Cat Quest 3 Assessment (PS5)

A brand new entry in The Gentlebros’ all-ages motion RPG collection, Cat Quest 3 opts for a pirate-themed escapade, by which you play as a fearless seafaring feline. In quest of a legendary treasure identified solely because the North Star, you may discover an open map made up of ocean and islands, usually aboard your trusty tub. As we have come to count on, it is a lighthearted story filled with enjoyable characters and dumb puns — however total, it looks like each a refinement and a small step backwards after 2019’s spectacular Cat Quest 2.

Certainly, Cat Quest 3 is a extra streamlined launch. Its map would not fairly have the scope of its predecessor’s sprawling world, and there is simply much less stuff to do usually. There are fewer places, quests, dungeons, secrets and techniques, and storylines to comply with, and whereas measurement actually is not all the pieces, this third instalment can find yourself feeling surprisingly short-lived and barely restricted, despite the fact that its eight-hour runtime is just about on par with what’s come earlier than.

There’s nonetheless quite a bit to love about this furry foray, although. For starters, the addition of ship-based exploration and fight brings some selection to the sequel’s gameplay suite, and the journey’s punctuated by a bunch of enjoyable boss fights, set throughout each land and sea.

Other than having the ability to swap between melee and ranged weapons with the push of a button — which solely provides to the sport’s enticingly chaotic clashes — on-foot fight stays largely untouched. As soon as once more, you are anticipated to make intelligent use of dodge rolls and fast combo assaults, earlier than constructing as much as and unleashing highly effective magic spells. It is enjoyably fast-paced and straightforward to know, though there are occasions when the sheer quantity of on-screen results — particularly of the magical selection — can obscure the motion to a irritating diploma.

Character builds are again as nicely, as you’ll be able to deck your paw-tagonist out in weapons, armour, and equipment that increase particular types of play. Discovering an efficient mixture is satisfying, and key to conquering late-game challenges. The title does a superb job of dispensing worthwhile rewards, whether or not you have simply accomplished a quest or delved to the deepest depths of a dungeon.

Having mentioned that, there is not an entire lot of room for experimentation. Upgrading your arsenal requires hefty quantities of gold at later ranges, and grinding enemies would not internet you a lot foreign money. Because of this, you may most likely end up sticking to a choose few weapons or armour units, relying on whether or not you have enhanced their stats already. It’s kind of of a disgrace that the sport is not extra liberal with assets, however there’s New Recreation+, which brings some welcome replay worth to the desk.

And simply shortly, you’ll be able to play via the entire Cat Quest 3 in two-player native co-op. Your associate in pirating will tackle the function of second mate, and so they’re afforded all the identical gameplay freedoms. Nonetheless, you’ll be able to solely have one ship, which each of you management, which means that you’re going to both should divvy up duties, or resolve who’s taking cost on the excessive seas. An ungainly caveat to an in any other case faultless co-op mode.

Conclusion

Cat Quest 3 would not fairly reside as much as the expectations that had been set by its purrfectly poised predecessor, nevertheless it’s nonetheless a rock strong seafaring journey. Whereas it falls in need of Cat Quest 2 by way of measurement and total scope, that is maybe a extra centered tackle the collection’ motion RPG formulation, and the sport’s pirate theme provides it an plain allure.