Stray

"Stray"—The Game That Lets You Live Your Best Cat Life (Without Having to Use a Litter Box, Thank God)

If you’ve ever dreamt of being a cat—without the whole litter box situation, thank God—you’re in for a treat. Enter Stray, the game that lets you live your ultimate feline fantasy, all while exploring a neon-lit dystopian city filled with robots, mysterious secrets, and the occasional faceplant into a pile of trash. It's the purrfect mix of adventure, mystery, and "Why am I not just taking a nap right now?"

Let me break it down for you, fellow cat enthusiast (or should I say, catventurer?).

What’s Stray All About?

Stray is a third-person adventure game developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive. Released on July 19, 2022, the game takes place in a futuristic, decaying cyberpunk city, but the twist? You’re not playing a human hero—oh no. You’re a cat. A cute, scrappy, and slightly sassy orange (or gray) stray cat who gets separated from its family and finds itself in a sprawling world populated by robots.

But here’s the thing: these robots? They're not just standing around, waiting for you to leap around like some digital kitty with attitude. Nope, they’re your friends, your allies, and sometimes, your puzzled bystanders as you, the most agile creature in the city, jump, climb, and meow your way through this metallic wasteland. Also, there’s a robot buddy named B-12 who’s just adorable and helpful, kind of like the best version of that one robot sidekick you always wish you had, but with less awkwardly malfunctioning moments.

Your primary goal? To uncover the mysteries of the city, solve puzzles, dodge creepy enemies, and explore hidden areas—while, of course, knocking a few things off tables for the sheer joy of it. Because... you’re a cat, and that’s what cats do.

The Dream Team Behind Stray

This game was developed by BlueTwelve Studio, a tiny indie studio based in France. With a team of just 7 people, they somehow managed to create a game that has the internet purring with delight. They’re a small group with a passion for storytelling, cats, and the dystopian genre, which is why it’s no surprise that Stray turned out to be one of the most memorable indie games of 2022.

Published by Annapurna Interactive (the folks behind games like What Remains of Edith Finch and Outer Wilds), Stray marks a huge step for BlueTwelve, and honestly, it’s hard to imagine a better combination. The charm, the atmosphere, and that sense of mischievous freedom all feel like the team was born to make this game. And, let’s be honest—if there’s one thing the world needed more of, it was a game where you could paw at virtual keyboards and get away with it.

When Did Stray Pounce onto the Scene?

Released on July 19, 2022, Stray was launched on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. The game quickly became a viral hit, especially with cat lovers and fans of quirky adventure games. The PlayStation 5 version, in particular, takes advantage of the new console's capabilities, offering stunning graphics and incredibly smooth gameplay. And yes, the PS5 controller's haptic feedback makes it feel like you’re actually walking on soft surfaces—while your cat’s never-ending curiosity keeps you hopping and climbing through this beautiful, dystopian world.

The Stray Reviews: Cat-Approved and Critic-Approved

Now, let’s talk about the reception, because this game has earned its claws in the gaming world.

IGN gave Stray an 8/10, calling it “a beautifully crafted game that captures the feeling of being a cat with impressive detail.” They praised the game’s environmental storytelling, gorgeous world design, and the way it makes you feel like you’re part of this robotic city, scampering around and exploring at your own pace. Their only criticism? That it’s a bit short—coming in at around 8-10 hours for a full playthrough—but hey, when you’re a cat, you don’t need a 100-hour quest to be content. A cozy, compact adventure is more than enough.

Kotaku was equally smitten, awarding it 4/5 stars. They wrote, “Stray is exactly the game I needed after a long day of being human. It’s cute, it’s chill, and it’s one of the best ways to live out your ‘What if I were a cat?’ fantasy without actually, you know, dealing with the logistics of being a real-life feline. Seriously, this game makes you love being a cat so much, you’ll start taking cat naps IRL.” (Don’t mind me, just napping on the couch after writing this article, thanks to the magic of Stray.)

Metacritic also gave Stray a solid 84/100, which is pretty impressive for an indie game with a niche concept. Players raved about the freedom of exploration and the emotional depth of the story, which, for a game about a cat, is surprising in the best way. But let’s be real here, the standout feature isn’t just the story—it’s the fact that you’re a cat, and no one can resist the charm of a virtual feline protagonist knocking over trash cans with reckless abandon. It’s just too cat-astrophically fun.

Players Speak Out: The Feline Frenzy on the Internet

But what about the players? Well, they’ve been feline over this game in the best way possible.

On Steam, one player left a glowing review: “I spent more time napping and knocking things off shelves than actually solving the puzzles, but honestly? I don’t regret a thing. I’m living my best cat life.” Preach. Another player added: “The only game where I can meow at robots and get away with it. 10/10.” (That’s the kind of behavior every cat would approve of.)

Reddit is also full of glowing praise, with users sharing how the game has been “pure serotonin” and “the most chill thing I’ve played in ages.” One user said, “I’ve never wanted to be a cat more in my life. Forget real life, I’m staying in this game forever.”

The Verdict: Stray is the Cat's Pyjamas

In conclusion, Stray is a delightful little gem of a game that lets you live out your dream of being a cat—without the unpleasantness of litter boxes, vet visits, or the eternal search for a sunbeam to nap in. With its beautifully crafted world, adorable protagonist, and charming puzzles, it’s one of the most unique and heartwarming adventures in recent years. Whether you’re a cat lover, an adventure game fan, or just someone who wants to see what it's like to be the boss of a dystopian city, Stray is worth the ride. Just make sure to give yourself permission to occasionally knock over some bottles for no reason—because, hey, that’s what cats do.

So, grab your controller, let your inner feline loose, and get ready to experience the world through the eyes of a cat. No litter box required.

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Citations:

• IGN's Review: "Stray Review." IGN.

• Kotaku's Review: "Stray Review." Kotaku.

• Metacritic: "Stray on Metacritic."