With Stray, you can take some time out of your day to help your feline friend escape an underground city.
One of the most anticipated games has finally arrived. You would have seen a trailer of Stray more than two years ago. That’s before the next-gen console PlayStation 5’s release date had even been revealed. That is indeed a very long time. It’s incredible how a game like this would get so much attention, especially a game about a cat. But this might just be the game for you if you are a cat-loving gamer.
Now, at some point since then, you may have come across questions like these: What could this game be about? Or would I be able to enjoy a game like this? Both are really good questions, and it would take some time for you to be able to get your answers. Plus, with the amount of coverage this had gotten and how long since the reveal, we should enjoy it. It is somewhat understandable if some people were skeptical about the turnout.
Stray possesses an interesting and original concept. A story that is focused on a cat, and gamers will play as our cute little feline friend. You enter a futuristic adventure, and you will have to use your brain power to solve a great series of puzzles to complete this game. You will also come across a gadget that will help you do things your cat won’t be able to. So, you could say that this will be a great partnership.
Weirdly, the game was initially pencilled in to arrive in 2021, but with the delay, it came the following year. And, in hindsight, you can be glad this had happened. With the latest release of the brand-new PlayStation Plus memberships, you can get certain games for no extra cost. Thankfully, Stray is one of the games you can simply download if you hold a PlayStation Plus Extra or PlayStation Plus Premium subscription. So, you can try out the game for yourself with no regrets.
Stray’s story was great. Loved every bit of it. Being accidentally separated from a group of cats and getting lost in an underground city must be terrifying for a cat. But he would have to tough it up and go through many obstacles to be able to find his way back. It’s impressive that although it would take an average gamer roughly a few hours to complete this game, within that very short period, you would probably have one of the most adventurous experiences in recent years.
I loved that you had to use your critical thinking skills for many parts of the game. A game that can make you have to do this, you can tell it will be well worth your time. Honestly, some of the puzzles were challenging, but with perseverance, I managed to get through them and felt relieved after completing them. At first, you are routing through the city on your own; then, as you reach a laboratory, you encounter a special device named B-12 that makes your journey much easier.
Stray’s gameplay is great. Being a cat means you cannot perform certain actions. But I will tell you now, that dit does nothing to affect your experience negatively with the game. You would sometimes have to put yourself in a cat’s position and see how they act. You can interact with other objects to help you solve parts of the puzzles. Also, there is a button you can click to execute the cute meow sound, which is a great feature the developer had implemented.
There are times when you’d have to run away from enemies in cool chases, which felt exhilarating. I had so much fun playing. Strangely, Stray felt like a stress reliever. You don’t have to worry too much about completing many objectives or having to worry about side missions because your only objective is to get from point A to B. It’s astonishing that gameplay mechanics this simple turn out to be very enjoyable. Also, meeting machines, getting to know them, and getting them to do certain things helps you complete puzzles. You will learn that soon enough.
Stray’s graphics are gorgeous. Take a step back and realise how technology has advanced graphically recently. It’s amazing how the artists managed to simultaneously design a city that looks attractive and unattractive. The vibrant and bright colours enhance the city’s appeal. And speaking of, the futuristic-styled environment sets the tone, previewing what we might expect in at least 20 or 30 years.
The designs of the robots look fantastic, and let’s not forget the cute design of your furry fellow that would make anyone want to pet it. Honestly, the visuals match the quality of the gameplay, and I did not expect this to be the case whatsoever. Could this be one of the best-looking indie games in modern gaming? Well, you can certainly make a case for it. You could even go as far as to claim it as one of the best of all time.
Stray’s audio is also just as good. Although there are no voiceovers, but rather murmuring-like sounds as speech, I will tell you this, that does nothing to affect the game negatively. Instead, it strangely makes the game more authentic. You can meow whenever you please, and it just gets cuter each time. Plus, you can collect notes and hand them over to the robot musicians, and you and your cat can vibe to the music you provide them. Sometimes, doing this can help you with puzzle solving.
To conclude, I strongly recommend this game. There is something very satisfying about a game exceeding your expectations. Amazingly, a simple concept could be delightful. Almost every aspect of the game is great. An epitome of what an indie game should be. It is a shame that the story was short. I wanted there to be more to play. Plus, the game is free on both the extra and premium memberships. Why not try this out for yourself? I assure you that you will have as much fun on Stray as I did.
Stray is available on PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5, and Microsoft Windows. Also, follow our website for the latest gaming reviews.
