Copycat

“During its three- to four-hour gameplay the game addresses topics such as loss, aging, family conflicts and the relationship between pet and owner, doing so with a sensitivity yet also a raw honesty that will likely leave no one unmoved. Above all, the gameplay experience of being a cat is convincingly conveyed and it's fun moving through the game world, exploring it as best you can. While you'll otherwise look in vain for truly innovative or new ideas in the gameplay, the compact playing time and gripping story make this forgivable, and what it offers is entertaining enough to carry the story.”

“For a three-hour adventure title, Copycat has something meaningful to say about mental health and relationships, yet it can be too often undercut by its rigid design, story happenings that don't make sense, and the overarching feeling that with more time, polish and backing there's an even greater game trying to burst out here. It's a pleasant and fine game for how short it is in spite of its gratuitous repetition, and deserves kudos for being adequately designed by two people, it's also in need of some significant refinement.”

“Copycat is a narrative experience. Don't expect the game to convey what it is, or what it feels like to move and do cat things, because you won't find that here. The title focuses on a great narrative with gameplay in the background.”

“A Spoonful of Wonder had its heart in the right place, and Copycat earns some of its more emotional moments, but the final message isn’t always clear, and the gameplay holds back what could’ve been a fresh perspective within the genre.”

“A simplistic yet beautiful narrative game that purrs out such a strong message in life. CopyCat just simply has to be sat through, and I for one came out of it feeling far more appreciative than before.”

“Copycat is all about the story and the message it wants to convey. From assumptions you make yourself, to families that would rather see you go than come. And from other cats that are only too happy to take your place and mingle in your 'home'. These life lessons are the highlight of the game, and quickly make you forget the mediocre gameplay , the far from impressive graphics and the slight camera bugs. This is not a high-quality game, but it plays well and gives you a calming feeling, and even brings some emotion here and there. Copycat has been out for the PC for some time now and is now finally playable on the console, and honestly, it is definitely worth it for every cat lover, or anyone considering getting a cat. It makes you realize what responsibilities this entails, and that an animal can also struggle with its emotions.”

“Copycat is a game that tackles some serious issues, but its characters are hard to warm to and will make you angry at times. Still, being a cat and doing cat things can be fun, despite clunky controls and uninspired gameplay.”

“Copycat is a touching experience that invites us to see the world through the eyes of Dawn, a kitten scarred by trauma who seeks to understand her place and purpose in the world. With simple yet varied gameplay, the focus here is not on complex mechanics, but rather on offering a narrative that moves, comforts, and makes us reflect on the true meaning of home.”

“Copycat is a pretty effective game at manipulating the emotions of cat lovers. While I feel it lacks narrative elements, some of its minigames are too simplistic, and it doesn't quite manage to fully grasp all of its themes, is a short experience that may be worthwhile.”

“Copycat is a moving exploration of trust, tolerance, and the bond between humans and animals. Though it struggles with gameplay inconsistencies and technical issues, the narrative and audiovisual presentation are undeniably compelling. Fans of emotionally charged indie games and cat lovers alike will find much to appreciate in this touching story of resilience and belonging. Copycat brilliantly captures the complexities of trust and self-discovery through honest narration and an authentic feline perspective, though its technical missteps and uneven gameplay temper its potential.”

“Copycat has visual charm and enjoyable cat-based gameplay, but with a short runtime and poorly executed story, it isn't worth your time, especially if you love cats.”

“Despite some troubled animations and controls, Copycat plays its emotional journey excellently. As a cat owner and someone who has lived somewhat similar events in recent times, its tale of love and loss hit hard, but was a journey worth taking.”

“There’s a lot to love about Copycat, especially when it comes to the art and voice acting. The dreamscape scenes are a really nice touch, showing us plenty of Shelter-Dawn’s inner thoughts and how she feels throughout the journey. The narration from different voices adds to that feeling, weaving everything together beautifully. And while the Quick Time Events can be a bit tense, they keep you engaged at the right moments.”

“You know, it’s often said that letting emotions guide you is a mistake, but this time, we feel compelled to share something more personal. For us, Copycat wasn’t merely a game—it was a fleeting yet meaningful life experience. We won’t tell you Copycat is without its flaws, to do so would be disingenuous, not only to what we’ve previously expressed but to ourselves as well. However, it’s precisely these imperfections that make it so beautifully emotional, gripping, and undeniably moving in its imperfect beauty. This is a deeply touching, reflective journey that anyone—no matter your age—should embark on, whether you’re a cat lover or not. It stands as a tribute to the unconditional bond between humans and animals, but it’s also a profound meditation on loneliness, loss, and the essence of family. Despite some understandable limitations, Copycat succeeds in delivering a universal message, one that leaves an indelible mark on the heart of its players.”

“The technical side of the game was buggy at certain parts of the story during my playthrough, but the game truly flourishes when it centers around storytelling.”

“The gaming equivalent of an alleycat: it's rough around the edges, but you'll learn to grow fond of it despite its numerous quirks.‍”

“If you own or take care of a pet – or if you have kids who’d like a pet – do yourself a favor and play Copycat in one sitting. Make sure you have tissues ready.”

“Copycat shoots for the stars with its narrative ambitions, delivering an emotional, introspective experience that will have you reflecting on your relationship to the animals and people in your life. It goes to some truly unexpected places, some of which are questionable, but all of which are compelling. Despite the pieces not quite coming together in perfect harmony, this is an experience that will stick with you for a long time.”