Captain Cat is a one-button action puzzle game that is easy to play but will require some trial-and-error to perfect. Feeling like it was ported from a mobile environment and taking place on a single screen, the player controls a cat on a tugboat at the top of the screen. Once in position, the player drops the anchor which acts like an arrow shot from a bow. The anchor constantly swings back and forth and the player must use reaction time to determine its trajectory by holding the “A” button. The goal is to hook the fish at the bottom of the screen while collecting coins along the way. Each stage can award up to three stars, one for completing the stage in a short amount of time, the other for snagging all the coins, and the final one for using the shortest amount of moves, aka knots.
Besides the 50 standard stages, the player can also unlock Housekeeping mode after collecting 40 stars, play Perfect mode which only allows the player one move, and Infinite mode that drops the anchor endlessly until the anchor hits something it shouldn’t. This endless mode is actually the most entertaining as acts like a racing game but all these extra modes give this title some extra replayability; it is too bad the high scores in the Infinite mode do not get posted to a leaderboard or save for future incentive.
While gameplay is simple but unique, one of the standout features is the soundtrack. Although it cannot be described as “good” or “enjoyable” it definitely is “something.” Instead of typical instrument sounds, a cat’s meow makes up most of the melodies and harmonies. If you have a chance, just listen to the opening main menu theme; it is enough to blow your ears off.
Captain Cat is a simple one-trick pony type of game that is best played in five minute bursts. It isn’t captivating or all that engaging but the arcadeyness and extra modes provide an easy going, mindless experience via the Switch eShop.
Not As Good As: Peggle
Seems Like It Should Be A Sequel To: Squids Odyssey (3DS and Wii U)
Also Try: Pooyan (Arcade)
By: Zachary Gasiorowski, Editor in Chief myGamer.com
Twitter: @ZackGaz