Stray
What to Know
Average Score
- July 19, 2022
- BlueTwelve Studio
- Platformer, Adventure
- Nom: Best Platformer (2022)
Critics Consensus
- July 19, 2022
- Platformer, Adventure
- Nom: Best Platformer (2022)
Critics Consensus
# Reviews: 105
Stray is a brief but charming adventure that offers a unique window into a gorgeous sci-fi world.
Rate and Review
Awards & Recognition
Critic Reviews for Stray
Critic Reviews
Score Distribution
105
Reviews
Silver
41% of scored reviews fell within the range of 80 to 86 / 100
Ranges
Stray somehow manages to endear at the same time it feels like it’s overstaying its welcome. At the end of the day, though, this cat-lover was won over by its sheer charm.
Anyone expecting Stray to be an action-packed stealth game – as the promotional material tried to argue it is – might be disappointed as the game is more about the journey and the narrative than it is about skulking. What Stray does well is expressing a journey featuring a less-than-common protagonist, and while other games have covered similar themes it’s that unique perspective, from much closer to ground level, and the visual stimulating scenes that makes it ground well worth padding over again.
Stray is everything I wanted from it, an enjoyable and engaging journey across a well told tale that is every bit as cute as it is mysterious. More importantly, it made me feel empowered and brave in the face of uncertainty – I can’t remember the last time I’ve audibly cried out in delight so many times in the space of a few hours. Cuteness overload, no doubt.
Steve Wright (Stevivor)
8/10 - (Read Review)
Stray somehow manages to endear at the same time it feels like it’s overstaying its welcome. At the end of the day, though, this cat-lover was won over by its sheer charm.
Trent (Digitally Downloaded)
4.5/5 stars - (Read Review)
Anyone expecting Stray to be an action-packed stealth game – as the promotional material tried to argue it is – might be disappointed as the game is more about the journey and the narrative than it is about skulking. What Stray does well is expressing a journey featuring a less-than-common protagonist, and while other games have covered similar themes it’s that unique perspective, from much closer to ground level, and the visual stimulating scenes that makes it ground well worth padding over again.
Mark Isaacson (Well Played)
9/10 - (Read Review)
Stray is everything I wanted from it, an enjoyable and engaging journey across a well told tale that is every bit as cute as it is mysterious. More importantly, it made me feel empowered and brave in the face of uncertainty – I can’t remember the last time I’ve audibly cried out in delight so many times in the space of a few hours. Cuteness overload, no doubt.
Outlet | Author | Score | Date | Quote | Read |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
3DNews | Александр Бабулин | 9 / 10 | 07-23-2022 | Not a game, but the dream of any cat fan, which at the same time turns out to be not just a “cat simulator”, but a clearly told and interesting story. | Read review |
AnaitGames | Marta Trivi | 6 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | An enjoyable yet surprisingly insecure game that fails to bring its aesthetic and mechanical proposal to any narrative conclusion. | Read review |
Ars Technica | Sam Machkovech | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | One early moment appears to block players’ progress with a gate, but with no other direction to go, players will likely walk toward the gate, only to realize its bars are wide enough to let a cat easily pass through. It’s one of the many examples of the game reminding players that they are tiny and can get through small paths, and I really appreciated when Stray’s puzzles rewarded proper “just walk right through” thinking. | Read review |
Atomix | Aldo López | 85 / 100 | 07-18-2022 | BlueTwelve Studio was able to surprise us with a game that any type of player can try without problems, with intuitive gameplay that fans of independent productions will really like. The only problem is that in the end we are left wanting to have more adventures aside the little Kitty. | Read review |
Attack of the Fanboy | Shaun Cichacki | 3 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | It’s hard to perfectly encapsulate what Stray really sets out to do, as it is a jack of all trades, but unfortunately a master of none of them. Certain parts of this game are near masterclass, like its stealth sections, but it finds itself lost within its own identity too often, and misses the mark on more than one occasion. | Read review |
AusGamers | Kosta Andreadis | 8 / 10 | 07-19-2022 | Outside of a handful of action sequences, the pacing here is slow and measured. And without any real difficulty or challenge, there’s a meditative quality to Stray. | Read review |
