Posted by: Gianna Cosimini | October 8, 2025 | Demo, Cozy
For the first-time player: Imagine running a bustling, slightly chaotic cat cafe, but you’re not a human, you’re Bruce, a tuxedo cat with a penchant for cosplay and a serious leader complex. That’s the core of Nekogumi, a single-player, third-person adventure-simulation game currently in development by Ki-nodes Studio. If your Steam feed is clogged with wholesome, low-stress games, this one will definitely catch your eye with its vibrant, quirky charm and feline protagonist.
What is it, exactly?
Nekogumi blends elements of a cozy cafe management simulator with a third-person adventure focused on exploring a neighborhood. You’ll spend your time running the titular cat cafe, serving human customers, earning coins, and upgrading your space, but that’s only part of the job. As Bruce, you’ll also be stepping out into the neighborhood to complete quests, clean up messes, recruit other charmingly odd animal companions, and even battle “pesky rats.” The adventure aspect is light-hearted and heavily focused on the cozy, whimsical vibe, driven by Bruce’s desire to be the neighborhood’s feline superhero (often in a silly costume).
The Good Catnip (Pros):
- 1. Unmistakable Charm and Style: The game has a unique, vibrant, and incredibly cute aesthetic. The hand-drawn-like art style and the concept of a cat who cosplays as a neighborhood boss are pure, unadulterated whimsy. If you’re looking for a game that makes you smile, the visuals and premise alone are a huge draw.
- 2. A Cozy Core Loop: The combination of running the cafe and going on light-hearted adventures offers a nice balance. It’s designed to be a “cozy haven,” meaning the difficulty and stress are likely low, appealing to players who want a relaxing escape.
- 3. Customization and Identity: Bruce’s cosplay wardrobe is a featured element. The ability to spend your in-game earnings on new costumes and furniture for the cafe gives a great sense of progression and personalization.
The Cat Claws (Honest Caveats):
- 4. Early Stages of Development: As of the information available, Nekogumi has a demo out, but the full release is currently planned for early 2026. This means that if you jump in now (via the demo or an early access if available), you are playing an incomplete product. Content may be limited, and features are still subject to change.
- 5. Performance Concerns (Potential): The developers have noted that the game is built with Unreal Engine 5 and utilizes advanced rendering features like Lumen and Nanite. They have also explicitly stated it’s “designed for mid-to-high-end systems,” and performance may be limited on older or low-spec hardware. Check the system requirements carefully.
- The “Adventure” is Light: Don’t go into this expecting a deep, combat-heavy RPG. The quests and “battles” (like fighting rats) are likely very simple and serve primarily to support the cafe management and neighborhood exploration. If you need complex mechanics or a challenging story, this might feel too simple.
The Verdict for a New Player:
If you are a fan of casual simulation, low-stress adventures, and games with an overwhelmingly charming and humorous aesthetic, Nekogumi is absolutely a game you should Wishlist right now.
Wait for: The full release in early 2026, or a stable Early Access period, if you want a complete, polished experience and want to avoid potential performance issues on lower-end systems.
Try the Demo if: You want a taste of the unique art style and gameplay loop immediately. It’s the perfect way to see if you vibe with Bruce’s bizarre, bouncy, and undeniably cute cafe-adventure life. If the demo hooks you, you’re likely in for a delightful and very quirky treat when the full game is ready.
Maturity Rating
Based on the game’s description as a “cozy cafe-adventure game” that is light-hearted, focuses on managing a cafe, completing quests, and battling “pesky rats,” the anticipated maturity rating would be:
Rating: E for Everyone
Content Descriptors: Mild Fantasy Violence (in the context of fighting cartoon-like rats). The game appears to contain no suggestive themes, crude humor, drug references, or strong language.
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