Stray

Stray is an innovative exploration platformer video game that allows players to take control of an unexpected and rarely used protagonist – a stray cat! Set in an incredibly detailed post-apocalyptic world full of mysteries and wonder, the player is tasked with finding a way out of the long-forgotten city that is populated only with a robotic life that only vaguely remembers ancient humanity that has built them.



Built from the ground up to take full advantage of the small and nimble main protagonist, the developers from BlueTwelve Studio and their publishers at Annapurna Interactive have managed to deliver one of the most impactful Indie titles of 2022.

The story of the stray starts on the outskirts of the abandoned facility that’s overgrown with vegetation and slowly rotting in the presence of the wind, rain, and storms. There, a single stray cat will become separated from its pack, falling down to the undiscovered core of the facility filled with unexplored passages, dangers, and ancient mysteries. Quickly after the fall, our hero cat discovers an underground city with robot inhabitants, a robot entity B-12 that will help the cat understand the underground inhabitants and sets on a quest of trying to find the exit.

The gameplay of Stray follows the traditional third-person exploration and platforming formula where the player takes full control over the nimble cat, but there are few innovative elements. The exploration is greatly simplified with the “sticky jump” mechanic where only confirmed jumps can be executed, so there is no way for the player to miss a jump or fall off the ledge. This makes the process of playing the game incredibly streamlined and easy, which is great news for new players who are not well-versed in controlling 3D video games.

During the campaign that lasts around 5 hours (double that if players want to discover every secret and win every in-game achievement), the players will visit several distinct sections of the underground city, from the forgotten village, destroyed industrial zones, dangerous infested sections filled with the aggressive Zurg bugs, and many more spectacular areas. Every square foot of the game is modeled with exquisite detail, with our cat being able to explore much of it thanks to acrobatic jumps and a small frame that can squeeze through holes barely larger than it.

Due to its excellent gameplay, visual design, atmospheric sound, and well-crafted script, Stray game for Windows PC represent a must-play game for all fans of video games. Even better, the players with aging PC hardware configurations have nothing to fear, because this beautiful Unreal Engine 4 title can easily scale down to weaker hardware, enabling anyone with a competent quad-core CPU, 8GB of RAM, and discrete GPU card to experience it in great style.

Main Features

• Immersive Gameplay: Players take on the role of a stray cat navigating through a sprawling cyberpunk city, interacting with various characters and solving puzzles along the way.
• Stunning Visuals: It boasts breathtaking graphics, bringing the vibrant and atmospheric world to life with meticulous attention to detail.
• Compelling Story: Through exploration and interaction, players uncover the mysteries of the city and embark on an emotional journey filled with surprises and memorable moments.
• Dynamic AI: The game features advanced artificial intelligence for both friendly and hostile characters, creating a dynamic and unpredictable environment.
• Environmental Puzzles: Players must use their wit and agility to solve environmental puzzles and overcome obstacles as they progress through the game.

User Interface

It offers an intuitive user interface that allows players to easily navigate the game world, interact with objects and characters, and access their inventory and objectives. The interface is minimalist yet functional, providing essential information without cluttering the screen.

Installation and Setup

Installing this game is a straightforward process. Players can purchase the game from digital distribution platforms such as Steam or the Epic Games Store and download it to their PC. Once downloaded, the installation wizard guides users through the setup process, allowing them to customize installation settings such as installation directory and shortcuts.

How to Play

• Movement: Players control the stray cat using keyboard or controller inputs, navigating through the city streets and rooftops with fluid movement mechanics.
• Interaction: Interacting with objects and characters is as simple as approaching them and pressing the designated interaction button. This allows players to engage with the environment and progress through the game.
• Inventory: Players can access their inventory and view collected items and clues to aid them in their journey.
• Objectives: The game provides clear objectives and waypoints to guide players through the main story and side quests, ensuring they always have a sense of direction.

FAQ

Can I customize my cat's appearance in Stray for PC?
While players cannot directly customize the stray cat's appearance, they can unlock various cosmetic accessories and outfits throughout the game.

Is there combat in Stray?
Combat is not a primary focus of Stray. Instead, the game emphasizes exploration, puzzle-solving, and interaction with the environment and characters.

How long is the average playtime for Stray?
The average playtime for Stray varies depending on individual playstyles and completionist tendencies. However, most players can expect to spend around 10-15 hours completing the main story and additional side quests.

Does Stray support multiplayer or co-op gameplay?
No, Stray is a single-player experience with no multiplayer or co-op functionality.

Is there a fast-travel system in Stray?
While there is no traditional fast-travel system, players can unlock shortcuts and access points throughout the city to facilitate easier navigation.

Alternatives

Cat Quest II: Offers a lighthearted RPG experience where players control a cat on a quest to save the world.

Ghost of Tsushima: While not focused on cats, Ghost of Tsushima provides a similar open-world experience with stunning visuals and engaging gameplay mechanics.

A Plague Tale: Innocence: Features a gripping narrative and environmental puzzles set in a dark and atmospheric world, albeit with a different thematic focus.

Pricing

The pricing for this game varies depending on the platform and region, but it typically ranges from $19.99 to $29.99 USD. Special editions or bundles may be available with additional content or bonuses.

System Requirements

• OS: Windows 11/10 (64-bit)
• Processor: Intel Core i5-6600K or AMD Ryzen 5 1400
• Memory: 8 GB RAM
• Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 970 or AMD Radeon RX 480
• Storage: 15 GB available space

PROS

• Stunning visuals bring the cyberpunk world to life.
• Engaging gameplay mechanics and puzzles.
• Emotional narrative that resonates with players.
• Dynamic AI creates a living, breathing world.
• Unique premise offers a fresh perspective on the adventure genre.

CONS

• Some may find the controls and camera angles challenging.
• Occasional technical issues or performance optimization issues.
• Limited replay value once the main story is completed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Stray for PC is a captivating and immersive experience that transports players into a beautifully crafted cyberpunk world from the perspective of a stray cat. With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and emotionally resonant narrative, it offers a unique and unforgettable journey for players of all backgrounds.

While it may have its minor flaws, its strengths far outweigh any shortcomings, making it a must-play for fans of adventure games and storytelling alike. If you're looking for an unforgettable gaming experience that challenges conventions and tugs at the heartstrings, look no further than Stray.

Also Available: Download Stray for Mac