Every Cancelled Cave Story Project

[@semaj35]

Certified Nicalis Moment™

[@studio-cultist9622]

They literally turned balrog into a marketable plushy and they didn’t even sell them

[@Nerdieo]

I KNOW HOW DID THEY MESS THAT UP

[@jamesonwhite167]

I would pay GOOD MONEY for a balrog plush, but sadly, no dice I guess!

[@fortypercent3870]

I wonder how Cave Story would be nowadays in the hands of an actual competent publisher/developer.

[@Nerdieo]

Haha, this exactly. Maybe Cave Story plushes and merch would be on shelves akin to games like Deltarune/Undertale...

[@puckie643]

@@Nerdieo Give Cave Story to Toby Fox 😭

[@kirimusse]

No wonder that Pixel doesn't like working with publishers and stuff considering that *this* is what his previous experience with them looks like…

[@goose7618]

I do just wish there was more recognition of Cave Story from Nicalis even still. It's barely mentioned on their twitter and the few art pieces that are scattered here and there are great but so scarce

[@Nerdieo]

I really wish I just knew how much the game means. The effort they put into Cave Story seems so little on the surface, yet we CONSTANTLY find things like cancelled merch and games. I just have no idea if they care about the game or not...

[@Jamesharveycomics]

Wow! Really appreciate the love you're showing for this project... should share my story. Back in 2009 I was asked by a company called Attract Mode to make some t-shirts for Cave Story which were going to be produced in partnership with Nicalis. I drew 'em up, poured my heart and soul into them. Then Nicalis ghosted us for several years before cancelling the collaboration. We were supposed to be the first people to ever make official licensed Cave Story merch, and instead we became the first people in history to get Nicalis'd

[@Nerdieo]

This is an incredible story!...except, yknow, being Nicalis'd LOL. I can't believe I've never heard of this story, especially since there's this now iconic blue shirt that was sold with just the game's logo on it that's become pretty infamous for how poorly Nicalis treats this game when it comes to merchandising and appreciation from a company side of things. I'm sure there's a lot of this under NDA, but is there any way we can get in touch? I'd purely just love to see these designs!

[@u.n.latias4612]

9:39 "Sorry guys, we actually meant 20022" - Nicalis probably

[@studio-cultist9622]

The doctor’s my favourite character so when I first time saw the blade stranger clip on twitter, I was so happy because not only was this the most detailed sprite there is of the doctor but also the entire clip is him being a total badass and kicking the shit out of our beloved hero. That’s a Big Bad right there!

[@Nerdieo]

The Doctor gameplay is incredible!! So much effort was put into his moveset and stage, I really wish I knew the story of what the hell happened. So much detail just...gone! There's no way that could've been easy to drop!

[@CanceltheEat]

I was going into this expecting disappointment for what could have been, which happened, but it also introduced me to Cave Story Encore which cancels that disappointment out

[@Nerdieo]

Enjoy Encore! It's incredible!!

[@KamiJoJo]

If Blade Strangers was a more snappy fighting game the Doctor could have been an enjoyable and loose character for aerial combos, it certainly leaves an impression that makes you wanna play as him so badly.

[@Halucygeno]

3:28 I'm not sure if this is a slip of the tongue, but "fan-made Blade Strangers designs"? You mean, Nicalis actually put out some kind of fanart contest for Blade Strangers and picked the designs based on that? Or fan-made because Nicalis are not Studio Pixel? Also, and call me a cynical grumpy guy, but I get the sneaking suspicion that the "vast differences between Cave Story+ on Switch and Cave Story+ on Steam" is a deliberate, intentional marketing tactic. A similar thing happened to Hyper Light Drifter on Switch - two new weapons were added (to a game with 6 weapons, so it's actually quite a significant addition), but more notably, there was some additional areas and levels with hints as to the game's story and lore. The changes were so significant that the HLD Discord server needed to implement a "switch-spoilers" channel, which is just ridiculous. The truth is, if this wasn't intentional, they could have updated the Steam version with the new content or made a small "upgrade" DLC for 5 or 7 euro or something. But no, I'm pretty certain that this additional content is a trap for hardcore fans. It creates the sense that the PC version that they own is somehow "incomplete" or "inferior", so if they own a Switch, they might be tempted to buy the game a second time just for the new content. It's game industry emotional manipulation 101.

