Game: Hidden Cats in Berlin
Genre: Hidden Objects, Casual, Indie
System: Steam (Windows, macOS)
Developer | Publisher: Nukearts Studio
Controller Support: Yes
Price: US $3.99 | UK £3.39 | EU € 3,99
Release Date: March 16th, 2024
No review code was used; I purchased the game myself.
Hidden Cats in Berlin is yet another hidden object game in the Hidden Cats game series, developed and released by Nukearts Studio. All our other reviews in the series, plus those of some other hidden animals games, are found on the Hidden Animals page.
The Gameplay of Hidden Cats in Berlin
Hidden Cats in Berlin follows the same formula as the other games in the series. We have a black-and-white picture of a city, in this case, Berlin, and we find cats. Once we find all the cats in a particular area, that part of the city is colored. We have two modes: Normal and Advanced.
In Normal mode, we have to find 120 cats in fixed positions and get five hints. In Advanced mode, we have 200 cats in semi-random positions, 12 Special cats that unlock Bonus levels and give us extra hints, and 20 city people, who once found out, also give us extra hints.
For the bonus scenes, we need to find two specific cats. Each bonus scene has its own combination of Special cats. We have six bonus scenes around Berlin, from Parks to the Berlin Wall and a Bakery Shop. In the bonus scenes, we find little blue kittens. Some might be a bit more hidden than in the main scene: under a plate, in a bush, etc.
Once we complete everything, we have another bonus scene: an Underground party almost as big as the main scene. In the Underground party, we have to find 100 kittens and 100 party people.
The Art Style
The art style is one of the more recognizable features of the Hidden Cats game series. Once again, we have cartoon-drawn scenes that get colored when you find all the cats and people. In the main scene, we get informational cards about landmarks in Berlin. The Special Cats cards are witty, as usual. The people you see on the street range from German composers to wizards and monks. Recognizing them is a game in itself.
And while the artwork is as delightful as always, the real standalone hero in this game is the soundtrack. The other games were always well executed, and I am still determining exactly what was different this time, but I found myself pausing mid-search to listen to chatter in German around the map. The way sound and chatter bounce around the map is just like the actual soundtrack of every city. All through the cacophony of sounds and the different music, we have the exact musical phrase repeating in the background depending on where you are on the map.
Another thing I really loved is the image of Berlin, which the game shows – a vibrant city with a mix of cultures, past, present, and perhaps future. It’s a complex history that Berlin, Germany, has, perhaps more so than other cities the Hidden Cats games have taken us to. Still, the game doesn’t shy away from showing its history, and the fact that it shows and reminds us of it is especially relevant today. It might sound silly to look for such things in a game about finding kittens, but it would be great even if one person finds themselves intrigued by Berlin’s past.
Some Notes
As in other games in the series, Hidden Cats in Berlin has basic display and audio settings, as well as some accessibility settings: dark mode, inverted mouse zoom, mouse drag sensibility, edge screen scrolling, and color blindness.
Hidden Cats in Berlin has Steam achievements and trading cards.
Conclusion
With Hidden Cats in Berlin, we have yet another winner in the hidden cats genre. I am always excited to play this game series and urgently await the next title. Hidden Cats in Berlin is a great addition to an already great series, and if you need extra incentive, it’s also 20% off until the end of March.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up