Cat Quest III, developed by The Gentlebros and published by Kepler Interactive, whisks players away on another delightful adventure in a series that’s now been running for about a decade. This time, you’re setting sail in a pirate-themed world known as the Purribean. And if that didn’t give it away yet, this third installment in the Cat Quest series offers another mix of charm, humor, and engaging gameplay. The kind that fans have come to expect, while introducing new mechanics that keep the experience fresh and exciting. We tested the PlayStation 5 version.
The narrative of Cat Quest III centers on a ‘purrivateer’ (yes, really), exploring the archipelago in search of the mythical Northern Star. The storyline, though lighthearted, is packed with charming dialogue and quirky characters that add depth and enjoyment to the journey. The Purribean setting is a lively and dynamic world, filled with varied biomes and dungeons that are as fun to explore as they are visually appealing.
The gameplay mechanics in Cat Quest III have seen significant refinements. The combat system, in particular, feels more polished, featuring tighter attack combos and the ability to swap weapons on the fly. This adds a layer of strategy to battles, while making them more engaging and satisfying in the process. The introduction of ship-based exploration is another good feature, allowing players to seamlessly transition from sea to land, adding a new dimension of exploration to the adventure. And sailing the Purribean is not only visually delightful, but also introduces naval battles that spice up the gameplay.
One of the highlights of Cat Quest III is how easy and accessible it is to play. The game is designed to be enjoyed solo or in local co-op, making it a perfect choice for both single players and those looking to share the adventure with a friend. The local co-op mode works seamlessly, providing a cooperative experience that enhances the overall fun, and we couldn’t recommend it more.
Visually, Cat Quest III is also a treat. The hand-drawn art style is both adorable and detailed, bringing the world of the Purribean to life. The character designs are charming, and the animations are fluid, ensuring that the game is almost as enjoyable to watch as it is to play. The audio complements the visuals perfectly, with a jaunty soundtrack that sets the tone for your pirate adventures, along with sound effects that add a touch of whimsy to the gameplay.
Cat Quest III’s lighthearted tone and relatively straightforward gameplay might not appeal to those looking for a more serious or challenging experience though, so that is something to keep in mind. Additionally, while the new features and refinements are welcome, some players might find that the core gameplay loop feels a bit repetitive over time. However, these are minor quibbles in what is otherwise a thoroughly enjoyable game, and if you enjoyed the previous Cat Quest games you’ll love this one as well.
In conclusion, Cat Quest III successfully builds on the strengths of its predecessors while introducing enough new features and optimizations to keep the experience fresh and engaging. Its blend of charming narrative, refined gameplay mechanics, and vibrant visuals makes it a standout title in the more lighthearted action RPG genre. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the series or a newcomer, Cat Quest III offers a delightful adventure that’s well worth embarking on.
Score: 8.0/10
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