When I first launched "Catwoman" (2004), I was seriously skeptical. I mean, bright colors, a cover featuring a woman in a leather suit, and brawls with random dudes - everything about it screamed, "Hey, buddy, this one's for the girls." But thankfully, I decided to give it a shot. And about thirty minutes in, I realized I had judged too quickly.
The story revolves around a woman named Patience Phillips, who, after a strange incident and a sort of "death," gains new powers and becomes the real Catwoman. In true superhero fashion, she sets out to find who tried to get rid of her - and why - and to make them pay. Along the way, she fights off mercenaries, guards, and various bad guys. The plot is simple and sometimes feels like a comic book melodrama with a solid dose of flair, but for a fast-paced action game about an agile feline heroine, it works just fine.
The main highlight of the game is the fantastic acrobatics. Climbing walls, jumping from heights, vaulting over obstacles - "Catwoman" nails it. Wall runs and flashy moves grab your attention right away. It was a pleasure to watch such a flexible, nimble gymnast darting across levels like a cat on the hunt. There are even some decent puzzles that make you think about how to reach higher ground or overcome the next challenge.
At first, the combat system didn't click with me. The hits felt weird - like they weren't connecting properly. Enemies were nearby, but landing a punch wasn't easy. Honestly, the fights felt kind of broken at first. But once I got the hang of it - especially the whip mechanics - battles actually became fun. You can pull enemies in with the whip, knock them down a peg, and the whole thing just looks cool in action.
Visually, the game left a pretty nice impression. For its time, it looked solid: lighting, shadows, Catwoman herself - all quite decent. The camera, though, has a mind of its own, suddenly veering off while you're moving around. Not ideal, but on the other hand, if it stuck closer to the character, you wouldn't get to fully enjoy her aerial stunts under the ceiling.
"Catwoman" really drew me in. I finished it pretty quickly, enjoying the acrobatics, the whip-based combat, and the general atmosphere. Sure, it's a one-and-done type of game, but at the time it was a stylish, energetic experience - and I'm grateful to fate (and my stubbornness) for not judging it by its cover. In short, a lively thumbs-up to the cat.
7 out of 10.
