Gato Roboto

Admittedly, Gato Roboto is a small video game, but its length is one of its strengths. The adventure introduces new mechanics and discoveries at such a perfect pace that you end up feeling satisfied yet hungry for more. If you love Metroidvanias and want a quick, cheap, enjoyable version of one, Gato Roboto fits that mold purrfectly.

If you go into Gato Roboto expecting the transportive, sprawling, otherworldly joys of Samus Aran's best, you may be disappointed. But if you want a fierce, high-contrast, bite-sized treat, you're in the right place! [Issue #41 – September 2019, p. 21]

Gato feels like a Metroid mini, not in a diminishing way either. At a tight 3-4 hours, you can see and pick up everything. Over that time you’ll have played a tightly-honed game that uses gated progression to steer you around a reasonably linear path. This isn’t a bad thing either, it’s Metroid boiled and condensed down to its essence. It adds just enough of its own personality that you want to uncover the mysteries of the facility as they unfold throughout the game.

Let yourself be seduced by its price. It is an excellent game, although a bit short. It fulfills what is expected of a title inspired by Metroid and brings a couple of fresh ideas. Gato Roboto is very light and includes some Super Meat Boy style levels.

Gato Roboto is one of my favorite indie games I’ve had a chance to play this year. The only downside is that the short playtime of only four-five hours (it took me five and a half because of some issues with one of the bosses), means the game never really feels like it finds its own identity. If you can look past this, though, you’ll find a fantastically crafted platformer that mimics the Metroid days of old.

A monochromatic tribute to Metroid with a good sense of humor and solid exploration, action and platforming mechanics.

Gato Roboto is a refreshingly simple take on the Metroidvania formula. It's not going to impress everyone, but if you're just looking for solid side-scrolling action and a pretty cute cat, it won't disappoint.

Gato Roboto might lean a little too heavily on homage, but never truly in a bad way. It might be more goofy than great and more adorable than original, but the game still delivers a pint-sized prance that comes together nicely even if it’s a little short. This follows through on the premise of Meowtroid extremely well.

With tight controls, retro-styled minimal art style and a superb sense of progression, this is the perfect Metroidvania to play whilst you’re waiting for an actual Metroid or appropriate Castlevania game. Only its difficulty leaves a bit to be desired at times - anybody with a lick of experience will likely breeze through it in no time, and we wish it lasted a little longer. Nevertheless, it's chock full of meaningful upgrades, secrets and spectacular boss battles to keep you busy, if only for a few hours.

Apart from the cute twist of playing as a cat, Gato Roboto does little to innovate and feels like a decent game you’ve already played.