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Catmaze

Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Xbox Series X|S, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2018

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Quick resume

Catmaze is a fairy metroidvania inspired by Slavic myths. Age-old tales will come to life in the unforgettable adventure of Alesta, a sorceress whose courage guides her through mysterious paths and dark forests in search of the lost road to Nav, the world of the dead.

Global score

84/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Platform

Pros

  • Engaging exploration and map design
  • Unique slavic mythology setting
  • Varied familiars and combat options
  • Strong narrative and characters
  • Appealing pixel art and music

Cons

  • Some control and hitbox issues
  • Minor bugs and glitches
  • Clunky platforming sections
  • Lack of polish in animations
  • Limited replayability beyond 100%

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to explore a large map non-linearly and make choices affecting story outcomes; not heavily guided."

  • Competence
    3

    "Combat and platforming require skill and precision, with some challenging boss fights and puzzles."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on personal exploration and story progression without competitive elements or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long play sessions, replaying the game, and engagement with side quests and exploration."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay elements."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players customize combat style via familiars and amulets; exploration and puzzle solving encourage creative approaches."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; game is single-player and story-driven."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game to immerse in a fantasy world based on Slavic mythology, escaping real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, not obligation or external pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players try different familiars and strategies; exploration and puzzle solving encourage experimentation."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Strong emphasis on discovering secrets, backtracking, and exploring a large interconnected map."

  • Expression
    2

    "Some character customization via familiars and amulets, but limited cosmetic or avatar personalization."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Game is deeply rooted in Slavic mythology and fantasy storytelling with magical elements."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "Single-player game with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    4

    "Players develop skills, learn enemy patterns, and improve through upgrades and exploration."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement; not designed for idle or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited to narrative character interactions; no close social relationships or multiplayer bonding."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management elements; single-player experience."

  • Progression
    4

    "Players accumulate familiars, upgrades, and items to advance and unlock new areas."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Generally balanced challenge with moments of flow; some frustration reported but overall enjoyable."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Appealing pixel art, music, and atmospheric design provide sensory enjoyment."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems; individual-focused gameplay."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative immersion with engaging characters, side quests, and multiple endings."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Combat and exploration require planning and tactical use of familiars and upgrades."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense in boss fights and platforming challenges, but mostly controlled gameplay."

  • Value
    4

    "Players report good value for time and money, especially given game length and content."

  • Violence
    2

    "Combat involves defeating enemies but is not focused on gratuitous violence or destruction."

  • Survival
    1

    "Some resource management and avoiding damage, but overall moderate threat level."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026