Summary

Release Year: 2011
Genres: Adventure, Indie, Puzzle
Platforms: Linux, PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4
Developers: Peter Brinson and Kurosh ValaNejad
Publishers: Peter Brinson and Kurosh ValaNejad

The Cat and the Coup: A Docu-Game About Power, Politics, and Cats

The Cat and the Coup is a 2011 documentary game that tells the story of the 1953 Iranian coup from the perspective of Mossadegh’s cat. The game was developed by Iranian-American game designer Navid Khonsari, and it was released on PC, Mac, and Linux.

The game begins with a brief introduction to Mossadegh, who was the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran. Mossadegh was a nationalist who sought to reduce British influence in Iran and to nationalize the country’s oil industry. His policies angered the British government, which began to plot his overthrow.

In August 1953, the CIA engineered a coup that brought about Mossadegh’s downfall. The coup was successful, and Mossadegh was arrested and imprisoned. He was later released from prison, but he remained under house arrest until his death in 1967.

The Cat and the Coup tells the story of these events from the perspective of Mossadegh’s cat. The player controls the cat as it roams around Mossadegh’s house, knocking objects off of shelves, scattering his papers, jumping on his lap, and scratching him. By interacting with Mossadegh and his environment, the player can learn about his life and his role in Iranian history.

The Cat and the Coup is a unique and innovative game that offers a fresh perspective on a significant historical event. The game is both educational and entertaining, and it is sure to appeal to anyone interested in history, politics, or cats.

Gameplay

The Cat and the Coup is a point-and-click adventure game. The player controls the cat as it explores Mossadegh’s house. The cat can interact with objects in the environment, such as knocking things off of shelves, scattering papers, and jumping on Mossadegh’s lap. The cat can also scratch Mossadegh, which will cause him to react in different ways.

As the player interacts with Mossadegh and his environment, they will learn about his life and his role in Iranian history. The game features a variety of historical documents and photographs, and it also includes interviews with Mossadegh’s family and friends.

Themes

The Cat and the Coup explores a number of themes, including power, politics, and the role of individuals in history. The game shows how power can be used to manipulate and control people, and it also shows how individuals can resist oppression and fight for their beliefs.

The game also explores the role of cats in human history. Cats have been revered as gods and goddesses, and they have also been seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity. In The Cat and the Coup, the cat is a symbol of hope and resistance. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better future.

Reception

The Cat and the Coup received critical acclaim upon its release. The game was praised for its innovative gameplay, its educational value, and its emotional impact. The game was also a commercial success, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.

The Cat and the Coup has been featured in numerous exhibitions and festivals around the world. The game has also been used in educational settings to teach students about Iranian history and the role of cats in human culture.

Legacy

The Cat and the Coup is a landmark game that has had a significant impact on the video game industry. The game has shown that it is possible to create a game that is both educational and entertaining. The game has also inspired other developers to create games that explore historical events and social issues.

The Cat and the Coup is a timeless classic that continues to be enjoyed by players around the world. The game is a reminder that video games can be more than just entertainment. They can also be used to educate, inspire, and change the world.

Conclusion

The Cat and the Coup is a brilliant and unique game that tells a powerful story about power, politics, and the role of individuals in history. The game is both educational and entertaining, and it is sure to appeal to anyone interested in history, politics, or cats.