A charming new indie adventure has been revealed during the Cozy Games Awards Showcase. Rural Cat Trails invites players to step into the paws of a beloved house cat and explore a peaceful corner of the Japanese countryside during cherry blossom season.
Set in the picturesque Nanoha Town, players will embark on a laid-back journey toward Sakurana Shrine, a special place that held deep meaning for the cat’s late grandfather. Along the way, players can freely explore the town, uncover hidden paths, and interact with the local community at their own pace.
Developed by Japanese husband-and-wife team Hibikai Games and published by Future Friends Games, the studio behind titles such as CloverPit, SUMMERHOUSE, and Europa, Rural Cat Trails blends expressive 2D pixel-art characters with beautifully crafted 3D environments. The result is a nostalgic and relaxing experience centered on exploration, curiosity, and the simple joys of being a cat.
Players will be able to use a variety of feline-inspired abilities while navigating the countryside, including wall jumping, digging, paw swatting, squeezing through narrow spaces, and the energetic “Wiggle Butt Dash.” Collectible cat food cans scattered throughout the world provide stamina boosts, allowing for longer dashes and chained wall jumps to reach new areas.
Beyond exploration, Rural Cat Trails encourages players to get to know the residents of Nanoha Town. By helping townsfolk with small favors and tasks, players may earn rewards while uncovering more about the community and its stories.
Key Features
- Explore a nostalgic rural Japanese town during cherry blossom season
- Play as a house cat with unique movement abilities
- Wall jump, dig, paw swat, squeeze through gaps, and perform the Wiggle Butt Dash
- Collect cat food cans to boost stamina and expand mobility
- Help local residents with favors and side activities
- Experience a relaxing adventure focused on exploration and discovery
- Enjoy a unique visual style that combines 2D pixel-art characters with detailed 3D environments
Rural Cat Trails is currently scheduled to launch on Steam in late 2026.