CATch the Stars
- November 18, 2020
- Pinel Games
Get on Steam"CATch the Stars" is a relaxing puzzle game with minimalist mechanics. Players click on stars to move them to their correct positions, forming constellations against dynamic backgrounds. The game features 50 unique levels with increasing challenge, and it is designed to be played at one's own pace with no pressure or timer.
Nintendo Switch
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features beautiful visuals and a calming soundtrack that enhances the relaxing experience.
- Engaging and simple puzzle mechanics that gradually increase in difficulty, making it satisfying to complete.
- The charming cat companion adds a whimsical touch, making the gameplay feel warm and inviting.
- The game lacks a tutorial or instructions, which can lead to confusion for new players.
- Some levels can feel overly simplistic, while others may be frustratingly difficult, leading to a lack of balance in challenge.
- The game is quite short, with many players wishing for more levels or content to extend the experience.
- music158 mentions
- 47 % positive mentions
- 47 % neutral mentions
- 6 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised for its calming and enchanting qualities, featuring soothing soundtracks that enhance the relaxing atmosphere of the gameplay. Many players appreciate the minimalist design and the use of traditional instruments, which contribute to a tranquil experience, although some note that the soundtrack can be repetitive. Overall, the music is considered a significant asset, adding to the game's charm and making it a delightful choice for those seeking a peaceful gaming experience.
“The soundtrack with traditional Japanese instruments enhances the relaxing atmosphere.”
“A beautiful, relaxing puzzle game with a very nice soundtrack.”
“The music is peaceful and the background art is adorable - ten out of ten stolen cheese wheels!”
“Relaxing atmosphere, relaxing (if repetitive) music, but... I just found the game annoying.”
“Pretty relaxing game if you just wanna chill, but keep in mind music may get repetitive at times.”
“I love cats and I like stars; the combination of these things will draw most of you to buy this cheap game that has real nice ambient music and looks good, but sadly that's all it is.”
- gameplay58 mentions
- 45 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by simple yet engaging mechanics that create a relaxing and satisfying experience, enhanced by a charming atmosphere and an enchanting soundtrack. Players appreciate the well-designed puzzles that gradually increase in challenge, although some desire more variety and additional mechanics. Overall, the game offers a delightful puzzle-solving experience, making it accessible and enjoyable for a wide audience.
“Gameplay is simple yet satisfying; lack of timers adds to the relaxing experience.”
“Catch the Stars is a wonderfully adorable puzzle game with extremely easy-to-learn mechanics.”
“Although the mechanics are simple, the game provides very well-designed puzzles.”
“I'd like to see a few more mechanics, 100 levels in overall, and an infinite puzzle generator.”
“The game introduces a few twists and mechanics early on, like 5-10 minutes at most, but then... doesn't do anything else with them.”
“(Finally, these devs make lots of ostensibly cat-themed games, without them playing any relevant role in the actual puzzle mechanics. Here, except for a few static intro and outro images, you barely see a silhouette, which seems somewhat dishonest marketing.)”
- graphics56 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 52 % neutral mentions
- 5 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are praised for their charming blend of minimalism and detail, creating a captivating and relaxing atmosphere. Players appreciate the cute and cozy art style, which complements the calming music and straightforward puzzle mechanics. While some minor flaws in the landscapes were noted, the overall visual experience is considered delightful and well-suited for a casual gaming session.
“Art style blends minimalism & detail, creating a captivating atmosphere.”
“The visual aesthetics of 'Catch the Stars' are charming, with each constellation bringing a sense of accomplishment.”
“This game has very peaceful music, adorable graphics, and it was calming going through the puzzles and creating the constellations.”
“The landscapes have a few mistakes (lines not connected), while it could be put down to the art style, it seems more like carelessness.”
“There's cats in the artwork before the game starts and after it ends, but none in the gameplay itself.”
“You like high-end graphics that bring your graphic card to the edge?”
- atmosphere18 mentions
- 22 % positive mentions
- 61 % neutral mentions
- 17 % negative mentions
The game's atmosphere is characterized by a captivating blend of minimalist art and detailed design, complemented by a soothing soundtrack featuring traditional Japanese instruments and piano melodies. This combination creates a tranquil and relaxing environment, although some players found the music repetitive and the gameplay occasionally annoying. Overall, the atmosphere is praised for its coordination and charm, contributing to a serene gaming experience.
“The art style blends minimalism and detail, creating a captivating atmosphere.”
“The soundtrack with traditional Japanese instruments enhances the relaxing atmosphere.”
“The minimalist design and soothing piano soundtrack create a tranquil atmosphere, reminiscent of Howlstrom's serene nights.”
“Relaxing atmosphere, relaxing (if repetitive) music, but... I just found the game annoying.”
“It creates a very relaxing atmosphere.”
“- the minimalist design and soothing piano soundtrack create a tranquil atmosphere, reminiscent of Howlstrom's serene nights.”
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is minimal and primarily serves as a backdrop for the puzzles, featuring a simple narrative about a cat's journey to see the stars. While some players find the story lacking and more of a marketing gimmick, others appreciate its cheerful tone and the relaxing atmosphere it creates alongside the easy puzzles. Overall, the narrative is straightforward and complements the game's calming experience, despite the limited number of puzzles.
“My only disappointment is that it's only 50 puzzles; however, it makes sense given they are working within the framework of constellations and the story of a cat taking a trip to see the stars.”
“Though there isn't much of a story and the puzzles are pretty easy to solve... the whole game gives a really relaxing feel with its soothing music and casual puzzles that don't really stress your mind but rather helps with the relaxation... very well done!”
“So, rather than being part of a story, it just seems like a gimmick for the store page.”
“Though there isn't much of a story and the puzzles are pretty easy to solve, the whole game gives a really relaxing feel with its soothing music and casual puzzles that don't really stress your mind but rather helps with the relaxation.”
“The game has a cheerful tone, and the story with the cat is very simple.”
- emotional4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players find "Catch the Stars: Japan" to evoke strong emotional responses, with its calming soundtrack enhancing the overall heartwarming experience, though it may not fully mitigate the depth of those feelings.
“As calming and pleasant as the soundtrack is, it's not enough to allay that emotional response.”
- humor4 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is characterized by lighthearted moments and playful interactions among characters, often leading to laughter and smiles, even from typically serious characters like Kazuma. The presence of a cat mascot adds to the comedic chaos, creating a fun and engaging atmosphere that players find amusing.
“I feel anyone would be able to pick up on what to do quickly, but I just thought that was a little funny!”
“The group huddled together, laughing and playing. Even Kazuma cracks a smile. The cat mascot purrs contentedly, oblivious to the chaos.”
