A genetically engineered cat with a gun in hand, what could go wrong? That's what we'll see in Super Catboy.
THE GAME
Super Catboy is a platform game developed by Pixelpogo and distributed by Assemble Entertainment. Released from his chemical slumber, our beloved genetically modified cat seeks to put an end to the evil plans of his terrible creator. Alongside his faithful sidekick Weapongirl, Super Catboy will face anthropomorphized dog soldiers, ride a motorcycle and much more in this adventure that pays homage to the games of the 90s.
MY IMPRESSIONS
With all its simplicity, Super Catboy really evokes the feeling of an old game, but with many graphical improvements. The art of the game is very beautiful and colorful. On the other hand, the story takes too long in its dialogues, which is completely contrary to the old games, which were very direct. I believe that in this regard, they have complicated something that should be simple and quick, but which here takes longer than it should. The game does not have subtitles in Portuguese-Brazil, which makes it a little more boring to follow the story.
The gameplay left something to be desired, being very plastered and locked in many aspects. It gets to be frustrating at times, especially when it comes to taking damage. There is no invincibility frame when taking damage from enemies, which leads to situations that leave you stuck until you die. In addition, the game is very punishing in stages where you can fall and die, since in this type of stage there are sequences of quick jumps that require a very quick reaction without knowing what is in front of you, mainly due to the movement of camera.
Each level has three objectives to complete 100%: collect all the coins, defeat all the enemies and get the four pieces of the golden cat. And what do you get out of it? Nothing, really. There are currently no achievements in the game, so there isn't much of a reason or reward for completing all of the level's objectives. Just completing the golden cat gives you an extra life.
Super Catboy is a tribute to Super Nintendo games, even with their flaws. It's funny how in some levels the game is a walk in the park and in others it has frustrating parts without any sense. Overall, the game is pretty easy, but its controls are quite irritating. Still, it's a fun and nostalgic game, very much in the mold of 90's platformers.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Unfortunately, the game has no achievements at the moment. If it's not in the plans, it should be, because there's a lot of possibility to add something else to the game, like, for example, rewarding those who complete all the objectives of the stages.
CONCLUSION
Super Catboy was a rollercoaster of emotions for me. Now I was having fun, passing the levels without difficulty, now I was totally frustrated with the lack of responsiveness of the commands. Playing with the analog controller is a task for those with patience, which I didn't have. This added to the other aspects I mentioned earlier makes me wonder if this isn't on purpose, to really pay homage to the old games. If so, they managed to emulate it properly.
Apart from these aspects that are very punctual, the game is fun and a great pastime. Some polishing in mechanics and introducing achievements to the game would make it much more attractive. I hope these points are being taken into account by the developers, because I believe that this way the game will have more appeal and recognition by the community.
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