When developing games that involve auto-battle features, designers are forced to consider what will make each battle or playthrough different given the inability to express skill in combat. The recently announced Cats in the Shell, developed by Raven Studio and published by Infini Fun, has taken to using the popular roguelike genre to solve this issue, allowing players to build up unique mechs each playthrough while using different pilots for each. The game received an announcement trailer and a Steam page recently, each giving potential players a glimpse into what the game plans to offer.
As the name might suggest Cats in the Shell is given its unique theming by the feline pilots that will control each individual mech. During each run of the game, players will choose a character with a unique set of skills and abilities to begin building up their mech with. Along the way, they will encounter various upgrades and parts that allow them to customize the strengths and weaknesses of their craft. Each upgrade has the chance to provide synergies with other parts and equipment, rewarding both experimentation and careful planning.
The announcement trailer for the game offers a glimpse into the battles themselves toward the latter half. In it, the mech suits unleash combos that change depending on the types of the weapons they have equipped, leading to flashy confrontations between different builds that can include close-ups and slow motion. Due to the auto-battler aspect, the game will also offer PvP that happen asynchronously, allowing players to fight against the builds of others competitively without online matchmaking.
While auto-battler games aren’t for everyone, they can offer a very strategic experience that can satisfy players looking for a chance to explore or optimize. The game’s announcement was followed up with a playtesting announcement, letting some individuals try the system for themselves before the game releases in quarter 4 of 2026.