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A few weeks ago, I was able to attend a hands-off preview event for Kepler Interactive. Although we got a glimpse at four exciting projects, I’m only at liberty to discuss three of them now. Cats Quest III, Ultros, and Pacific Drive. Each represents a unique gaming experience, so let’s dive into what I witnessed in my hands-off presentation.
Cats Quest III
In a faraway land, a tropical and furr-filled world known as the Purribean is home to some of the scurviest and cutest pirates around, Cats. Yes, the third iteration of the popular series is back, with some big and small changes for fans of the series. Despite my affinity for dogs and ninjas, I still found the mere notion of pirate cats tolerable, thanks to the cheerful style and big, bold color palette and design.
This comes into full effect with the gameplay, as traveling on your ship is a major highlight for the latest entry. I’m not the biggest Cats fan in the world, but I appreciate their simplicity and freedom, especially as a father with a dwindling number of family-friendly games on the horizon.
The mixture of ranged, melee and magical ability-focused attacks blend well alongside mechanics such as bombarding formidable enemies from the shore with your ship’s cannons. The action was colorful, and even though I couldn’t play it, the controls seemed snappy and responsive. This looks like it will be a blast for fans of the series or for parents like myself who want a fun, pick-up, and play experience with the kids.
Ultros
Just sit back, take in that image, and immediately find a trailer and watch it ASAP. Ultros has a lot of things going for it, but we must address the absolutely bombastic and twisted art style first and foremost. Graphics are usually not as important anymore as they used to be. Speaking for myself, I’ve been around for 30 years in the industry. I’ve seen Mode 7; I was there for 3D Glasses, my PC fried playing Crysis, and so on.
It’s rare for a game to immediately DEMAND your attention like Ultros does with its visuals. It isn’t just colorful. It moves, it feels alive, and as much a character as your hero and the enemies you’re fighting. On the surface, Ultros is a Metroidvania with a healthy dose of action, platforming…and gardening. While we didn’t get to see a deep dive into how gardening fits into the game, I sure can’t wait to find out.
I had asked the team at Hadoque a question from my hands-off preview demo. I asked if they felt pressure to make sure the action could provide the same punch as the visual style. The team clearly understood that the gameplay has to measure up to its art, and they seem to be on the right track. Ultros featured great animation and small touches like hit-stop and weighty attacks, elements that make action games feel good. I can’t wait to dive into this when it releases next year.
Pacific Drive
Pacific Drive was easily my most anticipated game of the showcase, but I must admit a bias. When Gran Turismo 2 was first released, and all my friends had their GTOs and Pikes Peak Escudo on full tilt, I chose a bolder path. I had a super slick, tricked-out purple station wagon with gold rims, and I had it car wash ready for race day every Sunday.
The mere audacity of a car-focused, roguelike, survival, run-based (drive-based) gameplay style is fantastic. The team at Ironwood showcased Pacific Drive’s gameplay in an impressive hands-off demo. It featured fantastical storms, world shifts, and even abandoned factory exploration, all from a behind-the-wheel perspective. The choice of POV is a big one, as the entire HUD and game elements are a skill players have to manage as much as the repairs of the car itself.
Players must physically turn their heads to look at HUD elements and watch the road hazards and navigation. I saw a new zone that deviates from the typical Pacific Northwest Forest that haunts this station wagon as much as it did Alan Wake and the Seattle Supersonics (yes, I’m old). All in all, the car is your shield, it’s your home, it’s you, and protecting it, keeping it repaired, and enjoying the ride all seem to create a compelling roguelike experience that I can’t wait to check out more when it arrives in 2024.
