Find Cats

Find Cats is a meditative puzzle game where players search for hidden feline friends in a serene, side-view environment. Developed by Harbin Happy Fish Technology Co., Ltd., the game offers a relaxing, point-and-select interface, blending hidden object gameplay with a tranquil, Zen-like pacing. Released in April 2024 for Windows, it invites players to unwind while exploring charming scenes to locate elusive cats.

Find Cats: A Purr-fectly Mediocre Hidden Object Game

Introduction

In the vast and ever-expanding universe of video games, there are titles that redefine genres, push technological boundaries, and leave an indelible mark on the industry. Then, there are games like Find Cats, a title that, while not groundbreaking, offers a simple, meditative experience for cat lovers. Released on April 2, 2024, by Harbin Happy Fish Technology Co., Ltd, Find Cats is a hidden object game that tasks players with finding cats across various maps. This review will delve into the game’s development, gameplay mechanics, reception, and its place in the broader context of cat-themed games.

Development History & Context

Find Cats was developed and published by Harbin Happy Fish Technology Co., Ltd, a relatively unknown studio in the gaming industry. The game was released on Windows via Steam, with a price tag of $0.99, making it an accessible title for casual gamers. The development of Find Cats seems to have been straightforward, with no significant technological constraints or innovative breakthroughs. The game was built using the Godot engine, a free and open-source game engine that has gained popularity among indie developers for its flexibility and ease of use.

The gaming landscape in 2024 was marked by a continued interest in indie games, particularly those that offered relaxing and meditative experiences. Games like Stray and Little Kitty, Big City had already set a high bar for cat-themed games, blending engaging narratives with charming feline protagonists. Find Cats, however, takes a different approach, focusing solely on the hidden object genre, a niche that has seen a resurgence in recent years.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Find Cats does not boast a complex narrative or deep thematic elements. The game’s premise is simple: find cats hidden across various maps. The official description on Steam states, “A cute game for cat lovers of all ages! There are several maps and the opportunity to look for furry ones that are hiding intelligently!” This straightforward approach is both the game’s strength and its limitation. While it offers a relaxing and meditative experience, it lacks the depth and engagement found in other cat-themed games.

The game features six maps, with three of them being hidden maps, and a total of 300 cats to find, 10% of which are hidden. The demo version of the game offers a smaller experience with only 100 cats to find. The lack of a narrative or character development means that the game relies entirely on its gameplay mechanics to keep players engaged.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Find Cats is a hidden object game with a side-view perspective and a meditative/zen pacing. The gameplay is straightforward: players must point and select to find cats hidden within the game’s various maps. The game’s interface is simple and intuitive, making it easy for players of all ages to pick up and play.

The core gameplay loop involves scanning the environment for cats, which can be hidden in various locations, such as behind objects, in trees, or even in plain sight. The game’s meditative pacing makes it a relaxing experience, perfect for players looking to unwind. However, the lack of variety in gameplay mechanics can make the experience repetitive over time.

One of the game’s few innovative features is the inclusion of hidden maps and cats, which adds a layer of challenge for players looking to complete the game fully. However, the overall gameplay experience is relatively basic, with no significant progression systems or combat mechanics to speak of.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Find Cats features a simple and charming art style that is well-suited to its hidden object gameplay. The game’s maps are designed with a variety of environments, from urban settings to more natural landscapes, each with its unique aesthetic. The cats themselves are cute and well-designed, with a variety of colors and patterns to keep the visual experience engaging.

The sound design in Find Cats is minimal but effective. The game features a relaxing soundtrack that complements its meditative pacing. Sound effects are used sparingly, with the occasional meow or purr adding to the game’s charming atmosphere. While the sound design is not groundbreaking, it serves its purpose well, enhancing the overall experience without being intrusive.

Reception & Legacy

As of the time of writing, Find Cats has not received any critic reviews on platforms like Metacritic or OpenCritic. The game’s reception among players is also limited, with no user reviews available on these platforms. This lack of reception data makes it difficult to gauge the game’s impact or popularity accurately.

However, the game’s presence on Steam and its inclusion in lists of cat-themed games suggest that it has found a niche audience among cat lovers and fans of hidden object games. The game’s simple premise and relaxing gameplay make it an accessible title for casual gamers, and its low price point makes it an easy purchase for those looking for a quick and enjoyable experience.

Conclusion

Find Cats is a simple and charming hidden object game that offers a relaxing and meditative experience for cat lovers. While it lacks the depth and complexity of other cat-themed games like Stray or Little Kitty, Big City, it provides a straightforward and enjoyable experience that is perfect for casual gamers. The game’s simple premise, charming art style, and relaxing soundtrack make it a worthwhile purchase for those looking for a quick and enjoyable hidden object game.

However, the lack of narrative depth, variety in gameplay mechanics, and significant progression systems means that Find Cats is unlikely to leave a lasting impact on the gaming industry. It is a game that is best enjoyed in short bursts, offering a brief escape into a world of hidden cats and charming environments. For those looking for a more engaging and immersive cat-themed experience, other titles like Stray or Little Kitty, Big City may be more suitable.

In the grand scheme of video game history, Find Cats is a minor title that offers a simple and enjoyable experience for a niche audience. It is not a game that will redefine the hidden object genre or push technological boundaries, but it is a charming and relaxing title that cat lovers and casual gamers may enjoy. For those looking for a quick and enjoyable hidden object game, Find Cats is a purr-fectly mediocre choice.