Copycat – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Copycat

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

game2024

90%

WISE Score

69%

IGDB

A cozy but emotionally heavy narrative game where a pampered house cat gets identity-thefted by a jealous stray.

Copycat

game

2024

90%

WISE Score

69%

IGDB

A cozy but emotionally heavy narrative game where a pampered house cat gets identity-thefted by a jealous stray.

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Where to Play

Xbox

PC/Steam

PlayStation

Screenwise Verdict

Copycat is the kind of game that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s not just a 'cat game' in the vein of a mindless simulator; it’s a beautifully told, often heartbreaking story about what happens when your world is taken from you.

For families, it's a fantastic alternative to the loud, competitive social worlds of Roblox or Fortnite. It offers a quiet, reflective space to explore empathy. Just keep the tissues handy—it doesn't pull its emotional punches when it comes to the bond between pets and their humans.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8 and up. While the controls are simple, the emotional complexity and the heavy focus on narrative themes like rejection and aging require a bit of maturity to appreciate.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

It's a deeply empathetic look at the bond between humans and pets. While it deals with heavy emotions like loneliness and displacement, it models a high level of emotional intelligence and care.

Imaginative

Playing from a feline perspective is handled with more narrative depth than your average 'pet simulator.' It uses the cat's-eye view to explore complex human concepts like identity and belonging.

Safe

Single-player indie experience with no social toxicity or predatory monetization. The primary 'danger' is emotional weight rather than content violations.

Enriching

Excellent for building empathy and discussing how we treat those who are vulnerable. It pushes players to think about what 'home' really means.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Emotional literacy is front and center as players navigate the trauma of being replaced and the search for a new home.
Perspective-shifting gameplay allows kids to see the world through a cat's eyes, making mundane household objects feel like an adventure.
Indie storytelling at its best, focusing on a tight, meaningful narrative rather than endless, repetitive tasks.
Accessible mechanics make it a great choice for kids who love stories but aren't interested in high-stress combat or twitch reflexes.

⚠

What to Watch For

The themes of abandonment and loneliness hit hard. If your kid is sensitive to animal distress or 'sad' stories, expect some tears.
It's a narrative-driven experience, meaning there is a lot of dialogue and 'walking simulator' moments. Kids who want high-octane action will get bored fast.

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think the stray cat felt like they had to steal Dawn's life instead of finding their own?"
"If our pet could talk, what do you think they'd say is the most important part of their 'home'?"
"How did the game change how you think about stray animals you see in the neighborhood?"
"What makes someone 'them'? Is it how they look, or how they act with the people they love?"

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