Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens Review

I didn’t have high expectations when I picked up a copy of Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens. It seemed like another indie title that wasn’t going to break the mould. However, the more I played it, the more I enjoyed the madness, the tough difficulty spikes, and the silly things that unfolded. Accordingly, it is a bit of a slow burner.

Solo developer Chris McFarland has created this true rogue-like experience. It combines combat, side-scrolling platforming, and treasure hunting to great effect. Moreover, it can be played cooperatively if you have a like-minded friend or family member. I tested both, and I had a whale of a time. I’d say co-op is a little hectic, but some friendly banter is always a winner.

Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens tells no story.

I wasn’t surprised that Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens has no plot. However, it could have easily incorporated some silly cat-related shenanigans. Instead, you have to piece together some loose bits of information as you explore procedurally generated spaces and save Lady Tallowmere’s beloved kittens.

These cats hide a dark secret! You’ll find one every five levels, and they reward you with a passive buff. Yet, they are also curses to contend with. Therefore, it’s a bitter pill to swallow as the game constantly works hard to keep things balanced. This was great, but you never felt like you were gaining. Consequently, the brutal enemies tend to be one step ahead of you.

Weapons, magic, and unlimited jumping.

Unlike other platforming games, you are not punished for falling from a great height. Additionally, making your way to each platform is an achievable task as well. This may seem too easy, but it is balanced with annoying enemy projectiles and traps. As such, you must think fast and react to everything you see.

Your foes evolve from minute creatures to hulking beasts as the game unfolds. This creates a sense of danger during every stage. Moreover, each level varies and finding the key to unlock the kittens and each exit door is no mean feat. You must hunt down every enemy while avoiding their large array of weapons. If you can kill them, you can grab the key and progress.

This is where the main mechanic comes to the fore. You must master your shield if you want to survive. This piece of armour must be correctly paired with your staff, magic spells, or melee weapon. This takes patience, luck, and skill. Sadly, I was lacking in most aspects, so Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens was a tough nut to crack!

Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens has a rough exterior.

If you love polished visuals, you will not love this game. The pixelated art and dark colour palette lack a modern edge. Furthermore, it can be uncomfortably busy during the latter stages. Subsequently, it is a little rough and hectic. The audio leans on a dated aesthetic with chiptune-inspired music. Moreover, it has a nice arcade edge that matches the dated appeal. Therefore, it has a familiar, comfortable, and retro edge.

The controls are relatively refined. With basic inputs, easy-to-understand commands, and unlimited jumping, you can rarely go wrong. Additionally, the UI is easy to follow, and no tutorial is required to master the controls. Replay value relies on your love of the genre. If you wish to unlock everything and save every cat, Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens will keep you busy for around 10 to 15 hours. However, it can be enjoyed casually as well.

Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens is fun but limited.

Tallowmere 2: Curse of the Kittens isn’t the most complex title I’ve tested. Yes, there are difficulty spikes, but it relies on sheer determination to see you through the whole gameplay loop. If you fail, and you will, you must show perseverance to overcome every problem. Sadly, not every gamer will be able to cope with this approach, and they will quit before saving every cat. I, though, loved it, and I recommend grabbing a copy from the Xbox store!

Score 75%

Pros.

+ Grim visuals

+ Retro audio

+ Simple controls

+ Addictive

+ Cooperative action

Cons.

– Repetitive

– Lacks depth

– Difficulty spikes