BaziCenter | Omid Sedigh Imani | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is not without fault, but it’s certainly good enough to be worth every second of your time and every penny of your money. | Read review |
But Why Tho? | Quinn Hiers | 9.5 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray astounds with its beautiful graphics, quirky characters, and puzzles that bring out the best and worst in a cat. | Read review |
CGMagazine | Zubi Khan | 8.5 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a game oozing with charm and can be considered a must-play for cat lovers looking for something new to pounce on and sink their teeth into. | Read review |
Checkpoint Gaming | Elliot Attard | 9 / 10 | 07-19-2022 | A lusciously dense world of natural beauty colliding with cyber-future grimness is ready to be explored from a uniquely tiny perspective. Stray tells a surprisingly emotional tale that instantly grips during its opening moments and doesn’t relent until its closing scene. A standout release so far this year, Stray proves to be so much deeper than just a cat adventure game. | Read review |
COGconnected | Jaz Sagoo | 86 / 100 | 07-18-2022 | While the game lacks challenge, the pace and memorable set-pieces make this a tremendous trek with a tabby. | Read review |
Daily Mirror | Eugene Sowah | 4 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a fantastic first game from BlueTwelve Studio, that is an experience unlike any other. | Read review |
Destructoid | Jordan Devore | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | I’m so happy Stray exists and that BlueTwelve Studio stuck the landing. | Read review |
Digital Trends | Giovanni Colantonio | 4 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Stray delivers on its adorable cat adventure premise, but its excellent atmosphere and strong sci-fi storytelling are what elevate it. | Read review |
Digitally Downloaded | Trent | 4.5 / 5 stars | 07-19-2022 | Anyone expecting Stray to be an action-packed stealth game – as the promotional material tried to argue it is – might be disappointed as the game is more about the journey and the narrative than it is about skulking. What Stray does well is expressing a journey featuring a less-than-common protagonist, and while other games have covered similar themes it’s that unique perspective, from much closer to ground level, and the visual stimulating scenes that makes it ground well worth padding over again. | Read review |
DualShockers | Jack Coleman | 5 / 10 | 07-20-2022 | While playing Stray you can’t help but feeling if some things went differently during the development process then it could have been a great game. Unfortunately, while Stray captures the cat experience very well, it doesn’t score well on any of its core gameplay loops. While fine for a casual experience and not long enough to become annoyingly repetitive, Stray ultimately doesn’t stand on its own four paws as an engaging video game experience. | Read review |
Easy Allies | Michael Damiani | 4.255 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Play as an adorable kitty and use their cat prowess to charm the people around them in order to make their way back home. | Read review |
Echo Boomer | David Fialho | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | Stray is not just the “cat simulator” it’s a simple, adorable and emotional journey for all ages with a great atmosphere, themes and great moments. | Read review |
EGM | Josh Harmon | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray does a great job at letting you act like a cat, turning a wide range of true-to-life feline behaviors into clever gameplay mechanics. But it’s much less successful at making you truly feel like a cat, as the game’s more conventional approach to its gameplay and story routinely shatters your immersion in odd ways. If you can suspend your disbelief and look past the missed opportunity of a more cohesive experience, however, there’s a lot to like in its moody cyberpunk world and varied challenges. | Read review |
Eurogamer | Lottie Lynn | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | Stray captures the essence of being a cat, while delivering a deeper journey through a dying cybercity. | Read review |
Everyeye.it | Gabriele Laurino | 8.3 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a changing adventure in its playful and fascinating proposal thanks to its powerful artistic direction. At the passing of the credits, summing up, one perceives perhaps the main limits of the work: a story steeped in mystery, coherent and exciting with its own scenario, but perhaps not entirely capable of leaving its mark as it should in the finale. | Read review |
Explosion Network | Dylan Blight | 9 / 10 | 07-19-2022 | Stray is a vibe, starring a cat that’ll go down in hiss-tory. I fell for the feline companion and the strange, wonderful world it tumbles into in a heartbeat. | Read review |
