Pix the Cat

Pix the Cat is an independent video game designed and developed by Pastagames for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Microsoft Windows, Linux and PlayStation Vita. The game stars the cat Pix as he saves ducklings in a maze-like environment.

Gameplay
Pix the Cat is a mash-up of classic video games Snake and Pac-Man. Some levels feature fast paced gameplay where Pix must consistently collect ducklings without crashing his growing tail into an obstacle. Other levels only require a few items to be collected, but the few moves needed to get there require more strategy.

Development
French developer Pastagames had previously worked with publishers when releasing previous titles Rayman Jungle Run, Pix’n Love Rush and A.R. Rescue, but the team opted to release Pix the Cat independently, without publisher support. The team worked on the game for over three years, before being released in October, 2014.

The game was officially announced for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita in August, 2014. Fabien Delpiano explained the team's goal to create a game where "sensations grow and intensify as your skill improves." Delpiano also described the team's playtesting method for Pix, using a custom-built arcade cabinet in various locations including bars and game conventions to test the game.

Reception
Pix the Cat received generally favorable reviews from critics, with a score on review aggregator Metacritic of 80/100. Critics generally praised the game's retro gameplay and aesthetic. Writing for PlayStation Universe, John-Paul Jones called the game "a classic arcade puzzler with gameplay compounded by a tremendous amount of scope for mastery and blistering retro aesthetics". In a positive review for Eurogamer, Bruno Galvão found that the game could be enjoyed in both short sessions or several hours. Jeremy Peeples of Hardcore Gamer echoed this, complimenting the "surprising amount of depth" found throughout the game.