Hidden Cats 9: Aliens
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About Hidden Cats 9: Aliens
Hidden Cats 9: Aliens is a point-and-click adventure puzzle game from Very Very Little Studio, released in January 2026. It blends sci-fi exploration with the studio’s signature cat-collecting gameplay. Players navigate a monochrome alien planet, solving environmental puzzles to uncover hidden cats and activate colorful “cosmic paint” effects. The game runs on PC, Mac, and Linux, with a single-player focus. Its charm hinges on whimsical set pieces and a low-stakes, curious vibe. Think of it as a lighthearted detour from intense sci-fi narratives, aimed at fans of casual puzzlers with a sprinkle of absurdity.
Gameplay
The core loop involves clicking objects, examining scenes, and manipulating the environment to reveal cats and unlock color zones. Puzzles range from rearranging floating debris to syncing alien machinery. Each area starts in black-and-white, gradually blooming into vibrant hues as you progress, a visual reward for exploration. The camera control is snappy but occasionally clunky in tight spaces. Sessions often feel like a mix of detective work and art restoration, with cats acting as optional collectibles that don’t gate progress. The lack of time limits or penalties makes it relaxing, though some puzzles rely on trial-and-error. The game’s 6-hour average playtime suggests a moderate pace, but the 35% completion rate hints at a few tedious stretches.
What Players Think
PlayPile users rate it 84%, with critics averaging 88/100. The 35% completion rate suggests it’s not a must-beat, but 72% of players finish at least 80% of the story. Average playtime is 6 hours, with 45% of players logging under 4 hours. Community moods are 60% “curious,” 25% “nostalgic,” and 15% “frustrated”, the latter often citing repetitive puzzles. One review: “The cats are cute, but I spent 30 minutes figuring out how to move a rock with a laser.” The game’s 25 achievements have a 75% average completion rate, with the most skipped being “Find the cat wearing a spacesuit.”
PlayPile's Take
Hidden Cats 9: Aliens is a $14.99 pick for puzzle fans who enjoy slow-burn discovery. The cat mechanics add charm, but the game’s appeal is niche, expect to replay sections for visual upgrades rather than story stakes. Achievements pad the replay value, but the 22-hour max playtime (per stats) won’t hook hardcore players. If you’re in the mood for a breezy, colorful diversion with a few clever set pieces, give it a shot. Skip if you prefer tight pacing or deep sci-fi themes.
Game Modes
Single player
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