Discover the unsung feline heroes of the gaming world in our latest feature, ‘7 Remarkable Cats in Gaming You Might Have Missed.’ These characters bring a unique blend of agility, mystery, and charm to their respective games. Often overlooked, these feline avatars play pivotal roles in their digital realms, offering gamers experiences filled with intrigue and excitement. Join us as we unveil these hidden gems of the gaming landscape, showcasing why each of these cats deserves a moment in the spotlight.
1. Rover (Animal Crossing):
The Charismatic Guide
- Role and Characteristics: Rover is a friendly, outgoing cat character who appears at the beginning of various Animal Crossing games. He plays a significant role during the character creation process, asking the player various questions that influence the game’s settings. Rover’s interactions set the tone for the player’s experience in the game .
- Game Mechanics: In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Rover appears during the May Day event, where players can encounter him at the end of a special island-maze. Successfully navigating the maze and meeting Rover leads to rewards for the player .
- Cultural Impact: Rover’s character is known for his memorable role in the character creation process and his cheerful demeanor. He is a recognizable and beloved character among the Animal Crossing community.
2. Red XIII (Final Fantasy VII)
The Mystic Warrior
“Precious Specimen?”
- Role and Characteristics: Red XIII, also known as Nanaki, is a beast-type character in Final Fantasy VII with distinct red fur and a fiery tail. He has a complex backstory involving his capture and experimentation, and his character arc includes significant developments in Cosmo Canyon .
- Game Mechanics: Red XIII possesses unique abilities and limit breaks, contributing significantly to combat strategies in the game. He goes through character development after the events in Cosmo Canyon, which is reflected in the upcoming Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. This change affects gameplay, as quests will have variations depending on whether the player is interacting with Red XIII or Nanaki .
- Cultural Impact: Red XIII’s storyline and character development have made him a memorable and well-regarded character in the Final Fantasy series. His journey and growth resonate with players, making him a fan favorite.
3. Druid Cat Form (World of Warcraft)
Master of the Wilds
Night Elf Druid
- Role and Characteristics: In World of Warcraft, the Druid Cat Form is used for melee DPS (damage per second), enabling swift and powerful attacks. It is a core aspect of the Feral Druid specialization.
- Game Mechanics: The Cat Form focuses on single-target and area-of-effect damage with abilities like Shred, Rip, and Ferocious Bite. It offers increased attack speed, mobility, and stealth capabilities. Druids can customize the form’s appearance, and various gameplay achievements unlock different skins and colors.
- Cultural Impact: The Druid Cat Form is a symbol of the Druid class’s versatility and connection with nature in World of Warcraft. It represents the adaptability and strength of the Druids, making it a distinctive and popular aspect of the game among players.
4. Slugcats (Rainworld)
Survivors of the Harsh World
- Varieties and Abilities: In Rainworld, the slugcats, or Slupcats, come in various forms, each with unique abilities and traits. Some notable slugcats include:
- The Gourmand: An omnivore with the ability to craft items, roll infinitely, and survive attacks. It requires rest after continuous activity.
- The Artificer: Known for explosion immunity and faster walking speed but has less breath time underwater and a worse reputation with scavengers.
- The Spearmaster: Can carry spears in both hands and gains food pips by hitting creatures. It is slightly faster than the survivor but cannot eat or store items.
- The Saint: Herbivorous, with the ability to use a grappling tongue for movement but cannot attack with spears or use passages.
- Gameplay Impact: The different slugcats offer varied gameplay experiences, from crafting and combat to unique movement abilities. These variations allow players to adapt to different challenges and environments within the game.
5. Tabby Slimes (Slime Rancher & Slime Rancher 2)
The Playful Jesters
Slime Rancher 2
- Characteristics and Location: Tabby Slimes, resembling tabby cats, are common in the Slime Rancher world. They are found in areas like the Dry Reef, Moss Blanket, Indigo Quarry, Ancient Ruins, and The Wilds. They are playful, can jump higher than most slimes, and are known for stealing food.
- Diet and Ranching Tips: Tabby Slimes exclusively eat meat, with a preference for Stony Hen hens. They produce more plorts when fed their favorite food. While not the most useful slimes to keep on their own, they can be combined into largos with slimes that offer more valuable plorts. It’s advised to have a coop for their food supply.
- Gameplay Impact: In Slime Rancher, Tabby Slimes add a playful and interactive element to ranching. Their unique behaviors, like following the player and meowing, contribute to the game’s charming and engaging atmosphere.
6. Mewo (OMORI)
OMORI
- Gameplay Role: In OMORI, Mewo is a small black cat who resides in White Space and interacts with the player character, Omori. Mewo appears in several areas, including White Space, the Punishment Area in Black Space, and the Crossroads sequence. The player’s interactions with Mewo can affect the game’s outcome, particularly in the Punishment Area where Omori is prompted to make a crucial decision regarding Mewo .
- Impact: Mewo’s presence in OMORI adds emotional depth and symbolism to the game. Her interactions with Omori and appearances in key game moments contribute to the game’s themes of repression, consciousness, and facing one’s fears. Mewo’s role in the game has sparked much speculation and interpretation among players, highlighting her significance in the game’s narrative.
7. Cat Suit Mario (Super Mario Series)
A Whiskerful Adventure
- Gameplay Role: The Cat Suit is a power-up in the Super Mario series, first introduced in Super Mario 3D World. It allows Mario and other characters to climb walls, perform claw swipes, and pounce on enemies. The suit also features in other games, such as Super Mario Maker, Super Mario Odyssey, and Mario Kart 8, where it provides unique abilities and characteristics to the characters.
- Impact: The Cat Suit has become an iconic part of the Super Mario series, known for its distinctive look and the new gameplay mechanics it introduces. It has been featured in multiple games and has become a fan favorite, adding a playful and creative element to the Super Mario universe.
Conclusion
These seven cats, in their own remarkable ways, have shown us that even in the vast universe of gaming, where countless characters vie for our attention, there’s always room for the understated charm of our feline friends. They remind us that sometimes the most memorable gaming experiences come from those characters we might have initially overlooked. So, the next time you embark on a digital adventure, keep an eye out for these extraordinary cats. You never know what surprising joys and challenges they might bring to your gaming journey.