The Cat Lady

 PC
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 251 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 219 out of 251
  2. Mixed: 17 out of 251
  3. Negative: 15 out of 251

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  1. llagrok
    Jan 5, 2016
    10
    Possibly the greatest adventure game I've ever played. The characterization, the writing, the atmosphere, the music, all work together to create a grueling experience. So depressing I'd wish it on my best friend and worst enemy alike. If you're in the marked for a game delving into raw, unforgiving humanity then get this game.
  2. Ravenwoods
    Oct 9, 2014
    10
    Not flawless but amazing.
    When I first started, I was really skeptical but the game turned my worries around so quickly. The atmosphere, the tone and the writing is very good. It is not flawless but I give it a 10 anyway because I enjoyed it thoroughly!
  3. Seraphix
    Aug 4, 2014
    10
    Picked up this game in a bundle. I haven't played many games in this genre or style, but I was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed this game from beginning to end. The dark feelings and dark art style fit together very well to put you in the characters state of mind.

    Not a bad game for achievement hunters either. Fairly simple to achieve 100% requires a few saves between choices or a few    Picked up this game in a bundle. I haven't played many games in this genre or style, but I was thoroughly entertained and enjoyed this game from beginning to end. The dark feelings and dark art style fit together very well to put you in the characters state of mind.

    Not a bad game for achievement hunters either. Fairly simple to achieve 100% requires a few saves between choices or a few play throughs.    … Expand
  4. RazielIgor
    Jul 31, 2014
    10
    If Lovecraft would able to make a game, it would be something like this I think. The art style, story, music, game play, everything about this game is weird. But after a very long time I found myself caring about a game. The story of the game and main character makes you want to know more and you just keep playing. This game made me want to play it until the end, and get me somewhat angryIf Lovecraft would able to make a game, it would be something like this I think. The art style, story, music, game play, everything about this game is weird. But after a very long time I found myself caring about a game. The story of the game and main character makes you want to know more and you just keep playing. This game made me want to play it until the end, and get me somewhat angry everything that get in the way and prevent me to continue the story. I can clearly say that this game is not for everyone. Especially if you're not a patient person, or you don't like adventure games at all. But you must play this game if you were searching for a good horror/thriller adventure game for a long time. I think this was the only good horror/thriller adventure game that I played after the White Chamber or the Mirror Lied.… Expand
  5. Horseshoe2001
    Jan 5, 2016
    10
    WOW! What an amazing game. I instantly fell in love with it!
    The overall atmosphere, the look and the narrative structure of "The Cat Lady" reminded me strongly of "Frank Miller's Sin City" and the movies of Quentin Tarantino of whom I am a great fan. If you're into really dark, depressive, suicidal and ultra violent stuff then this game is most definitely one for you to enjoy.
  6. Kassandra
    Jul 20, 2013
    10
    The cat lady is both a dive into the human soul, as well as a work of art. It will haunt you for a long time after you finished playing it. Strongly recommend to immerse yourself into this experience.
  7. roflCyclone
    Sep 12, 2013
    10
    Censor me, I don't care. This game is Play this game. If the Kings Quest series gave birth to Stephen King's baby this would be it. Dark, disturbing, messed up in the head, and brilliant. If you're looking to be scared with loud noises and quick time events look else where, if you want to be told a truly unnerving story that will leave you thinking long after it's over, here it is. NotCensor me, I don't care. This game is Play this game. If the Kings Quest series gave birth to Stephen King's baby this would be it. Dark, disturbing, messed up in the head, and brilliant. If you're looking to be scared with loud noises and quick time events look else where, if you want to be told a truly unnerving story that will leave you thinking long after it's over, here it is. Not the kind of game that will hold your hand; it can be frustrating at times, but it never feels pointless or repetitive. If this game had AAA production values, it would be discussed as a Game of the Year candidate, without question.… Expand
  8. Polina
    Sep 14, 2013
    10
    this was the only game that has ever made me cry.
    Absolutely beautiful, recommend for those that are looking for more that just to push a couple controls, it has a brilliant story line and really makes you think, in all ways.
    my all time favorite
  9. silenthill4ever
    Nov 7, 2013
    10
    One of the best, highly artistic and quality games i have ever played in my 20+ years of console and pc gaming, though it definitely requires mature thinking and emotional involvement from the player to fully appreciate it. All i can say for this game without giving away spoilers is that it blends horror with drama perfectly into the casual, old-school adventure genre. Best indie game toOne of the best, highly artistic and quality games i have ever played in my 20+ years of console and pc gaming, though it definitely requires mature thinking and emotional involvement from the player to fully appreciate it. All i can say for this game without giving away spoilers is that it blends horror with drama perfectly into the casual, old-school adventure genre. Best indie game to date, by far … Expand
  10. Good_Punk
    Jan 26, 2014
    10
    I think I've never been moved so much by a game. Heavy topic about loneliness, trust issues and depression with just outstanding writing. Really gave me something to think.

