CityCat: Prowl – A Feline Adventure in the Urban Jungle

Step into the pixelated paws of a curious city cat in CityCat: Prowl, a brand-new isometric adventure game in development for the legendary Commodore 64. Created by Robert Ramsay, this game is a nostalgic tribute to the golden age of C64 graphics, with a fresh twist: no ninjas, no warriors – just whiskers and wonder.

The Cat’s True Goal: Finding Home

While earlier updates focused on exploration and interaction, the game’s core narrative is now revealed:

A game where you play as a cat just walking through the city streets looking for adventure, interacting with the locals, getting into situations and just trying to find his way home.

This emotional journey adds depth to the gameplay, transforming it into a heartfelt urban odyssey.

Game Concept

Genre: Interactive adventure, not a fighting game.

Perspective: Isometric view, inspired by classics like Last Ninja 2.

Protagonist: A cat exploring the city’s hidden corners – from parks and subways to tunnels and even a Wild West-themed zone.

Narrative Style: Think of it as a short story told through gameplay, designed to evoke emotion and curiosity rather than combat.

Graphics & Tools

• Bitmap Art: Created using McDraw.
• Sprites: Designed in Spred64 and Spritepad, with Megapaint joining the pipeline soon.
• Visuals: Retro yet rich, showcasing the creative limits of the C64’s 16-color palette.

Subway Missions Unveiled

In a recent update, developer Robert Ramsay revealed that CityCat now ventures into the subway system, where the feline protagonist can run errands while riding the train. This introduces dynamic environments and timed interactions, adding a layer of gameplay that goes beyond simple exploration.

New Sprite in Progress – A Smaller Cat

Ramsay is currently working on new sprites for a smaller cat, suggesting that the game may feature multiple feline characters or perspectives. This opens the door to varied storytelling and possibly playable character switching.

Early Gameplay Footage

A short video preview has been released, showcasing the game’s atmospheric visuals and isometric movement. The pixel art captures the gritty charm of urban life through a cat’s eyes. You can watch the preview on YouTube.

Collaboration with Megastyle

The game is being developed in collaboration with Megastyle, a well-known group in the C64 demo and game scene. This partnership promises high-quality music, polished visuals, and a refined retro experience.

Gameplay Evolution – Beyond Exploration

Recent posts hint that CityCat will not only explore but also complete tasks and interact with other characters. These “errands” may involve item collection, dialogue, or puzzle-solving, giving the game a more narrative-driven structure.

Rare Isometric Ratio: 4:1

The game uses a 4:1 isometric ratio, which is rarely seen on the Commodore 64. This choice gives the visuals a unique perspective and sets CityCat: Prowl apart from other retro titles.

Fully Bespoke Bitmaps

All graphics are handcrafted, not recycled or templated. Bitmaps are created using Backdrop Designer and McDraw, ensuring a custom visual identity for every scene.

8-Way Directional Control

The cat’s movement is fully animated with 8-directional control, offering smooth navigation across the isometric cityscape. This is a technical feat on the C64 and enhances immersion.

Music & Interactions Coming Soon

The developer notes that music and deeper interactions are still in development, with a working demo planned soon. These additions will bring life and rhythm to the city

Bonus Content for Supporters

If players donate $3 or more, they receive exclusive design files, including:

• Sprite sheets
• Old bitmaps
• Work-in-progress images
• Developer assets These files may require tools like SpritePad or Spred64 to view

Planned Sequels: Way of the Paw & Art of the Claw

If demand is high, the developer plans physical releases and sequels:

• Way of the Paw
• Art of the Claw These may introduce combat mechanics, though details remain under wraps.