Introduction
If you’re in the mood for a relaxing, low-stress gaming experience, Cats and Seek: Kyoto offers exactly that. Published by Silesia Games and developed by Noobzilla, it’s the third installment in the “Cats and Seek” series, where the goal is simple: find hidden cats in beautifully illustrated scenes. On Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S, this title invites players to unwind, explore, and embrace a cozy hide-and-seek quest in the heart of Kyoto.
In this review, we’ll walk through what makes Cats and Seek: Kyoto charming (and where it falls short), covering its features, gameplay experience, and whether it’s worth your time.
Features
Here are the standout features (and a few caveats) that shape the Cats and Seek: Kyoto experience:
1. 200+ Hidden Cats to Discover
One of the game’s biggest draws is the sheer number of cats hidden across its scenes. Players must scour every nook and cranny to uncover all these feline friends.
2. Photo Mode & Paint Mode
A new addition to this installment: after you find cats in a scene, you can snap a photo and even color (paint) the scene yourself. This gives it a light personalization twist.
3. Free Hints & Adjustable Visual Settings
If you get stuck, the game offers hints to help you locate elusive cats. Additionally, you can adjust colors, brightness, and contrast to help your eyes out.
4. Save System & Progress Tracking
Your progress is preserved, so you don’t have to re-do everything each session.
5. Side Collectibles: Jigsaw Pieces, Easter Eggs & More
Beyond just cats, there are jigsaw pieces and special “friends” hidden in scenes, adding another layer to the hunt. Once collected, these pieces contribute to a small jigsaw puzzle you can assemble from the menu.
6. Relaxing Audio & Visual Presentation
The art style is calm and hand-drawn, and the sound design is soothing, intended to promote relaxation over tension.
7. Timed / Speedrun Option (Optional Pressure Element)
While the core experience is unhurried, the game retains a timed mode for players who want the extra challenge or are chasing certain achievements. That said, many players ignore the timed aspect unless they’re trying for full completion.
Review / Critical Impressions
What Works (Pros)
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Cozy, Low-Stakes Vibe
If you just want to chill, this game nails it. There’s no deep story pressure or punishing mechanics—just gentle exploration. -
Cute Touches & Personality
Each cat comes with a name and little factoid. This small detail gives a sense of personality to the cats rather than making them generic “things to find.” -
Customization & Visual Flexibility
The ability to change colors, brightness, and use paint / photo modes enhances player agency and accessibility. Steam -
Good Value for its Price Point
The game is inexpensive (on Xbox it’s listed at a modest price) and for what it offers, many consider it worthwhile.
What Could Be Better (Cons / Caveats)
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Limited Levels / Content
Unlike its predecessors or similar hidden-object titles, Kyoto includes only two main large scenes. Some players feel the content is too sparse for full satisfaction. -
Short Gameplay Time
For those who blitz through the levels, it’s possible to finish in under an hour—unless you aim to 100% the hidden items. -
Replay Value Is Weak
Once you’ve found all cats and items and colored the scenes, there’s not much to return to, unless you enjoy repeating with different color schemes or chasing better times. -
Timed Mode is Optional but Underutilized
The timed / speedrun mode is present but feels tacked on and largely ignored by most players unless pursuing achievements. -
No Game Pass / No Major Platform Integration (on Xbox)
As of now, Cats and Seek: Kyoto is not part of Xbox Game Pass.
Conclusion
Cats and Seek: Kyoto is not a blockbuster, but it doesn’t aim to be. It’s a slice of cozy gaming—an antidote to high-stress, high-stakes titles. If your idea of fun is leisurely exploring hidden-object scenes, listening to gentle music, and finding tiny details, this game delivers. The addition of photo and paint modes offers a nice creative twist, and the cat personalities help to make the experience feel less mechanical.
However, for gamers seeking depth, story, hours of content, or replay value, this might feel too lightweight after the first run. Still, given its low price and relaxing atmosphere, it’s a solid pick for casual sessions, winding down, or when you just want something pleasant and undemanding.
Final Verdict: Recommended for fans of cozy, casual, hidden-object games, and anyone who enjoys charming visuals and relaxing gameplay. Don’t expect a grand adventure—but do expect a pleasant, peaceful cat hunt.
