You Can’t Handle the Truth About Video Game Cats

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Summary

  • Iconic video game cats are more than just cute—they are vibrant and memorable three-dimensional characters.
  • Cats like the Erdtree Burial Watchdogs are unique due to their design and impact in impactful games.
  • Video game cats, whether cute like Jeane or complex like CatNap, make lasting impressions on players.

As a dedicated gamer, I’ve always been captivated by the diverse feline characters that populate the digital worlds we explore. While some of these gaming cats are undeniably cute and endearing, there’s no denying the allure of the enigmatic and malevolent felines that haunt our screens. The most memorable video game cats aren’t just adorable; they leave an indelible mark on players, remaining etched in our memories for years to come.

Cats can significantly enhance any game experience; however, it’s not just any ordinary cat that makes an impact – these iconic felines are far from mere decorations. Instead, they are lively, three-dimensional characters with their unique purposes, which may or may not coincide with the player’s objectives.

10. The Erdtree Burial Watchdogs From Elden Ring

Lying In Wait In The Catacombs

  • Role: Enemy
  • Can You Pet That Cat: Definitely not
  • Can That Cat Kill You: Absolutely
  • Good Cat Noise Rating: Only the burning flesh of his enemies and the sound of shifting stone 1/10

There’s a bit of discussion about whether the Erdtree Burial Watchdogs are more like cats or dogs, but it seems that some people are taking the term “watchdog” too literally rather than considering its symbolic meaning. His twisted, shrunken face resembling a cat, his sharp pointed ears, and his long, slender tail suggest that he may have descended from felines.

What’s his reason for being included on this list? He’s a feline figure clad in a cape, capable of unleashing flames and wielding an enormous sword. Such a character would seem fitting for inclusion. However, he’s also a distinctly designed character from one of the most influential games in the last decade.

9. Jeane from No More Heroes

Every Anti-hero Needs A Cat

  • Role: Pet
  • Can You Pet That Cat: Yes in NMH 2 and 3
  • Can That Cat Kill You: Probably not.
  • Good Cat Noise Rating: Can talk in NMH 3 7/10

In simpler terms, the main character, Travis Touchdown, has taken in a playful, gray Scottish Fold cat named Jeane. Many believe that Jeane serves as a witty tribute to the stray kitten from the game Shenmue.

Jeane isn’t merely an attractive piece of furniture or a mute companion; in “No More Heroes 3”, he has the ability to speak! Players can engage with him through various methods such as playing games, giving massages, and stretching him out. In “No More Heroes 2”, Jeane piles on the pounds, and it’s up to Travis to assist him in shedding weight by helping him with exercises.

8. CatNap From Poppy Playtime

Red Smoke Emitting Cultist

  • Role: Antagonist
  • Can you pet it? Definitely not
  • Can it kill you? Yes, and he will
  • Cat noise rating: Weird heavy breathing 1/10

CatNap serves as a significant antagonist in Poppy Playtime Chapter 3, and he is an ardent devotee of the series’ main villain, The Prototype. He eliminates any toys that express dissent or defy the commands of The Prototype.

Sadly, CatNap began life as a young, orphaned boy named Theodore Grambell, who was cruelly metamorphosed into a sentient toy. His red smoke has dual functions: acting as a tranquilizer and inducing hallucinations. His unique appearance and intricate nature as a villain earn him a spot on the list.

7. Big The Cat From Sonic Adventure

On A Mission To Find Froggy

  • Role: Supporting character
  • Can You Pet that cat: No
  • Can That Cat Kill You: No
  • Good Cat Noise Rating: Goofy voice 4/10

For those who adore quirky supporting characters brimming with golden hearts, you’ll likely find yourself charmed by this oversized, oddly-shaped ball of fur. He is well-known for his passion for fishing, his close bond with Froggy, and the fact that he isn’t exactly a genius in intellect.

He creates this list not just due to his part in a legendary gaming franchise, but also because of his distinctive character within the Sonic series and his endearing sleepiness. Regardless of whether players adore or despise Big the Cat, there’s no denying that he leaves a significant mark on the gaming world.

