Inspired by RimWorld and The Sims, Catizens is a colony management simulation game where you watch over unique cats with quirky personalities, as you help them build and grow their settlement while exploring new lands, facing off against wildlife and overcoming the challenges of each environment.
Players greatly enjoy the depth added by each cat's distinct traits, skills, and preferences. They must carefully manage the social dynamics, as cats can form friendships, rivalries, or romances that carry over between levels. Observing how a cat's personality affects its behavior and interactions brings a compelling sense of personality to the colony.
The colony management gameplay requires careful planning and resource balancing. Players must assign cats to professions like farming and blacksmithing, expand their settlement by unlocking new building types, and meet the needs of their growing population. As they progress, players unlock new gameplay features, providing a rewarding sense of advancement.
Players praise the ability to customize their cats' physical features and personality traits, as well as decorate their settlement with an assortment of furniture and items. This high degree of personalization allows each player's colony to have a unique look and feel, enhancing replayability.
The game's cute, anthropomorphized cats and vibrant, colorful art style create a delightfully whimsical atmosphere. Attention to detail in the cat animations and interactions contributes to the overall endearing, character-driven experience.
While marketed as a relaxing, casual experience, the gameplay loop presents meaningful challenges. Players must balance the needs and quirks of their cats, manage resources, and defend against threats, all while progressing through the game's objectives. This blend of laid-back colony management and strategic elements results in an engaging, rewarding experience.