Stray

About Stray

Stray is a third-person adventure platformer developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive. It launched on July 19, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and Mac. You play as a stray cat lost in a cyberpunk city filled with neon lights and rusted metal. Your goal is simple yet urgent: find your way home while avoiding dangerous creatures and navigating a world populated by robots. The game focuses on exploration and puzzle-solving rather than combat, letting you climb walls, jump across rooftops, and interact with the environment as a feline would. It offers a single-player experience that balances tension with moments of pure silliness.

Gameplay

You control the cat using standard movement buttons to sprint, jump, and climb surfaces. The controls feel tight, allowing precise jumps between gaps or onto high ledges. You can scratch at objects, knock things over, or hide under tables to avoid detection. Combat is minimal, mostly involving stealth takedowns or dodging attacks from rat-like enemies and giant spiders. A small flying drone named B12 accompanies you throughout the journey, scanning areas and hacking terminals to open new paths. Sessions typically last between eight and ten hours as you piece together the city's history. The game uses physics for almost all interactions, making even simple actions like knocking over a vase feel satisfying. You must manage your stamina while crossing vertical levels that range from sunlit streets to dark underground tunnels.

What Players Think

Critics loved this release with an OpenCritic score of 84 out of 100 and 85.19% of reviewers recommending it. IGDB users gave it an average rating of 83.5 based on 660 ratings. Polygon and VG247 both awarded perfect scores, calling it a triumph and noting its triple-A quality despite its indie roots. The community describes the vibe as story-driven with four votes for nostalgia and three for cooperative elements. Many players note the game feels complete within eight to ten hours. Reviews highlight how the cat mechanics create emotional connections rather than just fun antics. Players appreciate the detailed world design where every alley tells a story. The data suggests a high completion rate among those who start, with few abandoning the journey once B12 joins the party.

PlayPile's Take

This title is worth your time if you want a polished narrative experience without complex combat systems. At $12.79 on Green Man Gaming, it offers significant value for an eight-hour adventure. The achievement list tracks specific cat behaviors and story milestones that reward thorough exploration. While the runtime is short, the quality of writing and world building justifies every minute played. It works best for players who enjoy atmospheric games with a strong emotional core. Do not expect endless grinding or multiplayer modes here. Pick this up if you want to finish a great story without breaking your wallet.

Storyline

Lost, alone, and separated from family, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten city. Along the way, the cat befriends a small flying drone, known only as B12. With the help of this newfound companion, the duo try to find a way out.