Hooded Horse and developer Minakata Dynamics, renowned for the train RTS game Railgrade, have unveiled an intriguing new project featuring feline and rodent characters in a city-building and strategy game called Whiskerwood.

In Whiskerwood, players act as overseers of an indentured colony of mice. Their task is to farm, build, and harvest in service to malevolent cat overlords known as the “Aristocats.” Stranded on barren islands by their cat rulers, players must optimize the limited space to establish a thriving production economy. Vertical construction is crucial, with amenities such as healthcare, waste management, and food cultivation playing vital roles. Players must manage and maintain every building, and strategically assign rodential colonists to tasks based on their individual abilities.

The game offers a wide range of features including the production of forty commodities, the use of conveyor belts and elevators for transportation, and the fulfilment of various mousey needs such as healthcare and heating. Players also face the challenge of balancing the needs of the mice with the demands of the cats. Plus, the game incorporates a naval aspect, allowing players to explore other islands and engage in sea battles.

Environmental factors such as weather have a significant impact on annual yield, and the capricious cats continually make new and more demanding requests. Ultimately, players face a choice: will they adhere to life as a compliant mouse, or will they foment rebellion, rise up, and overthrow their evil feline overlords? The full extent of the game’s narrative will be revealed upon its release.

Tim Bender, CEO of Hooded Horse, commented on the game’s development, stating, “Mice always seem so hard working and industrious. They’re perfect characters for a colony sim/city builder. While I love cats, I can see them running a mercantile empire. And who doesn’t love the idea of a Boston Cheese Party?”

According to Studio Head Daniel Dressler, Whiskerwood represents the team’s passion project, and the culmination of a decade’s worth of city builder prototypes. The collaboration with Hooded Horse has allowed them to fully realize their creation without any undue pressure.

One of the most notable aspects of Whiskerwood is its intricate and stunning 3D graphics. From housing to the ship lodge, all the automation features look promising, particularly the ability for players to zoom in and inspect the areas for any changes or observe the mice at work.

Although an official release date has not been disclosed, Whiskerwood is set to be launched on Steam Early Access.

Check out the trailer below.