch release/2026 update further adds to this by introducing a new lighting engine.}} }}
|-
! Resolution
| {{Check|Multiple 16:9 sizes}}
| {{Check|Fully Dynamic}}
| {{Check|Multiple 16:9 sizes}}
|-
! Lighting Engine
| {{Check|Original}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + Doukutsu-rs Custom lighting Engine|Doukutsu-rs's Lighting Engine is applied over the top of the existing graphics with no additional changes, giving a more faithful look with added ambience. It also has a cone light emitting from the player (togglable)}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + CS+ Custom Lighting Engine| CS+'s Lighting Engine changes the graphics in the walls to be darkened with a blue tint to more closely mimic other metroidvania games.}}}}
|-
! Content
| {{Dash|Base game}}
| {{Dash|Base game}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Extra Challenges|Single level challenges unconnected to the base game}}}}
|-
! Soundtrack
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + support for extras|The original Soundtrack is included, as well as the folder structure to drag/drop in soundtracks from other releases, as well as fan-made soundtracks.}}}}
| {{Check|{{abbr|Original + support for extras|The original Soundtrack is included, as well as the folder structure to drag/drop in soundtracks from other releases, as well as fan-made soundtracks.}}}}
| {{Check|Original + remaster, switchable}}
|-
! Translation
| {{Check|{{abbr|AGTP translation|The AGTP translation of Cave Story is considered more iconic and flows better. It has the iconic "Huzzah!" catchphrase for Balrog instead of a generic "Oh yeah!", and the line "I pray for your victory" instead of "Best of... luck...".}}}}
| {{Dash|User must provide assets}}
| {{Xmark|{{abbr|Nicalis translation|The AGTP translation of Cave Story is considered more iconic and flows better. It has the iconic "Huzzah!" catchphrase for Balrog instead of a generic "Oh yeah!", and the line "I pray for your victory" instead of "Best of... luck...".}}}}

|-
! Patches
| {{Check|None required }}
| {{Check|None required }}
| {{Check| [https://github.com/aarmastah/agtp-csplus AGTP-CS+] {{BWTP/Pill|Translation|type=tra}}}}
|}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://forum.cavestory.one/threads/cave-story-tweaked-new-version-1-7.15164/ Doukutsu-rs]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]][[File:IconMacOS.png|24px]][[File:IconAndroid.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Fully Dynamic Screen ration/resolution/scaling (up to 4x)}}
{{Check|Multiple Soundtrack support}}
{{Check|Custom Lighting Engine (togglable)}}
{{Check|Lots of QoL settings}}
{{Dash|Must obtain assets from Freeware/CS+/Tweaked}}
}}

{{BWTP/Gold
| title = [https://forum.cavestory.one/threads/cave-story-tweaked-new-version-1-7.15164/ Cave Story: Tweaked]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconLinux.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Multiple Platforms supported}}
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|Multiple Soundtrack support}}
{{Check|Lots of QoL settings}}
}}

In order to source the alternative soundtracks for Tweaked and Doukutsu-rs, you can simply drag and drop the data/Soundtracks folder. Most of these soundtracks are freely available via official sources, but some have to be ripped from copies of Cave Story+.

* {{abbr|[https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1bqZgZYAZFXtc8Rb2tW_5hpuit9XeD9O_ "WiiBalanced" - Yann van der Cruyssen and SoloMael]|Wii-balanced is a re-remaster of Yann van der Cruyssen's soundtrack featured on the Wiiware release of Cave Story. This Wii-balanced edit is oficially endorced by Yann on his website as the definitive version of the soundtrack.}}
* [https://gamebanana.com/sounds/52717 Arranged - DM Dokuro]
* Remastered - Danny Baranowsky and Dustin Kulwicki
* Ridiculon soundtrack - Ridiculon
* [https://www.moddb.com/mods/cave-story-famitracks-steam-mod-v-11 Famitracks - RushJet1]
* [https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B5sdMd2IqCTnRUdoTEREZ0hVcDg/view?usp=sharing&resourcekey=0-ih87CG6utguFsg11DkDCwA SNES - livvy94]

Similarly, if you want the 2x res graphics, they can be copied into the data folder. You can acquire the official graphics from CS+, or use [https://lethrys.com/lethrysupscale Lethrys's 2X texture pack]

{{BWTP/Silver
| title = [https://store.steampowered.com/app/200900/Cave_Story/ Cave Story+]
| subtitle = [[File:IconWin.png|24px]][[File:IconProton.png|24px]]
| cols = 1
| col1title =
| col1 =
{{Check|Widescreen}}
{{Check|New Lighting Engine (togglable)}}
{{Check|Extra Challenges/Boss Rush}}
{{Check|Special "holiday" texture packs for Halloween and Christmas}}
{{Dash|Requires [https://github.com/aarmastah/agtp-csplus AGTP-CS+] translation mod for best experience}}
{{Dash|Linux support is broken in current version, must use Proton}}
}}

For a {{abbr|nearly complete|The Cave Story Tribute site does not list Cave Story Engine 2 and it's forks due to the DMCA takedown of the source code issued by Nicalis}} list of every Cave story port, [https://www.cavestory.one/download/cave-story.php check out the ports page at cavestory.one]