My human, in their infinite and often misguided quest for my affection, has presented this... object. It is, from what I can gather, a soft, blocky effigy from some human digital obsession, produced by the industrial toy giant Mattel. They call the fabric "premium," a term I will be the ultimate judge of, and its form is a series of cubes stitched together in a frankly primitive, "pixelated" aesthetic. While its intended purpose seems to be for the clumsy hands of human offspring to "cuddle" and "create stories," I see a potential, albeit limited, application. Its size and shape suggest a certain "kickability" for a vigorous round of combat practice, or perhaps, if the fabric is indeed up to my standards, it might serve as a passable headrest, though it lacks the dynamic allure of a laser dot or the organic thrill of a real feather. Its worthiness will be determined by its texture and resilience, not its fictional backstory.
The thing arrived without ceremony, dropped unceremoniously into my favorite sunbeam by the Staff. It was a silent, green type. All right angles and a face frozen in a grimace of what I could only interpret as profound existential despair. An intruder. I approached with the low, cautious gait I reserve for particularly brazen squirrels and the vacuum cleaner. The air carried no scent of catnip, no hint of a fellow creature. It was sterile, manufactured. A plant, in more ways than one.
My interrogation began with a gentle prod, a single unsheathed claw pricking its "premium fabric." It yielded softly, absorbing the blow without complaint. A soft target, then. I circled it, my tail a gray question mark. This cube of a creature was an affront to the natural, curved world I inhabit. It was a geometric absurdity. I decided to escalate, delivering a swift pat with the flat of my paw. It wobbled, its pixelated face staring blankly ahead, offering no resistance, no tells. This was a professional.
Frustrated by its silence, I changed tactics. If it would not talk, it would be made to serve. I launched myself at it, a tuxedoed blur of fury and fluff. I grabbed hold with my front paws, anchoring it, and unleashed a torrent of bunny-kicks with my powerful hind legs. This is the test that separates the worthy from the fluff-filled refuse. The seams held. The fabric, I must admit, felt surprisingly pleasant against my pads, a soft friction that was rather satisfying. It absorbed my assault, its blocky body a perfect foil for my athletic prowess.
After a thorough thrashing, the green suspect was subdued. Its purpose was now clear. It was not a spy, nor a plaything in the traditional sense. It was a bolster. A henchman. An accomplice. I kneaded its strange, square head a few times, a final act of domination, before settling against its side. It was, I conceded, a rather comfortable prisoner. The case was closed. This blocky oddity could stay, not as a friend, but as a silent, exceptionally soft testament to my victory, and a fine pillow for my subsequent nap.
Exhibit A — the specimen
The Particulars
—Minecraft fans can create snuggles and stories with plush figures inspired by favorite characters from the video game universe!
—Each soft doll is 8 inches tall and is made with premium fabrics, making them fun to hold and cuddle.
—They wear their iconic costumes so they're easily recognizable and ready for dreams of adventure!
—Pixelated details give them an extra element of collectability!
—The selection of Minecraft plush makes a great gift for kids and collectors ages 3 years old and up (each sold separately, subject to availability).
Pete's Verdict
★★★☆☆
Soft prisoner; acceptable nap accomplice.
Classified
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Should you insist. Pete is unbothered either way.
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Filed under: Mattel