Stray

Stray is a true ode to both adventure games and cats. The game is expertly crafted with satisfying gameplay, a brilliant art style, and an even better story. A strong contender for indie game of the year, Stray will dig it’s claws into you from the very beginning and it wont let go.

It doesn’t try to make grand statements about mankind’s hubris or shortsighted innovation. Instead, it walks you through a living, breathing city where robots have molded their own society from the ashes of another, and lets players make of humanity’s self-destruction what they will. And that impression will stick with you long after the game ends.

Stray might ultimately be indie in size, but it’s triple-A in quality, and while it may only last eight to 10 hours, it’s a game that has touched me for a lifetime. I can’t wait to see how Straybrings people together, because that’s exactly what it’s going to do. Now, go hug your cat for me, if you have one.

This is a stunning-looking game, whether witnessed from the ground or the rooftops – I won’t spoil the cat’s journey, but the developer wrings copious novelty and some impressively creepy moments from this shut-off city in the seven-ish hours it takes to play through. It’s certainly far from twee, with the possible exception of the bucket-lifts that you can ride down from rooftops, paws and ears all poking out over the top – and those are so cute that they’re instantly forgivable.

By taking the best element of games such as Enslaved Odyssey To The West, Journey, or any of the plethora of cyberpunk games you can think of and mixing them all, BlueTwelve have crafted a truly unique masterpiece worth your time and then some. With a lovable story populated by a colorful environment and characters all tailored to bringing this world to life. A fantastic means of traversal that encourages exploration and a somber tone that kept me engaged throughout my 12-hour journey, never waning my curiosity, Stray is one experience I cannot recommend enough. BlueTwelve Studio -- welcome to the big time.

Stray is a masterclass in environmental design, with one of the most engrossingly detailed game worlds we've explored. Like its protagonist it's a little on the short side, but what's here will stay with you for a long time. Essential.

Stray is more than just a cat simulator; it's a love letter to cats and cat owners alike. It is an absolute spectacle from beginning to end, with a heart wrenching narrative and enough cat-centric puzzles to have you meowing for more.

Stray astounds with its beautiful graphics, quirky characters, and puzzles that bring out the best and worst in a cat.

At its core, Stray is a beautiful game of exploration that can be finished at your own pace. Its gameplay constitutes a calming experience that makes typically mundane activities such as jumping on ledges, walking around corners, and even just meowing, feel powerful. Ultimately, the emotional connections you build throughout your adventure are a testament that you should never underestimate an unassuming cat as it could very well be destined for greatness.

Stray didn’t want to tell an epic tale spanning oceans, it didn’t need towering bosses with glowing weak points to create the greatest tension. What it did do was weave a tale that the smallest creature can make the biggest difference and that despite our seat as the apex species, that perch is ever precarious, there’s always something ready to take the spot and life will continue. It’s certainly something that we need to be reminded of periodically.

There isn’t anything like Stray. Sure, you’ve probably played puzzle-platformers set in dystopian cities before, but Stray’s cuddly protagonist gives this game an edge. It’s quirky, intuitive, expertly paced, and one of the most enjoyable games of 2022.

The world of Stray is truly immersive. It feels as if every little details has its purpose, and every part of the game has gone through a thoughtful process in order to provide the best experience for the players. Needless to say it is overloaded with cuteness even if you're not a cat person, and it surely makes your heart expand with its story and character relationships - even if they're silent. As far as indie games go, Stray is one of the best in its genre.

Stray is a wonderful exercise in organic worldbuilding with enough heart to hold its own against the best of this year. Despite having no people in it, Stray is one of the most human games I've played this year.

A delightful journey behind the whiskers of a fuzzy feline friend, Stray is a wonderful game for both cat enthusiast and indie enjoyer alike. The story, while simple, is enchanting with each new discovery – with some that may just make you shed a tear. Gameplay doesn’t break new ground, but feels unique from the perspective of a cat, which is handled purrfectly. Stray is incredible, and one you should be playing right meow.

A great deal of care went into Stray, and the attention to detail and its beautifully crafted world make it a unique, worthwhile experience.

Stray doesn’t just deliver on the promise of traversing a detailed cyberpunk city as a cat, it’s also an exciting and varied experience packed with memorable characters and rewarding exploration. While the story itself might not be super special, the city and its characters will stay with you for a long time.

