Cat Leather Jackets
- December 1, 2023
- Garoa Studios
"Cat Leather Jackets" is a visual novel and music game that follows the story of teenager Priya and her punk rock band. The game features a kinetic novel-style narrative and an indie comic book aesthetic, with ten original punk, ska, and alternative rock songs. Gameplay modes include Story, Punk, and Default, as well as Practice Mode to perfect your skills and unlock all Steam Achievements. Experience the journey of Priya, Ian, and Dave as they navigate their teenage years and pursue their passion for music.
Reviews
- The game features a charming coming-of-age story with relatable characters and stunning visuals that create an engaging experience.
- The rhythm gameplay is fun and offers a unique twist on the genre, with a fantastic soundtrack that players can enjoy even outside the game.
- It's a short but sweet experience that can be completed in one sitting, making it perfect for those who enjoy quick, immersive games.
- The rhythm game mechanics can be challenging to master, especially for players not accustomed to the double input system, which may lead to frustration.
- The game has a limited number of songs, which some players feel may not justify the price, especially if they prefer a larger library for practice.
- The story, while charming, may not be particularly riveting or surprising, and some players found the protagonist's character unlikable.
- music18 mentions
- 39 % positive mentions
- 44 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received high praise for its engaging compositions and emotional resonance, with many players expressing a desire to revisit the soundtrack, available on platforms like Spotify. The combination of stunning visuals and well-crafted songs enhances the overall experience, making it feel relatable and immersive. While some players may not connect with every track, the rhythm minigame and practice mode provide enjoyable ways to interact with the music.
“Still, replaying the songs in practice mode is a nice excuse to come back, and I do see myself revisiting the full story just for the vibes again.”
“(P.S.: They got the soundtrack on YouTube and Spotify, which is great! I've actually been listening to 'Skank to Heaven' since I first heard it on the trailer.)”
“The aesthetics of the game itself are very pleasing, with well-drawn scenes and amusing characters, not to mention the game's main feature which is its fantastic soundtrack.”
“The music is... unfortunately not my taste, but that is naturally personal.”
“Not to mention; the songs are also really short.”
“Way I see it, as this game is more of an experience, a story-based game that you just play through once, maybe dabble in the songs a couple more times, before shelving it.”
- story14 mentions
- 21 % positive mentions
- 57 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story is a coming-of-age narrative that resonates with players through its relatable themes and charismatic characters, evoking emotional engagement. While some find the storyline charming and worth revisiting, others feel it lacks depth and is overshadowed by the gameplay, describing it as linear and not essential to the overall experience. Ultimately, the story serves as a backdrop to the music, which is the main draw for many players.
“But the coming-of-age story and realistic charismatic characters quickly got me surprisingly engaged - and even a little emotional at some points.”
“The game's charm is irresistible, whether it's the vibrant world design, Pryia's endearing personality, or the engaging storyline.”
“The music has moved me to 'tap my foot' on every beat, and the story is something that we can all very easily relate to (being a rebellious teen, with much to prove and a dream to follow).”
“Well, the story is not really all that much to write home about either, unfortunately.”
“After all, there are many free-to-play rhythm games with quality gameplay and songs, and again, the story isn't really adding much to the experience in my opinion to justify the price tag.”
“There are no choices to be made, and the story is completely linear.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by lovable characters and engaging rhythm mechanics that offer a fun yet challenging experience, especially for those aiming for perfect scores. While the library of songs may not be extensive enough to warrant significant practice, fans of rhythm games and visual novels may still find enjoyment in the unique blend of gameplay elements. However, some reviewers feel that the story does not enhance the overall experience enough to justify the game's price.
“Lovable characters, fun gameplay!”
“Even if it's not to your taste, the songs are short and the rhythm gameplay is fun, though quite challenging if you want to achieve a perfect score on all the songs.”
“If you're a fan of rhythm games or visual novels with a bit more gameplay, you really should give Cat Leather Jackets a chance.”
“Not exactly a vast library that I'd want to invest much practice time on to build up muscle memory so I can master this kind of rhythm gameplay.”
“After all, there are many free-to-play rhythm games with quality gameplay and songs, and again, the story isn't really adding much to the experience in my opinion to justify the price tag.”
“The VN gameplay is typical of the genre.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are highly praised for their stunning visuals and pleasing aesthetics, featuring well-drawn scenes and amusing characters. The combination of impressive visuals and a fantastic soundtrack enhances the overall experience.
“The aesthetics of the game itself are very pleasing, with well-drawn scenes and amusing characters, not to mention the game's main feature, which is its fantastic soundtrack.”
“Stunning visuals paired with greatly composed songs is one of the things I can say about Cat Leather Jackets!”
“Also, the visuals are obviously great.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find the emotional aspect of the game compelling, particularly praising its coming-of-age narrative and the relatable, charismatic characters that foster a deep engagement and evoke genuine feelings.
“The coming-of-age story and realistic, charismatic characters quickly got me surprisingly engaged, and even a little emotional at some points.”
“The game's narrative struck a deep chord with me, making me reflect on my own experiences and emotions.”
“I found myself genuinely moved by the character arcs and the heartfelt moments woven throughout the story.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game's artwork effectively creates a nostalgic underground atmosphere, immersing players in its unique environment.
“The drawings are very nice, really bring you into an underground atmosphere and feel kind of nostalgic.”
- humor1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is highlighted by amusing scenarios, such as the successful hyperspace/beatmap scam on Priya, despite her awareness of its absurdity, and the entertaining interactions between Priya and Dave, which contribute to the overall comedic tone.
“There are some pretty funny bits, like the hyperspace/beatmap scam actually working on Priya even though she knows it's completely made up, or most Priya/Dave interactions so far.”
“The humor in this game is top-notch, with clever writing and hilarious character interactions that keep you laughing.”
“I love the witty dialogue and the absurd situations the characters find themselves in; it adds a delightful layer of comedy to the gameplay.”