It seems that all too often I’m tasked with tackling yet another multiplayer game, each time hoping that the outcome will be a positive one. Just to be clear, yes, there are on occasion titles in this vein that offer up some surprises and genuine fun. But unfortunately, this isn’t one of them.

Playing either in the solo campaign, locally against friends, or online as long as the community may last, your goal is to become the undisputed “Cat of Cats”. Make that “of cat-headed beasts with hot dog bodies” though if we’re being more accurate. How will you do this? Quite simply by very appropriately knocking all of your fellow felines off the edge of the stage, of course. Sure, there’s some variety in locales that add a little flavor, and a scant number of potential items to make a mad dash to grab to give yourself an advantage, but in general this is serious button mashing and hoping for the best territory as you flail around trying to stay alive.

The core problem here is that while you could attempt to avoid letting gameplay devolve, there simply isn’t enough nuance here to avoid it for long. Yes, there’s something to be said for positioning, and you’ll need to try to save up some stamina to bring a burst of attacks against your enemies, but it really is quite a one-dimensional affair more often than not. Sure, there’s some content to enjoy on your own, just trying to keep alive as you face bigger groups of enemies for the most part, but again since this isn’t a high-minded affair you have precious little to learn that would guarantee you success over someone armed with quick fingers and just a bit of luck.

The result is a package that seems to be banking on cat lovers and people who adore giving them uwu faces and other simplistic visual touches to customize them for battle. Make no mistake, you could possibly get some friends together, or luck into finding someone to battle with online, and have a good time. That said, enjoyment would more likely be a function of silly moments and the ridiculousness of it all far more than from anything resembling satisfying or polished gameplay.