CatQuest 3 Review
Release date: August 8, 2024
Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Microsoft Windows, GeForce Now, Xbox Series X and Series S
Genres: Role-playing video game, Adventure game, Indie game, Shooter game, Fighting game, Adventure
Developer: The Gentlebros
Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Series: Cat Quest
Engine: Unity
“Review Copy Provided By Kepler Interactive”
Pirates have long been a staple in video game culture, prominently featured in titles from the adventure classic The Secret of Monkey Island to the multiplayer-focused Sea of Thieves. Despite this, my desire for a cat-themed pirate game remained unmet until Cat Quest 3 made its debut. As a fan of The Gentlebros' previous games and both a cat aficionado and action/RPG enthusiast, my expectations for this latest installment were high. Cat Quest 3 transitions the action from land to sea, setting the player off on a nautical adventure across the Purribean, filled with quests and the thrill of treasure hunting.
In this third entry, players assume the role of a pirate captain on a quest not to save the world or unite realms, but to find the mythical Northern Star in the Purribean. Alongside battling the Pi-rats under the command of the Pirate King, players navigate a narrative rich with puns and light-hearted whimsy, which makes the game both engaging and enjoyable.
Combat in Cat Quest 3 is more dynamic than ever, requiring players to master an array of weapons and magical spells to survive the dangers of the sea. The introduction of naval combat adds a fresh layer to the game's traditional side-scrolling mechanics, incorporating ship management and sea battles. Players can choose from a variety of melee and ranged weapons, along with unique magic wands that offer special attack combos.
The game's visual appeal is undeniable, with a beautifully crafted overworld ripe for exploration, filled with quests and hidden treasures that are crucial for progressing and enhancing your character. Despite some challenges in navigation and occasionally cumbersome ship controls, the game’s extensive customization options allow for varied gameplay styles.
Although I haven't tried the local co-op mode, its presence likely enriches the gaming experience, maintaining the series' spirit of fun and cooperation. Despite minor issues, Cat Quest 3 proves to be an engaging addition to the series, offering a mix of humor, depth, and adventure that will appeal to fans of light-hearted RPGs.