Game Informer | Blake Hester | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | It’s a solid, brief ride through a strange world and one well worth taking. | Read review |
Game Rant | Dalton Cooper | 4.5 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Cat game’ Stray accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, delivering an authentic cat experience in the form of an adorable puzzle/platformer. | Read review |
Game Revolution | Paul Tamburro | 4 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | BlueTwelve has provided a gorgeous and unique setting to match its unique protagonist, and although its action and puzzle-solving may be too simple for some tastes, it excels where it matters — and what matters is making you feel like a cat. | Read review |
Gameblog | Camille Allard | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a very good surprise. It is not a simple game where you play as a cat but it’s a poetic, touching and exciting adventure. | Read review |
Gamefa | Mostafa Zahedi | 6.8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | without a doubt, Stray is one of the most unique experiences of 2022. The thrill of an eventful adventure as a Cat is something you will remember for a long time. That being said, keep your expectations low because at the end of the day, stray is a small project. Its biggest flaw, is the wasted potential that could have turned into something special. Nevertheless, if you happen to be a cat lover, Playing Stray is a must! | Read review |
GameGrin | Alana Dunitz | 10 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Everything in Stray works together so well; the characters, the story, and being a cat is so realistic and fun that it is so rewarding. I can’t recommend this game enough; it is my game of the year for 2022 meow! | Read review |
GameMAG | Азамат Тегаев | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a very cute adventure game where you can relax and engage in solving various puzzles using feline methods. It is worth mentioning that there is a couple of creepy moments in the game that can scare a child. | Read review |
GamePro | Eleen Reinke | 86 / 100 | 07-18-2022 | Stray gives us – despite small problems with the controls – the feeling of being a cat like no other game. And what more could you want? | Read review |
Gamerheadquarters | Jason Stettner | 9 / 10 | 07-23-2022 | Stray is a lovely, thought provoking experience that nails the feeling of being a cat. | Read review |
Gamers Heroes | Johnny Hurricane | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | It’s simple: If you want to play as a cat, then Stray is the game for you. However, if you’re more of a dog person, then skip it. | Read review |
Gamersky | 心灵奇兵 | 8.3 / 10 | 07-19-2022 | Stray is a short and sweet game, with a unique and immersive adventure from a cat’s point of view under a beautiful cyberpunk vision. The story of this lonely city and stray cats will still linger on. | Read review |
GamesBeat | Rachel Kaser | 90 / 100 | 07-19-2022 | However, it’s overall a great experience to play. It delights in its subject matter, and what the protagonist lacks in dialogue, they make up for in puckish charm. Yes, the story is short, but it doesn’t waste any of its space or time. It’s a wonderful game to play, especially now before the really massive releases start later this year. | Read review |
GameSkinny | George Yang | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray isn’t just a game about a cat trying to get home, but one about an even greater adventure. And doing cat things. | Read review |
GameSpew | Kim Snaith | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | As it is, Stray may be short, but it’s perfectly formed. | Read review |
GameSpot | Alessandro Barbosa | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray expertly embodies the abilities of its feline protagonist to create a captivating puzzle adventure in an engrossing post-apocalyptic world | Read review |
GamesRadar+ | Sam Loveridge | 4.5 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a phenomenal, if compact, feline adventure that captures cats perfectly | Read review |
GameWatcher | Bogdan Robert Mateș | 6 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is at its best when it lets you do the things you’d expect from a cat – sleeping on cozy pillows, meowing, or scratching sofas – but fails to build consistently compelling gameplay around these flavorful bits. Although it creates a believable world, I found it hard to connect with the robots you encounter across its forgotten city, making the game’s admittedly grand climax feel hollow. | Read review |
GameXplain | Adam Conner | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | Video Review | Read review |
