Cat Quest

A Great Catventure With Imaginative Fetch Quests - Does It Break Genre Conventions Yet?

Yeah, you heard it right. Cat Quest calls you on an epic catventure, a test of bravery, strength, and resilience. Can you prevail over all the dangerous enemies while sitting in your bed with a cup of hot chocolate? That's a trial hardly any man or woman has gotten through. Up until the day this game came out!

A sepia picture of a dragon in the left upper corner that attacks a spell-casting cat in the right lower corner. The center of the picture features brown words: 'Long ago, dragons ravaged the lands.'

Plot - 9/10

At first, the plot doesn't inspire much. Even considering the fact that it's heavily based on parodic elements and the story is supposed to be some sort of caricature, it rather feels like a mockery of itself. You're a simple guy whose sister is abducted by a mysterious villain. Around that time, it turns out you're a Dragonblood - a legendary warrior that can kill dragons. And now your mission is to grow stronger to defeat the villain - all so you can save your sister. Simple. But those unpolished dialogues! The authors went too far with the caricature.

A blue spirit-cat says: "Geez Drakoth, you're like the most generic villain ever!"

Then the second half of the plot begins. And it's a lot better. It even smooths over - although a little - some snags from the first half. In addition, the ending will have something to offer too, changing our views on the whole situation completely.

Besides the main storyline, there are different side quests - and that's where the real treasure trove is. These short missions are on a completely different level. Despite their number, they don't repeat each other. Despite being mostly fetch quests, they tell interesting stories, take unexpected turns, and apply unique ideas. Just look at the story of Twin Towns! Besides, the use of references prevails everywhere in the game. You can encounter such places as Bermewda's Triangle and Twin Peaks or hear someone mention (and not only mention) a devious Cathulhu. Definitely one of the best side quests I've seen in a long time.

A notice that says: 'A strange monster stole our Kitmas presents! HEEEEEELP!!'

Gameplay - 8/10

The gameplay is neat. You basically have only a few mechanics: fighting (weapons and some spells), walking on water, and flying (these will become available later on). Every mechanic is polished and works really well, I had no qualms with any of them. The only problem is the lack of variety - Cat Quest is presented as an RPG, but I would argue against that. Too few actions to take in the world, too few possibilities for character development, and too many fights.

Green fields on which there is a cat in an armor surrounded by golden light and flame. He fights against a blue wyvern that creates red arrows and circles.

Graphics & Visual Design - 10/10

The game chooses to blow us away with its curious design the very instant we start playing. It combines a cute (how could it not - it's a game about the best of the best - cats) and a stern look (it's a game about battles - we can't escape the harsh reality). It certainly was no small feat to achieve that, and moreover - make it seem natural. Easily could be a textbook example of creating a distinctive look for a video game.

The picture features beautiful green fields, mountains, forests, some buildings, characters, etc.

Soundtrack - 9/10

The soundtrack is not full of ingenious compositions akin to those of Skyrim or The Witcher 3, but it's epic and quite energetic. It aligns well with fights and other possible events, be it drama or a comedic occasion. Besides, all the time while playing I had the feeling I heard something similar... Like all the musical pieces were references to soundtracks from other games. Not sure if that's true, but in any case this music will not leave you indifferent.

Atmosphere - 7/10

Because of the brief dialogues and hasty action, it's not that easy to create a profound sense of atmosphere. The developers couldn't work around this problem either - Cat Quest feels too rushed and perfunctory, without anything deeper that would make you remember the game years and years later. Still, the stories you encounter in the world are consistent, and in combination with the soundtrack and graphics, they might be enough to enjoy the game in the moment.

A cat stands in a dark room on a galactic spiral, surrounded by dark orbs, one of which is flaming. There's a light doorway in the back.

Verdict - 9/10

If you've always wanted a pawsome game to relax with in the evening or a game with cat heroes that battle for the good of the world - Cat Quest is definitely the right choice for you! But even if you haven't, you still should consider trying it out - the game might surprise and immerse you in its colorful fields and dark dungeons.