[HEAVY SPOILER] the game is great, makes a strong point... right up until the ending. then it completely throws the point out the window

[Chilli Dog Dave]

obviously this will be a spoiler so i will bump it down before spoiler tagging it
!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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that ending completely missed the point of a happy ending, sure its a happy ending for the cats for the time being but the thing is one was left IN THE WILD essentially letting nature deal with the problem of a second cat and then had to suffer and of course go try get back home cause loving pets do that, and you are telling me the "happy ending" is going back to the wretch who threw us away to die on a whim and you think when she would have died her daughter would have sorted the cat(s) out? that hag made it clear she hated cats.

i loved this game right up till that ending then it just made me angry cause from the kind of family i come from where we adore animals if we found out a family member even attempted something like that we would have dragged them back to where they left the pet, combed the area till we found them then reported them to the RSPCA so they couldn't do it again ad we would take over the pet so they got a loving home. ♥♥♥♥ OLIVE she is a BAD END

[Chicken Soup]

This!!! From the get go i HATEDDD Mae!! My jaw DROPPED when she told us that she's the one who caused the original Dawn to go missing in the first place! I was hoping Olive would take us in after realizing what she did by replacing Dawn with us, but then replacing us with Dawn, and vice versa a second time, or at least take us BACK to the shelter but no!! She abandoned us like Fox and The Hound or Toy Story 2! My respect for her INSTANTLY went away.

[NibblerBunny]

I agree! This is why I didn't care for this game. The ending tried to be heartfelt but I just couldn't enjoy it because just the fact of going back to the same old lady that abandoned and straight up neglected the cat felt wrong.

[Defunct Gamer]

There were a thousand ways for Dawn to have gotten lost and had to return home without turning Olive into a terrible, loathsome character. When she drops off New Dawn in the middle of nowhere, it not only undermines the entire message of the game, but it also makes the player hate somebody we're supposed to have sympathy for. Her action was no better than Mae, in fact, I would argue it's actually way worse. When you abandon an indoor cat in the middle of nowhere, you're basically dooming them to death. It's either going to be a wild animal, the climates or lack of food that gets them. Mae tossed the cat outside, in a nice (safe) suburb.

And then, inexplicably, we're supposed to continue having sympathy for Olive. The game ends as if it's a happy ending, but it's not. New Dawn went back to the person who didn't care one way or the other if she died or not. So much for the whole "home is where you're needed" message. I'm honestly shocked that this plot point even got out of the rough draft phase. Somebody should have asked the important question: "Is this twist going to make everybody in the audience hate Olive?"

[jetpackpaul]

I was also really confused by the ending and why this was seen as happy.

I think the obvious fix is to have Mae be the one to take Dawn away instead of Olive. It's already been established that Mae goes to extreme lengths like that. Whereas it now just seems like Olive is heartless. Another totally valid option would be to give Dawn back to the shelter.

I think the only thing that would have made the current ending better is as the camera was pulling back from the house, you see Mae getting arrested and loaded into the back of a police car.

[Chadwick Strongpants]

Originally posted by jetpackpaul:

I think the only thing that would have made the current ending better is as the camera was pulling back from the house, you see Mae getting arrested and loaded into the back of a police car.

That seems like quite the disproportionate retribution. Mae's actions may have been questionable, but they are understandable.

[Patola [Linux]]

Originally posted by Chilli Dog Dave:

i loved this game right up till that ending then it just made me angry cause from the kind of family i come from where we adore animals if we found out a family member even attempted something like that we would have dragged them back to where they left the pet, combed the area till we found them then reported them to the RSPCA so they couldn't do it again ad we would take over the pet so they got a loving home. ♥♥♥♥ OLIVE she is a BAD END [/spoiler]

Isn't the point of the game learning to deal with people's (and pet's) moral imperfections? Almost everyone is at fault there. Olive did the attempt of getting rid of the cat, Mae did the many things already mentioned, Dawn did all the mess in the house and stole food -- and when she saw the opportunity to take back the place of her "imposter", which she knew was an innocent party in this, she was going to attack the "copycat" and take her collar to be seen as the right cat, and only stopped because Olive appeared and recognized her.

I don't see this as the game condoning these actions, rather I think it shows this to pass the message that otherwise good people do bad things when under pressure or special circumstances. The world is messy, people are messy, and we should be able to forgive, to let some things past us. Mae considered suffocating Olive, but she never went that far.

[Chilli Dog Dave]

Originally posted by Patola Linux:

Originally posted by Chilli Dog Dave:

i loved this game right up till that ending then it just made me angry cause from the kind of family i come from where we adore animals if we found out a family member even attempted something like that we would have dragged them back to where they left the pet, combed the area till we found them then reported them to the RSPCA so they couldn't do it again ad we would take over the pet so they got a loving home. ♥♥♥♥ OLIVE she is a BAD END [/spoiler]

Isn't the point of the game learning to deal with people's (and pet's) moral imperfections? Almost everyone is at fault there. Olive did the attempt of getting rid of the cat, Mae did the many things already mentioned, Dawn did all the mess in the house and stole food -- and when she saw the opportunity to take back the place of her "imposter", which she knew was an innocent party in this, she was going to attack the "copycat" and take her collar to be seen as the right cat, and only stopped because Olive appeared and recognized her.

