Evercade’s Mega Cat Studios Collection 3: 10 Indie Gems You Need to Play

Evercade’s steady release schedule continues to impress, and at the heart of its success lies strong indie support. There’s something undeniably special about owning these games physically—and without breaking the bank. The latest addition, Mega Cat Studios Collection 3, features ten indie titles spanning platforms and genres, each offering a distinct experience.

Plyuk: A Minimalist Puzzle Challenge

Plyuk stands out as a traversal puzzle game reminiscent of BoxBoy!, built around the core mechanic of spawning clones. The catch? You can’t jump, and you can’t perform actions—only spawn a clone below you. While it sounds simple, mastering the order of operations, managing your clone limit, and avoiding self-blocking paths adds depth. A minor critique: the level restart is mapped to Start instead of Select, which occasionally leads to accidental resets due to muscle memory.

Rocket Panda: A Colorful Mascot Adventure

Rocket Panda is a vibrant mascot game with its own theme song and lyrics. The gameplay is refreshingly accessible, using just one button and the D-pad. Players rocket through levels, rescuing caged badgers while dodging enemies and obstacles. The soundtrack leans into unapologetic Genesis-style music, making it a standout in the collection. For those seeking a straightforward yet engaging experience, Rocket Panda delivers.

Flap Happy: A NES-Style Platforming Challenge

Flap Happy is a “black box”-style NES arcade platformer with Joust-esque flapping controls. The goal? Land on two-square platforms, which then spawn new ones until you reach the exit. The game ramps up difficulty quickly, even on Easy mode, with hazards and tight spaces forcing players to navigate with little headroom. The Hardest difficulty lives up to its name, offering a true challenge for seasoned players.

Machine Cave: Flight Physics and Interconnected Worlds

Machine Cave offers a different take on platforming with flight physics and an interconnected world. Unlike Flap Happy’s single-screen challenges, Machine Cave provides a broader view of its surroundings, making navigation slightly more forgiving. For fans of unconventional movement and NES-style quirks, it’s a hidden gem.

Gravibots: Gravity-Swapping Puzzles with a Retro Twist

Gravibots blends gravity swaps, collectible tools, and enemy guidance into a puzzle-platformer that feels like a mix of Lemmings, ChuChu Rocket!, and Mario vs. Donkey Kong. The aesthetic fits seamlessly, and the quick respawn mechanics keep the gameplay flowing smoothly, making it easy to jump back in after a failure.

Other Standout Titles in the Collection

• Asteroids Mini-Game: A surprising inclusion, this mini-game adds a classic arcade touch to the collection.
• GunTneR: An 8-bit scrolling shooter that blends retro influences with modern pacing, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience.

Mega Cat Studios Collection 3 proves that Evercade’s commitment to indie support is more than just a trend—it’s a celebration of creativity, accessibility, and affordability. Whether you’re a puzzle fan, platforming enthusiast, or shooter aficionado, this collection has something for everyone.