So many games nowadays focus or depend on wanton violence or inane/illogical puzzling to keep a player entertained. Very few titles use solid storytelling and captivating atmosphere to attract an audience. Thankfully, Copycat is one of those games that still believes in the importance of a good story. You play the part of Dawn, an adopted cat, who through a series of unfortunate circumstances, are separated from your owner, Olive. You must go through a series of adventures to return home, all while you wrestle with your primal feline nature, and the harsh realities of life. Can you go home again, however, when another cat takes your place?

Copycat has a lovely, painterly aesthetic and rewarding, yet simplistic traversal and puzzling. This title is the perfect Trojan horse to introduce a non-gamer into gaming. The game's story puts you in the life of an adopted cat and sells the story so well that you become invested in both humans and felines alike. The ending, which is very satisfying, ties all the elements together but you need to wait through the credits for the real conclusion. Experience basic movement, climbing/traversal, Temple Run dodging bits, QT combat, QT hunting, surprisingly well-executed bouts of stealth, investigation and play all through the eyes of a cat, via extremely primitive puzzles.

Copycat has weaknesses. Copycat isn't performant and the game is simplistic, at best, in nature. Some of the puzzles amount to a glorified typing tutor application and the game is brutally short, taking a scant 3-4 hours with heavy exploration. For a game with excellent voice work, great music, and a memorable premise, these errors are all forgivable.

Copycat is on sale for under 10 dollars. For a beautiful tale about what it means to be family, especially during the holiday season, it's worth it. You won't likely replay it over and over again but it will stay with you and its impact will make you a gentler, better person for it.

Purrrfect storytelling.

Worth a look.

7/10.

So many games nowadays focus or depend on wanton violence or inane/illogical puzzling to keep a player entertained. Very few titles use solid storytelling and captivating atmosphere to attract an audience. Thankfully, Copycat is one of those games that still believes in the importance of a good story. You play the part of Dawn, an adopted cat, who through a series of unfortunate circumstances, are separated from your owner, Olive. You must go through a series of adventures to return home, all while you wrestle with your primal feline nature, and the harsh realities of life. Can you go home again, however, when another cat takes your place? Copycat has a lovely, painterly aesthetic and rewarding, yet simplistic traversal and puzzling. This title is the perfect Trojan horse to introduce a non-gamer into gaming. The game's story puts you in the life of an adopted cat and sells the story so well that you become invested in both humans and felines alike. The ending, which is very satisfying, ties all the elements together but you need to wait through the credits for the real conclusion. Experience basic movement, climbing/traversal, Temple Run dodging bits, QT combat, QT hunting, surprisingly well-executed bouts of stealth, investigation and play all through the eyes of a cat, via extremely primitive puzzles. Copycat has weaknesses. Copycat isn't performant and the game is simplistic, at best, in nature. Some of the puzzles amount to a glorified typing tutor application and the game is brutally short, taking a scant 3-4 hours with heavy exploration. For a game with excellent voice work, great music, and a memorable premise, these errors are all forgivable. Copycat is on sale for under 10 dollars. For a beautiful tale about what it means to be family, especially during the holiday season, it's worth it. You won't likely replay it over and over again but it will stay with you and its impact will make you a gentler, better person for it. Purrrfect storytelling. Worth a look. 7/10.