Classic mascot platformers continue making a comeback, and Scratch the Cat hopes to become the next big name in the genre. Inspired by classics like Crash Bandicoot and Spyro the Dragon, the upcoming indie game combines traditional platforming with music-driven gameplay. The result is an adventure that targets both longtime fans and newcomers.
FlatPonies, the creators of Rebots and Akirobots, are developing the project. The studio focuses on creating humorous games that appeal to players of all ages.
Scratch the Cat Brings Back Classic Platforming
Scratch the Cat gives players a familiar set of abilities. You can run, jump, slide, climb, and swim through colorful worlds packed with secrets.
Each level encourages exploration instead of rushing to the finish. Players can collect hidden items, solve environmental puzzles, and unlock new rewards. Every stage also offers reasons to return later, making replayability an important part of the experience.
Explore Every Corner
Collectibles sit throughout every level, but players cannot grab everything immediately. Some rewards require puzzle solving, while others need better movement skills or careful observation.
Replaying earlier stages helps players find missed collectibles and improve completion percentages. Fans of classic collect-a-thon games will recognize this design immediately.
Rhythm Changes the Gameplay
Scratch the Cat does more than copy classic platformers. The game also introduces rhythm-based mechanics that affect exploration.
Moving platforms, drums, and other objects react to the soundtrack. Players must time their jumps and movements with the music to keep progressing through certain areas. The soundtrack becomes part of the gameplay instead of serving only as background music.
This mechanic gives each level its own personality while adding variety to traditional platforming.
Camera Angles Keep Levels Fresh
FlatPonies also changes the camera throughout the adventure. Some sections use a traditional third-person perspective. Other areas switch to side-scrolling gameplay.
These perspective changes create fresh platforming challenges and remind many players of the original Crash Bandicoot games.
Combat also stays simple and family-friendly. Players rely on movement and basic combo attacks instead of violent encounters, keeping the experience accessible for younger audiences.
More Than 20 Hours of Gameplay Planned
FlatPonies expects Scratch the Cat to deliver more than 20 hours of gameplay. The adventure will feature dozens of replayable levels, hidden collectibles, puzzles, and secrets.
The studio started development in 2023 and revealed the project during 2025. It currently plans to release a playable demo during 2026. The full version targets a Q1 2027 launch, although development schedules can still change.
Planned Platforms
FlatPonies currently plans to release Scratch the Cat on:
- PC (Steam)
- PlayStation 5
- Xbox Series X|S
The team also hopes to bring the game to Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch 2 in the future.
A Promising Retro Adventure
Retro platformers continue attracting players who miss the golden era of mascot games. Scratch the Cat builds on that nostalgia while introducing rhythm mechanics that give the adventure its own identity.
If FlatPonies delivers on its current plans, Scratch the Cat could become one of the most interesting indie platformers to watch ahead of its planned 2027 release.
