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| Cats and the Other Lives is available on Steam with an 85% discount until January 5, 2026. |
For fans of melancholic stories, pixel art charm, and feline antics, a hidden gem is currently waiting at a staggering discount. Cats and the Other Lives, a narrative-driven adventure from developer Cultic Games, offers a unique premise: you see a family drama unfold not as a human, but as the family cat. And for a limited time, you can experience this critically acclaimed tale for less than the price of a coffee.
Currently on sale for 85% off until January 5, you can pick up the game for under $3 directly on Steam. This beats its previous discount records and presents the perfect opportunity to dive into its somber, mysterious world.
A Story Seen Through Feline Eyes
You play as Aspen, the quiet feline observer in the Mason family. The game begins as the estranged family gathers at their sprawling old homestead following the death of the grandmother. The atmosphere is thick with unresolved tension, lingering memories, and a subtle, creeping sense of the supernatural.
Told through beautifully minimalist pixel art that enhances the moody tone, the story is the main attraction. Reviewers at Adventure Game Hotspot praised its "dark and gripping" narrative, which takes around seven hours to unravel. As Aspen, you navigate the house, jumping on furniture, squeezing into small spaces, and quietly listening to charged conversations that reveal hidden secrets and fractured relationships.
Gameplay Built on "Cat Logic"
This isn't a typical point-and-click adventure. The puzzles and interactions are designed from a distinctly feline perspective. Need to get through a door? A well-timed meow might prompt a human to open it. The gameplay focuses on observation and subtle environmental interaction, with occasional breaks for cat-like duties such as chasing mice or deftly dodging falling objects.
These "arcade-style" segments have drawn some criticism for being somewhat repetitive if you fail, but they are brief diversions in a journey that is otherwise dedicated to storytelling and exploration. The charm, as noted by critics, is in the authentic "feline logic" that governs Aspen's world.
Portable Play and Verdict
For handheld gamers, there's more good news: Cats and the Other Lives is verified as "Playable" on the Steam Deck. This makes its contemplative, exploration-heavy gameplay a great fit for on-the-go sessions. If you're looking to upgrade your portable setup, the Steam Deck is currently available for $470 on Amazon.
The game launched in November 2022 with a standard price of around $20. It holds a "Very Positive" rating on Steam, with 86% of its 2,500+ user reviews being positive. Critics, while noting minor flaws like the lack of a manual save feature and occasionally rushed dialogue, have generally praised its unique concept and emotional impact, with Adventure Game Hotspot awarding it a solid 78/100.
Final Thoughts: If you're looking for an unconventional, story-rich experience that offers a quiet kind of magic and a perspective few games ever attempt, Cats and the Other Lives is an easy recommendation—especially at this historic low price. This deep discount makes it the perfect time to step into Aspen's paws and uncover the secrets lurking in the shadows of a family home.
The 85% off sale for Cats and the Other Lives ends on January 5. The game is available for PC via Steam and is fully compatible with the Steam Deck.