Cat Quest III Preview: First Impression of the Long-Awaited Sequel
We had the opportunity to play a preview version of Cat Quest III, and we’re excited to share our impressions.
Developed by the Singaporean studio The Gentlebros, Cat Quest III is the third instalment in a series of action RPGs featuring cartoonish cats, strongly emphasising exploration and combat. The series is known for its lighthearted nature and abundant cat puns.
Exploring the Opening Hours of Cat Quest III
In the preview build we received, we explored the first 2-3 hours of the game, which is an extended version of last year’s gamescom demo. During this time, we had the chance to explore dungeons, complete initial quests, and battle the first bosses. We also got a glimpse of the game’s new feature: naval warfare.
Staying True to Its Roots
Cat Quest III is a natural progression for the successful series, offering more of what fans love while improving upon its strengths. The top-down gameplay is smooth and casual, and the open world is filled with quests, secrets, and dungeons. The experience of roaming the map, seamlessly engaging in combat, and upgrading weapons and spells feels as fresh as ever.
One noticeable improvement is the enhanced graphics, with more details, sharper textures, and a slightly lower camera angle that provides a broader view of the game’s beautiful world while maintaining the unique papercut cartoon style in 2.5D. The water in Cat Quest III is particularly stunning, and the addition of naval gameplay is a welcome feature, allowing for faster ocean travel and exciting arcade-style battles against other ships. However, the ship’s cannons felt too powerful and unfair during land battles.
Similar to its predecessor, Cat Quest III will offer split-screen co-op for two players and a single-player mode for those who prefer to play solo.
Minor Issues and Overall Potential
While the game’s story may feel a bit ridiculous and forced, and the overall gameplay somewhat grindy and centred on fetch quests, these minor issues are unlikely to overshadow the overall gaming experience. The addictive gameplay, enhanced visuals, and well-integrated new elements, such as boats, make Cat Quest III a promising addition to the series. If The Gentlebros can maintain the quality and intensity displayed in these initial hours throughout the game, Cat Quest III has the potential to surpass its predecessors and become the pinnacle of the series.
Cat Quest III: Release Date and Platforms
With a release date set for August 8th, 2024, Cat Quest III will be available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One and Series X|S, and PC on Steam.