Gaming Nexus | Henry Yu | 10 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is more than just a cat simulator; it’s a love letter to cats and cat owners alike. It is an absolute spectacle from beginning to end, with a heart wrenching narrative and enough cat-centric puzzles to have you meowing for more. BlueTwelve Studio did an immaculate job bringing this project to life, immersing you in a dystopian world filled to the brim with mystery, all the while making you truly feel like an adorable feline. We need more games like this in the industry, ones that stand tall on their own and don’t bank on the success of their inspirations. | Read review |
GamingBolt | Shubhankar Parijat | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray has a unique premise, a rich world, an engaging story, fun gameplay, and it lets you play as a cat. It’s a good game. | Read review |
GamingTrend | David Burdette | 90 / 100 | 07-19-2022 | A delightful journey behind the whiskers of a fuzzy feline friend, Stray is a wonderful game for both cat enthusiast and indie enjoyer alike. The story, while simple, is enchanting with each new discovery – with some that may just make you shed a tear. Gameplay doesn’t break new ground, but feels unique from the perspective of a cat, which is handled purrfectly. Stray is incredible, and one you should be playing right meow. | Read review |
GBAtemp | Prans Dunn | 8.3 / 10 | 07-29-2022 | Stray is a purr-fect cat game that doubles as a well executed, memorable platformer. | Read review |
God is a Geek | Chris White | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a delightful adventure game that strips away all the normal complications of the genre to offer an enjoyable overall experience. | Read review |
Guardian | Keza MacDonald | 5 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Pattering through a ruined city, being petted by robots and watched over by a friendly drone, cat lovers may regret finding the escape | Read review |
Hardcore Gamer | Kyle LeClair | 4.5 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Looking past the fact that it features a kitty that can operate a vending machine, Stray boasts drop-dead gorgeous graphics, an intriguing story and unique post-apocalyptic world, and ridiculously fun and silky smooth gameplay that comes from climbing up and down every area possible with natural catlike agility. Stray is an absolute masterpiece that BlueTwelve should be proud of, and you’d be a fool to miss out on on no matter what, so make sure to check out this feline odyssey ASAP. | Read review |
Hey Poor Player | Andrew Thornton | 3.5 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Despite this, Stray has charm to spare and a wonderful world well worth exploring. It would have been nice to have a bit more variety in your objectives and to have to spend a bit more time actually thinking about what to do, but it’s never less than fun to play. | Read review |
Hobby Consolas | Alberto Lloret | 90 / 100 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is an indie adventure that it could be a Triple A game. It casts a cat as the main character, and focus on exploration and puzzles,. Not only has a superfab technical production, it also has an entertaining gameplay and a touching message. ¿The problem? When you finish it, will leave you wanting more… and it’s not very long. | Read review |
IGN | Tom Marks | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a delightful cat-based platforming adventure in a cyberpunk world worth exploring. | Read review |
IGN Italy | Angelo Bianco | 8.1 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is not just a cat walking simulator, but a well-balanced adventure that turned out to be another winning bet for Annapurna Interactive. The merit of the success is to be attributed to Bluetwelve Studio, whose love for cats has allowed the French developers to create a very refined game in many respects. If you love cats and animals, don’t miss Stray or you may regret it. | Read review |
IGN Middle East | Mufaddal Fakhruddin | 10 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray presents a story that is told with great ingenuity, led by a beloved heroine who is set to take on a unique and moving adventure. | Read review |
IGN Spain | Rafa Del Río | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray writes a love letter to cats that serves as the wrapper for a delicious sci-fi bonbon filled with artistic nostalgia. | Read review |
Impulsegamer | Abdul Saad | 4 / 5 stars | 07-26-2022 | Overall, Stray surprised me in how well it wears its features and themes on its sleeve and how well crafted said features are. It’s a game created for cat lovers by cat lovers, but with features and mechanics everyone can enjoy irrespective of age or pet preference. It’s just too bad that the journey you’ll go on, while memorable, is incredibly short, at only about eight hours long. | Read review |
Jump Dash Roll | Jessica Eudy | 9 / 10 | 07-21-2022 | Stray is one of those rare games that manage to be narratively intriguing, dynamically fun, and addictively replayable all at once. If you like cats, or even if you just like great adventure games, this is a must-play. | Read review |
