As a cat-lover – my housemates have a total of four, and they are basically my godchildren – I will gravitate towards any game that has a cat front and center. As the devs behindPrincess of the Water Liliestell me, this 2D puzzle-platformer’s grey kitty is based on the creator’s own pet, though I assume the real life cat is very different.
After all, the game has you playing a cat raised by a family of frogs as she explores a magical world. She’s been given a magical collar that allows her to use special powers through her purrs, which is just too cute for words. Princess of the Water Lilies has plenty of different biomes and has you manipulating the environment with these powers, making plants bloom and pathways emerge.
In the demo I played atTokyo Game Show, one puzzle had me swinging on vines to access a higher platform so I could pick up a piece of fruit to bring back to my froggy family. Another had me bouncing on mushrooms like they were trampolines, picking them up with my teeth and moving them around the level so I could reach previously inaccessible places.
Princess of the Water Lilies feels distinctly focused on the natural world. I don’t know how much of the final game will take place in nature, but the demo I played showcased a deep attention to its environments. The hand-drawn backgrounds were ethereally lit, with pools of sunlight and gorgeous reflections on the surface of the lake. It looked almost Ghibli-like. It made me want to get out and touch some grass myself.
A dev told me that our cat protagonist will unlock more abilities as the game goes on, and that each level will also have boss battles at the end of each chapter. My demo didn’t go quite that far, but I’m curious to see how the platforming will meld with what I assume will be combat – as far as I can tell, the cat can’t actually fight, so maybe these bosses will be taken down through platforming as well.
There isn’t any dialogue or voice acting in this game, just gentle feline purring and a pleasant orchestral soundtrack. The dev told me this was because the studio wanted this game to have universal appeal, and telling the game’s story through emojis and icons would make it more accessible to players regardless of language. I didn’t get to see much of this storytelling, but I was informed that Princess of the Water Lilies is story-driven, so I’m looking forward to seeing how it pulls that off.
Princess of the Water Lilies is still in early days, as evidenced from its shaky camera and somewhat finicky platforming controls, but it has potential, especially as a kid-friendly introduction to the genre. You can wishlist it on Steamhereahead of its projected 2025 release.
WHERE TO PLAY
Princess of the Water Liliesis a 2D puzzle-platformer where players step into the paws of an adventurous cat, exploring a world filled with secrets and magic. Raised by a family of frogs in a tranquil pond, she is gifted a magical collar that becomes the key to unlocking her unique powers. By purring, the collar releases magical energy that transforms the environment—causing plants to bloom, bridges to grow, and pathways to emerge—allowing her to solve puzzles and traverse the mysterious world around her.
Dynamic Puzzle-Solving and Platforming:Use the cat’s magical collar to manipulate the world, solving puzzles that range from environmental interactions to complex multi-stage challenges. Explore lush, hand-drawn biomes, each filled with obstacles, hidden pathways, and secrets to uncover.
Unique Powers and Progression:As players progress, the magical collar unlocks new abilities that not only aid in puzzle-solving but also enhance the platforming experience, introducing mechanics like vine swinging, water traversal, and more.
Boss Fights and Chapter-Based Exploration:Encounter thrilling boss battles at the end of each chapter, where strategy and mastery of your abilities are essential to overcome the diverse foes.
Minimalist Storytelling for Universal Appeal:Featuring minimal text, the story is conveyed through beautifully illustrated emojis and universal icons, ensuring accessibility to players across all languages.
Charming Visuals and Live Orchestral Score:Every moment is brought to life through vibrant hand-drawn animations and an immersive orchestral soundtrack, providing a captivating experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Inspired by Classic Japanese Anime:With a visual style reminiscent of the golden age of animated classics, the game offers a heartwarming narrative that blends whimsical creatures, magical settings, and timeless adventure.
Whether you’re solving intricate puzzles or navigating the picturesque landscapes,Princess of the Water Liliesoffers a magical journey that will charm players of all ages.