    The great soundtrack underlines the emotional impact of the whole experience. There are some nice puzzles, though the controls are a little tedious and it's a little too weird and hard to get into at the start... but    I think I've never been moved so much by a game. Heavy topic about loneliness, trust issues and depression with just outstanding writing. Really gave me something to think.

    The great soundtrack underlines the emotional impact of the whole experience. There are some nice puzzles, though the controls are a little tedious and it's a little too weird and hard to get into at the start... but when the story gains momentum it won't let you go.    … Expand
  11. NarCat
    Mar 28, 2014
    10
    This game is the best game I have ever played. It is deep, and it is just. Oh my god. The music is fitting for the game. The game isn't quite colorful, but it fits perfectly for the entire play through.
  12. lexx
    Apr 8, 2014
    10
    A piece of art really! Great story line, deep characters, artistic value. I am very happy I have experienced this game. The music was also very good. There we some voice problems but I really didnt care because this game is unique!
  13. PokaSorM
    Apr 13, 2014
    10
    I cant say anything bad than just it was short and I wish there was more. I loved this game so much, totally recommend this for people who has been through suicide thoughts or anything like this, This game is perfect to me!
  14. Kritikon
    Oct 3, 2015
    10
    Great game ! It takes you by surprise, at first things are confusing and you might wonder what the hell is happening. But as you progress, you find yourself deeply immersed in a powerful tale that deals with mature themes rarely seen in video games. It is moving, dark, adult it takes you places no other video game has ever tried to take you. It is a very very memorable game despite -orGreat game ! It takes you by surprise, at first things are confusing and you might wonder what the hell is happening. But as you progress, you find yourself deeply immersed in a powerful tale that deals with mature themes rarely seen in video games. It is moving, dark, adult it takes you places no other video game has ever tried to take you. It is a very very memorable game despite -or rather because of- the low budget graphics that end up giving it a strong visual identity. Definitely not for children, though. Do not ever put this game in a child's hands...… Expand
  15. janosbiro
    Oct 27, 2015
    10
    The Cat Lady is a bittersweet story. It starts with suicide, anger, horror, pain, violence and despair. But it is all worth. You begin with no empathy for this sad bitter woman with strange habits. She looks like a coward who tried to kill herself, a person with no value. But then, just like it happens with cat people, you began to understand her, to identify with her, and by the end, youThe Cat Lady is a bittersweet story. It starts with suicide, anger, horror, pain, violence and despair. But it is all worth. You begin with no empathy for this sad bitter woman with strange habits. She looks like a coward who tried to kill herself, a person with no value. But then, just like it happens with cat people, you began to understand her, to identify with her, and by the end, you even love her. This love is so pure that she becomes a beautiful person; even so she is still the same person. It is a game about loving strange people, which is the same as saying that it is a game about loving people, period.… Expand
  16. BlossomingFlowe
    Apr 1, 2016
    10
    How would you make people think of what suicide is like? How would you make them worried for the real price of lives? How to show them what a desperate situation can happen to anyone of us? Indeed, by touching upon these topics in something that cam disturb one's mind, then, "mass mind". The Cat Lady is not a regular horror game. It doesn't make you frightened by only jumpscares. It makesHow would you make people think of what suicide is like? How would you make them worried for the real price of lives? How to show them what a desperate situation can happen to anyone of us? Indeed, by touching upon these topics in something that cam disturb one's mind, then, "mass mind". The Cat Lady is not a regular horror game. It doesn't make you frightened by only jumpscares. It makes you think of the things you prefer to avoid in real life. Gameplay mostly consists of collecting stuff, solving puzzles, nevertheless, it still gives you intense shivers. If you ask me what The Cat Lady is, I say it is a breathtaking and unique story of a person who has such a meaningless life.… Expand
  17. fedakar57
    Jan 18, 2017
    10
    Best horror adventure game. Story got me really in my heart. Nice and cold game-play, very fluent story-line and in full consistency puzzles. I can't see any mistakes about The Cat Lady.
  18. marska
    Feb 12, 2017
    10
