Catmaze

About

Catmaze is a Metroidvania inspired by Slavic folklore where you play as Alesta, a sorceress navigating interconnected forests and ruins to find a path to Navi, the realm of the dead. Combat mixes melee strikes and elemental spells as you backtrack through expanding environments, unlocking shortcuts and uncovering lore. Exploration drives progression with hidden upgrades and optional challenges scattered throughout the world. The game stands out for its dense atmosphere and intricate level design, though some players find the difficulty curve uneven. A 72% Metacritic score reflects solid execution but highlights pacing issues in later acts. The art style leans into mythic visuals with eerie lighting and detailed creature designs. Released in 2018 but still fresh on multiple platforms, it’s a mid-tier pick for fans of 2D action-adventure with a folklore twist.