Copycat Review

Copycat isn’t your typical cat game. Sure, you play as Dawn, a charming shelter cat adjusting to her new home. But beneath the surface of adorable kitty antics lies a deeper story about acceptance, loss, and the enduring power of friendship. Is Copycat a heartwarming cuddle puddle of purrfect gameplay, or a frustrating exercise in feline futility? Let’s delve into the world of Copycat to find out!

A Feline Adventure

Copycat follows the heart-warming story of Dawn, a spunky shelter cat who’s finally found her forever home with Olive, a kind and caring elderly woman who has chosen to adopt her. But her newfound happiness is shattered by the arrival of a newcomer – a copycat replicating her every move! Dawn’s world is turned upside down as she grapples with feelings of rejection and fights to win back the love of her human family.

Copycat offers a unique blend of puzzle-solving and narrative-driven gameplay, inviting players to immerse themselves in the emotional journey of Dawn. The game’s deliberate pacing allows players to savour every moment, taking in the beautiful environments and appreciating the subtle nuances of the story.

As players navigate through the game’s levels, they’ll encounter a variety of puzzles that require creative thinking and problem-solving skills. From deciphering hidden codes to finding clever ways to overcome obstacles, these puzzles are designed to challenge players while also rewarding them with a sense of accomplishment.

The gameplay is enhanced by the game’s charming and interactive environments. Players can explore the world at their own pace, discovering hidden secrets and interacting with objects in a way that feels natural and intuitive. The environments are filled with details that bring the world to life, making it a joy to explore.

For example, nothing feels quite as empowering as walking along the edges of surfaces, knocking every single item off of said surface just for the fun of it. Not only is it what cats do, but it’s fun too!

A Purrfect Partnership

One of the most heart-warming aspects of Copycat is the blossoming friendship between Dawn and her human owner, Olive. Olive serves as a mentor, confidante, and unwavering support system for Dawn, providing her with guidance, encouragement, and unconditional love. Their bond is a testament to the power of human-animal companionship and the positive impact that animals can have on our lives.

Olive’s presence in Dawn’s life is essential to her growth and development. She helps Dawn navigate the challenges of her new environment, teaches her important life skills, and provides a safe and loving space for Dawn to feel at home. Olive’s unwavering support and belief in Dawn’s abilities give her the confidence and courage to overcome obstacles and find her place in the world.

The interaction between Dawn and Olive is beautifully integrated into the gameplay. Players can choose how to approach situations, typically by being given two options to choose from (although there are sometimes more). Whether relying solely on Dawn’s abilities or seeking Olive’s assistance, these choices can significantly impact the story’s outcome, further demonstrating the agency players have in shaping Dawn’s journey.

The bond between Dawn and Olive is a central theme in Copycat, highlighting the importance of human-animal companionship and the positive impact that animals can have on our lives. It’s a reminder that animals can offer us unwavering love, loyalty, and a sense of belonging.

It is also worth mentioning that there is a dedicated miaow button, which you can use as often as you like!

A Cat’s-Eye View of the World

Copycat‘s vibrant and colourful art style brings the world to life, immersing players in a visually stunning experience. The environments are meticulously crafted, with every detail carefully considered to create a sense of wonder and enchantment. From the cosy living room to the sprawling backyard, each location is filled with character and charm.

The character designs are equally impressive, capturing the unique personalities of Dawn, Olive, and the other characters in the game. Each cat has a distinct appearance that reflects their individual traits, making them instantly recognisable and endearing. The animations are smooth and fluid, bringing the characters to life in a way that is both playful and expressive.

Unfortunately, there is an issue with clipping, to the point where in the early game it is in fact possible to clip through the closed garage door and emerge into the world outside! Naturally, this is immersion-breaking, but is probably easily fixable by a simple update.

The game’s audio perfectly complements the narrative throughout, adding emotional depth and enhancing the overall experience. The music is both soothing and uplifting, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that draws players into the world of Copycat. The sound effects are also well-crafted, adding to the immersive quality of the game.

Whiskers of Replayability

Copycat is a relatively short experience, clocking in at around 2-3 hours for completion. However, the emotional impact of the story lingers long after the credits roll. The game offers multiple endings, encouraging players to revisit the story and make different choices.

While the lack of extensive post-game content may leave some wanting more, Copycat‘s strength lies in its concise and impactful narrative told in a simple yet powerful way.

Conclusion

Copycat is a unique and unforgettable experience that will stay with you long after you put down the controller. While the short playtime may leave some wanting more, the game’s emotional impact is undeniable. There are frequent issues with clipping, which can become immersion-breaking at points. However, this will probably be rectified in a future update.

With its charming visuals, inventive puzzles, and heart-warming story, Copycat is a must-play for anyone who’s ever felt like an outsider or craved the unconditional love of a furry friend!

Pros and Cons

Grade: 7.5/10