Cat Quest II

Cat Quest II is a charming action RPG set in a whimsical fantasy world where players control two rival cat kingdoms, the Lupus Empire and the Felingard Republic, as they embark on a quest to reclaim their stolen thrones. The game features a vibrant 2D open world, real-time combat, and cooperative multiplayer, allowing players to team up locally or online. With its delightful art style, engaging hack-and-slash gameplay, and lighthearted humor, Cat Quest II offers a fun and accessible adventure for both solo players and duos.

Cat Quest II: A Purr-fect Evolution of the Feline Fantasy RPG

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of indie RPGs, few titles manage to carve out a niche as distinct and endearing as Cat Quest II. Released in 2019 by Singaporean studio The Gentlebros, this sequel to the surprise hit Cat Quest (2017) expands its universe with a bold new premise: a war between cats and dogs, resolved through the unlikely alliance of two deposed kings. With its charming art style, pun-filled dialogue, and accessible yet engaging gameplay, Cat Quest II stands as a testament to how a sequel can refine and elevate its predecessor while retaining its core identity.

This review will delve deeply into the game’s development history, narrative and thematic depth, gameplay mechanics, world-building, and its lasting impact on the indie RPG genre. By synthesizing critical reception, player feedback, and developer insights, we aim to provide a comprehensive analysis of why Cat Quest II is more than just a cute diversion—it’s a carefully crafted experience that appeals to both casual players and RPG enthusiasts alike.

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Development History & Context

The Gentlebros: From Humble Beginnings to Feline Fame

The Gentlebros, a small indie studio based in Singapore, first gained recognition with Slashy Hero (2015), a mobile action game that showcased their knack for tight gameplay and whimsical design. Their breakthrough came with Cat Quest (2017), a 2D open-world action RPG that combined simple mechanics with an overflowing abundance of cat puns. The game’s success—selling between 400,000 and 500,000 copies—proved there was a hungry audience for lighthearted, accessible RPGs with a sense of humor.

Cat Quest II was announced in May 2018 under the subtitle The Lupus Empire, signaling a major expansion of the original’s world. The sequel introduced dogs as a playable faction, a larger open world, and—most significantly—local co-op gameplay. According to co-founder Desmond Wong, the decision to add co-op was driven by fan feedback, particularly from players who wanted to share the experience with family members or significant others. This focus on accessibility and social play would become a defining feature of the sequel.

Technological Constraints and Design Challenges

Despite its modest scope, Cat Quest II faced significant development hurdles. The team rebuilt their engine from scratch to accommodate co-op mechanics, which required reworking core systems like character switching and AI companion behavior. Wong admitted in a 2020 interview with Red Hare Studios that this decision led to delays, as the studio had to balance ambition with their limited resources (a team of just four developers).

The game’s art style, a vibrant 2D aesthetic reminiscent of storybook illustrations, was retained from the first game but expanded with new environments and character designs. Composer Brian Havey (Zminusone) returned to craft an orchestral soundtrack that blended adventurous themes with playful whimsy, further enhancing the game’s fairy-tale atmosphere.

The Gaming Landscape in 2019

Cat Quest II launched into a market dominated by sprawling open-world RPGs like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Red Dead Redemption 2. However, its niche appeal—combining accessibility, humor, and co-op—allowed it to stand out. The game’s release on Apple Arcade in September 2019 as a launch title further boosted its visibility, introducing it to a broader audience of mobile gamers.

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Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

A Tale of Two Kings: Plot Summary

Cat Quest II opens with a prophecy: a cat and dog king, once corrupted by evil, will return to reclaim their thrones and restore peace. Players take on the roles of these two monarchs, awakened by the spirit Kirry, who reveals that their kingdoms—Felingard (cats) and the Lupus Empire (dogs)—have been usurped by the tyrannical Lioner and Wolfen. The heroes embark on a quest to forge the legendary Kingsblade, a weapon capable of defeating the true villain: Aelius, a malevolent entity manipulating the war between cats and dogs.

The story’s twist—revealing that the protagonists are alternate-timeline versions of Lioner and Wolfen—adds depth to what could have been a straightforward fantasy adventure. Themes of redemption, unity, and the futility of prejudice are woven into the narrative, though always delivered with a light touch. The post-credits tease of Aelius’s survival sets the stage for Cat Quest III (2024), where the villain’s “Apawcalypse” becomes a central conflict.

Themes: Unity, Redemption, and the Power of Puns

At its core, Cat Quest II is a story about overcoming division. The rivalry between cats and dogs serves as an allegory for real-world conflicts, resolved not through violence but through cooperation. This theme is reinforced by the game’s co-op mechanics, where players must work together to succeed.