Stray has managed to meet the lofty expectations put upon it once it became known that you would take control of a lone cat within a dystopia punctuated by scores of neon lighting. While some may say that it’s hard to miss with a setup like that, what developer BlueTwelve Studio has managed to fashion from the composite parts is something truly special and has us yearning for more.

It's true that some may be underwhelmed by how Stray handles its platforming and by how short it is, but these issues are easily overlooked because of the high quality found throughout the rest of the game. Stray is a genuinely unique gaming experience and is worth checking out for the cat alone. Stray looks great, plays great, and accomplishes exactly what it set out to do. It's a must-play, especially since it's available at a budget price and can be played in its entirety with a PS Plus Extra subscription.

Stray‘s expressive art direction, curious music, stop-and-snap-a-pic lighting, and thoughtful level design coalesce into one of my favorite gaming experiences of the year.

We can all rest easy, then: Stray is stunning, creative, funny, and filled with moments that genuinely made my jaw drop. Whether you adore cats, or have some fundamental piece of your soul missing and don’t really care about them either way, this game is the real deal. It might be a little on the short side, but I was never anything less than utterly captivated and thoroughly entertained during the entire adventure. And really, what more could you want from a video game in these trying times?

Stray is a phenomenal, if compact, feline adventure that captures cats perfectly - even if they do find themselves in a bizarrely beautiful robotic world.

Stray is an indie adventure that could be a Triple A game. It casts a cat as the main character, and focuses on exploration and puzzles,. Not only has a superfab technical production, it also has an entertaining gameplay and a touching message. The problem? When you finish it, it will leave you wanting more... and it's not very long.

Stray is a brisk and relentlessly charming adventure that offers a very unique window into a gorgeous sci-fi world. It won't challenge your mind or your reflexes too much but it'll absolutely delight your senses. Importantly, it's a video game with a dedicated 'meow' button, and what could possibly be better than that?

Stray is a visually-stunning masterpiece of science fiction that seamlessly interweaves its features into a truly wonderful experience.

Playing through the kitty cat adventure of Stray is an experience that's filled with joy and delight. I loved it, and so did my cat.

Stray may be small and scrappy, but it’s also beautiful, lovingly crafted, and bounds from one genre and play style to the next with impressive grace. Even cat skeptics ought to be won over by the game, so don’t be afraid to invite this Stray in from the cold.

Stray is everything I wanted from it, an enjoyable and engaging journey across a well told tale that is every bit as cute as it is mysterious. More importantly, it made me feel empowered and brave in the face of uncertainty – I can’t remember the last time I’ve audibly cried out in delight so many times in the space of a few hours. Cuteness overload, no doubt.

Stray is not without fault, but it’s certainly good enough to be worth every second of your time and every penny of your money.

Where dogs are usually considered "man's best friend," Stray suggests that cats may be robot's best friend. This is a game that wears its heart on its sleeve and expertly weaves its themes into everything the player does. There will likely be many people who buy this game because they want to play as a cat and their itch will be scratched, but there's also a high chance they will come away moved by its story of companionship and get caught up in its soothing and equally mesmerizing atmosphere.

Anyone expecting Stray to be an action-packed stealth game – as the promotional material tried to argue it is - might be disappointed as the game is more about the journey and the narrative than it is about skulking. What Stray does well is expressing a journey featuring a less-than-common protagonist, and while other games have covered similar themes it’s that unique perspective, from much closer to ground level, and the visual stimulating scenes that makes it ground well worth padding over again.

Stray is a delightful adventure game that strips away all the normal complications of the genre to offer an enjoyable overall experience.

Stray is one of the best games of the year so far. Surprisingly fun, it mixes a different and well built gameplay with a catchy storyline and a cute main character that will make you fall in love with it. It’s a great experience for everyone. You should check it out.

Like no other game - despite small problems with the controls - stray lets us feel like a cat. And what more could you want?

Stray is much more than a jaunt with an adorable cat. It tells a story about social injustice in a form that is both clever and discreet. The gorgeous visuals and attention to detail make it easy to lose yourself in a distinct world. While the game lacks challenge, the pace and memorable set-pieces make this a tremendous trek with a tabby.

