Cat-based games seem in vogue at the moment thanks to the likes of Stray and Little Kitty Big City, and now we can add A Cat and his Boy to that list of feline-themed games.
As you can probably deduce from the screenshot, A Cat and his Boy was originally developed for the Game Boy.
The game is a top-down adventure in which you, playing the role of the titular cat, must try to cheer up the titular boy, who is struggling mentally due to his parents’ divorce.
I’m sure this is a scenario with which many can relate, and playing the game could perhaps even act as catharsis for children who are currently working through similar issues.
One of the ways in which modern indie games have really established themselves as unique experiences is by utilising retro gaming genres to explore real-world issues and traumas, and so it is with A Boy and his Cat.
Putting aside the game’s weighty overarching themes for a moment, A Cat and His Boy is a thoughtfully crafted adventure game that tells a compelling story via utterly charming graphics and engaging and endearing characters, which all make it well worth playing regardless of the issues it explores. However, it’s the combination of a charming adventure game with weightier issues that makes A Cat and his Boy such a special experience.
The game’s control mechanism is simple but effective, making the game a pleasure to play. And despite dealing with such serious subject matter, there are some genuinely funny moments in the game, including some delightful surprises to uncover.
If you’re a fan of either old-school Game Boy adventuring or of indie games exploring meaty topics (or both), then A Cat and his Boy is erm, “purrfect” for you, and you should head to the eshop to adopt it immediately!
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