Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Eek! the Cat delivers a playful twist on the traditional platformer by centering its mechanics around an escort mission. Rather than simply racing to the finish, you control Eek, who must shield a vulnerable companion—whether it’s Granny sleepwalking through a zoo or his girlfriend being led off by aliens—and use a diverse skill set to keep them safe. This shift in focus creates a constant tension: Eek can sustain hits with little consequence, but his charge’s health bar is unforgiving.

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The six expansive levels each introduce unique environmental hazards, from prickly cacti in the desert to alien laser grids, ensuring the experience never grows stale. Mastering Eek’s moves—double jumps, quick dashes, and item-throwing—becomes essential as enemies swarm and obstacles close in. Timing is everything, and the game rewards precision, whether you’re snagging a power-up to temporarily immobilize foes or positioning yourself to block incoming projectiles.

One of the most engaging aspects is how the protectee’s AI behavior reflects the cartoon charm. At times, Granny wanders unpredictably, and you’ll find yourself chasing after her helicopter hat or shushing a curious lion. The girlfriend in Level 2 moves at her own pace—sometimes too slowly—forcing you to clear a path and coax her along. The balance between direct control and indirect guardianship keeps the gameplay fresh and challenging.

Replay value comes from uncovering hidden routes and mastering speed runs. Secret alcoves offer collectible treasures that unlock bonus mini-games, encouraging thorough exploration. For players seeking a bit more challenge, an optional “Permadeath Protectee” mode ramps up the stakes: a single misstep and it’s game over. Overall, the gameplay loop is rewarding, blending strategic thinking with fast-paced platform action.

Graphics

Eek! the Cat captures the vibrant, slapstick style of the beloved cartoon with bright, cartoonish pixel art. Every level is awash in bold colors—from the yellowed sands of ancient ruins to the neon glow of UFO interiors—bringing the world to life. Animations are fluid and exaggerated, with Eek’s floppy ears and the protectee’s comical expressions reinforcing the game’s humor at every turn.

Character sprites are meticulously detailed, showcasing fluid running cycles, dynamic jumps, and dramatic reactions when hit. The quirky enemies, such as irate zoo animals and goofy aliens, sport distinct animations that telegraph their attacks, giving attentive players a fair shot at defense. Background elements, like swaying palm trees or flickering control panels, add depth without overshadowing the foreground action.

Transition effects between levels and cutscenes are smooth, often mimicking the hand-drawn feel of the original show. These interludes employ vibrant color palettes and on-screen captions that feel plucked straight from a Saturday morning cartoon. The faithful adaptation of character likenesses and the overall aesthetic consistency make this one of the more visually charming platformers of its era.

On modern hardware, the retro graphics hold up surprisingly well. Whether displayed on a CRT filter for nostalgic flair or in crisp pixel-perfect mode, the art direction maintains its appeal. The game runs at a steady frame rate, ensuring that visual feedback remains tight and responsive during chaotic escort scenarios. For fans of classic 16-bit style, the graphics alone are worth experiencing.

Story

While Eek! the Cat doesn’t rely on a deep narrative, it weaves a lighthearted plot that stays true to the source material’s whimsical tone. Each level kicks off with a short animated sequence explaining the predicament: Granny’s sleepwalking escapade or the alien abduction plot, complete with tongue-in-cheek dialogue. These vignettes set the stage and motivate the platforming rescue missions.

The story’s pacing is brisk, with little downtime between gameplay segments. Humor is front and center, from puns in dialogue bubbles to slapstick events—like when Eek uses a giant cream pie to distract a zookeeper. The game embraces its cartoon roots, opting for playful scenarios rather than dramatic twists, which aligns perfectly with the expectations of fans and newcomers alike.

Despite its simplicity, the narrative frames each level goal clearly, providing context for the obstacles you face. The game doesn’t shy away from absurdity—after all, guiding Granny past a parade of dozing lions or escorting your girlfriend through a labyrinth of battery-charging aliens is inherently silly. These creative setups make the story memorable, even if its depth is modest.

Players who appreciate story-driven platformers might find the plot light, but the humor and faithful adaptation of the series’ spirit compensate for any narrative brevity. For those seeking a charming, carefree experience with just enough plot to justify the zany action, Eek! the Cat strikes a winning balance.

Overall Experience

Eek! the Cat stands out as a platformer that blends traditional jump-and-run mechanics with inventive escort duties, offering a refreshing change of pace. The learning curve is approachable for newcomers yet provides depth for seasoned players aiming for perfect runs and full collectible completion. Each level’s distinct theme keeps the adventure engaging from start to finish.

The graphics and sound design enhance the overall charm, providing a faithful, cartoon-inspired presentation that feels both nostalgic and vibrant. Characters come alive through expressive animations and lively background details, ensuring that even routine platforming sections brim with personality. The upbeat soundtrack and comical sound effects further elevate the experience.

While the story remains light, it effectively supports the gameplay and injects humor at every turn. The absurd scenarios and witty dialogue capture the spirit of the original cartoon, making each rescue mission feel like a mini-episode. Players who appreciate a good challenge will enjoy the strategic demands of protecting an ally under constant threat.

In summary, Eek! the Cat is an entertaining, well-crafted platformer with a unique protective twist. Its colorful visuals, varied level design, and playful tone make it a standout title for anyone looking to revisit ’90s cartoon nostalgia or simply enjoy a quirky, fun platform adventure. Potential buyers can confidently dive in, knowing they’re in for a delightfully zany ride.

Retro Replay Score

5.9/10