Otaku USA Magazine
An Era of Indie Games Where Silly Little Animals Do Silly Little Things

Some people play games to escape or be the hero, others like a more silly approach. We can’t help but notice a rise this year in the popularity of indie games with a cute, yet chaotic twist. 

Little Kitty, Big City game environment.

Playing cute animals in games isn’t a new feature, nor is being a little mischievous, but since the release of 2019’s Untitled Goose Game more silly protagonists have appeared making a genre I like to call “silly little animals do silly little things”. Is it a real genre? Well, no. Is it a trend that’s here to stay? It sure seems that way!

If you want to play the best chaotic critter games of the year, we have the scoop on the ones worth playing. Keep reading to add the best silly games to your wishlist! 

 

Little Kitty, Big City

Starting off our list of games you can play as a cute and mischievous protagonist is Little Kitty, Big City by Double Dagger Studio. 

You’re just a little kitty, a long way from home. In your grand adventure to find your favorite daytime napping spot again, you must navigate the side streets of a Tokyo-influenced landscape and solve a few light puzzles. But that’s all just a guideline, your main objective is to do what cats do best…cause chaos!

Knock over potted plants, trip the humans on their way to work, chase down shiny things for your pal the crow, and take a nap wherever you please.

Little Kitty, Big City game. A black cat knocks over a potted plant in game.
Little Kitty, Big City truly is the game to play if you ever desire to escape human responsibilities.

 

Doggy Don’t Care

Ever daydream about being as carefree as a happy pup? Don’t worry Doggy Don’t Care by Rotub Games has got you covered.

As a little pug left at home, your mission is to get up to as much mischief before your human returns. You will need to get crafty in your methods to gain maximum credit with your feathery roommate, Rocko. Run, jump, and dig your way through the house. You can even discover badges for being cheeky. 

Doggy Don't Care game.

Best of all, you can pee everywhere. It’s true, we tried. Do you know of any other games where this level of chaos is matched? (If you do, let us know!)

 

Just Crow Things

Rather fly through the air causing mayhem? Behold: Just Crow Things.

The same creators behind Rain on Your Parade, Unbound Creations is no stranger to causing a little chaos. Crows are smart creatures (maybe too smart), and they are equally as goofy. In this sandbox adventure game, you hunt down your family’s stolen heirloom, but that’s not before you become a menace to society.

Something catch your eye? Snatch it up and drop it on unsuspecting neighbors. Feeling extra silly? Discover “poop mode” and ruin the day of the people below. If you love animal puns as much as we do, you’ll love hunting down the crow puns found throughout the levels. 

Just Crow Things game.

Which game are you most looking forward to letting your inner gremlin loose? If one thing is true, this sub-genre will only become more popular and certainly more silly.

Brianna Fox-Priest

Brianna Fox-Priest is a freelance journalist based in Tokyo. Covering video games and Japanese pop culture, her work can be seen in Otaku USA, Anime USA, Jotaku Network, and Sprudge.

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