This cat has lost its head
and it's bouncing everywhere!
Help Neko navigate through these
pachinkos filled with furious dogs!
Move the Nekoball to choose
where you want to drop it.
Score at least 100 points
with 3 Nekoballs
to advance to the next level!
© Jacques Julien, 2025
What is a Pachinko?
Pachinko is a Japanese arcade game that originated in the early 20th century. Inspired by the Western concept of “Bagatelle,” pachinko has become a cultural phenomenon in Japan, with thousands of parlors dedicated to the game across the country.
The game involves launching small metal balls onto a vertical board filled with pins and obstacles. The balls fall and bounce randomly through the board, aiming to hit specific targets to score points.
In the game I developed, “Pachinkat,” I’ve adapted this concept by replacing the balls with a cat’s head (the Nekoball) controlled by the player. The player can launch the ball onto boards filled with pegs and “dog” bumpers, hoping to score points based on the sections where the ball lands. Additionally, I’ve illustrated the various elements with my photographs and used sound effects to make the experience more unique.
By integrating modern features such as animations and dynamic interactions on the HTML5 canvas, I’ve aimed to capture the essence of this addictive game while transforming it into an engaging and accessible gaming experience for everyone.
You can try it on this page now for free and it’s playable on any device online.
Cats and pachinkos...
The maneki-neko (招き猫), the famous “beckoning cat” or “lucky cat,” is often placed at the entrance of pachinko parlors.
The idea is that the maneki-neko “greets” customers and attracts good fortune (and thus players). This placement reflects a form of syncretism between superstition, symbolism, and commerce: pachinko operators adopt auspicious cultural elements to enhance the appeal of their establishments.
National Geographic has noted that this figurine does not actually “wave” its paw as is often thought, but rather “beckons” — following the typical Japanese gesture (palm facing downward) — a detail that nuances the Western interpretation of the pose.
Several rescue groups and animal associations have shared stories of kittens or stray cats found near pachinko parlors and later taken in by volunteers.
You liked this game? Discover more!
