Little Kitty, Big City Review | A Purrfectly Cozy and Pawsome Journey

82
Story
8
Gameplay
9
Visuals
9
Audio
7
Value for Money
8
Price:
$ 25
Clear Time:
6 Hours
Reviewed on:
PC
Move over, 'Stray'—there's a new meowjesty in town, and it's none other than Little Kitty, Big City! While it may not have the same depth as that game, it does its job of being a purr-fectly relaxing and snug experience whiskering you away into a city where every nook and cranny is yours to explore. With its balance of quirky characters and endless discoveries, it truly immerses you in what it’s like to be a cat! Though it may be a short experience, it's paws-itively meowgnificent!

Little Kitty, Big City is an adventure game where you play as an adorable curious cat navigating the vast urban city in search of their way back home. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.

Little Kitty, Big City Review Overview

What is Little Kitty, Big City?

An innocent catnap turns into a whimsical journey through the hustle and bustle of a burgeoning city as you take the role of a cute little kitten on an adorably distracting journey to find their way home. There's plenty to do in the big city, like lending a paw to other adorable critters, finishing personal quests, exploring vibrant urban scenery, and causing as much cat-like mischief your little paws can manage. Surely you'll find your way home, but there's always something to do for a Little Kitty in a Big City.

Little Kitty, Big City features:
 ⚫︎ Open-World City with Tons of Explorable Areas and Quests
 ⚫︎ Colorful Cast of Different Types of Animals
 ⚫︎ Third-Person Adventure Game Where You Play as a Cat
 ⚫︎ Tons of Collectible Hats
 ⚫︎ Photo Mode Option
 ⚫︎ A Simple but Charming Coming of Age Tale

For more gameplay details, read everything we know about Little Kitty, Big City's gameplay and story.


Digital Storefronts
Steam IconSteam Playstation IconNintendo eShop Playstation IconXbox
Price $24.99


Little Kitty, Big City Pros & Cons

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Pros Cons
Checkmark The City is Your Litter Box
Checkmark Yakuza Worthy Side Stories
Checkmark The Authentic Cat Experience
Checkmark The Game is Short for an Animal With 9 Lives

Little Kitty, Big City Overall Score - 82/100

Move over, 'Stray'—there's a new meowjesty in town, and it's none other than Little Kitty, Big City! While it may not have the same depth as that game, it does its job of being a purr-fectly relaxing and snug experience whiskering you away into a city where every nook and cranny is yours to explore. With its balance of quirky characters and endless discoveries, it truly immerses you in what it’s like to be a cat! Though it may be a short experience, it's paws-itively meowgnificent!

Little Kitty, Big City Story - 8/10

In Little Kitty, Big City, players are whisked away on a heartwarming journey, stepping into the paws of an indoor cat longing for the warmth of home. As you navigate the vibrant city streets, you'll encounter a colorful cast of characters, each brimming with personality and quirks. Despite their dialogue being limited to animal sounds, their interactions are so engaging and amusing that it feels like they're sharing tales right before your eyes! Unexpectedly, this seemingly simple adventure unveils itself as a coming-of-age story, offering a deeper insight into how the bustling cityscape can shape and transform even the smallest of creatures.

Little Kitty, Big City Gameplay - 9/10

Don't expect any high-purrformance, adrenaline-fueled action from this cat-tastic adventure. Little Kitty, Big City is a laid-back cat simulator that, while taking some creative liberties, truly grasps the essence of feline life and rewards us for acting like one. It's an adventure game that hardly holds our hand, allowing us to embrace our inner curious cat and wreak havoc just like any mischievous kitty would. With tons of silly and unforgettable side quests, a plethora of fun hats to collect, and absolutely no pressure, it's a true gem of a game that bears a striking resemblance to Untitled Goose Game—but in my opinion, it's superior.

Little Kitty, Big City Visuals - 9/10

The game' boasts a visually captivating watercolor minimalist art style that highlights key characters. It's not the best looking, but it perfectly sets the tone of the game. Interestingly, the game’s aesthetic and feeling remind me of Persona 5, especially with the human NPCs sporting blank faces. The cityscape feels like a blend of Yongen-Jaya's lively urban environment and cozy residential streets. 'With its cozy and snug atmosphere and visuals, Little Kitty, Big City is like curling up with a real cat—soft, warm, and utterly relaxing.

Little Kitty, Big City Audio - 7/10

The game also adopts a minimalist approach to its music, inviting players to fully immerse themselves in the sounds of the city and its surroundings. With only a handful of soundtracks, the music seamlessly blends into the overall ambiance, allowing every nook and corner to be felt. Simple sounds we often overlook become more pronounced and impactful, heightening the experience of being a cat exploring the world. While the soundtrack, while not terrible, doesn't quite steal the show, I personally felt that a few additional tracks could have enhanced the overall atmosphere of the game.

