Game: Hidden Cats in Istanbul
Genre: Hidden Objects, Casual, Indie
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer | Publisher: Nukearts Studio
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Unknown
Price: US $3.99 | UK £3.39 | EU € 3,99
Release Date: September 5th, 2025
No review code was used, I purchased the game myself.
Hidden Cats in Istanbul 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, can be found on the Hidden Animals page.
The Gameplay of Hidden Cats in Istanbul
Hidden Cats in Istanbul is structured as the other games in the series. For the main level, we have a black-and-white picture of a Istanbul, and we find cats. Once we find all the cats in a particular area, that part of the city is colored. We have to find 200 cats in fixed positions, 12 Special cats that unlock bonus scenes and give hints, and 20 city people, who also give hints. The main picture incorporates famous landmarks around Istanbul, as well as traditional elements of the Turkish culture.
For the bonus scenes, we need to find two specific cats. Each bonus scene has its own combination of Special cats. We have seven bonus scenes around Istanbul, from candy stores, parks, bazaars and cafes. In the bonus scenes, we find little blue kittens and some people. Some might be a bit more hidden than in the main scene: under a plate, in a bush, etc. The bonus scenes get progressively bigger, with the Balat festival level being the biggest, with a hundred kittens and fifty people to find.
The game has a hint system implemented – we have a fixed maximum of hints, depending on how well we are doing finding the cats and people. Once activated, the hint works like a radar, pinging you closer to the cat you’re looking for. It was implemented a few games ago, and I have to say that in this game it works better than before. The radar and pinging works longer and the once you are really close to the cat you are looking for, it’s colored in green to spot it easier.
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 Istanbul. The Special Cats cards are as witty as usual.
The soundtrack is a delight as usual – we have chatter and music making the cartoon city of Istanbul as vivid and lived in as the real city. The cats are clear and easily distinguished, not vague scribbles on the screen, which is always appreciated in this type of game.
Some Notes
As in other games in the series, Hidden Cats in Istanbul 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 Istanbul has Steam achievements, but no trading cards.
Conclusion
With Hidden Cats in Istanbul, we have another great addition to the hidden cat games. As always, I am excited to see where we are going next, looking for hidden cats!
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot. 
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