Common Sense Media Review
By Lisa Caplan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Place gadgets and problem-solve to help famous inventor.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Download
Videos and Photos
Leonardo's Cat
What's It About?
Michelangelo has made off with da Vinci's automaton, and it's up to you and his cat, Scungilli, to get the pieces back and rebuild the machine in LEONARDO'S CAT. Players solve 60 logic-based puzzles by choosing from various gadgets that help the cat over, under, and around any obstacles. Cut scenes with rich animation and Patrick Stewart's voice as da Vinci serve as a virtual reward for making progress in the game and help push the story forward. Though the first puzzles are simple, they increase in difficulty; not all the supplied contraptions are needed to get Scungilli to the goal, and there are various possible solutions to the puzzles. When Scungilli falls into the water or hits an obstacle, he struggles and makes noises, but he's not hurt.
Is It Any Good?
Most kids will love this high-quality, historical puzzler that provides just enough variation to keep them engaged. After setting up the gadgets, kids will get a kick out of watching the cat run through their creation; if it doesn't work, kids can retry as many times as needed. It would help kids plan how to use their gear if they could see the cat's whole course without scrolling. Also, if they could zoom and pan around da Vinci's studio, they would be able to get up close to the art and sketches; not playing up the history for interested kids is a missed opportunity. It's also possible that kids will want to put the automaton together as they collect pieces, and some might want hints about the puzzles, so these would be nice features. Despite these few drawbacks, it's a fun, fresh romp that lets kids practice problem solving.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the historical setting and its characters. Who were Leonardo da Vinci and Michelangelo?
Talk about the strategies kids can use to work through the puzzles. What can they do when they get stuck?
App Details
- Devices : iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Subjects : Science : physics , Social Studies : historical figures
- Skills : Thinking & Reasoning : problem solving , solving puzzles , strategy , Self-Direction : work to achieve goals
- Pricing structure : Paid
- Release date : November 3, 2015
- Genre : Puzzle Games
- Topics : Animals , History
- Publisher : StoryToys Entertainment Limited
- Version : 1.0.1
- Minimum software requirements : iOS 6.0 or later
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate