Find the Cats Review: A Gorgeous, Fleeting Pixel Art Experience

If you have been looking for a new title to scratch that hidden-object itch on your Xbox, Find the Cats has arrived on the store with a unique aesthetic approach. Rather than the standard illustrations found in similar genre titles, this game leans into detailed 2D pixel art. While it is a visually impressive entry, the experience is over almost as soon as it begins.

Pixel Art That Deserves More Time

The standout feature of Find the Cats is undoubtedly its art style. Each level is a carefully crafted pixel diorama that evokes the feeling of 1990s graphic adventures. The environments—ranging from swampy locales to mysterious wizard laboratories—are packed with depth and detail. It is a shame that the gameplay loop forces you to move through them so quickly, as these scenes are lovely enough that you might want to spend time just admiring the view rather than hunting for felines.

A Short, High-Speed Experience

The core issue with Find the Cats is its lack of longevity and challenge. Each of the 30 levels requires you to locate ten cats, but because the pixel art provides such clear contrast between the subjects and their backgrounds, they are rarely difficult to spot. We averaged about 15 seconds per level, meaning the entire game is finished in less than ten minutes.

The game seems to encourage a high-speed approach, perhaps to compensate for the small number of cats per scene. However, this shift away from a 'cozy' pace feels like a misstep. For those who enjoy hidden object games for their relaxing, wind-down qualities, the pressure to play at speed makes the experience feel more like a niche challenge for those chasing achievements rather than an engaging puzzle game.

Verdict

With no highscore tables, randomized cat placements, or additional hidden items to discover, there is little incentive to revisit these levels. Find the Cats is a beautiful collection of art, but as a video game, it struggles to provide enough substance to justify a long-term place in your library.