Stray is a highly anticipated video game developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive. It was released in July 2022 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows. The game has gained attention for its unique premise of players taking on the role of a stray cat in a futuristic city and its stunning visuals and immersive gameplay. In this review, we will delve deeper into the game’s features and explore what makes Stray a must-play game.
Gameplay & Storyline
Stray’s gameplay is centered around exploration and puzzle-solving, with the player controlling a stray cat navigating a sprawling futuristic city named ‘The Heights.’ The game’s mechanics allow players to jump, climb, and scratch, as well as interact with the environment and other characters in the game. The player’s feline companion is an integral part of the gameplay, with the cat being able to perform tasks such as pressing buttons, activating levers, and even hacking into computer systems. The game’s puzzles and challenges are well-designed and intuitive, keeping the player engaged and invested in the game’s storyline.
One of the standout features of Stray’s gameplay is the use of the cat’s abilities to navigate the city. The cat’s agility allows players to jump between buildings, climb walls, and squeeze through tight spaces. The cat’s interaction with the environment is also impressive, with the cat being able to scratch walls to mark them, interact with objects in the environment, and even meow to get the attention of other characters in the game.
The storyline of Stray is engaging and emotionally resonant, with the player’s cat navigating a world filled with robots, holograms, and other cats. The game’s narrative explores themes of loneliness, identity, and the relationship between humans and technology. The player’s cat meets a small drone named B-12, who becomes a companion and guide throughout the game. Together, the cat and B-12 embark on a journey to discover the truth behind The Heights and the fate of the humans who once inhabited the city. The game’s story is well-written and provides an immersive experience that keeps players engaged from start to finish.
Replayability & Everything Else
Stray offers a decent amount of replayability, with multiple endings available depending on the choices the player makes throughout the game. The game also offers collectibles and side quests that can be completed for additional rewards. However, the game’s linear storyline and limited gameplay mechanics may not be enough to keep players coming back for more once they have completed the game.
Stray’s visuals are breathtaking, with the game’s designers creating a stunning and detailed world filled with neon lights, towering skyscrapers, and intricate details. The character design is particularly impressive, with the player’s cat being expressive and lifelike. The game’s sound design is equally impressive, with an immersive soundtrack and sound effects that enhance the gameplay experience.
The game’s use of lighting and particle effects is particularly noteworthy, with the game’s world coming alive through the use of dynamic lighting and particles. The game’s attention to detail is also impressive, with small details such as the reflection of the cat’s eyes in a puddle or the rust on a robot’s body adding to the overall immersion of the game.
Final Verdict
Overall, Stray is a must-play game for fans of puzzle-solving and exploration games. The game’s unique premise, engaging storyline, stunning visuals, and immersive gameplay make it a standout title. The game’s feline companion mechanic adds a new dimension to the gameplay experience, and the well-written narrative explores themes that resonate with players. While the game’s replayability may be limited, the experience of playing through Stray is one that will stay with players long after the game has ended.
I'll keep it short- Stray: A must try adventure.