JVL | Kikitoès | 8 / 10 | 07-21-2022 | A one-shot experience as sweet as it is heavy with meaning for humanity, Stray is a game that knows how to keep us on our toes and captivate us. | Read review |
Kotaku | Ari Notis | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | I went into Stray expecting a platformer about a cat. I did not expect a deeply profound meditation on what it means to be alive. | Read review |
LevelUp | Ulises Contreras | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a charming adventure that achieves satisfactorily its goals. With exception of some bugs, its problems are far from being factors that ruin the experience of the player. It’s Certainly a very enjoyable and relaxing exploration game with a cool cast of characters and an engaging story. And yes, if you are a kitty fan you will fall in love with the protagonist. | Read review |
Luis Alamilla | Luis Alamilla | 8.5 / 10 | 07-20-2022 | Stray is a well-paced adventure game that puts you in the paws of an unlikely protagonist. The cat simulator aspect is charming and never feels like a cheap attraction. While it certainly leans into the fun of being a cat with moments like scratching the carpet and a dedicated meow button, it equally uses the cat angle in interesting ways from its platforming, exploration, and environmental design. The 8 to 10-hour story is a remarkable time that felt paced well though I did finish the game wishing it had more puzzles and mechanics to exploring the world. The loading stutters and occasionally awkward platforming are blemishes on an otherwise great time. If you’re on the fence about this title, get off and start playing because you won’t regret it. | Read review |
Merlin’in Kazanı | Ersin Kılıç | 80 / 100 | 07-19-2022 | Stray is a very fun game with its gameplay, world and music. It has a gameplay and story presentation that will not tire you much. | Read review |
Metro GameCentral | David Jenkins | 7 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | A peculiar mix of cyberpunk dystopia and whimsical platformer that is just about held together by some excellent visuals and a very cute cat. | Read review |
MMORPG.com | Jason Fanelli | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | It’s not going to unseat some of the bigger titles of the year, but as a fun and unique experience Stray is the cat’s meow. | Read review |
New Game Network | Alex Varankou | 72 / 100 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a solid enough adventure game with archetypal mechanics and level design, elevated by its nice atmosphere and a unique perspective on the world. | Read review |
Niche Gamer | Fingal Belmont | 7 / 10 | 07-23-2022 | Stray may not be for everyone, but it is enjoyable so long that gamers check their expectations before playing. Its got a bit of puzzle solving, chases and simple navigation, but its never demanding much accuracy or dexterity from the player. Merely aim camera and prompt to jump will make cat 100% land on target- anyone can play it. | Read review |
NoobFeed | Azfar Rayan | 50 / 100 | 07-23-2022 | Despite having an interesting theme, Stray fails to be a good game. It’s fun, particularly during the exploration periods when you can observe the neon-lit world through the eyes of a cat and scale skyscrapers and other seemingly unreachable locations. It falls flat when it tries to use exciting action to excuse the fact that it is a video game; the fighting is as uninspiring as it is pointless. It may be brief, but there is no compelling reason for it to be expanded upon. | Read review |
Oyungezer Online | Gülhis Canpolat | 9.5 / 10 | 07-17-2022 | Monsters that can chew through metal, a forgetful drone, lots of ontological questions you can push from the high ground as a cat… All of these come together and create a sincere and compact story that you should definitely experience. | Read review |
Paste Magazine | Garrett Martin | 8.4 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | B-12’s memories are a kind of collectible you’ll have to search for, and a few optional side-quests require scrounging up assorted bric-a-brac, but Stray doesn’t make you wander about examining every nook and cranny for something you may or may not actually need. That’s a good thing for a videogame, but if you were hoping to really just play as a cat doing cat-like things, “pointlessly searching for stuff you don’t need” would be exactly what you wanted. The cat game might be less about the cat and more about the existential crises facing mankind and the artificial intelligences that will be left behind, but at least there’s a dedicated meow button. | Read review |
PC Gamer | Jon Bailes | 82 / 100 | 07-18-2022 | Simple, polished systems allow Stray’s rich fiction and charismatic star to shine. | Read review |
