Sometimes with games, just like with many other things, simplicity of focus can be a great thing to have. Following a philosophy of “Keep it simple, stupid”, rather than spread yourself or your efforts thin, trying to cram everything possible into a game, there can be wisdom in choosing only a few elements and then doing an exceptionally good job with them. In many regards that’s how I view Nekograms, a very cute cat-obsessed puzzler that may keep its overall design simple, but that does a pretty great job within those confines.

At the core of the experience there are really only a small handful of rules you’ll need to know and keep in mind as you progress. All of your cats will only sleep when on cushions, cats can only be moved left and right, and cushions can only be moved up and down. While it may actually sound a little too simple, and early on you could be lulled into not taking the game’s challenge very seriously, it doesn’t take long for signs that it can be tough to show up. Whether the issue is the shape of the stage, objects that get in the way, or some other unexpected obstacles to success, the game continues to remix these elements to keep new challenges coming.

In the end, while there is a learning curve it’s only a bit more steep than some of its competitors. I’d say it’s a step above your average casual puzzler, but on a general level it should usually feel approachable, even if you may take some extra turns to work it out. Of course, the inclusion of more than 10 varieties of cats, as well as a bonus mode with the promise of unlimited puzzle variations, is absolutely a plus. While it’s hardly the toughest casual title out there, Nekograms feels best enjoyed if you love a casual feel game with perhaps a sprinkling of added complexity.