    Best game if you want to know, how people with depress and anxiety disorder feel. Atmospheric, very good soundtrack, easy to play, touching story. I really enjoyed it. As well as the music.
  19. HueloPeste
    Jul 28, 2018
    10
    Obra maestra, este juego no es para todo el mundo pero si llegaste hasta acá, es porque te intereso aunque sea un poco, si es así no te vas a arrepentir de jugarlo. Es la historia mas adulta que he tenido el placer de disfrutar y sentirme identificado con algunas cosas, habla de la depresión principalmente y es el primer juego que la proyecta realmente bien y crea una atmosfera tan gris yObra maestra, este juego no es para todo el mundo pero si llegaste hasta acá, es porque te intereso aunque sea un poco, si es así no te vas a arrepentir de jugarlo. Es la historia mas adulta que he tenido el placer de disfrutar y sentirme identificado con algunas cosas, habla de la depresión principalmente y es el primer juego que la proyecta realmente bien y crea una atmosfera tan gris y triste.
    Hablando de la parte jugable no tiene nada que envidiarle a ninguna aventura gráfica, sus puzzles están bien construidos y a la vez tienen una carga narrativa por la cual se puede conocer mucho mejor a los personajes ya que te das cuenta de muchos detalles. Tampoco tiene nada que envidiarle a un survival horror, la atmósfera es increíble y tiene un par de momentos que te hacen mirar atrás y comprobar que no hay ningún loco psicópata mirándote por la ventana.
    Este juego esta lleno de momentos, escenas, diálogos, personajes e imágenes que se te quedaran grabados en la cabeza, un arte increíble sobresaliente en las partes mas gore y una música (o silencio) que mantiene en tensión al jugador o da momentos memorables como las escenas de acción.
    En fin, a este juego le sobra personalidad, no puedo esperar mas para Lorelai.    … Expand
  20. Solaris123
    Dec 21, 2019
    10
    This game is very good story, depressing character and beautiful like Silent hill 2
  21. Akintosz
    Aug 9, 2021
    10
    A journey to darkest parts of human mind. Heavy, uneasy but brilliant. I recommend it if you like gloomy stories.
  22. CaKeS
    Apr 15, 2014
    9
    Amazing game, and incredible story. This game runs about 8 hours on average, the puzzles and solutions to problems are MUCH easier to figure out than most point & click games, which makes for some smooth sailing so you can progress the story consistently. The story is one of the best I've seen in a game for a LONG time, and I play hundreds of games. If Harvester Games had a large budget,Amazing game, and incredible story. This game runs about 8 hours on average, the puzzles and solutions to problems are MUCH easier to figure out than most point & click games, which makes for some smooth sailing so you can progress the story consistently. The story is one of the best I've seen in a game for a LONG time, and I play hundreds of games. If Harvester Games had a large budget, this game would've definitely been GOTY material. But instead it's underestimated and overlooked by other popular games. If you want a good scare-not a cheap jumpscare-but a scare that messes with your mind for days on end, then get The Cat Lady. The atmosphere is also a very strong point, it reminds me of Scratches. It's perfect for setting the mood of a very dark, and depressing game. Your actions and choices matter a good amount, and the achievements on Steam are fun to get. Very awesome game, you need to get used to the graphics/animations and gameplay (there isn't much gameplay), but if you can do that, you'll experience one of the best horror stories out there.… Expand
  23. tayfuntuna
    Jun 5, 2014
    9
    Brilliant atmosphere, not undermined but rather boosted by the strange graphical taste. I waited a long time for this, 10 dollars was a little too much and it was never on sale, instead I ended up getting it with a bundle.
  24. kagetto
    Jan 30, 2014
    9
    The grim style, setting, story... this game gets it all right. Light on adventure but thought provoking. The only negative is that sometimes it has trouble starting up and alt+tab out of the game will result in poor resolution
  25. MeritCoba
    Apr 11, 2016
    9
    The Cat Lady is a game that probably requires a warning sign: don't play when severely depressed. This is a game with sad story but it ends on a positive note(at least it did with me). Just take the protagonist. When you start the game she has just failed to commit suicide and is in hospital. But perhaps failed is not the right word, perhaps she actually succeeded...

    The game has a dark    The Cat Lady is a game that probably requires a warning sign: don't play when severely depressed. This is a game with sad story but it ends on a positive note(at least it did with me). Just take the protagonist. When you start the game she has just failed to commit suicide and is in hospital. But perhaps failed is not the right word, perhaps she actually succeeded...