PC Invasion | Jason Rodriguez | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a fairly short game with a few notable flaws. Still, it’s a joy to experience the wonders of playing as a cat in a marvelously designed world. | Read review |
PCGamesN | Nat Smith | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray merges feline mayhem with a classic cyberpunk setting, inviting you to explore its neon dystopia while never taking itself too seriously. | Read review |
PCMag | Gabriel Zamora | 4 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a wonderfully endearing game about humanity in a world without humans, delivering quality feline exploration/adventure, with some passable action thrown in. | Read review |
PlayStation LifeStyle | Rebecca Smith | 8.5 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Despite the odd slip-up, Stray is a (mostly) relaxing game that takes clever cat interactions and turns them into a compelling adventure. The 8-10 hour story (on a completionist’s run) will certainly tug on the heartstrings in places but will not overstay its welcome. The gameplay is simple enough that it can be enjoyed by all ages although the younger children may find the Zurk imagery a bit scary. Those playing Stray on PlayStation Plus should definitely give this one a go, while those looking to buy the game on release should not have much hesitation. | Read review |
PlayStation Universe | Adam Byrne | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray has managed to meet the lofty expectations put upon it once it became known that you would take control of a lone cat within a dystopia punctuated by scores of neon lighting. While some may say that it’s hard to miss with a setup like that, what developer BlueTwelve Studio has managed to fashion from the composite parts is something truly special and has us yearning for more. | Read review |
Polygon | Alexis Ong | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | Stray is the work of sly cat people, and it’s a triumph | Read review |
Press Start | Kieron Verbrugge | 9 / 10 | 07-19-2022 | Stray is a brisk and relentlessly charming adventure that offers a very unique window into a gorgeous sci-fi world. It won’t challenge your mind or your reflexes too much but it’ll absolutely delight your senses. Importantly, it’s a video game with a dedicated ‘meow’ button, and what could possibly be better than that? | Read review |
PSX Brasil | Paulo Roberto Montanaro | 85 / 100 | 07-18-2022 | Stray subverts our expectations by putting us through the unlikely point of view of a kitten with no fantastic powers or abilities on an exciting journey back to its home. With simple mechanics and impressive visuals, the game’s great strength lies in the subtlety of a captivating narrative not because it humanizes the protagonist, but because it proposes us, for a few hours, to really look at that world through the kitten’s eyes. | Read review |
Push Square | Stephen Tailby | 8 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Despite one or two rough edges, Stray is a very enjoyable adventure. It’s fairly straightforward, and gives you lots of opportunity to embody a cat, whether that’s rubbing up against a robot’s legs, clawing at furniture, or finding cosy places in which to snooze. The narrative doesn’t quite reach the emotional hit it’s looking for, but it slowly shows its hand throughout, with plenty of interesting details to learn. Pairing a common pet with moody sci-fi has worked well, resulting in a unique, engaging game with strengths that outshine its flaws. | Read review |
Rock, Paper, Shotgun | Katharine Castle | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | A remarkable tale about the best cat in video games finding their way home through a dense and rich post-apocalypse. A must-play for cat lovers, and it also breaks new ground for action adventure fans. | Read review |
Saudi Gamer | Unknown | 9 / 10 | 07-28-2022 | A charming and beautiful game, set in a breathtaking world and plays differently owing to its leas character. A serene experience. | Read review |
Saving Content | Evan Rowe | 4 / 5 stars | 07-19-2022 | Stray is a serious vibe from start to finish, and it’s not interested in being a loud, in your face blockbuster type of game. It is paced exactly as you want it to be; it’s often quiet, sometimes contemplative, occasionally meandering (as in carefree, not distracted), but never dull. It’s an adventure, and there is purpose to it, but more than anything Stray wants you to just be there and experience what it has to offer. Frankly, this might be too laid back for some; there certainly isn’t high drama to be found, or even massive stakes to compel you forward, and while you can blitz through it quickly, in doing so you’d miss a lot. Stray offers something for curious at heart, an exploratory adventure with lots of joy to be had, and to get the most out of it you’ve really got to take it at a cat’s pace. | Read review |
