Catnip Wars : Nine Lives Racing is an action racing game for PC that places players in control of customized catbots piloting self-built vehicles across futuristic city-tracks.
Gameplay
Players control a cat inside a robot inside a car constructed from available parts. The core loop centers on racing with the option to reverse direction at any time, using two finish lines per track. A power brake enables quick spins, bubbles provide temporary protection from damage, and boosts produce visible exhaust effects. Wrecks return the player to the pit with one life lost, while successful wrecks on opponents yield rewards. The garage serves as the central hub for spending earnings on visible upgrades such as hover, wheels, or treads, along with chassis selections and attachments including armor, spoilers, exhausts, and decals.
Twenty weapons and gadgets are available, including homing missiles, slip sauce, mines, jump jets, a laser pointer that redirects enemy projectiles, and a hairball EMP. Eleven distinct Catbots each offer a unique passive ability that influences racing style without requiring purchases.
Game Modes
The game supports single-player career progression across seven planets and twenty-one tracks, featuring locations such as the green skyways of Felis Prime, the station decks of the Scratching Post, lava fields of Qo'nip, slums of the Litter, ice spires of Frostwhisker, and kennel blocks of Houndshold. A final planet involves the Purrfected faction.
Multiplayer allows up to four players via Steam or LAN, with AI filling remaining grid positions. Each race grants nine lives, and running out ends participation until the next event. Best-time leaderboards exist for every track, alongside twenty-two achievements.
Is It Worth Playing?
The game suits players seeking a mix of vehicle customization, combat-oriented racing, and short-session multiplayer matches. Career mode provides structured progression through varied planetary environments, while the nine-lives system adds risk to aggressive play. Customization depth and the ability to turn around mid-race create distinctive encounters compared to standard racing titles. Availability on PC supports both solo runs and small-group sessions with AI support.