Paws

*“Step into the paws of a lynx cub as she takes her first steps in a vast environment. Overcome the obstacles of the harsh world as she gets separated from her family. Both friends and foes can be found on the way home…”*
    —Might and Delight

A spin-off of Shelter 2, **Paws** is Might and Delight's most story-forward instalment to the series, introducing players to a young Lynx as she struggles to reunite with her family in a tale of friendship of loss.

It can be purchased on Steam, GOG, GMG and IGS.

## Gameplay

More plot-rich and linear than its parent-game, Paws features core platforming mechanics in a story-driven adventure where the goal is exploration and puzzle solving. As a Lynx Cub, players are tasked with tracking, collecting, hunting and overcoming obstacles - either alone or with a Bear Cub companion.

## Story

***Spoiler Warning!** This section contains plot details.*
The story of Paws follows one of four Lynx Cubs born to a solitary Mother Lynx as she is separated from, and attempts to reunite with, her family.

The narrative begins peacefully, with the Lynx Cub and her siblings being roused from slumber by their Mother. After a short cutscene, the game begins.

In the first, pseudo-tutorial phase of the game, the Cub is fed and lead around the surrounding territory by her Mother as she is taught how to walk, run, jump and hunt with her siblings. The following night, Mother Lynx sneaks from the den - trailed by her Cub - and traverses the darkness to meet with a Star.

After the Star's departure, Mother carries the Cub home so that they both may sleep before daylight.

In the morning, a storm rolls over; heavy rains causing a river overflow that tears the Cub from her family as they travel, and strands her in foreign lands. Lost and confused, she tracks their scent, and begins her search to find them.

At the game's middle, a Wolf hunt awakens the Cub and - in her escape - causes her to stumble over a fallen Bear cub, who begs for food. Well-fed and re-energised, the Bear Cub invites her to ride on their back, and the pair set off together to continue the Lynx Cub's search.

Following a Fox attack, the Lynx Cub's good deeds are repaid as the Bear Cub nurses her back to health.

With the game drawing to a close, the Lynx Cub is faced with a dilemma as the Bear Cub spots her Mother across a river. She (and the player) must decide - go back home with Mother and family, or stay with her friend and form a new one?

Her decision made and her family formed/re-formed, the Lynx Cub ventures one final time into the night. Greeted by a second Star, the family she left behind appears to her in soul, before fading away with the Star's departure.

## Gallery

Lynx Cub and Bear Cub, drifting on a log.Lynx Cub riding on Bear Cub's back.The title screen.Lynx Cub and her Mother.Lynx Cub and Bear Cub.A hungry Bear Cub.Lynx Cub hunting Butterflies.
## Trivia

* Throughout the game there are poetic interludes. The entire poem is as follows:
	+ Warmth of love
	+ Family and comfort
	+ Perils of the wild
	+ Vile things far from child
	+ A look to the heavens
	+ Eyes up to the sky
	+ Taking strides to higher levels
	+ To ask the what and why
	+ Off on the trail
	+ Moving slow, moving steady
	+ Dark clouds loom, dark lands wail
	+ Dangers are here, dangers are many
	+ Wet, scared, alone, abandoned
	+ She was puzzled. Head filled with questions
	+ Was this fate? was this random?
	+ Time to move. To make the right impressions
	+ Dark and grime, twist through the vines
	+ Slip through perils with finesse and toil
	+ Be two for strength, be two in mind
	+ Find the way home to familiar soil
	+ Misty mysterious
	+ A place so cold, a place so gray
	+ Misty mysterious
	+ Stay focused, don't go astray
	+ Family dearest,
	+ Oh the longing. The pain
	+ Fear permeates
	+ With questions. Ever meet again?
	+ A look to the heavens
	+ Eyes up to the sky
	+ Boldly traversing levels
	+ Understanding the what and the why
* Though popular for its emotional story-line, unique art and sound, the game was heavily criticised for its shortness and lack of guidance.