Anxiety was mounting as the unidentified cat protagonist dangled precariously from a cliff’s edge in a Mufasa-esque fashion. That first gut punch established the tone for the rest of the voyage. We startled and gritted our teeth in anticipation that the cat would land safely. They do, of course. After all, they are felines. A rush of unexpected twists and turns followed, keeping us riveted until the very conclusion of the experience.
The story of Stray revolves around a cat that finds itself in a dystopian cyberpunk metropolis and sets out to rescue society of enslaved robots. There are enough riddles and exploration to keep you interested in this third-person platformer, particularly if you’re a cat fan. There’s also plenty of platforming to keep you amused. BlueTwelve Studio’s management of Stray’s easy gameplay and its creative incorporation of genuine cat mannerisms throughout demonstrate the mastery of their trade. The outcome is a one-of-a-kind experience, unlike any other game you’ve ever played. Playing an RPG game as a cat may sound crazy, but the game has had incredible reviews that would rival those for the best online casinos since it came out.
A Frustration-Free Arena
In Stray, platforming and puzzle-solving make up the majority of the gameplay, which takes place in a wonderfully beautiful metropolis populated by robots. What’s the deal? Playing as a cat alters the way goals are approached fundamentally. Some of the most imaginative level designs can be found when a character is able to leap high, over thin beams, and even squeeze into tight spots. This game’s gorgeous graphics make scaling the city’s roofs on boxes and AC units an enjoyable experience. The level of difficulty in Stray is just right, yet manageable for the average player. It’s impossible to miss a jump, for example, since you’re always connected to the platform you’re aiming for. As a result, platformers will no longer be as frustrating as they once were. They clearly care about making the player feel as comfortable as possible.
Getting noticed during stealth parts isn’t a game-over. You’re given several opportunities to succeed, and the game often provides easy-to-find places to hide. You’ll also have to flee from a number of little, alien-looking enemies, but even if they pile up on top of you, shaking them off will eliminate them. Whenever you need a little more assistance, B-12, your loyal robot buddy, is there for you. Ignore pointless advice like “avoid being attacked to not suffer damage!” Stray never seems cheap as a result of all these smart design choices, and failures become chances to grow. It seldom causes you to retrace your steps. After you’ve found what you’re looking for, a shortcut will typically emerge nearby.
Why Are People Already Loving the Game So Much? Because It’s a Cat Lover’s Dream!
Among Stray’s many noteworthy features is its adoration of cat behaviour. To scratch the doors, carpets, and even electrical cables, just pull the triggers on the DualSense. Alternatively, you may cuddle up to robots and give them a hug, made more charming by the purring of a cat. If you’re using a controller, you’ll feel the vibrations as well. In addition to being adorable, jumping into cardboard boxes is quite practical. The lethal robot Sentinels can’t find you if you hide in a box. You may also swat at things to remove them off a surface, causing a temporary diversion that will allow you to continue on your journey.
The feature to meow on demand is, by far, everyone’s favourite attribute of cats. We know it’s silly, but having a specific meow button on the keyboard is a huge source of happiness for everyone. At times, the cat’s motions and noises make gamers forget that they are playing a video game.
“Stray” Is a Vibe and a Cultural Phenomenon!
Stray’s immersive dynamics are wonderfully complemented by its stunning graphic direction and music design. It’s a blast to savour every detail of this game, which has stunning visuals and a diverse cast of characters. Zurks, which resemble extraterrestrial parasites, are particularly impressive. Stray has a unique aesthetic, despite the presence of aliens and robots, thanks to its realistic dimensions. All of the places you visit have a rich history, from the bustling city streets to the empty railway station. Even in the more subdued locations, the game is jam-packed with fine details. There are a few collectables in the game, and we feel compelled to explore every inch of the environment and speak with the robots, all of whom are well written. A surprising number of them have really moving tales to relate to, while others are just bizarre.
With a melody soundtrack, the game’s mood is further enhanced by its music, which ranges from heart-pounding to delicate and peaceful. In the course of discovering and solving Stray’s secrets, the music entices you to keep going. Stray’s immersion is enhanced by a number of little details like this.
Stray isn’t doing anything unique. But it provides us with a really emotive perspective through the clever exploitation of our affection for animals. Stray is the only thing that comes close. Even if you’ve played other puzzle platformers set in apocalyptic cities, Stray stands out due to its adorable feline protagonist. One of the most fun games of 2022, Stray has a distinctive, intuitive, and perfectly timed gameplay style, and, shortly, it will be a cultural phenomenon.