[@Nerdieo]

So, yes, the designs for Quote and Curly in Blade Strangers actually come from fanart made around 2013. Year could be wrong, but they were fan-made and Nicalis posted about the art talking about how much they loved the redesign. Years later, they got in contact with the artist to get the designs in Blade Strangers and the artist, of course, agreed. The artists full name is one of the credits of the game for "Character Design." And my god, if it really is a marketing thing, I'd be so upset. What person is buying the 2011 version of CS+ on Steam 11 YEARS LATER. I really wouldn't find it too farfetched for Nicalis to attempt something like this, especially with Cave Story, but this kind of marketing ploy would put them with the likes of EA for even attempting it. What a way to completely just shit on a game's legacy like that. I know this isn't, and probably wouldn't be, confirmed as the case, but the idea to do this to CS makes my blood boil.

[@vidyabatter]

I would love to see Cave Story Story actually be done because alot of my favorite games are Indie RPGs, and Cave Story isn't an RPG really, so if Cave Story Story was finished then it would finally fit in more with my other favorite games.

[@Nerdieo]

RPGs also seem to be the big thing currently with pop culture video games. Cave Story Story could've really been their ace in the hole to get CS back in the limelight!!

[@xionveil7054]

I'm an RPG guy but played Caves Story more than i can count now and beat bloodstained sanctuary over and over like a madman lol! This is one of my favourite platformer game and megaman 4 NES, and oh my fav RPG is Shin Megami Tensei 1 and IV! Just sharing

[@whiteout2098]

never seen a company fumble the bag so many times.

[@BillErak]

THAT PIXEL REMAKE WHAT THE HELL NICALIS YOU COULD HAVE BROUGHT CAVE STORY BACK INTO THE COLLECTIVE CONSCIOUSNESS WITH THAT

[@Nerdieo]

NO LITERALLY THE CASTPIXEL REMAKE I KNOW WOULD'VE BANGED!! She put SO MUCH care and effort!!

[@joe_xyz]

Regarding 8:02 - while they didn't update the Steam version of the game in 2021, they *did* actually release a PC version that uses KAGE (in-house game engine made by Nicalis which is used in the Switch version of the game) instead of SDL. This version happens to be... the GOG port, which we all know is full of bugs and has zero QA. So it's likely that they did start updating the PC version, but they did it poorly. Knowing Nicalys, they've probably given up on the project altogether after noticing the backlash/criticism that hit the GOG port. But I hope I'm wrong with that last part.

[@Nerdieo]

Okay, I knew this but completely forgot about it while writing the script. Thank you for telling me this!! But also, the funny thing about the GOG port is that it's still the Steam version LOL. They had their chance to port the Switch version to PC with the GOG port and they couldn't even do that, which really makes me wonder if they intend to make a proper updated PC port in the first place.

[@AshifKhan-sn6jx]

Tbh, I just want a prequel for cave story and nothing more. There is lots of stuff to be explained

[@Nerdieo]

I feel like some level of mystery is definitely cool, but we definitely need more lore, haha

[@LondonLock]

3:49 Probably an assist fighter kinda game and thats a swap in. Like MVC2 6:30 Could have also been used to show how quote looked underwater

[@Nerdieo]

Yeah!! 2v2 is amazing, I especially love VS Capcom games. Who doesn't? And that could've also been it, as well!

[@artCharles]

Honestly, Cave Story Story sounds like a weird idea, but at the same time, it sounds pretty interesting. Also, I wish we could see more about the CastPixel remake, because it looks like it would be really good!

[@Nerdieo]

I'm honestly all for weird ideas! Nicalis has shown that their fanservice works REALLY well, but they just don't do it enough! And the CastPixel remake would've been AMAZING!

[@gzbe]

i love these uploads bro, they feel so exclusive its like someone came from the heavens to deliver me amazing content i wanted to see

[@Nerdieo]

I'm flattered! I appreciate comments like this a TON! I love Cave Story and am only making the content I know I would've liked, so I'm glad others love it, as well!

[@matthewfontanez8646]

Aw man thats not fair for these games to be cancelled

[@Nerdieo]

I know! Right??

[@neodoodlez]

Another SOLID video, Nerdio! I actually had no idea about that Pixel remake, that's super neat! Also, if you ever decide to go into non-Cave Story content, I'd be super down to watch. Your video format is very interesting and easy to watch, but I know how hard it is to make consistent content on only one subject, and I'm confident you could pull it off. If you stick with Cave Story though, I'm also happy lol it's hard to come by content for it!

