Alien Cat 2 - Retro Collection PS5 Review | A Purrrfect Puzzle Port

Ported by PSCD Games and published by Ratalaika Games, "Alien Cat 2 - Retro Collection" brings with it the purrrrfectly priced puzzler for all those feline fanatics out there. Featuring an alien cat astronaut, and his goldfish partner we find the duo crash landed on a planet infested with skeletal monsters, and deadly hazards. Utilizing cat clones the alien cat must cautiously collect parts to rebuild his spacecraft before things get too hairy all while surviving the threat of death.

Complete with modern features like a save state, various screen filters, and a password system for picking up where you left off "Alien Cat 2 - Retro Collection" does good to offer a fitting isometric challenge in the form of maze-like puzzles wherein staying alive and keeping your cat clones alive to the end is the only way off the planet. 

As you move the alien cat, and up to four cat clones that must all be kept alive to prevent a restart you will need to collect all the bolts, and utilize a hazard switch to clear your path to an end portal back to your ship where your efforts are rewarded with one of several missing ship parts. There are 20 stages in total that become progressively more challenging, and more decorated with enemies to avoid and hazards to dodge. Finishing all 20 stages will net you PSN trophies as well as complete in-game goals. 

The Presentation ...

Depending up the filters, and screen settings "Alien Cat 2 - Retro Collection" offers a variety of different retro experiences ranging from modern pixel art to CRT, and LCD versions, among others. Should you choose to go with a colored variation you will be privileged to bare witness to the grisly death animations that include bloody dismemberment, and skeletal demise. This simple yet effective art style done in a semi-overhead perspective brings to life a gaming experience that would be at home on retro consoles. While it is simple in design it is complex when it comes to puzzle layouts. As far as the soundtrack goes it is a blend of synth music and and oldschool chiptunes. Something that accents gameplay quite nicely.

The Verdict ...

For $5 Ratalaika Games offers the purrrfect puzzle experience for fans of feline protagonists in "Alien Cat 2 - Retro Collection". The challenge is definitely there, and though the game only consists of 20 stages it will test your puzzle solving skills thoroughly. The cat clone mechanics add to this uphill challenge. All is not lost to difficulty though as the death animations, and quirky cat content keep things lively along with the rhythm of a soundtrack fitting of the retro era of gaming. The bonus features tied to visual customization, the saved state option, and the password system further enhance this straightforward release. If you fancy something fun and feline give this one a go!