Today marks the one-year anniversary of KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT, the quirky 2D platformer featuring a bodybuilder cat fighting against alien invaders. The game, developed by Kamotachi and published by Mameshiba Games, first launched on Steam exactly one year ago on March 19, 2024. And after a successful run on Steam (PC) for its first year, the game has now opened up to console players.
Players take control of KinnikuNeko, a muscular feline hero on a mission to save the world from mysterious aliens. The game combines action and adventure elements with indie charm. It was released across multiple platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, and Xbox, on March 19, 2025.
The unique premise of a cat with a bodybuilder’s physique has helped the game stand out in the crowded indie marketplace. KinnikuNeko offers fun platforming gameplay that challenges players to use the protagonist’s unusual abilities to combat the alien threat.
What Is KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT?
KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT is a high-octane 2D action-platformer that doesn’t take itself too seriously—and that’s exactly why people love it. Developed by indie studio NekoPunch Games, it’s a bizarre, over-the-top celebration of classic arcade brawlers mixed with modern sensibilities. You play as KinnikuNeko, an outrageously buff housecat with super strength, lightning-fast reflexes, and a no-nonsense attitude when it comes to evil-doers.
The game first launched on PC in late 2024, where it quietly built a cult following. Fast forward to today, and it’s pouncing onto Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, bringing its brand of chaotic fun to console gamers everywhere.
Gameplay That Punches Above Its Weight
At its core, SUPER MUSCLE CAT is a love letter to old-school beat ‘em ups like Streets of Rage and Final Fight, but it’s been juiced up with absurd combos, wild enemy designs, and ridiculous special moves. KinnikuNeko can throw haymakers that send enemies flying into the screen, pile-drive robo-dogs through concrete floors, and unleash screen-filling power moves that look like they were ripped out of a 90s anime.
The controls are tight, with a combo system that’s simple to learn but surprisingly deep. You can chain together light attacks, heavy slams, grapples, and air juggles to rack up massive combo scores. There’s even a “Flex Meter”—land enough hits without taking damage, and KinnikuNeko flexes his muscles, temporarily entering “Ultra Swole Mode.” In this state, your speed and power are cranked up, and every attack becomes a devastating spectacle of cartoon violence.
There’s also a surprisingly smooth progression system. As you defeat bosses and clear levels, you’ll unlock new moves, stat boosts, and unlockable costumes (some of which are downright hilarious—think sumo belts, luchador masks, and even a nod to classic kung-fu flicks).
Levels, Bosses, and Wacky Worlds
The game spans eight distinct zones, each with its own flavor and set of enemies. You’ll punch your way through the streets of Meowpolis, battle through a neon-lit dojo atop a skyscraper, and even throw down in a muscle beach gym complete with protein shake power-ups. Each stage ends with a larger-than-life boss fight that tests your reflexes and timing.
Some standout bosses include:
- RoboShiba 3000: A cybernetic dog armed with rocket launchers and an unhealthy obsession with tennis balls.
- General Purrvester: A militant tabby in a mech suit who launches hairball grenades.
- Mewcle Magician: A swole sorcerer who summons dumbbells from another dimension and hurls them at you while teleporting around the screen.
Each boss has multiple phases, complete with flashy attack patterns that force you to mix up your strategy.
Local Co-Op and Speedrun-Friendly
KinnikuNeko really shines in local co-op mode. Grab a friend and wreck shop together as twin muscle cats, combining your powers for unique tag-team moves and tandem flex attacks. It’s chaotic in all the right ways, with power-ups bouncing around and both players fighting for the biggest combo.
Speedrunners are already eyeing this game as a new favorite. The movement tech—dash cancels, wall jumps, and grapples—opens up tons of opportunities for skipping sections and blitzing through stages. Expect to see SUPER MUSCLE CAT make its debut at speedrunning events soon.
Console Performance: Smooth and Swole
On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, KinnikuNeko runs at a flawless 120fps with ultra-sharp visuals. The colors pop, the animations are buttery smooth, and the chaos stays readable even in the most hectic moments. The Switch version holds its own, too—docked mode runs at 60fps with only minor dips in handheld mode during the most explosive sequences. Load times are practically nonexistent, so you’re always just seconds away from getting back into the action.
Soundtrack and Style
The soundtrack slaps. It’s a high-energy mix of chiptune, synthwave, and J-rock, driving every punch, kick, and body slam. The tracks are catchy enough that you’ll catch yourself humming them long after you’ve put the controller down. And the sound design? Every punch lands with a satisfying “thwack,” and the enemies let out hilarious yelps and meows as they fly off-screen.
Visually, the game embraces a chunky, exaggerated cartoon style. Characters are heavily stylized with big expressions, over-the-top muscles, and ridiculous animations. It’s all part of the charm—this game knows exactly what it is and leans into it hard.
Should You Play It?
If you’re into action games that don’t take themselves seriously but offer tight mechanics and satisfying combat, KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT should be on your radar. It’s not just a goofy concept—it’s a polished, addictive brawler that’s easy to pick up and hard to put down.
Whether you’re in it for the laughs, the combos, or the co-op chaos, there’s a ton of fun to be had here. And with its launch today on consoles, there’s never been a better time to flex those paws and dive in.
Key Takeaways
- KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT celebrates its one-year anniversary today after launching on March 19, 2024.
- The game features a unique protagonist – a cat with a bodybuilder’s body – fighting aliens in a 2D platformer setting.
- Players can enjoy this indie action-adventure across multiple platforms including Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, and Xbox.
KinnikuNeko: Super Muscle Cat Game Overview
KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT combines action-packed platforming with absurd humor in a unique package featuring a bodybuilder cat fighting aliens. The game blends challenging gameplay with anime-inspired visuals and a quirky storyline.