I don't see this as the game condoning these actions, rather I think it shows this to pass the message that otherwise good people do bad things when under pressure or special circumstances. The world is messy, people are messy, and we should be able to forgive, to let some things past us. Mae considered suffocating Olive, but she never went that far.

pets or animals dont really think about things the way we do, they run on instinct, to a pet their home was invaded so they try to defend or take it back but people are far more advanced in that they can plan things or think of consequences, you cant really blame a cat for stealing a stake you left on the table for example, to them its just food laying around for eating but you CAN blame the person who left it there and set it up

[Patola [Linux]]

Originally posted by Chilli Dog Dave:

pets or animals dont really think about things the way we do, they run on instinct, to a pet their home was invaded so they try to defend or take it back but people are far more advanced in that they can plan things or think of consequences, you cant really blame a cat for stealing a stake you left on the table for example, to them its just food laying around for eating but you CAN blame the person who left it there and set it up

Sure, that is real life. But the protagonist cat is antropomorphized specially on her thoughts and feelings (although she thinks like a child). So it's not unreasonable to think she got a moral code too.

[Chilli Dog Dave]

Originally posted by Patola Linux:

Originally posted by Chilli Dog Dave:

pets or animals dont really think about things the way we do, they run on instinct, to a pet their home was invaded so they try to defend or take it back but people are far more advanced in that they can plan things or think of consequences, you cant really blame a cat for stealing a stake you left on the table for example, to them its just food laying around for eating but you CAN blame the person who left it there and set it up

Sure, that is real life. But the protagonist cat is antropomorphized specially on her thoughts and feelings (although she thinks like a child). So it's not unreasonable to think she got a moral code too.

they are like that for OUR understanding, otherwise we'd just be walking around watching a cat do things with no real narrative

[whats_eatin_ya]

I liked that both cats got a home in the end. However, I didn’t care for how the cat was treated throughout the game. Especially Olive’s ultimate betrayal of dropping off Dawn2/Sunrise out in the country after realizing that both cats had returned.

After that point, the game was just sad, as was knowing that Olive would die soon, and both cats would suffer again, as a result.

If you’re an animal lover, you probably will have a hard time playing this game.

[Chilli Dog Dave]

Originally posted by whats_eatin_ya:

I liked that both cats got a home in the end. However, I didn’t care for how the cat was treated throughout the game. Especially Olive’s ultimate betrayal of dropping off Dawn2/Sunrise out in the country after realizing that both cats had returned.

After that point, the game was just sad, as was knowing that Olive would die soon, and both cats would suffer again, as a result.

If you’re an animal lover, you probably will have a hard time playing this game.

the thing is the game is clearly saying "olive didn't really know what she was doing" but a long drive to the woods would imply plenty of time to think, Mae clearly hated cats, so when Olive the abuser inevitably dies of age or just forgets/disowns the cats Mae is going to just stray them knowing thats a high probability for their future i dont fathom how them being back with that woman being a good end for them.

its just a game i get it but the idea that there is a kitty in this world who thinks of their human so highly only to be cast aside is not only possible but has happened many times, i'v raised a cat who was tossed out to die in the woods and it just made me angry it was not a case of new home that cares for them found them but the same person who LITERALLY LEFT DAWN IN THE WOODS TO DIE is considered the good story end, she clearly did not ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ need those cats nor deserve them

[Patola [Linux]]

Originally posted by Chilli Dog Dave:

Originally posted by whats_eatin_ya:

I liked that both cats got a home in the end. However, I didn’t care for how the cat was treated throughout the game. Especially Olive’s ultimate betrayal of dropping off Dawn2/Sunrise out in the country after realizing that both cats had returned.

After that point, the game was just sad, as was knowing that Olive would die soon, and both cats would suffer again, as a result.

If you’re an animal lover, you probably will have a hard time playing this game.

the thing is the game is clearly saying "olive didn't really know what she was doing" but a long drive to the woods would imply plenty of time to think, Mae clearly hated cats, so when Olive the abuser inevitably dies of age or just forgets/disowns the cats Mae is going to just stray them knowing thats a high probability for their future i dont fathom how them being back with that woman being a good end for them.

I think the ending kind of addresses that. Now Olive is in the care house with Dawn and her döppelganger, both wearing a collar, and being taken care of by Olive. They are in the open front yard of the house and there are many other lookalike houses there, with other people that would typically take care of the cats in case Olive dies. Dawn is not an indoor cat anymore, she is not a stray but she learned to fend for herself, get food and shelter if she needs to. She was let down, but she's learned to forgive, she still has adoration for humans but it is not as naïve as before. She got a friend and ally too.