Stray's gameplay is unique in a way because you now play with a cat, which makes for new perspectives and a fun experience. Along with an interesting story and gorgeous environments, it's optimal enjoyment. The fact that the game is barely challenging and a bit on the short side is a blemish. However, this does not mean that you should ignore the game, because Stray is definitely worth it.

Stray delivers much more than just a cat simulator. With its touching story and a message about humanity, the game teaches us to never lose hope even in the darkest time and enjoy every moment just like any cat would.

It’s safe to say that Stray wasn’t what I was expecting it to be, but that’s why I try to go into any game with as little advance knowledge as possible. Keeping an open mind to let this title be what it is and draw me into its world left me with a range of emotions by the end. I don’t know that I was expecting a game about a cat to make me cry for the reasons it happened, but I’m certainly not complaining. Anybody with an interest in cats, dystopian fiction, or questions about what makes something truly human, will feel right at home here.

BlueTwelve Studio was able to surprise us with a game that any type of player can try without problems, with intuitive gameplay that fans of independent productions will really like. The only problem is that in the end we are left wanting to have more adventures aside the little Kitty.

Despite the odd slip-up, Stray is a (mostly) relaxing game that takes clever cat interactions and turns them into a compelling adventure. The 8-10 hour story (on a completionist’s run) will certainly tug on the heartstrings in places but will not overstay its welcome. The gameplay is simple enough that it can be enjoyed by all ages although the younger children may find the Zurk imagery a bit scary. Those playing Stray on PlayStation Plus should definitely give this one a go, while those looking to buy the game on release should not have much hesitation.

If it isn’t obvious at this point, cat parents and cat enthusiasts are going to fall in love with Stray. Yet its appeal scratches deep below the surface by weaving a powerful story about the struggles of humanity, wrapped up in an alluring dystopian world. Stray excels at delivering simple pleasures that all add up to leave you with an overwhelming sense of fulfillment.

Stray subverts our expectations by putting us through the unlikely point of view of a kitten with no fantastic powers or abilities on an exciting journey back to its home. With simple mechanics and impressive visuals, the game's great strength lies in the subtlety of a captivating narrative not because it humanizes the protagonist, but because it proposes to us, for a few hours, to really look at that world through the kitten's eyes.

Stray is a game oozing with charm and can be considered a must-play for cat lovers looking for something new to pounce on and sink their teeth into.

Charming, entertaining adventure game with a cat - attractive setting, strong graphics and the fresh hero make Stray more than just an insider tip.

Stray is a short and sweet game, with a unique and immersive adventure from a cat's point of view under a beautiful cyberpunk vision. The story of this lonely city and stray cats will linger on.

Stray is a changing adventure in its playful and fascinating proposal thanks to its powerful artistic direction. As the credits roll, summing them up, perhaps the main limitations of the work are perceived: a story steeped in mystery, coherent and exciting with its own scenario, but perhaps not entirely capable of leaving its mark as it should in the finale.

A near purrfect throwback to a beloved gaming era, Stray tugs on heartstrings, whilst it also delivers an enjoyable playing experience lined with superb production value.

Stray is a delightful adventure full of beautiful visuals and endearing characters. I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the post-apocalyptic city from the unique perspective of a feline who's dedicated to helping out the remaining robotic residents.

If you are allergic to cats, hate mystery, exploration and a good atmosphere in video games, don’t play Stray. Otherwise, you’ve probably already beaten it. It’s a rare occasion to get a title such as this. And if it looks like something you might enjoy, that’s likely because you most surely would.

Stray is not just a cat walking simulator, but a well-balanced adventure that turned out to be another winning bet for Annapurna Interactive. The merit of the success is to be attributed to Bluetwelve Studio, whose love for cats has allowed the French developers to create a very refined game in many respects. If you love cats and animals, don't miss Stray or you may regret it.

Stray makes the most of its choice of protagonist early on, really allowing you to do all the things a typical cat would do, though it eventually loses sight of that in favour of spotlighting the short story. That’s no cause for hissing, though it does leave the overall experience feeling somewhat like two kittens from different litters forced together. The combination works better than it should, but we’re ultimately left wondering what could’ve resulted if either half of the game had been given enough space to stand alone. [Issue#18, p.70]

It sounds ridiculous. And maybe it is. But the first ten minutes of Stray broke our heart. We’re a soft-boiled egg when it comes to animals, even when they're completely fictional. A cat who loses his friends and then gets hurt? Enough for an intense feeling of sadness and pity. It is not the challenge, but the experience that is key in this game. You really play Stray for the atmosphere. And that's exactly right.

