Super Puzzled Cat is a highly entertaining game. There is something strangely satisfying about launching a cute, human-like cat with a jetpack into the air and watching it explode (I promise, I’m not that cruel). One of the best things about this game is the puzzles. There are truly a lot of them, set across different biomes like forests and mountains, with a plethora of levels that will keep you entertained for a long time.
Let’s be honest, the graphics are nothing special. However, the simple visuals and charming style pair excellently with the soundtrack. It doesn’t have to look amazing to be fun. Even the sound the cat-woman makes when she dies perfectly fits the game’s quirky theme. Every puzzle in Super Puzzled Cat offers various challenges that are extremely fun and instantly pull you into the game.
You’ll teleport, fly with a jetpack, bounce to jump higher, glide with a parachute, turn into a regular cat to walk on walls, become a bubble to avoid spikes on the terrain, or even a ghost to pass through walls, all to reach the ball of yarn. Along the way, you can collect coins to buy items in the shop. Some items are hidden on specific maps, which adds an extra layer of fun as you explore and try to find everything the game offers.
Super Puzzled Cat is an easy game to pick up and play. Most of the gameplay involves platforming, and the abilities you collect are simple to use, which makes transitioning through each level smooth. The levels are very well-designed, with a clearly large amount of effort put into their layout. They are also not overly difficult, which makes the game enjoyable for all types of puzzle fans. One of the most notable features is the intuitive traps that genuinely force you to think and test your creativity, often encouraging you to solve puzzles in unexpected, innovative ways.
The game is also tailored for speedrunners, which is clear in the cleverly designed levels. For instance, it encourages you to complete levels within a time limit to unlock items. However, these items don’t significantly change the gameplay; they just ease some aspects of the game. An example of such an item is the binoculars, which allow you to thoroughly study the map before starting a puzzle.
Another excellent feature is the ability to save your progress at multiple points within a level. If you reach a certain part of a level, you can save the game and return later if you fail, which makes the game more lenient towards players. Furthermore, you don’t have to complete every single level—if one is too difficult, you can skip it and come back later. Also, it’s not necessary to finish all levels to advance to the next stage of the game.
It is sometimes surprising how well the game incorporates certain puzzle elements, such as keys to unlock specific areas or performing karate kicks and shooting a pistol to reach different parts of the map. It can sometimes be frustrating when puzzles try too hard to be visually beautiful while forgetting the importance of the gameplay itself, which is absolutely not the case with this game. The background aspect of the game also fits the style very well and isn’t too intrusive, which is a good thing as it prevents the space from feeling empty.
Ultimately, everything about this game feels like it’s on another level, especially because of the creative ways you can solve the puzzles. Don’t be too hard on yourself if you spend hours trying to finish a level; there’s something incredibly satisfying about the feeling when you finally solve it. You feel smart, and the game has a certain addictive charm that keeps you coming back.
Playing Super Puzzled Cat reminded me of Super Mario, thanks to the speedrunning elements. In a way, the game can stand alongside those classics. The only minor complaint I have is that it was clearly designed with controllers in mind, so the keyboard can feel a bit awkward. Fortunately, it is possible to customize the controls as you wish, but it’s definitely easier to play with a controller.
All in all, Super Puzzled Cat is a fantastic game to start the year, especially if you’re looking for something new to play. Even if you’re not a huge fan of puzzles, this game has a way of drawing you in and keeping you hooked.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Creative puzzle mechanics. | Clunky keyboard controls. |
| Well designed levels. | |
| Flexible progression. | |
| Speedrun characteristics. |
Review copy provided by the publisher