Little Kitty, Big City Value for Money - 8/10

At $24.99, the game offers good value for what it delivers. However, it's worth noting that the game is relatively short, so my advice is to savor every moment of it. It seems the developers intended for players to take their time with it. Moreover, even if you're not particularly fond of cats, there's still plenty to enjoy here for everyone.

Little Kitty, Big City Review: A Purrfectly Cozy and Pawsome Journey

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If I had a nickel for every time I played a Cat-related game this month, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. Little Kitty, Big City had a lot to prove, especially considering it followed hot on the heels of Stray, widely regarded as the definitive cat experience. Naturally, when this game dropped its trailer, comparisons to Stray were inevitable.

While I'll concede that Stray excels in certain aspects, such as its deeper story and high-quality graphics, in my humble opinion, Little Kitty, Big City is the true embodiment of the most authentic cat game experience and possibly one of the finest animal simulators out there. What makes me say this? Well, before we delve into all the things it does so well, let's address just one gripe I have.

It's just too darn short. The story mode clocks in at less than 3 hours, and while there's a decent amount of quests, they're all pretty brief. Sure, collecting all the hats adds a bit of playtime, but it's still something you can breeze through. I just wish there were one or two more side quests to sink my teeth into because this game had me hooked from the get-go.
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The game kicks off with an adorable cut scene that had me chuckling from the start. It shows how the cat you're controlling loses its way home in the most hilarious way. Picture this: the cat's just chilling on the window ledge, taking a nap, when suddenly it stretches a bit too far and—oops!—tumbles to the ground.

Along the way down to the trashcan, there are obstacles like getting spooked by a dog in a nearby window and having a showdown with a crow in the sky. Before you know it, you're whisked away to a neighborhood you've never seen before. It's the perfect introduction that sets the tone of what we can expect: a cozy relaxing game with fun wacky moments sprinkled throughout. And boy, did it continue to deliver.

The moment I landed in the city, everything just clicked into place. The game gradually opens up, offering glimpses of where to go while still granting a satisfying amount of freedom. I found myself instantly captivated, immersed in the curiosity of this new world. Like a true cat, I couldn't resist exploring every nook and cranny, following my instincts to tip over plates, vases, and climb through forbidden areas. But what really drew me into the experience was an unexpected interaction with a painter.
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He was deep in thought on the ground, pondering his next move. Without any prompting from the game, I decided to tip over his paint, accidentally getting my paws painted in the process. Then, using my feet, I covered his canvas with painted paw prints—and to my surprise, the game rewarded me with an achievement! It was moments like these that really stood out to me, where the surroundings in the game were so interactive and led to unexpected cause-and-effect scenarios that felt like solving puzzles.

Are you Kitten Me!? was all I could think of as I left that first tutorial behind and stepped into the vibrant cityscape. While not sprawling, the city was brimming with platformer segments, each offering something new to see and do. It reminded me of the compact yet memorable locales in Yakuza—alive with personality and ripe for exploration. The satisfaction of discovery and the thrill of curiosity were ever-present, especially as I delved into the game's first side quests. These quests felt seamlessly woven into the fabric of the city, each one brimming with its own unique charm and zaniness.

It was reminiscent of the Yakuza series, where side stories are memorable for the quirky characters and outlandish scenarios they introduce you to. From encounters with lazy cats to striking deals with Tanuki offering fast travel via the sewer system, there was always something unexpected around every corner. But the game's rewards weren't limited to side quests alone. From shiny trinkets exchanged with the crow for story progression or gacha hats to feathers collected from birds and traded with tanuki for new fast travel spots, there was always something to strive for.
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Yet, what truly resonated with me was unlocking new skills for the cat. It made perfect sense for our sheltered indoor cat to learn the survival skills of a streetwise feline, like improved climbing or hunting techniques. The gameplay is intricately intertwined with the story, allowing us to witness the cat's growth and development as it embraces its newfound independence and curiosity. I loved the underlying message the game conveyed—that curiosity doesn’t always kill that, it actually not only enriches our lives but also leads to unexpected rewards and personal growth.

That being said, the entire experience hinges on how smoothly the cat controls, and let me tell you—I absolutely love it. I had a blast with The Untitled Goose, which shares some similarities, but I have to say, I prefer the third-person style of this game. The precision and fluidity of your cat's movements are so satisfying. Whether you're leaping from platform to platform, scaling walls, or causing chaos in the city, every action feels deliberate and impactful.

The cat feels agile and nimble, and as you continue to play and your furry friend learns new skills, the level design feels perfectly tailored to their abilities. Sure, there are a few moments where the controls hiccup, but overall, it still delivers the quintessential cat experience.

You really feel the exaggerated swagger of a young kitty as you navigate the city with flair and finesse.