My main complaint with Stray is its length, it felt like the game could have done with an extra four or six hours if it were in the shape of more challenging chase sequences or harder puzzles. The lack of customization for the cat is another issue that has to be addressed. Early on, the cat acquires a jacket and it came as a surprise when credits rolled and there was never any opportunity to customize it, nor even the ability to add one (or more) of the badges that can be earned. There’s not even allowance for a change in the base color. Those issues aside, Stray is ultimately a double-A game that can be confused for triple-A if one takes into consideration the amount of polish, precision and quality crammed into it. Fur-midable indeed.

BlueTwelve definitely managed through its first title to implement in an excellent way the vision that was behind the main reason for the creation of the studio: To develop a game in which -although it suffers in terms of limited gameplay and easy riddles and puzzles- the player will feel like a cat.

Stray's perilous journey about a cat and drone in a dark, desolate city provides more emotion than most human stories in media today. Who knew playing as a feline could be so much fun.

With Stray, BlueTwelve Studios and Annapurna Interactive have crafted a memorable experience that finishes just as it gets comfortable with its footing. But while it is short, it’s a testament to how the game looks, sounds and plays that it begs for more.

Stray draws attention, stands out and it deserves just that. Annapurna Interactive's game is far from perfect, but the impression created here is that it will take a long time for such a unique proposal to be as well delivered as the kitten simulator. The game is perfect for those seeking a different experience without leaving behind clichés that are welcome in video games of the genre.

Charming, Stray comes to remind us that a little well-crafted indie game is sometimes better than a big AAA game. Especially when the title in question offers us to embody a tomcat immersed in a universe that is both post-apocalyptic, cyberpunk and populated by friendly androids.

This is where Stray succeeds. It offers us delectable opportunities to act out the behaviour that so bewilders us, in very celebration of that bewilderment.

A charming adventure with a cat hero and a mysterious story. It’s a real joy to explore the dilapidated concrete city, even if the game is, at its core, quite simple. At least it doesn’t ever repeat itself, though.

Stray is a charming adventure that achieves satisfactorily its goals. With exception of some bugs, its problems are far from being factors that ruin the experience of the player. It's Certainly a very enjoyable and relaxing exploration game with a cool cast of characters and an engaging story. And yes, if you are a kitty fan you will fall in love with the protagonist.

Cat lover or not, Stray is a wonderful adventure worth jumping into. You’ll quickly fall in love with your adorable four-legged protagonist, but it’s just a shame it’s all over so soon. We could have spent dozens more hours exploring the fascinating world experiencing life as a curious cat. As it is, Stray may be short, but it’s perfectly formed.

Stray is a delightful adventure set in a dark but endearingly hopeful cyberpunk world for the simple fact that you play as an adorable cat at all times. Its combination of simple platforming and puzzle-solving with item hunting quests is beautifully balanced throughout this five-hour storyline, while its new ideas help keep things as fresh as a delicious fish.

BlueTwelve Studio's adventure game backs its unique premise with plenty of substance.

Stray is a very cute adventure game where you can relax and engage in solving various puzzles using feline methods. It is worth mentioning that there is a couple of creepy moments in the game that can scare a child.

Stray is a small pearl, an adventure that delivers truly suggestive sequences and a fascinating story, which rests on the solid foundations of a very well written lore. Of course, just like a stray cat the game happens to get scared for every little jolt, so the team created a comfortable bubble giving up to fully express its potential.

I ultimately did enjoy my time with Stray. I spent about eight hours total with the game--though the last hour and a half of that was backtracking for things I'd missed--and while I have a lot of questions about what exactly happened here, I am happy with the end result. The tale of Orange Catsidy and the world they lived in continued to unravel in my mind long after I'd found everything, piling up new questions that I hoped are explored in whatever future content BlueTwelve has planned. It's not going to unseat some of the bigger titles of the year, but as a fun and unique experience Stray is the cat's meow.

