Cave Story 3D spelunking 3DS

Nippon Ichi is best known for its strategy role-playing games like the Disgaea series, but the niche publisher is making its 3D debut with a decidedly different kind of game. The company today announced it is working with Nicalis to bring the developer's Cave Story franchise to the 3DS this summer.

While Cave Story 3D will feature glasses-free stereoscopic 3D graphics, the game will still play like the side-scrolling action adventure that inspired it. As the title's diminutive protagonist, players will find themselves in a cave with no recollection of the past, but assurance that they must aid a group of adorable rabbit-like critters.

Originally known as Doukutsu Monogatari, Cave Story was first released as a free-to-play PC game in 2004. Nicalis adapted it and released it as a WiiWare title last March, with a DSiWare edition following in November. Nippon Ichi has said it hopes this new version will "bring new life" to the game and make it accessible to new audiences.