    The game has a dark theme. This is the tale of someone who believes her life to be a failure and decided to end it. The overall colors are black, grey or a sharply contrasting white. What other colors there are are subdued. Except for red.You know blood red. The story is told with colors and the music supports the overall mood. It's a dark theme certainly, but often very beautiful done. Not realistic mind you, but made to visualize the emotion that the protagonist undergoes and thus communicating this to you as the player.

    As a game it is probably not a very challenging for experienced players. I can't tell as a seldom play such games. My main reason to play it was because it was cheap on steam and the art intrigued me. That the story was actually captivating was a bonus.

    I think that you choose this game for the story and art more than for the challenge it offers as a game.. Perhaps it would be better to say that this is a guided story.Games that matter because of the story and not so much because of the gameplay.
    Some like that, others don't care for it.    … Expand
  26. RJSebastian
    Mar 23, 2013
    9
    This game stands out in a good way. It has appeal to new generation of gamers with it's easy controls and in a way you can't really mess up in the game. Story is been told in a very good way, but still it maintains its's plots and doesn't give away anything too soon. There really is some heart touching moments in this game and for once, I didn't laugh at babies.
    Visually game is just out    This game stands out in a good way. It has appeal to new generation of gamers with it's easy controls and in a way you can't really mess up in the game. Story is been told in a very good way, but still it maintains its's plots and doesn't give away anything too soon. There really is some heart touching moments in this game and for once, I didn't laugh at babies.
    Visually game is just out of this world. Although game may seem colourless in the trailers and so -it really isn't so. The Cat Lady has a real sense of when to highlight things and make contrast with the elements at hand. And believe me, there are really nice coulurfull scenes in this game!
    As said, the controlling is easy and it has only 5 button interface and it doesn't need more! Puzzles in the game usually are made of combining things you collect straight into the world. There is no need to fiddle with stuff in the inventory. And as I side note, you usually do know where to use your stuff so you won't be having a over-stuffed inventory.
    World of Cat Lady is full of sound. The music played in the game varies from sweet piano melodies to heavy-metal. But don't worry, 'cause all the music has it's place in the game making the story go along and getting you buffed up to do stuff and to just drive you forward. Voice acting is average, but none of the voices do bother you or anything

    All an all a good game with great story and visuals. Only complaint could be, that there's too much of the weirdness going on it kinda smothers it self in it from time to time.
    But still, get this game and enjoy something, you've have never before seen    … Expand
  27. julieb
    Mar 20, 2013
    9
    I'm going to say straight out this is the best adventure game I have played for a long time. The game and the soundtrack are outstanding. I even found myself emotionally invested throughout, which has never happened before. Its not perfect but close.
  28. Merari
    Jun 9, 2014
    9
    This is a fun little game. I enjoyed the art style and the unconventional layout of the world. It reminds of a graphic novel. Black and white with just an occasional splash of colour for emphasis. The puzzles are not too hard but not too simple either, mostly just a way to get to the next bit of the story. The voice acting is good, though the lead actress sometimes has a slightly annoyingThis is a fun little game. I enjoyed the art style and the unconventional layout of the world. It reminds of a graphic novel. Black and white with just an occasional splash of colour for emphasis. The puzzles are not too hard but not too simple either, mostly just a way to get to the next bit of the story. The voice acting is good, though the lead actress sometimes has a slightly annoying way to phrase statements as a question. The storyline is original and entertaining with the occasional scare, it keeps you interested and wanting to see what happens next. The story is more important than the puzzles or the environment and the artwork and style evoke the mood of the game well. The music score is excellent.

    On finishing the game you get an overall feeling of closure and the final message is something that will stay with you.

    Not a game that has a lot of replay value I think but definitely not something you will regret playing.    … Expand
  29. jcasetnl
    Jul 7, 2013
    9
    Oh this is a weird one. Cat Lady has a rough, indie feel and yet it works perfectly to the game's ends. It's like watching a murder on a grainy 8mm film reel or a really worn out VHS tape: the crudeness of it makes you wonder if it might be the real thing.

    Conversely, when goth goes mainstream the result is Hot Topic, and why a lot of mainstream horror titles like Alan Wake and    Oh this is a weird one. Cat Lady has a rough, indie feel and yet it works perfectly to the game's ends. It's like watching a murder on a grainy 8mm film reel or a really worn out VHS tape: the crudeness of it makes you wonder if it might be the real thing.