Screen Rant | Deven McClure | 4.5 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a puzzle-platforming adventure game which offers players a one-of-a-kind feline science fiction experience that delights in every way. | Read review |
SECTOR.sk | Táňa Matúšová | 8.5 / 10 | 07-22-2022 | Stray delivers much more than just a cat simulator. With its touching story and a message about humanity, the game teaches us to never lose hope even in the darkest time and enjoy every moment just like any cat would. | Read review |
Shacknews | Bill Lavoy | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | When I watched the reveal trailer for Stray, I was expecting it to be fun to run around as a cat, and it is. What caught me off guard is just how detailed and thoughtful the experience was from start to finish. This game is both cute and entertaining, but there is real detail and passion on display that makes it so much more. Stray is a must-play for cat lovers, or anyone who just appreciates a stellar game. | Read review |
Sirus Gaming | Leif Rey Bornales | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Overall, Stray has been quite an experience and I can say that it’s one of those games that you’d really want to play if you enjoy a good story and exploration. It’s a game for cat lovers, it’s a game for cyberpunk lovers. It’s a game for people who never stopped dreaming of getting out of a place they feel trapped in. | Read review |
Skill Up | Ralph Panebianco | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | Video Review | Read review |
SpazioGames | Domenico Musicò | 7.5 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray reminds of the good old adventure games with puzzles and little sandbox sections. Besides the cute protagonist, you’re gonna love the other characters and their stories. | Read review |
Stevivor | Steve Wright | 8 / 10 | 07-19-2022 | Stray somehow manages to endear at the same time it feels like it’s overstaying its welcome. At the end of the day, though, this cat-lover was won over by its sheer charm. | Read review |
TechRaptor | Austin Suther | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is an immersive and beautiful adventure game filled with so much detail and personality. Who knew solving puzzles as a cat could be so much fun? | Read review |
The Escapist | Elise Avery | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | Video Review | Read review |
The Games Machine | Francesco Alteri | 7.5 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is an average game, a fairy tale about a missing kitten who wants to return to the surface. The scripted parts are also its strongest and most effective narratively, while the open areas feel much less focused. All in all, Stray is a simple, enjoyable game. Great for those looking for a nice adventure and a bit of social criticism. | Read review |
The Outerhaven Productions | Scott Adams | 4.5 / 5 stars | 08-03-2022 | Stray is an adorable game that has you playing as a cat that fetches things for robots in order to get outside of a large underground shelter. You run away from Zurks and security droids as the villains in this game with very smooth controls other than it not having a dedicated jump button. | Read review |
TheSixthAxis | Tuffcub | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Playing through the kitty cat adventure of Stray is an experience that’s filled with joy and delight. I loved it, and so did my cat. | Read review |
TrueGaming | Unknown | 9 / 10 | 08-01-2022 | Stray brings us a thrilling story in beautiful environments and a fun gameplay that takes you on a special journey helmed by an unusually fluffy protagonist | Read review |
Twinfinite | Alex Gibson | 4 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | I’m very high on Stray overall, as you can probably tell by now. It might not quite have the substance and complexity in design to elevate the experience to genre-leading heights, but there’s so little to fault and so much to love about it that I’m certain, cat lover or not, it shouldn’t be missed. Stray is a superb achievement for a debut project from a studio in BlueTwelve that I cannot wait to see more from. | Read review |
Unboxholics | Σάκης Καρπάς | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | Stray doesn’t try to impress anyone, it’s not full of fanfare, neither gameplay, nor design, and ultimately delivers a genuinely silent adventure with a Playdead-esque approach. It is a spare, thoughtful, smart and modern video game that questions, worries and sounds the alarm in a quiet and down-to-earth way. The title of the small French studio is not just a game starring a cat. It’s something so much more that this year it’s going to feature on many best games of 2022 lists… | Read review |
VG247 | Kelsey Raynor | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | Stray might ultimately be indie in size, but it’s triple-A in quality, and while it may only last eight to 10 hours, it’s a game that has touched me for a lifetime. | Read review |