When you consider a game that lets you play as a cat, chances are you wouldn’t imagine that game then taking place in a cyberpunk city overrun with headcrabs where humanity has been eradicated and replaced with friendly robots. BlueTwelve has provided a gorgeous and unique setting to match its unique protagonist, and although its action and puzzle-solving may be too simple for some tastes, it excels where it matters — and what matters is making you feel like a cat.

Stray’s strength is delivering a fun gameplay experience in playing as one of the world’s most adored animals. While its story isn’t going to be attempting to say anything new about the world, it’s hard to pass up the opportunity to play as a cat.

There’s a touching, melancholy, and ultimately heart-warming story at the heart of Stray, one that plays into the immediately lovable (and somewhat timeless) nature of cats.

Stray is a delightful adventure in a dark but endearingly hopeful cyberpunk world, and that’s thanks in no small part to the fact that you are playing as an adorable cat the whole time. Its mix of simple platforming and puzzles with item-hunting quests is balanced very well across the roughly five-hour story – and though I wished my movement was a little more nimble during that time, I still loved hopping across rooftops and scampering through back alleys to find its well-hidden secrets. The new ideas it introduces along the way help keep things as fresh as a new bag of litter, too, even if not all of those ideas work quite as well as others. But whether I was scratching at a carpet or curling up into a ball and taking a catnap, Stray does a great job of setting itself apart in a way that feels like more than just a novelty.

Stray will easily be remembered thanks to its weirdly captivating world filled to the brim with details and the charming quirkness of its inhabitants, although it does suffer from a relatively short playtime despite clever puzzles.

Stray writes a love letter to cats that serves as the wrapper for a delicious sci-fi bonbon filled with artistic nostalgia.

Despite one or two rough edges, Stray is a very enjoyable adventure. It's fairly straightforward, and gives you lots of opportunity to embody a cat, whether that's rubbing up against a robot's legs, clawing at furniture, or finding cosy places in which to snooze. The narrative doesn't quite reach the emotional hit it's looking for, but it slowly shows its hand throughout, with plenty of interesting details to learn. Pairing a common pet with moody sci-fi has worked well, resulting in a unique, engaging game with strengths that outshine its flaws.

Stray somehow manages to endear at the same time it feels like it's overstaying its welcome. At the end of the day, though, this cat-lover was won over by its sheer charm.

Stray is a melancholic game that tells a simple story about a cat lost in a world of robots pretending to be humans. The feeling of solitude is magnified by nostalgic music that captures the mood of the moment well and beautiful environments cloaked in twilight. I liked the cat’s perspective and enjoyed snooping around the underground city, but weird jump mechanics made exploring a bit harder than it should be.

Stray isn’t a furry gimmick that’s in it for the memes. Its cat-centric gameplay brings a fresh perspective to the adventure genre, putting an emphasis on curiosity-driven exploration. Some of its gameplay ideas feel limited and underutilized, but playful cat interactions make it a warm and fuzzy experience from start to finish. Come for its adorable furball hero, but stay for the socially conscious sci-fi story about how human beings are the architects of their own downfall.

Stray does a great job at letting you act like a cat, turning a wide range of true-to-life feline behaviors into clever gameplay mechanics. But it’s much less successful at making you truly feel like a cat, as the game’s more conventional approach to its gameplay and story routinely shatters your immersion in odd ways. If you can suspend your disbelief and look past the missed opportunity of a more cohesive experience, however, there’s a lot to like in its moody cyberpunk world and varied challenges.

Stray is both fun, clever and charming, thanks to its unique premise and colorful cast of characters. I only wish there was more to do, find and play with in the city.

It's simple: If you want to play as a cat, then Stray is the game for you. However, if you're more of a dog person, then skip it.

Stray struggles to leave the high expectations this game has built up over the last 7 years behind. The feline adventure through the suburban jungle is enticing in a lot of ways, but stumbles occasionally with its uncanny-valley protagonist and a slightly generic story. The highlight is the atmosphere it can build as players jump between rooftops lead by neon signs towards the goal of climbing out into freedom. Stray is well-worth playing, but won’t blow anyone’s mind in the process.

Stray knows how to depict the life and movements of a cat like no other game. The robot city your kitty gets lost in is a joy to explore. Disappointing sections with mediocre gameplay, however, are a black mark in this beautiful cat coat.