Pros of Little Kitty, Big City

Things Little Kitty, Big City Got Right
Checkmark The City is Your Litter Box
Checkmark Yakuza Worthy Side Stories
Checkmark The Authentic Cat Experience

The City is Your Litter Box

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The city in the game feels like a cozy haven, striking a perfect balance between urban hustle and rural charm. Every corner holds untold stories, inviting exploration and rewarding curiosity. But it's not all leisurely strolls and sightseeing—you'll also find yourself getting into mischief like any playful cat would. Sometimes you'll be rewarded with new items, while other times you might just end up ruffling some feathers and getting tossed out. What's truly fascinating is the myriad ways you can navigate the city. It's like a complex puzzle, with interconnected pathways and unexpected obstacles blocking your path.

Think of it like scenes from Toy Story—what seems like a simple task for us humans, like crossing the street, becomes an adventure for a small cat. You might have to bribe a dog with a treat or find a creative way around. And let me tell you, climbing around cars, windows, and houses is an absolute blast! There's always something waiting for you at the end of your exploration—a new hat, a quirky character with a side quest, you name it. It truly captures that wide-eyed wonder of exploring a big city feel.

Yakuza Worthy Side Stories

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If you've ever delved into the wacky world of Yakuza games, you'll understand just how wild and downright hilarious their side stories can get. And let me tell you, this game manages to capture that same essence with its side quests. One of the funniest scenarios I've encountered involves a bird with a phone—yeah, you read that right. Even the protagonist questions the absurdity of it all! The poor bird's phone gets wrecked, and it's up to you to find a replacement by tackling one of the humans roaming around and snatching their phone.

Why, you ask? Because the bird happens to be the manager of an influencer cat, and without a phone, it's curtains for their career! It's absurdly weird and hilarious, showcasing just how delightfully dumb the game can be. It doesn't take itself too seriously and fully embraces the silliness of its concept, and that's what makes it so darn enjoyable.

The Authentic Cat Experience

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This game feels like a Morgana Persona 5 spin-off, no doubt about it. I mean, just look at the vibe of the city—it's straight out of Yogen-Jaya, all it just needs is Sojiro’s Leblanc. But seriously, playing this game gave me a whole new perspective on why cats act the way they do. It truly feels like stepping into the adorable shoes of a furry friend, experiencing their daily adventures firsthand. If I were a cat, you bet I'd be getting into all sorts of mischief too, and during my playthrough of this game, I did! Sure, the game takes some creative liberties to make the cat's movements seamless, but that just adds to the fun. Exploring the world through feline eyes was an absolute blast. Plus, with nine lives to spare, there's no shortage of ridiculous antics to get into! (P.S. You can’t die in this game.)

Cons of Little Kitty, Big City

Things That Little Kitty, Big City Can Improve
Checkmark The Game is Short for an Animal With 9 Lives

The Game is Short for an Animal With 9 Lives

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I just wish there was more to do in this game because I wasn't ready to say goodbye to it just yet. Its biggest flaw, without a doubt, is that it's too short. I'm really hoping that the developers will release some DLC in the future because this is definitely a game I'd love to revisit.

Is Little Kitty, Big City Worth It?

Pawsitively Yes!

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Despite being on the shorter side, there's still plenty to enjoy in this game. The only folks I wouldn't recommend it to are cat haters because, let's face it, this game is all about celebrating feline antics. If you're not a fan of our furry friends, it's probably not going to change your mind—it might even reinforce your dislike! But for everyone else, there's a little something for everyone. Whether you're into adventure games, simulator games, or just looking for a fun and cozy experience, this game has you covered, thankfully not in furballs. For $24.99, this game is definitely worth grabbing. Plus, at the time of writing, it's currently on sale across all platforms, so be sure to snag it for your preferred gaming system while you can!


Digital Storefronts
Steam IconSteam Playstation IconNintendo eShop Playstation IconXbox
Price $22.49


Little Kitty, Big City FAQ

Is Little Kitty, Big City like Untitled Goose Game?

Little Kitty, Big City shares some similarities with Untitled Goose Game. You get to play as an animal roaming around the city, interacting with all sorts of characters and causing a bit of mischief along the way. However, there are some key differences. In this game, you're not a goose, but a cute little kitty instead. Plus, it's a third-person adventure game, which gives it a different feel compared to the more quacky top-down perspective of Untitled Goose Game.

How Many Hats Are Unlockable in Little Kitty, Big City?

There are a total of 42 hats that you can unlock in this game.

Is There a Photo Mode in Little Kitty, Big City?

Yes, the game has a photo mode which you will unlock pretty early-on!

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Little Kitty, Big City Product Information

Game X Cover
Title LITTLE KITTY, BIG CITY
Release Date May 9, 2024
Developer Double Dagger Studio
Publisher Double Dagger Studio
Supported Platforms Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, PC, Xbox Series X and Series S
Genre Adventure
Number of Players 1
ESRB Rating E (Everyone)
Official Website Little Kitty Big City Website

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