Nine Lives: A Claw-some Feline Adventure in Kitty City

 The world of indie games always surprises us with fresh ideas and endearing characters. A recent example is Nine Lives, a 2D platformer and adventure game prototype developed by sloor that promises a unique "feline" experience. Get ready to embody Ellie, a small dark grey kitty with a crucial mission: save Kitty City from a monstrous invasion.

The Premise:

Kitty City is under threat. Skeletons and monsters have emerged with the goal of overthrowing the city and seizing its precious oil supply. This is where Ellie, our feline heroine, comes in. She must face this horde of enemies. As the name suggests, Ellie only has nine lives to complete this arduous task, adding a layer of challenge and strategy to the adventure.

Gameplay and Feline Mechanics:

Although it's a prototype, Nine Lives already shows a clear focus on agility and a cat's natural abilities. The game centers on fun and fluid "air-focused movement," designed to make the player truly feel like a feline. You'll be able to perform:

*   Double Jump: To reach high platforms or dodge attacks.

*   Dash and Roll: Quick movements that not only serve for evasion but also grant temporary invulnerability, key to surviving dangerous encounters.

*   Wall Clinging and Sliding: An ingenious mechanic that allows Ellie to climb and move along walls, as well as slide down them.

*   Wall Jump: To chain acrobatic movements.

*   Directional Attack and Heavy Attack: Ellie can attack in any direction, even in the air, with a light attack or execute a more powerful heavy attack (available on the ground and in left/right directions).

*   Meow: Yes, Ellie can meow!

To complete each stage, Ellie must explore the environment, find, and defeat all enemies present. Once the path is clear, a door will open to the next phase, encouraging players into a "zone mode" as they explore and eliminate threats.

An Immersive World in Progress:

Nine Lives stands out not only for its gameplay but also for the immersion it aims to offer. The prototype features full sound effects, captivating background music, and controller vibrations, all designed to immerse you in the vibrant world of Kitty City. The level design is intuitive, with multiple paths and ways to explore, encouraging creative use of Ellie's abilities.

Future Plans:

Developer sloor has big ambitions for Nine Lives. Planned ideas for the full version include:

*   Power-ups: Such as catnip, which could grant temporary abilities.

*   More Characters: The choice between two cats, Ellie and Autumn, each with their own characteristics.

*   Splitscreen Co-op Mode: To enjoy the adventure with a friend.

*   Stage Creator: Allowing players to design and share their own levels.

*   Endless Wave Mode: With leaderboards for the most competitive players.

Availability:

Currently, you can try this promising prototype on several platforms:

*   HTML5: Play directly in your browser (compatible with mobile devices if you connect a controller or keyboard/mouse).

*   Windows, macOS, Linux: Download the game for your preferred operating system.

It's offered under a "name your own price" model, meaning you can download it for free or support the developer with a contribution. There's even a specific guide for playing it on Steam Deck.

Nine Lives is a charming proposal full of potential. If you enjoy platformers with a touch of adventure and adorable characters, we invite you to try this prototype and follow its development closely.

Play Nine Lives now!