Gameplay and Mechanics
KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT is a 2D platformer that puts players in control of a cat with a bodybuilder’s physique. The game features traditional platforming elements where players jump, dodge, and fight through various levels.
Combat appears to be a central component, with KinnikuNeko battling against mysterious alien invaders. The gameplay likely incorporates weightlifting mechanics, staying true to the muscle-bound protagonist’s nature.
Based on speedrun information, the game can be completed in under an hour by expert players, suggesting a moderate length campaign with potential for replayability. The “Very Positive” Steam reviews (109 counted) indicate that players have generally enjoyed the gameplay experience.
Players navigate through different stages, each presumably with unique challenges and enemies to overcome.
Visuals and Art Style
The game features distinct anime aesthetics that complement its bizarre premise. The character design of KinnikuNeko—a cat with a muscular human body—showcases the game’s commitment to its absurd concept.
The 2D art style emphasizes the comical nature of the protagonist and the world. Visual humor plays a significant role in establishing the game’s identity.
Animation quality appears to be a focus, particularly in displaying KinnikuNeko’s exaggerated movements and muscle-flexing actions. The anime influence is evident in the character expressions and environmental designs.
The visual presentation likely enhances the game’s humor through exaggerated proportions and silly visual gags.
Story and Characters
The narrative centers on KinnikuNeko, the muscular cat protagonist, who must defend against a mysterious alien invasion. This unusual hero takes on the responsibility of saving the world despite his unconventional appearance.
The game’s story is described as “full of goofy humor,” suggesting players should expect a lighthearted, comedic experience rather than a serious narrative. The absurdity of a bodybuilding cat fighting aliens sets the tone for the entire adventure.
Supporting characters likely include both allies and enemies that KinnikuNeko encounters during his journey. The alien invaders serve as the primary antagonists in the game.
The narrative probably unfolds through in-game cutscenes and dialogue, maintaining the humorous tone throughout the adventure.
Platform Availability and System Requirements
KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT is now available on multiple platforms with specific hardware requirements for each. The game launched today across PC and console platforms with varying specifications needed to enjoy this side-scrolling platformer.
Steam Release Details
KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT has officially launched on Steam with two tiers of system requirements. The minimum specs include Windows 7 (64-bit), an Intel Core 2 Duo E5200 processor, 4GB RAM, and a GeForce 9800GTX+ graphics card. Players will need at least 5GB of available storage space and DirectX 10.
For optimal performance, the recommended specifications are more robust. These include Windows 10 (64-bit), an Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM, and a GeForce GTX 560 graphics card. DirectX 11 is recommended, and players should have 6GB of storage space available.
The game costs $17.99 on Steam, matching its pricing across other platforms. It’s worth noting that the game was originally released on March 19, 2024, making today the one-year anniversary of its launch.
Nintendo Switch Compatibility
The Switch version of KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT launched simultaneously with other console versions. Unlike the PC version, the Nintendo Switch edition doesn’t require specific hardware considerations beyond owning the console itself.
The game is available through the Nintendo eShop for $17.99, maintaining consistent pricing across all platforms. The side-scrolling platformer has been optimized for the Switch’s portable and docked play modes.
Switch players can enjoy the full experience without worrying about system requirements or compatibility issues. The game file size is approximately 5GB, similar to its PC counterpart, making it a moderate-sized download for the Nintendo console.
Frequently Asked Questions
Players have many questions about KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT since its release today. The game features a unique muscular cat protagonist in an alien invasion storyline with platforming action.
What are the system requirements for playing KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT on PC?
KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT runs on most modern computers with minimal specifications. The game requires at least 4GB RAM and a dedicated graphics card with 2GB VRAM.
Windows 10 or newer is recommended for optimal performance. Players need approximately 2GB of storage space to install the full game.
Can you describe the gameplay mechanics of KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT?
KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT is a side-scrolling platformer with action elements. Players control a muscular cat who fights against alien invaders who have captured all humans.
The game combines traditional platforming with weight-lifting mechanics. As players progress, the cat gains more muscle and abilities to overcome increasingly difficult obstacles and enemies.
The combat system features both melee attacks and special moves unlocked through the story. Absurd humor is woven throughout the gameplay experience.
Are there any multiplayer features in KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT?
KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT is primarily a single-player experience. The game focuses on the story of the muscular cat’s journey to save humans from aliens.
Some competitive elements exist through online leaderboards. Players can compare their level completion times and scores with others around the world.
What are the different game modes available in KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT?
The main Story Mode follows the muscular cat’s adventure to defeat the alien invasion. This mode contains all narrative elements and character progression.
Challenge Mode offers timed trials and special obstacle courses. Players can also enjoy Muscle Training Mode, which features mini-games focused on building the cat’s strength and abilities.
An Arcade Mode provides quick play sessions with randomized levels for those with limited time. Each mode maintains the game’s signature humor and action.
How does KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT incorporate cat memes into its content?
The game cleverly references popular internet cat memes throughout its dialogue and visuals. Players will recognize nods to classic memes like Keyboard Cat and Grumpy Cat with a muscular twist.
Loading screens feature parodies of well-known cat memes. Even the protagonist’s movements and expressions sometimes mimic viral cat videos that have become cultural touchstones.
The developers at Kamotachi have created a game that celebrates internet cat culture while adding their unique bodybuilding theme.
What kind of customization options are available for the characters in KinnikuNeko: SUPER MUSCLE CAT?
Players can customize their muscular cat with various outfits and accessories. Options include different colored workout gear, headbands, and sunglasses.
The game offers unlockable fur patterns and muscle definition levels. As players progress, more customization options become available through in-game achievements and challenges.
Special holiday-themed customizations are planned for future updates. These cosmetic changes don’t affect gameplay but allow players to personalize their experience.
