If roguelites have taught us anything, it’s that simple mechanics wrapped in obsessive progression systems can be dangerously addictive. Chonky Cat is betting that a massively overfed feline on an endless snack binge fits that mold perfectly, and the game is now playable during Steam Next Fest.
Being a cat in Chonky Cat comes with one very important responsibility. Eating absolutely everything.
Mice, pigeons, rabbits, seagulls, and pretty much anything else unfortunate enough to wander into range all become part of the menu. The more creatures you devour, the higher your combo climbs. The higher your combo climbs, the more ridiculous things become.
Before long, you’re unlocking special abilities, growing larger, moving faster, and causing considerably more destruction than any cat probably should. The appeal isn’t difficult to understand and you can keep up to date with all things Chonky over on the developer’s Threads account.
Every run revolves around chasing a bigger score than the last one. More food means bigger combos. Bigger combos mean better rewards, and better rewards make it easier to create even more chaos on the next attempt. It’s the same sort of feedback loop that has kept arcade games and roguelites popular for years. One run turns into another, then another, then one more because you’re convinced you can beat your previous score.
Along the way, players unlock upgrades, cosmetic options, and new levels while gradually transforming their once-humble feline into something considerably more terrifying for the local wildlife.
The Steam Next Fest demo is available now for anyone curious to see just how much destruction one very hungry cat can cause.