A Feline Adventure in a World of Robots: A Review of "Stray"
In a world where humans have vanished, leaving behind a cybernetic city nestled under a giant dome, "Stray" places you in the paws of a curious stray cat. This isn’t your typical platformer, though. While you might expect a simple cat-themed adventure, "Stray" delves into a captivating story of mystery and survival, pushing you to navigate a complex world teeming with AI robots, deadly zurks, and remnants of a forgotten human civilization.
A City of Robots and Their Strange Cat Companion
The dome world of "Stray" is a fascinating playground for exploration. The AI robots who inhabit this city have adopted many human traits: they wear clothing, feel cold, and even have jobs like guardians, weavers, and programmers. You, the unnamed cat, are quickly gifted with a companion, B-12, a floating droid whose corrupted memory becomes your key to unraveling the world’s mysteries. B-12 helps you translate text, scan objects, and access hidden areas, making their partnership crucial to your journey.
The Enigmatic Zurks and the Perils of Exploration
While the robot inhabitants are generally friendly, the world is far from safe. Lurking in the shadows are zurks, tiny, ferocious creatures that resemble cats in size and form. Unlike the friendly bots, the zurks pose a real threat, attacking with surprising speed and ferocity. They can latch onto you, draining your life force, forcing you to engage in frantic, thrilling combat. Luckily, your feline agility gives you an edge; you can squeeze through tight spaces that your foes can’t navigate and move quickly with cat-like leaps— though these leaps aren’t always as intuitive as you’d hope.
Navigating a World of Puzzles and Platform Jumping
"Stray" blends elements of traversal, combat, puzzle solving, and social interaction, with a focus on exploration and environmental puzzle solving. The game is designed to be a unique feline experience, allowing you to experience the world from a cat’s perspective. You can jump, scratch, and even meow your way through the world, interacting with fellow bots and unraveling the secrets of the dome world. However, the prompt-driven jumping system can feel frustrating at times, particularly during combat sequences where quick reflexes are essential. You might find yourself waiting for the "X" button to appear, delaying your escape from an onslaught of zurks.
The Charm of Feline Behavior and the Frustration of Bugs
While the game excels at capturing cat movement and demeanor, "Stray" isn’t without its flaws. One of the biggest drawbacks is the occasional bug. In one instance, I encountered an NPC who was stuck in mid-air, preventing me from progressing. Unfortunately, even a game restart didn’t resolve the issue. This kind of bug can be a frustrating interruption to the otherwise engaging gameplay.
Stray: A Unique and Engaging Adventure, Despite Its Flaws
Despite these challenges, "Stray" shines in its storytelling and world-building. The mystery of the dome world and the fate of humanity keeps you invested, and the unique perspective of playing as a cat adds a fresh and charming twist. While the game isn’t perfect, its blend of genres and its stunning visuals create a unique and unforgettable gaming experience.
The Verdict: A Must Play for Cat Lovers and Puzzle Enthusiasts
"Stray" is a must-play for gamers seeking a unique blend of adventure, puzzle solving, and exploration. The captivating story and intricate world-building are worth experiencing, even if you occasionally encounter frustrating bugs. The game’s emphasis on feline movement and interaction makes it a heartwarming and entertaining experience that will leave you wanting more.
Overall Rating (out of 10): 7
Pros:
- Compelling story and world-building
- Unique feline perspective
- Stunning visuals and atmospheric sound design
- Creative blend of genres
Cons:
- Frustrating bugs
- Prompt-driven jumping system can be clunky, especially during combat
Straightforward puzzles
Stray is available on PC, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
