Summary
Touted as “a tribute to the golden age of 3D platformers,” the upcoming action-adventure gameScratch The Catblends old-school game mechanics with a unique musical twist.Scratch The Catis set to launch for PC,PlayStation 5, and Xbox consoles in the second half of 2026, and players can get an early look at the familiar elements and surprising twists that await in this fresh take on retro classics.
The 90s established a key era in gaming history, with the transition from 2D side-scrollers likeSuper Mario Bros.to3D platforming video gameslikeBanjo-Kazooiesetting a major trend that would carry through the early and mid-2000s. While that trend tapered off and was replaced with other key periods in gaming, the recent re-emergence of the 3D-platforming genre has set the stage for new entries that pack a nostalgic punch.
Developer FlatPonies has revealed the first official announcement trailer forScratch The Cat, a 3D platformer that pays homage to the early days of PlayStationgames likeSpyro the Dragon,Ratchet and Clank, and more. The titular cat, Scratch, is a rhythm-driven DJ on a mission to recover the music records that Snatch The Rat has stolen. Players will need to lead Scratch through a grooving, vibrant world that moves to the beat of an original soundtrack while chaining and mixing together his feline moves of running, jumping, climbing, and fighting to recover the fragments of his records and restore his musical collection. Featuring clever puzzles, quirky characters, and headlining boss battles,Scratch The Catbrings back the beloved atmosphere of old-school 3D platformers while introducing innovative new elements.
Scratch The Cat Announcement Trailer
The announcement trailer forScratch The Catquickly introduces audiences to a refreshing yet familiar world of platforming adventure with music heavily reminiscent of early PlayStation classics. Scratch can be seen collecting coins, changing outfits, fighting enemies, and even using environmental abilities like grappling and wall-jumping. Audiences have already begun drawing comparisons betweenScratch The Catand mega-hits like theJak and Daxterseries, as well as more recent beloved games, includingA Hat in Time.Scratch The Catis available now for wishlisting onSteam, thePlayStation Store, and theXbox Store.
Recent years have seen a renaissance of sorts for 3D platformers, with thelatest entry in theCrash Bandicootseriesand rising indie games catching the eye of fans. Offering a blend of retro vibes with a modern twist, interested players may want to stay tuned for any updates onScratch The Catand other 3D platformers coming to PC and consoles.
