This format is good for telling stories or documentary style narratives. The artwork is great! nicely done.

Full disclosure: I was given a free key to this game by the developer after shouting out my admiration for the original (pre-remaster) version on Twitter. Prior to that, I'd never had any contact with them. And let me assure you that this review is not unduly influenced by the sweet $1.99 that I saved...

The Cat and the Coup tells the true story of the Western-backed overthrow of Mohammed Mossadegh, the first (and arguably only) democratically-elected Prime Minister of Iran. This "4K Remaster" is an upgraded version of the original, which is also available (for free) here on Steam. Though I very much enjoyed the original, I'd strongly recommend skipping straight to the remastered version if you've never played this game before. It doesn't upgrade the basic mechanics in a noticeable way, but the improved graphics and sound are worth the tiny cost.

I could imagine some players might be intimidated by the idea of a game about imperial meddling in Iran; it sounds kinda like homework, doesn't it? But I assure you that The Cat and the Coup is not a dry lecture. No specialized knowledge is required before playing; the focus is mainly on feeling, as conveyed through its trippy but melancholy visuals. (The game also wisely sticks to basic facts rather than inundating folks wth obscure historical details). Plus you get to play as an adorable cat.

Gameplay-wise, it's a bit like walking through a picture book, with a few simple environmental puzzles to solve along the way. It's very short (I finished it in 30 minutes without rushing) and boasts a unique art style: a mash-up of Persian motifs and Western surrealism, with a few agitprop touches along the way. I've learned that the main influences on its style were the Iranian illustrator Ardeshir Mohasses [en.wikipedia.org] and the Japanese artist Mitsumasa Anno; [en.wikipedia.org] I've never seen another game that looks like this one before.

Is it fun to play? I guess so. Given how short it is, it definitely doesn't outstay its welcome. And seeing as it only costs two dollars, there's very little risk of suffering buyer's remorse. Unless you have a pathological aversion to anything that could even remotely be construed as an "art" game, I would recommend giving it a whirl.

On a personal level, I was very struck by the opening image of Mossadegh as an old man, lying on his deathbed more than a decade after his overthrow. A sound recording of one of Mossadegh's speeches (announcing the nationalization of Iran's oil industry -- an act that galvanized the oil-hungry USA and Britain to plot his downfall) also struck a nerve. Before playing this game, I was already familiar with the history of the coup and its awful aftermath (the reign of the Shah and his secret police), but I had never given much thought to Mossadegh the man before. It was also the first time I had ever heard his voice, despite having read a bit about him. In other words, The Cat and the Coup not only succeeds in bringing to life an essential piece of 20th-century history, but it also humanizes the individual at the center of that story. In so doing, it conveys the sadness and cynicism of Western intervention in Iran in a visceral and memorable way.

While sadly very short, it is a rather interesting experience to play.

a more than gorgeous experience for your eyes.

The story and presentation are striking. While short, it begs for future play, sharing, and further meditation on the story.

You play as a Cat that leads Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh (The First Democratic Prime Minister of Iran) to his Eviction/Downfall.

The coup d'etat funded by the C.I.A. and MI6.

4 Sections you interact with Interesting Visuals that depict key events.

Played both the Original (Free) and 4K version. Preferred this version due to the visuals and newer Art that filled most of the Black Void of the Original. Much easier on the eyes.

You still get the same information from either version.

The newer version is priced at 1.99. It may or may not come with achievements (nothing shows up at the community hub for now).

PSN version has achievements (Possibly Mandatory).

4K Version (Updated Fidelity, New Art, Added Language Support).

4K Version Achievement/Trophy Playthrough: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruCMJaoziLc

Fairly priced for a 10 min Interactive Documentary.

*Disclaimer: Did receive a key for the game.

I was given a copy of this game because the developers were coming to speak in one of my classes, and I was absolutly blown away. One of the most visually striking games I have ever played, fantastic score, and an incredibly deep understanding of the subject matter. 100% worth it for the digital remaster as well, the improved graphics are beautiful.

The Cat and the Coup is a short game and almost more like a semi-interactive documentary story. You play the cat of Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh, the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran. It leads you through the events of the summer of 1953 when the CIA engineered a coup to bring about his downfall.

The rooms often involve rocking back and forth or Mossadegh pacing and you have to position the cat correctly to knock things off shelves, scattering papers, scratch, or tilt things to manipulate Mossadegh to move to certain areas or look at certain things. An outline appears where you can move and most rooms are extremely easy.

Though the game play itself isn't particularily intriguing what makes this game really standout is it's graphics and the historical narrative. The graphics are largely inspired by traditional Iranian Miniatures and features a mix of Medieval style looking figures with masterful geometric patterns and vibrant colors. In addition though are certian images which are telling the story that almost make it seem like an odd mix of Monty Python's Flying Circus mixed with Iranian Miniatures. I find this makes for an emotional hodge-podge as your mood is down from the depressing state of the true events being told in the story but also entertained and lighthearted from the comical images which are moving it forward. Perhaps it was intentional to lighten the mood... I don't know.

What I do know is that the 4K version doesn't seem any different really for me. There is a previous version in lower definition that's free to play. This 4K version seems almost the same to me. Honestly, I don't really see much of a difference but I've only played/viewed it on my laptop, the picture quality is a little better looking but I don't know if it's worth the price difference other than I wanted to support the developers in hopes they will continue to produce more games with stunning graphics. Maybe the picture difference is more pronounced on a larger screen. Too bad the 4K version doesn't offer any further or new game play or story though. This game is short and will probably only take you 15-20 minutes to play through but I think its totally worth your time! Also, as I write this I noticed that the 4K version will also be available soon as free to play that makes this an even better deal so really no excuse to not try it.

It only takes ~20 minutes to play for what is mostly a marriage of art and history of Iran, specifically the first elected Prime Minister, and his downfall. It's simple and to the point. The cat probably has nothing to do with this, but you follow Dr. Mossadegh through the last years of his relevance and influence.

It's not so much fleshed out for people who want the meat of it's historical significance. Rather, for the casual gamer who wants to learn something without much effort, this is the game for you. It's not much to look at, as it offers merely an interpretive take to uniquely convey the past. This is only the 4K version of the original game, which updates the visual quality that the original game had, that one can play for free anyway.

A short and interesting experience, which isn't a good game in particular, but rather an educational piece of art to raise awareness of this specific coup case. The 1953 Iranian coup is not something you hear about everywhere these days, so it brings some attention to the event in a rather creative way. Very brief, could include more rooms, but can't really complain, that's the vision.