Game: Sudocats
Genre: Puzzle, Board Game, Education, Study
System: Nintendo Switch
Developers | Publishers: DEVCATS | Silesia Games
Age Rating: US E | EU 3+
Price: US $2.99 | UK £2.49 | EU € 2,99
Release Date: June 23rd, 2022
Review code used with many thanks to Silesia Games.
Sudoku appeals to me more than crossword puzzles. I was quite addicted to the number puzzler back in the day. And who doesn’t love cute cats? When I was offered this review code for Sudocats, I jumped at the chance to play it like a cat jumping at a bird on a TV screen. Did it turn out better for me than the cat who ran into the TV set? Let’s find out.
Gameplay
Sudocats is built around a simple concept: There are ways to introduce cats to each other, and you should do this correctly or the cats will get upset. The game translates this to a Sudoku grid: just make sure you only have one of each type of cat in each row or box and you’re golden. Accidentally duplicate cats and you will know (they turn red and make angry noises).
As you progress you unlock cat toys and treats. These items allow you a certain number of hints. Simply place the item in the space that’s stumping you and it will place the correct cat. But be careful! You only have a limited number of hints available.
Another handy feature is that you can place notes to yourself on which cats might go in a particular square. This is especially nice since it’s a little hard to keep track of all these cats!
A Game Meant to Educate
In addition to the gameplay, this game also gives tips on how to introduce your cats in real life. For every Sudocat board, you complete you unlock a new tip in a sequence of suggestions as to how to introduce a newly adopted cat to previously established cats in your home. I do not know cat care, but I asked a friend of mine with cat care experience about some of the tips and she thought the advice sounded reasonable.
As the game points out though, always take the advice of your cat’s vet in such matters.
Game instructions, Music, and Art/Gallery
The game really isn’t meant to teach you Sudoku, so make sure you know the basics before you try this out. The instructions show how to add cats, note to yourself, and use hints.
The music is pleasant but repetitive. There are some soothing tracks you can listen to while playing. For the most part, this was a game where I enjoyed turning off the music and listening to a podcast instead.
The cat art is very cute! As you complete each set of three puzzles you unlock the image and some facts about each cat. So cute!
Issues
The cats are a little hard to see on the Switch Lite. Especially when you get to the 9×9 board, and the cats are super tiny. It is playable though. I did not have to get out the reading glasses to progress in this title.
No other issues. This is a well-put-together title in my opinion.
Conclusion
Sudocats is a little on the short side, but overall is a delightful title with content equal to the bargain price. I really enjoyed playing Sudoku with this feline twist. You may find the puzzles a bit easy, but if you enjoy Sudoku and cats, it’s certainly worth a try.
Final Verdict: I Like it a Lot.
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