Long before Bloodborne, the Blood-Stained Sanctuary of Cave Story consistently spiked my heart rate in a way no other video game had before. I remember staying up past my bedtime on my DSi, feeling so much pride the moment I finally beat it and got the true ending, the concept of which was also pretty new to me. There is something so personal, beautiful and tragic about this story and world, and all throughout my time with the game I remember thinking how unbelievable it was that just one person made it. I don't think I realized how profoundly inspiring that thought was to me until writing this.

This was the first indie title I'd ever played. It's the (rather unfair) standard I hold all the rest to in one way or another.