Unfortunately, the life span of Stray is limited to the number of lives the cats can have. Indeed, we finished the game at 100% in a little less than 9 hours. We estimate that 7 hours will be more than enough to finish the main plot of the game, or even 10 hours for players who will take their time to contemplate each painting offered by the game. In a way, Stray's rather affordable price is in line with its lifespan. The more skilled players may even take less time to finish the game, so it's quite a shame. Stray is a fabulous title that offers a refreshing environment, a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat and meticulous exploration that makes you want more, but our beautiful journey ends when we clearly want more.

Stray's main strengths lie in its adorable protagonist and its settings which are a joy to explore. Let's add to that a nicely conducted narrative and a mystical atmosphere draped with beautiful synthesized melodies. There are still the puzzles, which are often too basic and the frustration of not being able to jump where we want, which prevent the game from reaching its full potential. Stray is nonetheless a very nice experience, perfect for the youngest and quite touching for adults.

Stray is an average game, a fairy tale about a missing kitten who wants to return to the surface. The scripted parts are also its strongest and most effective narratively, while the open areas feel much less focused. All in all, Stray is a simple, enjoyable game. Great for those looking for a nice adventure and a bit of social criticism.

Stray is an adventure that will dazzle you if you love kittens. Its best virtue is the exploration, which truly makes us feel like real felines. The most action-focused parts are the least inspired. Even so, it's a meowly good game to spend a couple of afternoons playing.

Stray is a good game, with a captivating universe. Beyond its pleasant artistic touch, its atmosphere is delicious, its gripping story and the characters that we will meet there are touching in a certain way. The gameplay mechanics are simple, we would have liked to go further on this aspect, but it works well and we take pleasure in embodying this cat, leading the investigation and going to the end of the adventure even if we would have appreciated its lasting a little longer.

Stray is a good platform/puzzle adventure where discovering and exploring the world is fun, although it doesn’t do anything particularly original.

Stray is a solid enough adventure game with archetypal mechanics and level design, elevated by its nice atmosphere and a unique perspective on the world.

For all its high points - and they're well worth celebrating - Stray feels small but imperfectly formed. [Issue#375, p.102]

Stray is a fairly entertaining game that sometimes weakens to slightly boring, and mainly relies on the huggability of its protagonist. If you are not a cat person, then GTFO and subtract twenty points from this figure.

The charm of its main character and a great world building elevate an experience that would otherwise be somewhat of a letdown. The narrative is really engaging and the artistic direction is top notch, but there's not much else to do in terms of mechanics and exploration. At the same time, if you love cats, this is could end up being a pretty special adventure (and it has a dedicated button to meow, of course).

Prepare your paws, claws, and meows, and embark through a post-apocalyptic robot world searching for your freedom, oh, and btw don't forget to destroy a couple of rugs, and some furniture and knock everything off the table.

A peculiar mix of cyberpunk dystopia and whimsical platformer that is just about held together by some excellent visuals and a very cute cat.

If you go in purely to see the world in motion and walk through its immense cityscapes, you’ll be delighted by what’s on offer. But if you go in expecting a substantial gaming experience with plenty of input and deep engagement, you may end up disappointed. Falling somewhere in the middle, I can appreciate Stray’s overachieving presentation but wonder what could have been with this setting and this attention to detail had it not centered around a cat with limited room for gameplay systems.

Stray has charm to spare and a wonderful world well worth exploring. It would have been nice to have a bit more variety in your objectives and to have to spend a bit more time actually thinking about what to do, but it’s never less than fun to play.

It’s a shame that Stray feels so pared down from its warm, exploratory core. The trappings of what a top-shelf video game ‘should’ be only seem to siphon its joy. Stray is a beautiful game, and a fun cat simulator with some smart ideas, but one that misses its true potential thanks to an unnecessary helping of trope-ish design, and an unwillingness to ruminate on its most intriguing characters and themes. I wish Stray could have been more experimental and less linear, and I hope BlueTwelve gets the chance to expand this clearly ripe world in a more thoughtful direction.

It's hard to perfectly encapsulate what Stray really sets out to do, as it is a jack of all trades, but unfortunately a master of none of them. Certain parts of this game are near masterclass, like its stealth sections, but it finds itself lost within its own identity too often, and misses the mark on more than one occasion.