Are you looking for a casual game for a relaxed evening that you can also play with gaming beginners in the family? Then Cat Quest 2 is a good choice.
Cat Quest 2 takes you into a fantasy world populated by cats and dogs. But as it often is with cats and dogs, the two kingdoms unfortunately do not get along at all. A war has broken out between them – and now it is time to mend the torn bonds.
This is where you come in: You take on the role of two former cat and dog kings. As fallen rulers, you return and must work together to reclaim your thrones. To do this, you embark on an epic quest across the kingdom, full of dangers, magic, monsters, and other hurdles.
At its core, it offers a classic, epic fantasy story that Cat Quest 2 presents. However, the game gets its own unique touch not just from the dogs and cats that are on the journey here: The whole world is colorful and brimming with character. Check out the trailer to get a first impression:
How does Cat Quest 2 play?
I started Cat Quest 2 on the Nintendo Switch with my girlfriend, but the game is also available for the PS4, Xbox One, or PC. On Steam, it has received very strong ratings. While the game can be played alone with AI support, the two protagonists really call for being controlled by two controllers through their adventure.
You play in co-op mode, and purely from the gameplay principle, Cat Quest 2 reminded me considerably of the couch co-op mode of Diablo 3 – or even old classics like Champions of Norrath that we used to enjoy playing together. Just in a cute and fluffy way.
Of course: The whole thing is significantly less complex and not even remotely as dark as it is with Diablo. But the principle of looting, leveling up, learning skills, crushing enemies in the open world, wandering through dungeons, and hopping from side quest to side quest – that’s basically the same.
You share your loot pool and inventory. Both characters can use all weapons and abilities in the game; theoretically, you can swap your equipment back and forth as you like.
However, it makes sense to specialize one character more towards melee and the other towards ranged combat, while also ensuring that the abilities are reasonably distributed. Because while your enemies in the open world are relatively easy to defeat, this is only the case if you attack with the right weapons or elements.
Cat Quest 2 is not difficult, really not, but you shouldn’t completely switch off your brain. Because otherwise, you might get flattened by a slightly too strong opponent.
The open world is styled in a 2D look, and it is a star in its own right: It is designed like a map or a board game – including place names when you enter a new village. The creative design exudes a lot of charm, and the animals scattered throughout the world also contribute to the good mood.
They need your help, provide you with quests, distribute loot, and generally contribute to the world-building – for example, when the kittens would rather run away from your dog king than teach him how to cast a fireball.
It feels like every dialogue is peppered with cat-and-dog puns, and the fantasy genre is continually poked fun at or played with. It is not silly, but humorous and does not detract from the seriousness of the game.
In short: Cat Quest 2 is a wonderful game if you want to play a game with your family, friends, or children that everyone can quickly understand. It is a good introduction to the topic of “looting and leveling up,” especially when you have no experience in this area yet – but it is never so easy that a gaming veteran would get bored. The lovingly designed world also contributes to the fact that there is always something to discover or observe.
Only for the colorful and childish charm of the game, one must have a liking. Otherwise, Cat Quest 2 is rather not for you.
What are your tips for cool co-op games? Tell us in the comments! And if you are looking for more tips: Here you can find some of the best co-op games ever.