The game’s humor is another standout feature. Puns are not just incidental—they’re a core part of the world-building. From location names like “Catpital City” to character titles like “dRATcula,” the writing team’s commitment to wordplay creates a consistently playful tone. Critics praised this approach, with Nintendo Life calling it “infectious humour which never fails to bring a smile to your face.”

Characters: More Than Just Cute Faces

While the protagonists remain nameless, their designs and abilities reflect their species’ stereotypes: the cat is agile and magic-focused, while the dog is sturdy and melee-oriented. Supporting characters, such as the mischievous spirit Kirry and the villainous Aelius, add layers to the narrative. The game’s antagonist is particularly notable for his role as a recurring threat across the series, culminating in Cat Quest III.

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Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop: Simple Yet Satisfying

Cat Quest II retains the action-RPG foundation of its predecessor but expands it with new mechanics:

• Dual Protagonists: Players control both a cat and dog, switching between them in single-player or teaming up in co-op. Each character has unique strengths, encouraging strategic play.
• Combat: Real-time action with dodge rolls, melee attacks, and spellcasting. The mana-on-hit system rewards aggressive play, while elemental spells (e.g., freeze + shatter combos) add depth.
• Progression: Loot-driven upgrades, with gear and spells found in dungeons or purchased from vendors. The game’s generous XP and gold rewards ensure steady progression without excessive grinding.
• Dungeons: Bite-sized, procedurally generated challenges with clear difficulty markers. While some critics noted repetitiveness, the dungeons’ brevity makes them ideal for short play sessions.

Co-Op: The Heart of the Experience

The addition of local co-op is Cat Quest II’s most significant innovation. Players can drop in or out seamlessly, with the AI taking over the second character in single-player. The synergy between the cat’s magic and the dog’s melee creates dynamic combat scenarios, such as freezing enemies for shatter combos or oiling foes for fire attacks.

Critics universally praised the co-op mode. PlayStation Universe called it “a breath of fresh air in the overcrowded role-playing game genre,” while Hardcore Gamer noted that it “may appeal to those that did not enjoy Cat Quest.” The lack of online co-op was a minor criticism, but the game’s focus on couch play aligns with its family-friendly appeal.

UI and Accessibility

The game’s interface is streamlined for accessibility, with clear quest markers, fast travel, and intuitive controls. The absence of microtransactions and the game’s forgiving difficulty curve make it an excellent entry point for younger or less experienced players.

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World-Building, Art & Sound

A Fantasy Realm of Cats and Dogs

Cat Quest II’s world is divided into two kingdoms: Felingard, a lush feline realm, and the Lupus Empire, a desert canine territory. Each area is distinct in both aesthetics and enemy types, encouraging players to adapt their strategies. The game’s art style—bright, cartoonish, and detailed—creates a sense of wonder, with towns acting as cheerful pit stops and dungeons offering varied challenges.

Sound Design: Whimsical and Immersive

Brian Havey’s soundtrack enhances the game’s adventurous tone, with tracks like “Catventure!” capturing the spirit of exploration. Sound effects are crisp and functional, providing clear feedback during combat. The absence of voice acting is a deliberate choice, allowing the game’s visuals and text to convey its charm.

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Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Success

Cat Quest II received “generally favorable” reviews, with Metacritic scores ranging from 76 to 78 across platforms. Critics praised its charm, accessibility, and co-op mechanics, though some noted repetitive dungeon designs. The game’s commercial performance was strong, contributing to the Cat Quest series’ 1.3 million units sold by 2020.

Influence on the Indie RPG Genre

The game’s success demonstrated the viability of lighthearted, co-op-focused RPGs in a market dominated by darker, more complex titles. Its emphasis on accessibility and humor has influenced subsequent indie RPGs, while its pun-filled writing has become a hallmark of the Cat Quest series.

The Road to Cat Quest III

The sequel’s narrative and mechanical foundations paved the way for Cat Quest III (2024), which expanded the formula with pirate-themed exploration and naval combat. The series’ enduring appeal lies in its ability to balance simplicity with depth, making it a standout in the indie RPG landscape.

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Conclusion: A Purr-fect Sequel

Cat Quest II is a masterclass in how to evolve a sequel without losing sight of what made the original special. By expanding its world, refining its mechanics, and introducing co-op gameplay, The Gentlebros created a game that is both accessible and engaging. Its charming art style, pun-filled dialogue, and emphasis on cooperation make it a standout title in the indie RPG genre.

While it may not offer the depth of a Dark Souls or the scale of a Breath of the Wild, Cat Quest II succeeds on its own terms: as a delightful, bite-sized adventure that can be enjoyed alone or with a friend. For players seeking a lighthearted yet satisfying RPG experience, it remains a must-play.

Final Verdict: 8.5/10 – A charming, co-op-friendly RPG that purrs with personality.