Katie

About

Katie is a single player action game. It was developed by Lonely Frontier Studio and was released on May 7, 2018. It received positive reviews from players.

"What are you running from?" Katie is a game about forging relationships, reflecting on your own existence, and trying to figure out why you ended up trapped in this secluded town. Features a large cast of unique characters and a lovingly handmade pixel-stylized environment, ripe for exploration!

Genres & Tags

Indie

Play Modes

Single-Player

Skip User Reviews

84%

Audience ScoreBased on 32 reviews

story4 positive mentions

gameplay3 negative mentions

The game features a beautifully crafted narrative that explores themes of friendship, loss, and self-reflection, resonating deeply with players.
The atmosphere is well-realized, complemented by lovely music and unique art style, creating an engaging experience despite its simplicity.
Players appreciate the intimate storytelling approach, where the character Katie's journey feels personal and relatable, making it a memorable experience.

The game is very short, with some players feeling it lacks depth and replayability, leading to a rushed experience.
Many found the gameplay to be minimal, with limited interaction and dialogue, making it feel more like a walking simulator than a traditional game.
Technical issues, such as low mouse sensitivity and pathing problems, detracted from the overall enjoyment for some players.

story
28 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
14%
75%
11%
The story of "Katie" revolves around themes of friendship, loss, and personal growth, presented through a unique narrative style where the player acts as a facilitator for Katie's journey rather than a traditional protagonist. While some players found the writing to be less engaging, the emotional depth and relatable themes resonated with many, creating a touching and introspective experience. The game's lo-fi art style complements its narrative, making it a distinctive storytelling experience that evokes genuine feelings, despite its simplicity.
- “Katie is a story of friendship, loss, and moving on set in a small town.”
- “I could relate very much to several of the themes in the story, which is told in an elegant, charming way.”
- “This game is a story-driven introspective experience where you accompany the character 'Katie' throughout the week and end up being someone that she trusts with her problems.”
- “Unfortunately, the best writing in this game can be found in the ending credits, where the developer (even if the game possibly reflects his personal story) expresses much more about himself (and in a more interesting and moving way) than the main hero throughout the game.”
- “I'm not sure that the message resonated with me that much, or that I perfectly understood what the developer was trying to convey. The story touches on lost friendships and being in a difficult place mentally, and some of it may be more fitting for a younger person, but it did evoke some emotional response in me.”
- “This is very clearly a personal story to the writer, and after reading the credits, I felt like I was an intruder here.”
music
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
43%
21%
The music in the game is generally praised for its beauty and ability to enhance the atmosphere, particularly during key moments like the closing credits. However, many players noted that the soundtrack is infrequently used, with some expressing a desire for more musical content throughout the gameplay. Overall, while the existing music is well-received, its limited presence leaves players wanting more.
- “The distinctive writing style, art, and soundtrack all contribute to a cohesive world.”
- “From both the beauty in the music and the scenery, the atmosphere of the game enables you the perfect state of mind and place to take a moment and truly think.”
- “I found some of the areas in the game visually striking despite their simplicity, and the music complements it well.”
- “The music I immediately liked, but it only plays in the music store.”
- “Very little actual music during the game.”
- “I would have liked more music, original or otherwise.”
graphics
11 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
45%
28%
27%
The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating the intentionally crude and pixelated style that complements the narrative, while others criticize the low resolution and overall ugliness. Despite the simplistic visuals, many agree that the art style effectively enhances the atmosphere and storytelling, creating memorable experiences. Overall, the graphics may not be technically impressive, but they serve their purpose and resonate with the game's themes.
- “An interesting short form (approx 45 min- 1 hr) experience, combining intentionally crude but memorable 3D graphics, and a melancholy tone - feels like a combination of walking simulator and visual novel.”
- “From the first conversation, I was interested in learning Katie’s story, and despite the lo-fi art style, it’s able to create some beautiful scenery.”
- “I like the pixel graphics, and the story is great.”
- “The graphics were another hit that made even my pixel-loving eyes bleed.”
- “Ugly graphics, resolution fixed at a very low level.”
- “While the audio and visuals might seem overly basic, they do end up serving their purpose quite well.”
atmosphere
7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
43%
14%
43%
The game's atmosphere is praised for its beautiful retro aesthetic and natural dialogue, creating a comfortable and thought-provoking environment reminiscent of a quaint village. The combination of charming visuals and evocative music enhances the overall experience, allowing players to immerse themselves fully in the game's themes. Despite some critiques of the graphics and acting, the atmosphere remains a standout feature that effectively complements the game's narrative.
- “A beautiful little game, only takes around an hour to get through but with that time it really gets you thinking. The atmosphere is nice and the dialogue seems natural and well thought out.”
- “From both the beauty in the music and the scenery, the atmosphere of the game enables you the perfect state of mind and place to take a moment and truly think.”
- “One strangely familiar phrase per person, creating the mundane atmosphere of a Dragon Quest village.”
- “The atmosphere is very well-realized and complements the theme of the game nicely.”
- “It has this comfortable atmosphere, because this town is comfortable.”
gameplay
5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
40%
60%
The gameplay in "katie" is minimal, primarily involving exploration and interaction, as players wander around and click on objects to uncover the stories of Katie and the town's residents. There are no complex mechanics; the focus is on narrative discovery rather than traditional gameplay elements.
- “The gameplay consists of talking to Katie and the other residents to learn more about their stories and the nature of the town itself.”
- “My goal isn't to describe the mechanics but to outline a speck of some abstract idea without overexposing it.”
- “There isn't much in the way of 'gameplay' in Katie.”
- “No gameplay, just wander around and click on things.”
- “That's really the only gameplay element, finding Katie and following her around.”
humor
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game blends melancholic themes with humor, offering a sweet and funny experience. Notably, some of Katie's sprite work adds to the comedic elements, making it a memorable and enjoyable title.
- “The game is melancholic but sweet and funny at the same time.”
- “Some of Katie's sprite work, in particular, can be pretty funny.”
- “All in all, a funny little game, but one I think I'll remember for a while.”
emotional
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game presents a heartfelt narrative that explores themes of lost friendships and mental struggles, delivering an emotional experience that is both touching and subtly crafted. While some players may find the message less resonant or clear, it still evokes genuine emotional responses, particularly for younger audiences.
- “It's a story of ups and downs and can be quite touching.”
- “Heartfelt, albeit not manipulative, and I found the subtlety refreshing.”
- “The story touches on lost friendships and being in a difficult place mentally, and it did evoke some emotional response in me.”
replayability
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is considered short and lacks significant replayability; however, many players feel that this does not detract from the overall experience.
- “While it's fairly short and doesn't really have replayability, I don't think it needs it.”
- “The game lacks the depth to encourage multiple playthroughs.”
- “Once you've completed the story, there's little incentive to return.”