$20 Game of the Week: The Cat and the Coup (PC)

Dr. Mohammed Mossadegh was the first democratically elected Prime Minister of Iran. He won Time Magazine’s ‘man of the year’ award for 1951, and was even called ‘The George Washington’ or Iran. He nationalized the oil industry ticking off the British. The C.I.A led a coup against him, removed him from power, and replaced him with the Shah of Iran. In this free-to-download game (I use the term ‘game’ in passing) developed by Peter Brinson and Kurosh ValaNejad, you get to learn some history about one of the world’s most misunderstood regions, and it’s got a pretty unique art style to boot. Don’t worry, I won’t beat you over the head with round 56789324324 of the ‘games as art’ debate. I’m just saying though, if you’re one of those people that think it is, then this is another piece of evidence supporting your argument.

The Cat and the Coup is not so much a game as it is an interactive documentary. You control Mohammed’s cat as you lead him throughout key moments in his life. Starting at his death, you move backwards in time until you get to his nationalization of the oil industry. Each section has a basic puzzle that you’ll need to solve. The game isn’t tough, and it can be completed in less than 15 minutes. The game’s real story is it’s Persian miniature-inspired art-style and the educational message. It’s not out to be Halo, but it’s free on Steam, so check it out.