After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long!

After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long! is a Japanese-style RPG and visual novel set in a fantasy world, where the protagonist’s life takes an unexpected turn after encountering a catgirl, leading to an overwhelming number of quests. Featuring turn-based gameplay, puzzle elements, and anime-inspired art, the game offers a wholesome romance narrative with five romanceable characters and a dark twist, appealing to completionists through its extensive questlines.

After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long!: Review

Introduction

In the crowded landscape of indie RPGs and visual novels, After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long! stands out as a charming, if somewhat uneven, hybrid experience. Developed by Rascal Devworks, this game blends traditional turn-based combat with romance-driven storytelling, creating a unique narrative experience that appeals to fans of both JRPGs and yuri romance. Released on February 18, 2021, the game quickly garnered attention for its whimsical premise and vibrant cast of characters. However, its execution is a mixed bag, offering moments of genuine emotional depth alongside frustrating pacing and gameplay mechanics that feel outdated. This review will delve into the game’s development history, narrative themes, gameplay systems, and its lasting impact on the indie gaming scene.

Development History & Context

Rascal Devworks, the indie studio behind After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long!, is known for its niche titles that cater to specific audiences, particularly those interested in LGBTQ+ themes and yuri romance. The game was developed using RPG Maker, a tool that has become synonymous with indie JRPGs, allowing small teams to create polished experiences with relatively low overhead. The choice of RPG Maker is evident in the game’s pixel-art aesthetic and traditional turn-based combat, which harkens back to classic JRPGs of the 1990s and early 2000s.

The game’s development was likely influenced by the resurgence of interest in retro-style RPGs and the growing demand for inclusive, diverse narratives in gaming. The late 2010s and early 2020s saw a surge in indie titles that focused on LGBTQ+ representation, and After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long! fits neatly into this trend. The game’s crowdfunding success further underscores its appeal to a dedicated fanbase eager for stories that center queer relationships.

Narrative & Thematic Deep Dive

Plot Overview

The game’s premise is straightforward yet intriguing: Vera, a witch on a patrol mission, witnesses a thunderbolt strike the Elder Tree in the forest. Upon investigating, she encounters a catgirl named Téa, who claims to be from another world called “London.” This encounter sets off a chain of events that leads Vera to form an adventurers’ guild and uncover the mysteries of Morpheya, her own world. The narrative is driven by Vera’s interactions with a diverse cast of characters, each with their own romantic route and unique story arcs.

Characters and Romance Routes

The game features five romanceable characters, each offering a distinct narrative path:

1. Téa: A tsundere catgirl with revolutionary aspirations. Her route explores themes of identity and rebellion, as she grapples with her origins and her place in Morpheya.
2. Reniel: An elf who embodies the blushes of first love. Her route is more traditional, focusing on the tender, awkward stages of a budding romance.
3. Sunny: An alchemist with a strong personality and her own agenda. Her route delves into themes of ambition and the consequences of one’s actions.
4. Celia: A laid-back foxgirl who offers a more casual, outspoken romance. Her route is lighter in tone but still explores deeper emotional connections.
5. Lyra: A roguish character whose route is best experienced last, as it contains spoilers for the other routes. Her story is more complex and ties into the overarching mysteries of Morpheya.

Each route features two endings, encouraging players to explore different choices and outcomes. The game’s narrative is rich with dialogue and cutscenes, many of which are voice-acted, adding a layer of immersion.

Themes and Tone

The game’s themes revolve around love, identity, and the consequences of one’s actions. The romance routes are well-written, offering a mix of humor, drama, and emotional depth. However, the overarching plot, which involves the mysterious “London” world and the true nature of Morpheya, is where the narrative falters. The pacing is often slow, with long stretches of mandatory side quests and dialogue that can feel repetitive. The dark twist mentioned in the game’s description is intriguing but underdeveloped, leaving players with more questions than answers.

Gameplay Mechanics & Systems

Core Gameplay Loop

After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long! is a hybrid of traditional JRPG mechanics and visual novel storytelling. Players explore a pixel-art world, engage in turn-based combat, and complete over 100 quests. The game’s quest-driven narrative allows players to decide how much of the story they want to uncover, adding a sense of agency to the experience.

Combat and Progression

The combat system is classic turn-based, with each character having unique skills and mechanics. Vera, the protagonist, can cast spells that render enemies defenseless or support allies. Reniel excels at offense and defense but must manage cooldowns and debuffs. Sunny uses battle drops to create powerful mixtures that can turn the tide of battle. The synergy between these characters is a highlight, as combining their abilities effectively can lead to devastating combos.

However, the combat can feel grind-heavy, especially for players focused on the story. The difficulty settings allow for some customization, but even on lower difficulties, the sheer number of quests and enemies can be overwhelming. The game’s New Game+ feature, which allows players to skip the initial portion of the game and jump straight into a new route, is a welcome addition for those looking to experience multiple romances without replaying the entire game.

User Interface and Accessibility

The user interface is functional but dated, with a layout that feels reminiscent of early RPG Maker games. The visual novel sections are well-presented, with beautiful character art and expressive animations. However, the combat UI can be clunky, and the lack of a fast-travel system makes navigating the game world tedious at times.

World-Building, Art & Sound

Visual Style

The game’s art style is a mix of pixel art and anime-inspired character designs. The character art by Pham Thai Chau is particularly noteworthy, with expressive, detailed sprites that bring the characters to life. The backgrounds, created by Minikle and The elves background shop, are lush and immersive, adding depth to the game’s world.

Sound Design

The soundtrack complements the game’s whimsical tone, with upbeat tracks during exploration and more somber melodies during dramatic moments. The voice acting is well-done, with standout performances from the cast, including Maisy Kay as Vera and SilkyMilk as Téa. The optional 18+ DLC adds additional voice-acted scenes, though these are few and far between.

Reception & Legacy

Critical and Commercial Reception

Upon its release, After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long! received mixed reviews. Critics praised the game’s charming characters and unique blend of genres but criticized its pacing and repetitive gameplay. The game’s Steam page shows an “Very Positive” rating from users, with 88% of the 109 reviews being positive. The game’s price point and the inclusion of a free 18+ DLC were also highlighted as positives.

Influence and Impact

The game’s influence is primarily felt within the niche communities that appreciate yuri romance and retro-style JRPGs. Its success helped pave the way for other indie titles that blend romance and RPG mechanics, and its themes of LGBTQ+ representation continue to resonate with players. However, its impact on the broader gaming industry is limited, as it lacks the mainstream appeal of larger titles.

Conclusion

After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long! is a game of contradictions. It offers a charming, well-written romance narrative with a cast of memorable characters, but its pacing and gameplay mechanics feel outdated. The game’s blend of turn-based combat and visual novel storytelling is innovative, but the execution is marred by repetitive quests and a lack of polish in certain areas. Despite these flaws, the game’s emotional depth and inclusive themes make it a worthwhile experience for fans of yuri romance and retro-style JRPGs.

In the grand tapestry of video game history, After I Met That Catgirl, My Questlist Got Too Long! occupies a small but significant niche. It is a testament to the power of indie development and the growing demand for diverse, inclusive narratives in gaming. While it may not be a masterpiece, it is a game that deserves recognition for its boldness and heart. For those willing to overlook its flaws, it offers a unique and rewarding experience that blends romance, adventure, and a touch of whimsy.