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Cave Story (PC, 2004/WiiWare, 2009/PC, 2017 (Cave Story+))

Subgenre: Zelda-like w/ some Metroid and Blaster Master elements

Movement Mechanics: Air boost in four directions, Hover via gun recoil

Other: Hub areas, NPCs, Some item trading

Mostly linear (one major dialogue choice leads to an alternate path in the late game, backtracking to previous areas)
Save points (one slot but can copy the file on your PC)
Area maps (no mini-maps)
Few movement abilities gained (limited air boost, recoil from one gun lets you hover if you keep shooting downwards)
Multiple endings
Two minor sequence breaks (using damage boost+pausing): first, second
Some environmental changes
Some teleporters
Version differences: https://cavestory.fandom.com/wiki/Version_differences

Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review

Influenced by: Metroid series, Blaster Master (weapon system), possibly MMX2 (air dash)

Inluenced: Indie Platformer and AA games as a whole, probably Environmental Station Alpha (air dashing, art style), possibly Iconoclasts