#game-review #finishedgame2025 # Gato Roboto `="![]("+this.imgURL+")"` ## Data: - Console: `=this.Console` - Play Status: `=this.Status` - Start Date: `=this.start-date` - Finish Date: `=this.finish-date` - Clear Time: `=this.clear-time` - Total Play Time: `=this.total-play-time` ## Tiering: `=this.Tiering` Its a very good game but im not selling the farm for it. I like the cat, who doesn't like the cat? # Playthrough Notes - Playing on my SteamDeck docked out on my TV - this was actually how I finally figured out that my TV's picture settings had a 100ms delay and I needed to TURN IT THE FUCK OFF AUGH # My Thoughts - Sound design - The damage sound effect is like kind of intense w.r.t to cat noises lol - Like I'm not thrilled by the idea of listening to a cat scream every time I take damage. - When a mouse takes damage and squeaks, I like that because I have a clear understanding in the sound that something damage-wise has occurred. - The more ambient, pulsing music in backgrounds is fun because it helps me get locked into "the zone", and feel badass as I move through rooms. - This Hot Zone Boss is really annoying lol - The problem is that I have some [[Controller Button Dyslexia]], so I dash instead of firing a missile. It's a skill issue! - this boss just kind of sucks in general. Too much HP I think? ## In Relation to Other "Metroidvanias" - There's a lot of obvious [[Super Metroid]] blood here. - You, as Kiki go into a room that's shaped a LOT like the remains of Tourian, you get the power suit, and then when you return the way you came and enter the room, now there are enemies you must fight. This is exactly like how in Super Metroid once you activate the security camera in the "Nostalgia Zone" in Brinstar and return to the old Mother Brain room, now there are Space Pirates. - Movement - You get the double jump which also acts as a method of bouncing off of obstacles. That feels like a funway to make a not quite Screw Attack option. - So weighted when you're in the machine, and when you're not the lateral momentum is slippery but also choppy. - As Kiki, you cannot run off of a ledge without also running forward. - Phase shift... that's good - Gotta have that [[Hollow Knight]] stuff. - The sensibilities and inspiration of this game are not as obvious as [[Haiku the Robot]]'s inspiration from Hollow Knight, but it's pretty clear the pitch was "What if Metroid but with a cat?" - Also compare against [[Haiku the Robot]] as a simple-colored exploration game that takes place in a hostile, mechanical environment. - Rooms paths loop around on themselves a lot. Gato Roboto seems to not want the player to ever go through a room more than once without the room changing in some capacity. - This feels in line with the Mercury Steam design of [[Metroid - Samus Returns]], and later [[Metroid Dread]] - Very happy to tell the player in the "waterworks" area that one room is "like a hub". - Though this is more like the spine-like design of the main passage in [[Metroid II]] ## How Do We Describe the Humor? - The humor in this game is quite distinct, but I don't have a great way to describe it. - Some examples - The hot zone vents being brothers, one laments that his brother never got the chance to grow a mustache. - The nature of how Kiki the cat is even in these circumstances in the first place. - the fact that the code for the space site is 42069.... - they know what they're doing. they're making a little shitpost of a game. - For reference, the game literally starts off with this funni number - Controlled Non-Sequitur? - WOW A CAT IN THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, CAN YOU EVEN BELIEEEEEVE IT?! - It's not enough to be a cat in a robot shooting at bugs and discovering the secret of a mad scientist who did testing on his dog. - ==It's too self-aware== - Save the animals. Ah shit was that the whole bit? Was that the joke? - Not Whedon-esque, but it's just kind of ridiculous and plays it straight. # Favorite Moments / Memories - Erin managed to get video of me playing the game and Winnie watching me play intently. I wonder if she dreams of being a kitty in a mech suit. # What were you doing when not playing this? - # Relevant Links - [[Gato Roboto Review for Website]]