Catrap
A 1985 puzzle-platformer with a pioneering time-rewind mechanic.
Catrap, also known as Pitman in Japan and Power Paws in the United Kingdom, is a 1985 puzzle-platform game originally developed for the Sharp MZ-700 computer. It is notable for introducing a time-rewind mechanic that predates later games such as Blinx, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time, and Braid. The title refers to the player's frequent entrapment and the two anthropomorphic cats controlled to solve levels.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- Sharp MZ
- Yutaka Isokawa
- Game Boy
- ASK Kodansha
- Publisher
- Sharp MZ
- Softbank
- Game Boy
- ASK Kodansha (JP)
- Asmik (NA)
- Designer
- Yutaka Isokawa
- Composer
- Masao Asakawa
- Genre
- Puzzle-platform
- Modes
- Single-player
- Platforms
- Sharp MZ-700, Game Boy
Facts from the source article.
Development and release
Yutaka Isokawa first came up with the idea for this game in 1985, writing it in BASIC for the Sharp MZ-700 home computer. The program’s code appeared as a type-in listing in the August 1985 issue of Oh!MZ Publications. Its success led to a Game Boy version in 1990, which includes a hidden tribute: the layout of round 77 spells out a large M and Z. In 2004, mobile phone versions called Pitmania and Pitmania 2 launched for I-mode, with visuals closer to the original MZ-700 look. Pitmania 1 Infinite arrived in 2007, featuring brighter, more colorful graphics. The game later appeared on the Nintendo 3DS eShop in October 2011 and on DSiWare in December 2011. In 2012, fans restored a faithful Sharp MZ-700 version using the available source code.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who developed Catrap?
Catrap was developed by Sharp MZ, Yutaka Isokawa, Game Boy and ASK Kodansha.
Who composed the music for Catrap?
The music for Catrap was composed by Masao Asakawa.
Is Catrap single-player or multiplayer?
Catrap offers single-player play.
More in Puzzle-platformers
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced