Stray

After getting separated from your family, now a stray cat, you must traverse around a cybercity and see if you’re able to escape it, and finally be able to reunite with your family. During your journey, you will befriend a robot known as B12, and it will help you escape the city, making your quest a little easier. This neon city is not a safe space for a cat, so it will be no easy task to escape it. You will come across all different types of threats, so stealth will be your best friend. In Stray it is up to you to try and reunite with your family.

A Way Back Home

Now alone and lost in this cyber-neon city, the player will take control of a cat, and try to escape the city, and find your family. However, this city isn’t a safe place, especially for a stray cat like you. Luckily, during your journey, you come across a friendly robot known as B12.

He will be able to help you not only communicate with residents of this city, but he can also help you interact with certain objects. And while most other robots you will come across are friendly, that doesn’t mean the city doesn’t have its dangers. There seems to be some type of alien lifeform, and they will try and stop you. At first, you won’t be able to fight them, so you will need to either run away from them, use your environment to defeat them, or use stealth. But later on, you will discover a way to fight back, and you won’t need to hide and escape anymore.

Being a cat will help you be able to move around more quickly, and while being nimble will help you get almost everywhere, at certain times you will need to solve some puzzles to be able to go forward. So it is important for you to be aware of your surroundings and explore everywhere so that you can move forward.

Your objective is to escape and reunite with your family, but at the end of the day, you’re still a cat, so along the way, you might be tempted to scratch some sofas, or ask to receive some pets from the bots around the city. This game is similar to other titles like Limbo, Inside, and Never Alone, so if you’re into these types of games, then Stray might just be the perfect game for you.

Summary

Stray is an extremely charming game, and it looks like it’s going to be an amazing game. Getting to play as a cat is a super fun idea, and while the game looks extremely cute, at certain moments it seems that it will have a darker tone.

Pros

• Fun gameplay
• Great graphics
• You get to play as a cat

Cons

• Might be a short game
• The story might be weak

In the neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity, an unlikely hero emerges – a stray cat separated from its family and thrust into a world of curious droids and hidden dangers. Stray, the latest offering from BlueTwelve Studio, is a captivating third-person adventure that transports players into the paws of a feline protagonist, delivering a truly unique and immersive gaming experience.

Feline Finesse

From the moment you take control, Stray's meticulous attention to replicating the movements and behaviors of an actual cat is evident. Leaping across platforms, squeezing through tight spaces, and knocking over objects with a flick of your tail – these feline mannerisms are executed with remarkable precision, making you feel like you've truly stepped into the furry shoes (or paws) of a four-legged friend.

The game's environments are a visual feast, with intricately detailed alleyways, dilapidated buildings, and underground tunnels begging to be explored. Inspired by the infamous Kowloon Walled City, the developers have crafted a dystopian yet alluring cyberpunk setting that perfectly complements the game's feline star.

As you navigate this decaying metropolis, you'll need to utilize your agility and curiosity to solve environmental puzzles and progress through the treacherous cityscape. This might involve leaping across precarious ledges, squeezing into tight vents, or using your claws to reveal hidden paths – all while avoiding the watchful gaze of the robot sentries that patrol the area.

A Friendship Forged

Beneath the stunning visuals and engaging gameplay lies a heartwarming narrative that tugs at the heartstrings. As the stray cat, you form an unlikely bond with a small flying drone named B-12, who serves as your guide and companion throughout the journey. The banter and interactions between the two characters are both humorous and endearing, adding emotional depth to an already captivating adventure.

B-12's ability to hack into computer systems and manipulate the environment becomes crucial to your progression, forcing you to work together as a team to overcome obstacles. This symbiotic relationship between cat and machine is a core part of Stray's charm, and it's hard not to become invested in their plight as they navigate the treacherous cityscape.

A Tale of Mystery and Discovery

While the cat gameplay and cyberpunk aesthetics are Stray's most immediate selling points, the game also excels in its narrative delivery and world-building. As you explore the city, you'll uncover tantalizing snippets of lore and backstory, piecing together the mystery of what happened to the human inhabitants and how this society of machines came to be.

Stray strikes a perfect balance between linear storytelling and open-ended exploration, allowing you to uncover new areas and secrets at your own pace. For those who prefer a more guided experience, the main story quest provides a satisfying arc that culminates in an emotionally resonant climax.

Review: 9/10

Stray is a triumph of creativity and attention to detail, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

Pros:

• Incredibly realistic cat movements and behaviors
• Gorgeous, neon-drenched cyberpunk environments
• Engaging platforming and environmental puzzles
• Heartwarming bond with companion drone B-12
• Excellent world-building and mystery to unravel
• Unique and creative premise

Cons:

• Some pacing issues
• Limited combat/action sequences
• Relatively short length