VGC | Chris Scullion | 5 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a masterclass in environmental design, with one of the most engrossingly detailed game worlds we’ve explored. Like its protagonist it’s a little on the short side, but what’s here will stay with you for a long time. Essential. | Read review |
Video Chums | Mary Billington | 8.3 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray is a delightful adventure full of beautiful visuals and endearing characters. I thoroughly enjoyed my time exploring the post-apocalyptic city from the unique perspective of a feline who’s dedicated to helping out the remaining robotic residents. | Read review |
VideoGamer | Josh Wise | 8 / 10 | 07-21-2022 | This is where Stray succeeds. It offers us delectable opportunities to act out the behaviour that so bewilders us, in very celebration of that bewilderment. | Read review |
Washington Post | Alyse Stanley | Recommended | 07-18-2022 | For a dystopian narrative, “Stray” isn’t interested in preaching to the player. It doesn’t try to make grand statements about mankind’s hubris or shortsighted innovation. Instead, it walks you through a living, breathing city where robots have molded their own society from the ashes of another, and lets players make of humanity’s self-destruction what they will. And that impression will stick with you long after the game ends. | Read review |
Wccftech | Nathan Birch | 9 / 10 | 07-18-2022 | Stray may be small and scrappy, but it’s also beautiful, lovingly crafted, and bounds from one genre and play style to the next with impressive grace. Even cat skeptics ought to be won over by the game, so don’t be afraid to invite this Stray in from the cold. | Read review |
We Got This Covered | Cheyenne Clark | 4.5 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | A great deal of care went into Stray, and the attention to detail and its beautifully crafted world make it a unique, worthwhile experience. | Read review |
WellPlayed | Mark Isaacson | 9 / 10 | 07-19-2022 | Stray is everything I wanted from it, an enjoyable and engaging journey across a well told tale that is every bit as cute as it is mysterious. More importantly, it made me feel empowered and brave in the face of uncertainty – I can’t remember the last time I’ve audibly cried out in delight so many times in the space of a few hours. Cuteness overload, no doubt. | Read review |
Windows Central | Cole Martin | 4.5 / 5 stars | 07-18-2022 | While I expected Stray to be a cyberpunk-themed walking simulator about a day in the life of a cat, I was unprepared for the deeply emotional adventure that this little cat was going to take me on. This stunningly beautiful world left me with a mountain of questions and has undoubtedly earned a place in my mind for some time. | Read review |
Worth Playing | Cody Medellin | 9 / 10 | 07-19-2022 | Stray hits all of the right marks for a memorable adventure game. The ability to play solely as a normal cat with normal cat abilities is alluring. It’s a great game hook, but every other element does their part to keep one playing. The familiar story remains fascinating, as do the characters you meet. The world is great to explore, while the game’s overall pacing and mechanics keep you glued until the end. It’s been a pretty good year for games thus far, and Stray is currently up there with Elden Ring and Tunic as being serious contenders for the best the year has to offer. | Read review |
Game Info
Lost, alone, and separated from family, a stray cat must untangle an ancient mystery to escape a long-forgotten city. Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amidst the detailed neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. Roam surroundings high and low, defend against unforeseen threats and solve the mysteries of this unwelcoming place inhabited by nothing but unassuming droids and dangerous creatures. See the world through the eyes of a stray and interact with the environment in playful ways. Be stealthy, nimble, silly, and sometimes as annoying as possible with the strange inhabitants of this foreign world. 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.
RELEASE DATES:
DEVELOPER(S):
- BlueTwelve Studio
PUBLISHER(S):
- Annapurna Interactive
GENRES:
- Platformer, Adventure
SERIES/FRANCHISE:
- n/a
GAME MODES:
- Single player
GAME ENGINE:
- Unreal Engine 4
DLC:
- -
BUNDLED IN:
- -
DIRECTOR(S):
- -
PRODUCER(S):
- Swann Martin-Raget
DESIGNER(S):
- -
PROGRAMMER(S):
- -
ARTIST(S):
- -
WRITER(S):
- -
COMPOSER(S):
- -
GAME MODES:
- Single player
GAME ENGINE:
- Unreal Engine 4
DLC:
- n/a
BUNDLED IN:
- n/a
DIRECTOR(S):
- n/a
PRODUCER(S):
- Swann Martin-Raget
DESIGNER(S):
- n/a
PROGRAMMER(S):
- n/a
ARTIST(S):
- n/a
WRITER(S):
- n/a
COMPOSER(S):
- n/a
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