It's realistic, it's nuanced, and it's the best of all worlds. I found that a great ending. Everybody is flawed, but things worked out in the end. If she was adopted by that kid? He would certainly have revealed his flaws too, and she would not have her closure with Olive.

Originally posted by Chilli Dog Dave:

its just a game i get it but the idea that there is a kitty in this world who thinks of their human so highly only to be cast aside is not only possible but has happened many times, i'v raised a cat who was tossed out to die in the woods and it just made me angry it was not a case of new home that cares for them found them but the same person who LITERALLY LEFT DAWN IN THE WOODS TO DIE is considered the good story end, she clearly did not ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ need those cats nor deserve them

Olive loved Dawn, do you think her act of taking her to the woods was that selfish and betrayal? On the contrary, she chose a spot she thought was safe and plentiful of shelter and food. She knew she had not too long left to live, and she thought about the impact it would have on her cats, specially having Mae as daughter who doesn't like cats and would not have any consideration for them. Was that a letdown? Yes. But a betrayal? No, she had the best interests of the cat in mind.

[Chilli Dog Dave]

Originally posted by Patola Linux:

Originally posted by Chilli Dog Dave:

the thing is the game is clearly saying "olive didn't really know what she was doing" but a long drive to the woods would imply plenty of time to think, Mae clearly hated cats, so when Olive the abuser inevitably dies of age or just forgets/disowns the cats Mae is going to just stray them knowing thats a high probability for their future i dont fathom how them being back with that woman being a good end for them.

I think the ending kind of addresses that. Now Olive is in the care house with Dawn and her döppelganger, both wearing a collar, and being taken care of by Olive. They are in the open front yard of the house and there are many other lookalike houses there, with other people that would typically take care of the cats in case Olive dies. Dawn is not an indoor cat anymore, she is not a stray but she learned to fend for herself, get food and shelter if she needs to. She was let down, but she's learned to forgive, she still has adoration for humans but it is not as naïve as before. She got a friend and ally too.

It's realistic, it's nuanced, and it's the best of all worlds. I found that a great ending. Everybody is flawed, but things worked out in the end. If she was adopted by that kid? He would certainly have revealed his flaws too, and she would not have her closure with Olive.

Originally posted by Chilli Dog Dave:

its just a game i get it but the idea that there is a kitty in this world who thinks of their human so highly only to be cast aside is not only possible but has happened many times, i'v raised a cat who was tossed out to die in the woods and it just made me angry it was not a case of new home that cares for them found them but the same person who LITERALLY LEFT DAWN IN THE WOODS TO DIE is considered the good story end, she clearly did not ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ need those cats nor deserve them

Olive loved Dawn, do you think her act of taking her to the woods was that selfish and betrayal? On the contrary, she chose a spot she thought was safe and plentiful of shelter and food. She knew she had not too long left to live, and she thought about the impact it would have on her cats, specially having Mae as daughter who doesn't like cats and would not have any consideration for them. Was that a letdown? Yes. But a betrayal? No, she had the best interests of the cat in mind.

she specifically stated she would shelter and love her yet she dumped her in the damn WILD, DOMESTICATED pets DO NOT THRIVE in the wild and are very likely to die, sure in this story it worked out! but the point it was trying to convey was that it is fine to do this if it works out NO IT IS NOT

[Patola [Linux]]

Originally posted by Chilli Dog Dave:

she specifically stated she would shelter and love her yet she dumped her in the damn WILD, DOMESTICATED pets DO NOT THRIVE in the wild and are very likely to die, sure in this story it worked out! but the point it was trying to convey was that it is fine to do this if it works out NO IT IS NOT

I know that. Everybody was in the wrong.
Mae should not have had cast the first cat away.
Olive should not skip on her medications.
Olive should not try to fill the sadness of losing her first cat by adopting a lookalike with promises she wasn't sure she could fulfill.
Olive should not have left Dawn in the wilds, but she did not do that out of selfishness.
Dawn should not have tried to just attack the innocent "imposter".
Mae should not have even considered suffocating her mother.

These minor sins are not unforgivable. We don't need absolutes in this case. I think we live in an age of polarization and unforgiveness. I am very glad that this game forgives its characters.

Maybe no character did "deserve" their fate. But everybody was better off this way.

[jetpackpaul]

Originally posted by Chadwick Strongpants:

Originally posted by jetpackpaul:

I think the only thing that would have made the current ending better is as the camera was pulling back from the house, you see Mae getting arrested and loaded into the back of a police car.

That seems like quite the disproportionate retribution. Mae's actions may have been questionable, but they are understandable.

....... what?

Mae was about to murder her mother and there's zero repercussions for it. The only reason why she stopped, wasn't because of a crisis of conscience, but because the mother woke up after we started scratching at the window.

There should be some kind of justice there.