Nine Noir Lives is a point-and-click adventure game set in a world of anthropomorphic cats. Players take on the role of Cuddles Nutterbutter, a private investigator in the city of Meow Meow Furrington, where a murder threatens the balance between two rival crime families known as the Montameeuws and the Catulets. The game blends noir storytelling with light comedy, focusing on investigation, dialogue, and environmental interaction in a single-player experience.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on exploration and puzzle-solving across more than eighty hand-drawn screens. Players move between locations in the city, examine objects, and interact with over twenty-five characters through conversation. A distinctive mechanic involves using the tongue to lick items or surfaces, which reveals new information or advances the investigation in unexpected ways. Dialogue trees and item collection drive progress, with puzzles that require logical connections between clues gathered from the environment and conversations.
Switching control between Cuddles and his assistant Tabby Marshmallow provides two perspectives on the same events and locations. This dual-character approach adds variety to how players approach scenes and gather details. The narrative unfolds through extensive voiced dialogue that totals over one hundred thousand words, covering the investigation into the central murder case and the broader tensions in the city.
Game Modes
Two modes are available at the start of a new game. Normal Mode presents the full set of puzzles and requires players to solve them through observation and experimentation. Story Mode reduces the challenge of puzzles, allowing focus on the narrative and character interactions without as much trial and error. Both modes support the same storyline and character roster, differing primarily in puzzle difficulty and guidance levels.
Story and Setting
The plot follows Cuddles as he accepts a case from the police chief that draws him into the conflict between the Montameeuws and Catulets families. The city of Meow Meow Furrington serves as the backdrop, featuring locations tied to crime, daily life, and the central mystery. Humor arises from character interactions and situations rather than constant puns, while the tone balances lighter moments with the serious undertones of the investigation.
Progression involves visiting key sites, interviewing suspects and witnesses, and piecing together evidence. The hand-drawn art style gives each screen a distinct look that supports the comedic and noir elements without relying on heavy visual effects.
Is It Worth Playing?
Reviews consistently highlight the quality of the voice acting, puzzle design, and overall presentation as strengths. The game appeals to players who enjoy traditional point-and-click adventures with a focus on story and character-driven humor. Those seeking a lighter take on noir themes, complete with the unique licking mechanic and dual protagonists, will find a self-contained experience that runs to completion without additional content requirements. The positive reception centers on its charm and accessibility for fans of the genre, making it a solid choice for single-player sessions centered on investigation and dialogue.
