Hell Cat

Overview

This is a pixel-art narrative psychological horror judgment game about truth, deception, and mercy. Set in the afterlife for cats, the player assumes the role of a receptionist tasked with reviewing the lives of the deceased.

My Role

2D Artist | Gameplay Design | Narrative Design

Duration

1 months for Demo, 2025.9, Still in progress

Team Size

5

Tools and Environment

Unity,Blender,Photoshop, Aseprite

The day-loop system allows the player to interact with two cats per in-game day. These cat characters are selected through a randomized roll. Each cat arrives with an application file that contains critical missing information, such as the cause of death.

At the start of the day, the player receives the documents for both cats. The player may then choose one cat to invite to a “Teatime” session, which functions as the interrogation phase. By uncovering the missing key information during this interaction, the player can unlock the cat’s heaven application and approve it, allowing the cat to ascend to heaven.

Document review serves as the player’s entry point to understanding each cat’s background. The collected information is transformed into keywords used during interrogation. By using direct, explicit keywords, this design helps players quickly grasp the core questions they need to ask.

During the interrogation phase, the player must gradually break through the character’s psychological defenses by asking follow-up questions, uncovering key information step by step.

As the interrogation progresses, the cats fully reveal the stories of their lives before death. This process represents one of the game’s core appeals and emotional highlights.

During the decision phase, players make the final judgment, choosing which of the two cats—each with their own unique charm—will be allowed to ascend to heaven.

HellCat is a psychological horror game that places players in the Bureau office, surrounded by deep purple tones that evoke a sense of tension, oppression, and mystery. During TeaTime and Heaven scenes, the atmosphere shifts to warm, inviting colors, allowing players to experience moments of comfort and closeness with the cat characters.

StreetCat is a heroic cat with a strong sense of justice. Combining this personality with its stray-cat background, it is designed as a common black-and-white street cat. In terms of costume design, red is used to symbolize its passionate and spirited nature.

KpopCat is a female Angora cat known for her charming looks and unique heterochromatic eyes. Her wardrobe mixes black and silver, striking a balance between stylish and cute. Her expression sets include special fan-support backgrounds, while outside her idol work, she reveals unexpected personality quirks and moments of displeasure, giving her character extra depth and realism.

CultCat is a young Ragdoll kitten devoted to the teachings he has grown up with. Dressed in a clerical robe befitting his status, he nonetheless displays the pure-hearted innocence and playful naivety characteristic of a kitten.

EmployeeCat is a Siamese kitten child worker. Selected for the breed’s naturally responsible nature, he wears a work coat and carries a coffee cup to highlight his mature demeanor. Despite his youth, years of work are reflected in his expressions, with more drooping-ear gestures than other cats to convey exhaustion and weariness.