[@Nerdieo]

Haha, funny you mention this! Every time I go on hiatus, I've been putting effort towards this big project for the channel for my 10-year Anniversary this February, so if you're interested in something different, I hope you look forward to that!!

[@FrogiceG]

The PS4/5 ports are coming in 2202 guys

[@ilovecavestorydigicharat3115]

ブレードストレンジャーズ、クリスタルクライシス、シークレットサンタだけじゃ足りない。ニカリス社は洞窟物語関連のゲームをもっと出すべきだ。

[@Nerdieo]

日本語が下手で申し訳ないですが、しかし、同感です! 現代にもっと洞窟物語が必要だ! 早く発売して欲しいです...。

[@DorperSystems]

TYRONE WHERE ARE MY NEW WEAPONS AND NEW CHARACTERS

[@fuzz409]

Some of these would have been really cool

[@elrobotman9856]

I wish there were articulated figures from the main cast of Cave Story :(

[@Nerdieo]

SAME GOD I'D HAVE THE WHOLE SET

[@johnmanreal9786]

Thank you Nicalis!!!

[@eco1969]

the duality of men

[@johnmanreal9786]

@@eco1969 I was being sarcastic!!!!!

[@eco1969]

@@johnmanreal9786 i know damn, scroll down a little and youll find another comment of mine where i say "FUCK NICALIS!!!!", that why i put that comment about "the duality of men" as you and i were totally opposite examples, although it was quite obvious it was sarcastic i found it humorous to put the comment there as i put my comment after you did but not knowing your comment existed so when i found it it was funny, i wanted to express and share that feeling so thats what i did

[@Digiflower5]

Wow i am so out of the loop with cave story projects. Cool video!

[@Nerdieo]

Glad you enjoyed!! It's kind of wild how many there were!

[@Digiflower5]

@@Nerdieo I know! any recommendations for me. I just subscribed the channel, so I got a backlog to watch. :D Also where can i find the Doctor in Blade strangers footage.

[@Nerdieo]

I'm not used to recommending my old content, but I love the History on Cave Story merchandise! My newest video is also something I put a ton of effort into, but it's quite lengthy!!

[@Digiflower5]

@@Nerdieo Thanks! I'll go check those out!

[@Flashshadow]

Wait, Balrog and The Doctor were gonna be in Blade Strangers with possible 2v2 fights?! Now I REALLY wish they made a Blade Strangers 2! 😲

[@Nerdieo]

IKR?? IT'S LIKE CAVE STORY VS CAPCOM LOL

[@Flashshadow]

@@Nerdieo Quote and Curly already met Astro Boy. Why not have them meet Megaman, too? 😆 If not for potential copyrights we could probably have a Nicallis X Tezuka based on Namco X Capcom! 🤩

[@lemonfed]

at this point I'd be as much happy seeing a kero blaster 2 then a sequel to cave story.

[@Nerdieo]

KB2 would be so incredibly cute!!! I loved KB so much!

[@juiceoverflow]

this game is criminally slept on

[@Nerdieo]

The sad part is, it wasn't at one point!!

[@taciturncreature3939]

How and where did you get these Blade Strangers screenshots and footage of the Doctor?

[@Nerdieo]

The founder of Nicalis posted picture into the Cave Story Discord and posted the footage on their Twitter!

[@justcallmezero.]

I still want to make Cave Story Story myself, its such an interesting idea to me. Hell, after my current projects, I actually plan on doing an unrelated turn based game so.. I might make some kind of mockup as practice. If anyone wants to wait like.. 10+ years for help from a beginner, I'd be totally down to form a team to take it beyond mockup.

[@dotfoxtom5942]

You think they would have made a wearable version of quotes hat. That thing would sell like pan cakes!

[@Nerdieo]

I WOULD SWOOP THAT UP SO FAST OMG

[@dotfoxtom5942]

@@Nerdieo I know right?

[@dotfoxtom5942]

@@Nerdieo I wouldn't even have it as a collectors item, I would wear that in public xD

[@Nerdieo]

It's a cool hat!! I would, too!!

[@ryannixon4138]

THE CAST PIXEL BEING LOST SUCKS however, Cave Story Encore looks great and Im glad to hear about it!!!

