Editorial: *Cats Around Us: Giant Cat* – Is This Feline's Pounce an Evolution or Just a Cozy Nap?
Another feline-themed puzzle game has landed on Xbox, but Cats Around Us: Giant Cat isn't just another casual entry. From the creators of the Cats & Seek series, this latest hidden-object title arrives on Xbox One and Series X|S with the explicit promise of more content and improved polish, aiming to redeem a franchise previously criticized for its shallow offerings. We’ve taken an early look to see if this colossal cat can truly pounce into our hearts, or if it merely naps on past shortcomings.
The Shadow of Past Puzzles: Where *Cats & Seek* Fell Short
As veteran gamers, we remember the Cats & Seek series, specifically its earlier entries like Osaka and Kyoto. While charming in their visual style – a definite point in their favor – our internal reviews and the broader player sentiment consistently highlighted a significant content drought. Frankly, these were often perceived as fleeting experiences, clocking in with scores that reflected their brevity: 2.5/5 for Osaka and 3/5 for Kyoto. The primary complaint was simple: not enough there there. We heard the frustration, as players felt 'seriously low in content,' despite the budget price point. It left many feeling like they'd finished a demo, not a full game. It’s crucial context for understanding the potential impact of Giant Cat.
A Giant Leap or a Gentle Stretch? What *Cats Around Us* Brings
This time, however, the development teams at Silesia Games and Noobzilla appear to have listened. Cats Around Us: Giant Cat positions itself as a more robust offering, attempting to expand beyond its predecessors’ lean structure. Instead of a handful of isolated hidden-cat hunts, we're presented with a charming, comic-inspired village completely taken over by a slumbering giant feline. The core loop remains familiar: find over 200 hidden objects across four beautifully illustrated comic pages. But critically, each page now integrates its own jigsaw puzzle, a welcome addition that not only diversifies gameplay but potentially deepens the 'story' element, however cozy it may be. This is a noticeable Quality of Life (QoL) improvement for both replayability and player engagement.
Key Features: Our Assessment
- 200+ Hidden Objects: A solid baseline for the genre, suggesting a decent length for its price point.
- Photo & Paint Mode: This feature, allowing players to capture and color each scene, is a smart touch. It enhances the artistic gameplay loop and provides an additional layer of interaction beyond just finding objects. It's a low-stress creative outlet perfect for the target audience.
- Adjustable Visual Settings: Options for colors, brightness, and contrast are not just QoL; they're essential accessibility features. This demonstrates a thoughtful approach to player comfort, something often overlooked in smaller titles.
- Cozy Storybook Visuals: The art style is a definite strength, maintaining the charm of previous entries while aiming for a more immersive 'comic-page' feel.
The Value Proposition: Is £2.49 a Smart Pick-Up?
At a modest £2.49 on the Xbox Store, Cats Around Us: Giant Cat enters a competitive casual space. For the dedicated cat enthusiast, a younger gamer, or someone simply seeking a genuinely 'stress-free adventure' to unwind with after a particularly intense session of a competitive multiplayer title, this could be a no-brainer. The combination of hidden-object gameplay, interactive comic storytelling, and paintable scenes makes it a light but engaging addition to an Xbox library.
To put its evolution in perspective, let’s look at how it stacks up against its predecessors:
| Game Title | Content Scope | Key Features Beyond Hidden Objects | In Game News Initial Score/Sentiment | Price Point (£) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cats & Seek: Osaka | Low content, limited pages. | Minimal. | 2.5/5 - "Seriously low in content," "sorely frustrated." | Budget (similar) |
| Cats & Seek: Kyoto | Low content, limited pages. | Minimal. | 3/5 - "Lacking in content," "just about satisfying for a short session." | Budget (similar) |
| Cats Around Us: Giant Cat | More pages (4 comic pages), 200+ objects. | Jigsaw puzzles per page, Photo & Paint Mode, Adjustable visuals (QoL). | Cautiously Optimistic – Appears to address prior content issues. | 2.49 |
Final Thoughts: A Promising Iteration
While we still await our full, comprehensive review to confirm its long-term appeal and true replayability, our initial assessment is cautiously optimistic. Cats Around Us: Giant Cat seems to be more than just a quick cash-in on a cute premise. It signals a developer willing to listen to feedback and iterate on its core formula, offering a more complete package that respects both the player's time and their wallet. If you're looking for a relaxing, art-driven puzzle game to unwind with, or simply need your daily dose of digital feline charm, this latest entry might just be worth its paltry asking price. We'll be diving deeper soon, but for now, consider this giant cat a promising, albeit cozy, contender in the Xbox indie scene.