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0 Long-time cat lover? Or hoping that the Cat Distribution System chooses you next? Then the Spoonful of Wonders narrative adventure game, Copycat, may be for you! The PC version was released in September 2024, which was reviewed at the time by our resident writer Alex. Copycat has now jumped onto other systems, with the PS5 version releasing on 29th May 2025. And that’s what I’ll be reviewing today!
Is Copycat paw-some?
Is the PS5 version any different to the PC version? Let’s find out!
Gameplay
Although the game focuses on our feline friend, the journey begins by introducing you to our human protagonist, Olive. Olive is an elderly lady who lives alone in the Australian suburbs. As highlighted by the cat adoption centre employee, Olive has just lost her furry friend and has come to find another. After being given 6 options, Olive then takes you home, naming you Dawn.
Immediately, you are thrusted into the life of a typical cat. Climbing trees, creating mischief, and taunting other animal friends. Whilst enjoying the sassiness of Dawn, you are also taught about Dawn’s background and the trouble she had with her previous family. Because of this, Dawn is determined not to be part of the family, wanting to be free. However, with persistence from Olive, a bond blossoms between the two of them.
Approximately halfway through, disaster soon strikes, with Olive suffering from a medical issue and the reappearance of the ‘original’ Dawn. Dawn’s world is thrown upside down, and she is given what she wanted: to be free. Quickly, she discovers how much she has lost, and she is determined to find her way home.
The story of Dawn is represented through two different means. Firstly, there is the house cat, who is learning to accept that maybe she could be a house cat. However, there is the other side to Dawn, this being the panther, who dreams of being free. The panther resides within a dreamscape. It is bright and colourful, representing how Dawn feels about being free. The dreamscape also replicates when it becomes chaotic, highlighting how Dawn herself is confused, trying to understand how and why these things have happened.
This is pur-fection!
Copycat touches on many sensitive topics, such as family trauma and abandonment. It takes you on a journey, both literally but also figuratively, to discover the meaning of family. But it also incorporates a world that is fun to explore. Whilst the direction of Copycat is linear, some opportunities allow Dawn to explore freely.
Story-telling is at the heart of Copycat. It is not an action-packed game; rather, it educates its audience on decisions and the effects those decisions can have. It is reminiscent of choices we see in real life, with thousands of animals abandoned or replaced.
Graphics & Audio
People need to be reminded that this is Spoonful of Wonders’ debut game, with Copycat being a great introduction. One of the things that makes this a great introduction is the graphics. The graphics within Copycat are beautiful, especially in the panther dream landscape. Spoonful of Wonders uses colours within this landscape to personify Dawn’s feelings. With bright colours at the beginning of the game, to then darker tones nearer to the end of the game.
Adding to the atmosphere of the game is the audio. This is particularly evident in the dream landscape once more, with African-inspired music helping to set the tone. However, it is the voice of the nature expert that steals the show. Making it feel like a real-life documentary.
I did suffer with a couple of issues here and there regarding Dawn’s movements. A couple of times, I would get stuck on a shelf and see the inner workings of the house. However, this did not happen often. And it is nothing that would stop me from progressing with the game.
Longevity
Copycat is a complex story told within three acts, equating to 3 hours of gameplay. Although it is only three hours, the emotional rollercoaster you embark on makes it seem like it has lasted a lot longer. However, I do not think it is the type of game you can keep replaying. Whilst there are a couple of options that you can choose within the story, these do not affect anything.
However, as someone who likes to 100% games, there is a variety of achievements that the player can earn. What I like best about these is that they are not just for playing the story.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, I think I need to have a word with Olive and her daughter about what just happened. And while I am having words, I recommend that you give Copycat a try. Whilst the story is an emotional rollercoaster, I think it is an important story to listen to and try for yourself.
It is with this in mind that I will be rewarding Copycat with the Thumb Culture Platinum Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received in order to write this review.
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