Inkling Cats: Beneath the Dreams stands out as a roguelike action RPG that blends explosive combat with endless replayability, set within the imaginative confines of an enchanted book. Available on Xbox Series X|S, this game invites you to control adorable plush kittens on a quest through ever-changing adventures, where strategy and customization define your path to victory.
Gameplay
The core of Inkling Cats revolves around navigating procedurally generated levels inside a magical book, where you battle unique monsters and bosses. You collect ink drops as a vital resource, using them to trade for items, upgrades, and magical cards that create powerful synergies. Each run demands careful decisions, as combining these elements unlocks new abilities and alters your approach.
Customization plays a central role, with each character's weapon built from components that you enhance or replace individually. This system allows for surprising combinations, adapting your loadout to tackle specific challenges. The roguelike structure ensures no two playthroughs are identical, pushing you to experiment with different builds and strategies across multiple attempts.
Game Modes
Inkling Cats supports solo play, where you take on the book's challenges alone, focusing on personal strategy and progression. For those who prefer teamwork, local co-op accommodates up to three players, letting friends join in controlling the kitten protagonists.
This co-op mode emphasizes coordination, as you combine each character's distinct playstyle to overcome obstacles and enemies. Whether playing alone or with others, the game maintains its roguelike essence, with progression tied to unlocking new chapters through repeated runs.
Characters and Customization
You step into the roles of three plush kittens named Spok, Smuk, and Skrat, each drawn from the dreams of a young boy named Liam. These characters bring varied playstyles to the table, influencing how you engage with combat and exploration.
Weapon customization lets you tweak individual parts, adding effects that suit your preferred tactics. Magical cards further expand your options, offering synergies that can turn the tide in tough encounters. As you advance through the book's chapters, these elements grow in complexity, rewarding thoughtful builds.
World and Progression
The enchanted book serves as your world, divided into chapters with distinct atmospheres and trials. Starting from the first page, you unlock subsequent areas by succeeding in runs, encountering special pages for trading, gaining powers, or facing unique tests.
Progression feels organic, with collected resources fueling your growth across sessions. The variety in environments and enemy types keeps exploration fresh, while the narrative ties into Liam's creative stories, adding a layer of whimsy to the action.
Is It Worth Playing?
If you enjoy roguelike action RPGs with strong emphasis on customization and replayability, Inkling Cats delivers a compelling experience. Players have noted its fun gameplay, pleasant music, and engaging upgrades, making it suitable for short sessions or longer co-op gatherings.
The game's current state includes availability on Xbox Series X|S, with no major updates disrupting the core loop. For fans of strategic combat and cooperative play, it offers solid value, especially if you appreciate building unique synergies in a colorful setting. Those seeking deep single-player narratives might find it lighter, but the mechanical depth encourages multiple playthroughs.
