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Cats are Liquid - A Light in the Shadows

Mac, Android, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2016

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Quick resume

A minimalist 2D platformer about a liquid cat, locked in a world she doesn't quite understand, trying to get out.

Global score

93/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Platform

Pros

  • Affordable price with good content length
  • Unique and smooth platforming mechanics
  • Emotional and intriguing story
  • Responsive controls and polished gameplay
  • Calming music and atmosphere

Cons

  • Some repetitive level design
  • Story can be vague or depressing
  • Lack of multiplayer or social features
  • No character customization or creation tools
  • Some difficulty spikes and minor bugs

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players control the cat's movement and transformation abilities freely to navigate levels, indicating high personal control."

  • Competence
    3

    "The game offers skill-based platforming challenges with responsive controls and some difficult levels, rewarding mastery."

  • Competition
    -4

    "Focus is on individual progression and story; no mention of leaderboards or player-vs-player competition."

  • Continuation
    2

    "Some players report replaying levels and enjoying the story, but the game is relatively short and some find it repetitive."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Entirely a single-player experience with no cooperative or multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Players use unique transformation mechanics creatively to solve puzzles, though no level editor or creation tools."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No elements of exerting power over others; gameplay is solitary and non-confrontational."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Many players mention emotional engagement and stress relief through the game's story and calming gameplay."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players buy and play voluntarily for enjoyment and personal interest, not out of obligation."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "The game encourages trying different abilities and mechanics to navigate levels, though some repetition occurs."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore new mechanics and level designs, but environments are abstract and minimalistic with limited discovery."

  • Expression
    -3

    "No character customization or cosmetic modifications; presentation is standardized and minimalistic."

  • Fantasy
    4

    "The game features imaginative fiction with a cat transforming into liquid and gas, and a mysterious, existential story."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; gameplay is solitary."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop platforming skills and learn to use new abilities as the game progresses."

  • Health
    -5

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

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and precise control; not suited for passive or background play."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No social or emotional relationship building with other players."

  • Leadership
    -5

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

  • Progression
    3

    "Players unlock new abilities and progress through levels, though no complex item or upgrade systems."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Described as calming and meditative by players, with relaxing music and smooth controls."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Minimalistic visuals and soothing music provide moderate sensory stimulation and emotional engagement."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story
    4

    "Narrative is a significant part of the experience, with emotional and existential themes integrated into gameplay."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Requires some problem solving and planning to use abilities effectively, but mostly straightforward platforming."

  • Thrill
    1

    "Some challenge and tension in later levels, but overall a calm experience with limited suspense."

  • Value
    5

    "Highly praised for excellent value given low price and amount of content."

  • Violence
    -5

    "No combat or destructive gameplay; focus on navigation and puzzle solving."

  • Survival
    1

    "Avoiding hazards and death is a core mechanic, but threat level is moderate and manageable."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026