With the development of VR and AR technologies, game studios have found a wide variety of innovative ways to bring new experiences to the gaming market. However, Konrad the Kitten may very well be unique among VR titles; it’s a pet simulator game where you don’t simply see your virtual cat, you can actually feel it! This is thanks to the game’s Plush Toy Mode, which allows players to link a real-world plush toy to the in-game kitten. Konrad the Kitten originally launched in February of 2018, but the developers are now releasing a big Version 2.0 update entitled “Konrad’s Kittens.”
What is Konrad the Kitten?
Konrad the Kitten is a VR pet simulator game which is currently available on PSVR, Steam, Oculus and Vive. The game was developed by FusionPlay, a Leipzig-based studio which specialises in AR and VR titles; FusionPlay is the game development branch of German company IT Sonix and the developer behind FusionPlay Heroes. Konrad the Kitten is the studio’s second game, and first released back in February of 2018. Since then, it has received a number of major updates, with the latest launching back in December. Now, FusionPlay is releasing the biggest update yet, a Version 2.0 update called “Konrad’s Kittens,” which the studio states is a “completely revised” version of the game.
At the core of Konrad the Kitten is of course, the namesake kitten. First and foremost, the game is a pet simulator, allowing players to experience and look after a virtual cat. FusionPlay’s first game, FusionPlay Heroes, was an AR title, and the studio’s experience with AR technology is evident in Konrad the Kitten’s optional and highly immersive Plush Toy Mode; “A particular highlight for all cat fans, […]” explains FusionPlay; “This feature brings your favourite plush toy to life as a virtual cat, letting you feel like it’s really there. Hold it, cuddle it and play with it as though it was your real pet.”
What Can You Do in Konrad the Kitten?
Of course, the main feature of the game is interacting with Konrad the Kitten; playing with him, feeding him, putting him in and cleaning out his litter box, and so on. The game takes place in a virtual house with several different rooms, but also features a variety of outdoor spaces. You can even have Konrad ride in a hot air balloon!
Beyond the core interaction, Konrad the Kitten also features five different mini-games. Completing these games allows you to both win coins and increase Konrad’s experience. These mini-games vary in design, from fishing to mouse-hunting, and can be found throughout the game’s different areas; “Hunt mice with Konrad and catch as many of the nimble rodents as you can,” explains FusionPlay; “Put your skills and reactions to the test in the fishing game. Or try the obstacle course, guiding Konrad carefully and skilfully through rings.”
The more experience which Konrad gains through these mini-games improves his level of affection for you, and this has a direct effect in-game. The more affection he has for you, the more accessories you’ll unlock in the game’s Dress Room; “As you gain Konrad’s love and affection,” says FusionPlay; “you unlock new features. […] In the Dress Room, you can unlock more than 50 accessories and dress your kitten any way you like. How about cool glasses, a funny little hat or a suit for Konrad? You can even change the colour of his coat.”
The accessories in Konrad the Kitten vary greatly, ranging from a top hat to a moustache to a pair of sunglasses. There are also a variety of different coat options which you can unlock here; these allow you to change the colour and patterning of Konrad’s fur so that he resembles whichever sort of cat you want.
What’s New in Konrad the Kitten Version 2.0?
Version 2.0 is the first 2019 update for Konrad the Kitten, following the game’s Christmas update which launched back in December. This new update introduces a whole new set of features to the VR pet simulator, including half a dozen more kittens! Together with a grown-up Konrad, players will be responsible for looking after these new additions in many of the same ways as with Konrad. However, you’ll also have to look for them whenever they get lost, setting out with Konrad to track them down and bring them home.
“In Version 2.0,” explains FusionPlay; “Konrad is all grown up and he’s not alone any more. Little orphaned kittens are looking for a home and Konrad has to take care of them. The kittens sleep in their basket during the day, but at night they wake up. You and Konrad have to feed the kittens, clean then, play with them and find them when they get lost.”
You can get Konrad the Kitten now on either the PlayStation Store, Oculus, Viveport or on Steam, and try out Version 2.0 for yourself.