Paws for Adventure

While I appreciate the CatTails series for capturing the spirit of late 90s 2D MMOs like Nexus, this is closer to what you would expect when you hear the words "cat-themed Zelda clone." Even with (and perhaps benefitting from) the simple PS1/N64 style graphics, the sense of exploration and fun from being able to scamper around the world as a little kitty is unmatched. I would otherwise be harsher on the bugs and control issues, but right now there is nothing else quite like this game, and as such, it is highly recommended.

It's a fun game that feels heavily inspired by the N64 Zelda games, where you travel to different areas collecting items and powers, and there are side areas with puzzles that lead to more power-ups. There's an inventory, a basic crafting system (not grindy), a hunger meter (easy to manage), a quest log, and so on. The biggest drawbacks are some bugs I've encountered, such as Steam not recording time or achievements, being unable to remap controls with Steam Input on PC, and fishing having extremely tight timing that I assume isn't intentional.

Introduction The story begins with Cocoa, a black cat who finds himself living among wild cats in the forest. In his journey, he is given tasks along the way, which then evolve into a sense of duty to save the various cat colonies. The narrative is enriched by the spirits of past cats who guide Cocoa, turning his adventure story into a quest of heroism. It's not overly complex or dialogue-heavy, but it delivers genuine charm and feel-good moments that make you root for Cocoa and his furry friends. Perfect for anyone seeking an uplifting animal adventure. Gameplay Paws for Adventure is built like a retro adventure in the spirit of old-school Zelda, but with its own feline identity. You play Cocoa, a black cat that is taken in by wild cats in the forest, which then pushes you forward through a mix of exploration, hunting, and fighting. Exploration is rewarded through the discovery of hidden locations, treasures, and graves. Resting at the graves of ancestral cats allows players to unlock essential new skills. As you progress and obtain these skills, it allows you to further unlock more of this vast and rich world that the creator put immense effort into for the players to enjoy. Landscapes The world of Paws for Adventure visual styles offers a “2D/3D” hybrid feel that the player may find visually pleasing and perhaps nostalgic. For me, it gives off these MegaMan Legends vibes, from the movement to the vibrant colours. It delivers a “cute” and relaxing aesthetic even during high-stakes adventures. You will come across forests, ponds, meadows, beaches, canyons, dungeons, and more. If you like cozy, handcrafted open-world exploration, then this game is for you. The Audio The game's soundtrack offers a cozy and relaxing aesthetic, which Burter amplifies the calming and natural atmosphere that the creator tries to deliver to his audience. The best parts of any audio are when you are battling normally or against a boss. Having the right tracks makes those fights much more exciting. Audio for this game is actually required when you are given song abilities to use in the field, making audio a crucial component in the game's overall gameplay. I believe having the right music/soundtracks makes you feel more immersed with the game, which it did for me.  Final Thoughts Overall, Paws for Adventure is a great game for fans of classic adventure games and cat enthusiasts. From the gameplay, the enchanting world, and its wholesome story, it stands out as a cozy, nostalgic experience. I recommend this game to any Zelda fans and animal lovers out there.

If you've ever played Zelda and thought, this would be better if I was cat, this game is for you.