[@Nerdieo]

I'm super excited for when the team comes out with more! AND YEAH THE CASTPIXEL REMAKE WAS SUCH A SHAME

[@zeroflafi7690]

neat video as always. I'm still pretty bummed about cave story story, it would've been really nice to see the game in a whole another gameplay style

[@Nerdieo]

Seriously! I really hope I'm proven wrong with that one. (Trying to intentionally jinx myself here)

[@Infinity-sc4bo]

I always thought the Cave Story figures were just Nicalis cockteasing us.

[@Nerdieo]

Not according to Tyrone. Simply just "not cute enough." I want the whole set SO BAD

[@Infinity-sc4bo]

@@Nerdieo I'm not actually that huge of a fan of the style of the figures, and I think it would look better based off the art style in the ending illustrations.

[@cheesycoke]

I hate Nicalis but I would love to buy that Toroko figure they teased, it's so cute.

[@Nerdieo]

Ikr?!

[@dotfoxtom5942]

All I have ever wanted was a wearable quote hat as merch. Seriously it kills me that I Don't have one.

[@dontask8639]

this is literetly my favorite game in the world. Im so happy people know about this game.

[@Nerdieo]

Are you kidding me? I can't shut up about it LOL

[@Vixcitement]

I wish Nicalis was competent. It's 2024 and we've still had none of these projects see the light of day.

[@Rice120]

Cant believe i havent been getting notifications for you missed thid content

[@Nerdieo]

You're all good! I hope you enjoyyyy

[@ohmadda7038]

Where can these beta blade strangers screenshots/clips be found?

[@afroscal]

Nicalis…

[@Nerdieo]

This video truly is a Nicalis Moment

[@neko_birel]

2023 and cave story is still being ignored by nicalis. i feel at this point it cares not for cave story ;w;

[@Nerdieo]

I wouldn't blame Nicalis, there are definitely workers and employees there who care. I shift my roughness towards the higher ups...

[@neko_birel]

Fair enough

[@inceptional]

Here's a game that I would like to see ported to SNES.

[@Thechozengamer734]

Squad unite ❤

[@king-of-a-thing]

Bruh that Doctor moveset looks so dang sick. We were truly robbed.😔😔😔

[@Nerdieo]

I KNOW, RIGHT??

[@ericm215]

The figures should have been pixelated like minecraft ones

[@SproUT150]

Yo if anyone sees this can y’all let me know how to get those tiny stars that orbit quote?

[@Nerdieo]

Talk to Chaba AFTER getting the Spur. Chaba is the Gaudi in the Labyrinth who typically offers you the ability to turn the Polar Star and Fireball into the Snake. If you have the Spur, they'll claim they can't offer you anything as you've already obtained the ultimate weapon. They'll then offer you the Whimsical Star instead.

[@SproUT150]

@@Nerdieo oh thank you!

[@KOOPAS1234]

Nicalis is basically the Disney of Indie companies.

[@Nerdieo]

At least Disney still makes things regularly

[@SpecterPaladin]

What is the labyrinth zone remix used throughout the video?

[@Nerdieo]

"Jenka 2" by Kaseboy Advance From Cave Story Encore

[@SpecterPaladin]

Thanks!

[@Nerdieo]

No problem!!

[@hpl4096]

quote on quote

[@Nerdieo]

...on quote

[@NeritantanGaming]

Someone should lowkey just buy Cave Story from Nicalis

[@Nerdieo]

If I had the money, I'd buy it then resell it to a company that actually cares for it's IP

[@Pirasitel]

Someone should buy Cave Story from that dude: evidently shows not respect for that OG that is CS; truly a shame as for it is the beginning of the great ones, another one that is almost as dead as CS is Off, Undertale really buried everyone.

[@mat_max]

I'll never understand nicalis

[@Nerdieo]

Me either, I wish I did!

[@Isaax]

720p?

[@Nerdieo]

Haha, yeah, sorry. I used to have a really bad laptop for editing and I can't really tell the difference between 720 and 1080, so I just automatically render in 720!

[@dan_crim]

is tyron on discord

[@Nerdieo]

Sometimes!!

[@artey6671]

I know I'm not fully in the picture, but Nicalis does give off a bad impression for sure. They have the reputation of having screwed Pixel over, they have a million scrapped projects, they make announcements and then there's only silence and there's nothing positive to hear about them. Is that really how it is? Maybe they have no money, which is why they never make anything good.

[@robinmoylan662]

bruh the founder is on discord?

[@emanuelpoole3665]

😬 ᑭᖇOᗰOᔕᗰ