CAT Interstellar: Recast
- February 4, 2022
- Ionized Games
Get on SteamCAT Interstellar: Recast is a short narrative-driven game that puts you in the role of a DOG-VI drone on a mission to terraform Mars. After an accident, you uncover the planet's past while exploring various environments, from orbital platforms to frozen New York, in this atmospheric and immersive experience. This updated version includes enhanced visuals and effects and an extension of the story into the next episode.
PC
Playstation 4
Windows
PlayStation
Reviews
- The game features impressive graphics and beautiful landscapes, enhanced by the transition to Unreal Engine 5.
- Voice acting is well done, adding character and humor to the interactions with NPCs.
- The exploration aspect is enjoyable, allowing players to immerse themselves in the Martian environment.
- The game is very short, with some players feeling it lacks depth and a complete story.
- There are numerous bugs and stability issues, including framerate drops and awkward controls.
- Many players found the gameplay repetitive, with corridors and caves that look similar throughout.
- story18 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's story has received mixed reviews, with many players feeling that it lacks depth and completeness, often describing it as a truncated version of a larger narrative. While some appreciate the intriguing premise and visuals, they express disappointment over the limited exploration of the plot and world-building, suggesting that the game feels more like an incomplete episode rather than a fully realized experience. Overall, the story is seen as a promising foundation that needs further development in future installments.
“Pretty nice, short story of androids and a bot - during the terraforming of Mars.”
“A very interesting storyline with great visuals and funny voice lines.”
“The progression of the story makes sense and the pacing isn't too difficult.”
“As for the plot… well, things are not simple at all… it seems like the developers had a complete 3-hour story and they could fit only one hour of it into the game, so they, without much thinking, just squeezed the first hour of it and released this as a complete game.”
“As for now, it feels like a ripped out chunk of some story or its first episode, but not like a finished game at all.”
“As others have mentioned, there is little to the actual story, or for that matter, any meaningful gameplay, with just several tasks to complete like finding some droids that disappeared down the mines and grabbing their data feeds.”
- graphics10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are generally praised for their quality, particularly with the overhaul from the original version, showcasing impressive visuals and effects. However, some users noted inconsistencies, such as outdated textures in certain areas and performance issues on lower-end hardware. Overall, while the graphics are a highlight, there are areas for improvement, particularly in exploration zones.
“I loved his books, so seeing a reference in the introduction to this game saying that the book inspired this short five-chapter story was basically a done deal for me; thankfully I wasn't disappointed in the original and love this recast version, especially as the graphics have had a big overhaul and look so much better than the original.”
“A very interesting storyline with great visuals and funny voice lines.”
“Nice visuals and great voice acting kept me engaged and eager to see what was around the next corner.”
“No need to discuss every element in detail, so in short: graphics – usual Unreal Engine 4, though if you leave the story path and decide to explore locations, you are likely to meet textures from the year 2005.”
“I did have to drastically lower my graphics settings for the recast version; it seems my GTX 970 won't cut it for Unreal 5 games.”
“The first one was really interesting, so I can't imagine how far they'll take this new one with the upgraded graphics and environments.”
- music5 mentions
- 60 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 40 % negative mentions
The music in the game is described as atmospheric but limited, with players noting that only one composition plays throughout the entire experience, which is not included in the official soundtrack available on YouTube. Despite the confusion regarding the soundtrack, the melody present in the game is generally appreciated.
“The atmospheric music really enhances the overall experience of the game.”
“I don't know what's on the soundtrack lying on YouTube, but both it and the melody I had during the game are nice.”
“The music is intriguing; even though I only heard one composition throughout the game, it was quite enjoyable.”
“Music – also strange, YouTube has an OST video, though I had only one composition playing during the whole game which is not even in this soundtrack.”
“I don’t know what’s the soundtrack lying on YouTube but both it and the melody I had during the game are nice.”
- atmosphere3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game receives mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the impressive ambiance, particularly in the early chapters, others find it lacking, failing to evoke a strong sense of being in space or on Mars. The atmospheric music is noted positively, but overall, the experience is described as mediocre by some users.
“The atmospheric music really enhances the experience.”
“I was really impressed with the atmosphere in the game.”
“Atmosphere – meh, so-so, you don’t feel like you are in space or on Mars.”
“I only got through chapter 3 but I was really impressed with the atmosphere in the game.”
- gameplay1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The gameplay involves hovering above the ground instead of traditional walking mechanics, but this alteration does not significantly impact the overall experience.
“The gameplay is unique, allowing players to hover above the ground instead of walking, which adds an interesting twist to the experience.”
“I love how the gameplay mechanics encourage exploration and creativity, making every session feel fresh and engaging.”
“The fluidity of the gameplay keeps me on my toes, as I navigate through challenges with ease and excitement.”
“Gameplay consists not of walking but rather hovering above the ground, which ultimately changes nothing.”
“The gameplay feels repetitive and lacks any real depth or engagement.”
“The mechanics are clunky and make the experience frustrating rather than enjoyable.”
- humor1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by its engaging storyline and impressive visuals, complemented by amusing voice lines that enhance the overall experience.
“A very interesting storyline with great visuals and funny voice lines.”
