Magicat is a platformer that takes the player on an adventure with a magical cat. This cat finds that his magic orb has been stolen and goes on a quest to find it. There is a simple but sweet animation that goes along with this, setting the player off in a nice way.
This game is quite similar to an old school Mario game. Traveling around the map, the player will be reminded of the old school Super Mario Brother games. It is quite interesting that it is so reminiscent but I do enjoy the aesthetic. Though understandable as nostalgia is a powerful thing, it doesn’t help that it is rather blatant copying.
Magicat can jump and climb up ladders. This little cat can also flutter jump like Yoshi. Magicat also possesses the power to shoot paw prints at its foes. This is often easier than jumping on the enemies because players can fall off the enemies mid attack. This cat might not be the strongest but it’s magic sure packs a punch.
In Magicat players need to collect blue vials which are important for creating checkpoints. Players also need to defeat enemies, the first of which looks suspiciously like a goomba without its body. The player must also be aware that once they leave a screen they can’t go back unless they start the level over.
Every level will introduce players to a new villain and at the end of the level, they will face a boss version of that enemy. It’s always good to set up a save point before heading into the boss as it also refills the player’s health. The boss fights tend to be a little similar but that isn’t terrible in a game that is banking on Mario ideas.
Magicat will travel through 7 different worlds collecting gems and coins. Players can check how much of the game they have completed in the progress menu. It also shows what other achievements players can attain like not dying during a boss fight or taking zero damage against a boss. It’s rather helpful for completionists.
Players can also warp between levels they have completed making for easy completing later on. Players can simply play through the game and then try to complete it once they’ve seen the game’s end. Fast travel is always good in my book especially when the open world is Mario-esque
Players will also be able to collect pawprints which will help them buy certain objects. These objects can be new abilities for our feline hero or help find objects hidden in levels. It’s always good to keep an eye on what items are available so players can jump back into levels and use the items when appropriate.
This game also offers the player the option of adjusting the color scheme of their feline. I am always personally happy with any customization so this was great news. Plus skills are unlockable making replaying levels a little bit more fun as they will have new mechanics to play with.
Magicat offers up twenty-four achievements for the player to gather in the game. Achievement systems are often great because they give the player little goals to attain as they play through the game. Indie developers are aware of this and push this idea into many games and that is great for everyone.
The music might be a little dull but it isn’t the worst music out there. While the game might borrow some Mario ideas the music certainly isn’t one of them. There doesn’t seem to be much joy in the music and for it to be playing throughout the whole game is a little terrible, but it works.
Magicat is a platformer based on the classic Mario games. While not a perfect match, it does add in new ideas and Magicat is pretty cute. Playing through the game I did feel some slight nostalgia but also came across a pretty decent platformer. Magicat needs to find its magic jewels, will the player lend a paw?
Disclaimer: A review key was provided