6. Blacksad From Blacksad: Under The Skin

World Weary Detective With A Boopable Snoot

  • Role: The broody protagonist
  • Can You Pet That Cat: The player is the cat.
  • Can That Cat Kill You: Yes, but it would be against his moral code.
  • Good Cat Noise Rating: Gravelly voice 8/10

In a nutshell, Blacksad is a massive tuxedo cat who plays the role of a seasoned private eye, delving into a labyrinthine murder case in the gritty 1950s New York. The city, teeming with anthropomorphic felines, canids, and various animals, provides the backdrop for this intricate noir tale.

He’s on this list as a feline who steals the spotlight, being more than just an adorable explorer. Similar to Blacksad in the comics, he embodies the less charming and cuddly aspects of cats. He is intelligent, versatile, and always vigilant.

He’s included on this list as a cat who commands attention, going beyond mere cute explorer. Like Blacksad from the comics, he represents the unappealing side of feline nature. He’s shrewd, adaptable, and constantly watchful.

5. Felynes and Melynx From Monster Hunter

Best Little Battle Buddy Ever

  • Role: Ally and aide
  • Can You Pet That Cat: Yes
  • Can That Cat Kill You: If they really wanted to.
  • Good Cat Noise Rating: 10/10

In the “Monster Hunter” video games, Felines and Melix are two feline beings that reside alongside the hunters. These creatures walk on two legs, resembling cats, and they carry out various roles within their community, such as warriors known as Palicoes.

In the game, these aren’t just ordinary pets, but rather skilled allies who possess unique skills and weapons that can significantly aid in battles when used tactfully. At the outset of the game, players get to pick and personalize their Palico. Interestingly, some armor sets also come with a Palico variation.

4. Raymond From Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Your Friendly Heterochromic Neighbor

  • Role: Neighbor
  • Can You Pet That Cat: No, respect the man’s personal space.
  • Can That Cat Kill You: He would never.
  • Good Cat Noise Rating: 5/10

Raymond, a popular character in “Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” is highly sought after by many players due to his friendly and sociable nature as a Smug-type villager. He generally gets along well with various possible island residents.

To maintain a satisfied and content resident on your island, it’s advisable to occasionally praise him, as his home has an office-like aesthetic and he takes great care in his personal appearance.

3. Meowth From Pokemon

An Iconic Series Favorite

  • Role: Mainly antagonist (Team Rocket Meowth)
  • Can You Pet That Cat: No
  • Can That Cat Kill You: He could try.
  • Good Cat Noise Rating: 5/10

As a gamer, I can’t help but bring up the iconic Meowth from Team Rocket when discussing this species. Unlike your typical Meowth, he has a unique ability to talk and plot with his fellow team members. He’s the reason they made it onto my list, thanks to his endearing villainy.

Typically, Meowths resemble their real-life cat equivalents. They are meat-eaters with sharp nails and can be found in numerous forms and dimensions. The differences among them often depend on the location, yet they also possess a Gigantamax form.

2. Cait-Sith From Final Fantasy

Celtic Myth Inspired Robotic Cat

  • Role: Party Member.
  • Can You Pet That Cat: No
  • Can That Cat Kill You: Yes, but he’s an ally (for the most part).
  • Good Cat Noise Rating: High energy Scottish accent with some cat-like noises 8/10

Cait-Sith is a robot cat with fortune-telling abilities managed by Reeve Tuesti. Initially, he appears boisterous and unconventional, even for a spy. He’s full of mischievous self-assurance and moves around on a moogle, which he navigates using a megaphone as a control device.

The legends surrounding Cait-Sith are nearly as intricate as the ‘Final Fantasy’ game franchise itself. The extent of his independence isn’t always clear, and his combat ineptitude may render him somewhat ineffective as an ally on occasion.

1. The Cat From Stray

The Best Little Outsider In The Whole Dang Dystopia

  • Role: Protagonist
  • Can You Pet That Cat: The player is the cat
  • Can That Cat Kill You: It sure feels like it sometimes.
  • Good Cat Noise Rating: Voiced by a real cat named Lala 10/10

In the movie “Stray”, the main character, an unnamed ginger tabby cat, was made to appear lifelike due to motion-capture data taken from real cats. This gives him movements that are strikingly authentic. The story follows this cat who has become separated from his family and must navigate the city with the aid of a drone. This drone not only serves as a guide but also functions as a translator, enabling communication between the cat and humans.

Apart from being the most lifelike feline character in video games so far, this character exhibits the quirks and rich personality typical of a fully-fleshed video game hero. He even has his unique personal goals and reasons for acting, setting him apart from other characters.

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2025-02-10 12:55