    Conversely, when goth goes mainstream the result is Hot Topic, and why a lot of mainstream horror titles like Alan Wake and Resident Evil just don't work for me. They're too slick and too packaged. They might as well have call-outs on the screen that say "Be Scared Now" or "Feel a Sense of Dread For Next 15 Seconds". Cat Lady feels like it was written by a schizophrenic in the bowels of an asylum.

    Just being indie and "crude" is not enough, though. There is a lot of indie crap out there that the anti-mainstream will label as brilliant simply because it's indie. Cat Lady brings the goods. It took a couple hours but the story sucked me in and now it's one of those games I don't want to play because I know eventually it will end.

    Many indie titles like Minecraft started out playing in the minor leagues but all the while hoping for mainstream success (and of course, with that game, they found it). But to me, The Cat Lady is exactly what an indie title should be: unafraid and un-apologetically creative, and without ever even the concern of appealing to a mass audience. Bottom line: this is a avant garde video gaming at its finest.    … Expand
  30. Badbananawizard
    Jul 13, 2013
    9
    The title is a cut and dry "Too Long Didn't Read" version of what I'm about to say. I've read

    horror before, and not just scare horror mind you, actual horrifying horror. I've played horror games before as well, but none that really freak me out or give me goosebumps. This game has such ambience to it that if you don't play it with a headset you are missing out on subtle creaks    The title is a cut and dry "Too Long Didn't Read" version of what I'm about to say. I've read

    horror before, and not just scare horror mind you, actual horrifying horror. I've played horror

    games before as well, but none that really freak me out or give me goosebumps. This game has

    such ambience to it that if you don't play it with a headset you are missing out on subtle

    creaks cracks and whispers.

    Warning

    This game though two dimensional does have very brief (two sections that I encountered) nudity,

    and lots of blood/gore. Do be warned if you're very easily put off by blood or gore it may be

    something to consider. There is also a lot of involvement with suicide and

    depression, if it is a sensitive subject matter to you you may not (or may) want to play this

    game.

    The Story (Don't worry no spoilers)

    Enough about the horror though, there's clearly a lot of it. The story is where it is at, end of

    story. *punintentional* Seriously though as I stated in the title this is similar in style to a

    Stephen King novel. In my opinion much better than a number of his works. (trust me I love

    Stephen King) It will have you guessing and I mean GUESSING as to what exactly is going to

    happen and even at times what is happening in front of your very eyes.

    Pros

    An immersive story that keeps you wanting, nay, CRAVING more each and every moment. I honestly

    couldn't turn this game down and I have many other games I've been itching to get to and play

    such as the Bioshock series and Skyrim. Multiple choice adventure wherein you actually CHANGE

    the game and how the story unfolds. Honestly, it's not just some choice where it changes a thing

    here or there...there's real choices to be made that change EVERYTHING.

    Cons

    On the down side there are no options to skip dialogue, and with the dialogue a few typos on

    rare occasion that take you out of the moment but nothing so game breaking as to be a failure in any way. Also very minor British terminology cultural slang that may be missed out on by her western cousins across the sea. Replayability In terms of replayability there is actually some, considering it is a point and click adventure style you do get multiple choices for which road to follow at times and it does in fact change the game and ending. Summary I personally would rate this game with flawless marks because it is so well crafted, my only annoyance is that I once had to check how to figure out a single puzzle on the internet, but that was my own inability to realize the answer. I would reccomend this game to anyone who loves adventure. To any one who loves to read books as well. Especially to fans of horror and dark subject matter.    … Expand
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Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Best PC Game of 2012
84
#84 Most Discussed PC Game of 2012
57
#57 Most Shared PC Game of 2012

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
81

Generally favorable reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. GameSpot
    Jan 22, 2014
    80
    If you seek horror, The Cat Lady may sometimes freak you out, though probably not outright scare you. But that horror is in service of a touching character portrait--a portrait that's authentically, poignantly askew.
    Read full review
  2. Eurogamer Germany
    Jan 16, 2014
    90
    As long as you're not totally put off by the art design, there's no reason to not play The Cat Lady. It is not only one of the best games of the year, it's one of the best horror adventures out there.
    Read full review
  3. Gameblog.fr
    Jan 6, 2014
    70
    The strength of The Cat Lady stands in its originality... as long as you are ready for an insane trip. Graphics are not the best we've seen so far, but it's still enough to appreciate the atmosphere and the story of this morbid adventure game.
    Read full review
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