Why Do Gamers LOVE Stray?

The indie space is where we see developers getting truly creative. While AAA development, with all of its big budgets and commercial responsibilities, is rife with considerations for what will and will not have a mass market appeal, indie developers are far more concerned with good ideas and good execution, and just making the games they want to make. We get perfect examples of that with great frequency, and so we did once again not too long ago when publisher Annapurna Interactive and developer BlueTwelve Studio released Stray.

Stray was, of course, a game that had been on many radars for quite some time. The adventure title instantly grabbed attention when it was first revealed, and since then, general interest in the game has grown significantly as time has gone on. When it launched last month, it launched to plenty of hype and anticipation, which, thankfully, were reflected in the reception for the game once people actually got their hands on it. Stray has seen widespread critical success, being praised by reviewers and its players alike, and in our review, we, too, came away delighted with the game. Here, we're going to dive deeper into why it struck a chord with us.

[hevenzgaming]

people loved it because it was something unique, had no loot boxes, and didn't make you grind for years.

[EvripidouM]

I think this is a rare time when the NPCs are the real protagonists. The cat is a way to tell their story. And i am perfectly happy with this

[TheTuubster]

I wasnt hooked because I play as a cat. I was hooked because of the immersive world. The cat aspect was a plus. When I saw the first trailers I simply wanted to explore this world.

[JustNobody-ltuf]

First: the cat is adorable
Second: it's a breath of fresh air from all the generic shooters and rpgs

[ryanheemann]

It may be simple, but I love the fact that the game doesn’t have a map. There’s no mini map in the corner. No dotted lines to follow. No pause screen map that you’re constantly referencing. It makes the exploration feel natural and rewarding. The game does a nice job of suggesting where you go through lighting and landmarks, with some literal sign posts in the city sections that feel very appropriate. It was so nice to really be engaged with the world itself, and not a map of it.

[FreshAirGamer]

The atmosphere of this world is great. When I turned the corner and saw all the neon I was like "Wow!!" Such a visually stimulating experience.

[Gaminfystar]

Heartfelt story, stunning graphics, beautiful cat and robot dynamic, although limited Gameplay space but properly incorporated with the narrative, No wokeness, No microtransactions, No false advertising like Naughty Dog, no online component
Just a pure, fun game... Actually, this is what a video game should be, not woke trash.

[patventura]

I love the slums area in this game. It's so cozy and I want to live there.

[monkeytron]

I love the playing dynamic that you can't fall off things, because you're a cat!
It lets you free to basically run at everything with the confidence of a cat.
Of course you do fall off things from time to time but only when the story cuts in and when that happens it's a genuine shock. Exatcrly as it would be to a cat.
It's the best game I've played since the Unnamed Goose Game and it's actually better.

[Drstrange]

I like it because it is a game among all the live service, multiplayer, and long open world games that doesn't waste my time with pointless grind. It has a start middle and end and can be completed in a few sittings. It is able to put its focus on its presentation with excellent environmental and level design, lighting, animations, music, and art direction. It isn't trying to be everything at once. It is nice to have a relaxing game with minimal to no combat. Great to destress too. I'm not even a cat person but loved how they captured the mannerisms of one. Fun attention to detail.

[SKNMI]

This game gave me an amount of fun and beauty I didnt think my old computer was still capable of.
Easily the nicest gaming experience ive had this year sofar.

[electronic]

The uniquest thing is that its a game without violence really in this day of age. The story is nice, the music and atmosphere is such a warm lovely vibe to be in and the neon lit streets 👌 chefs kiss! Also there is some action added in by the zurks and the sentinels making it totally not boring. I also love story driven games and games with puzzels and vibes. Really makes you feel like you are in an abandoned world taken over by robots/ai where humans once used to live. Also makes you think about what went wrong (yes the upper layer ditched the lower classes and then died) but makws you speculate about what happens ans how it happened and if it can happen in real life!

[lllAstridddlll]

Stray the real GOTY !! 6 nominations for Stray for Equinox LATAM Game Awards 2022 (5 nov)! I like it because it is an intelligent and emotional game with a nice cause to defend!🐱

[landeezy]

Only one hour in and I know I’ll be mad when it’s over such a pretty game and chill one im used to high stress competitive games this is such a nice change of pace

[juicyfruit]

In my opinion, one of the main ways Stray is a complete mastepiece is the ongoing story element. As the game progresses, your end goal shifts from "leave the city" to "open the city". You never get an achievement for leaving the city, you get an achievement for opening it. That's because of the NPCs and the compassion and selflessness the player builds within the world. That's why Stray's story is so brilliant.

[chibiarts]

I love the art direction and the character design

[IamYasha]

Because you actually get what they advertised. You play and explore as a cat. No hidden agendas to scam people.

[JacquelynLaRonde]

I am still hesitant to play - my roommate and I helped an animal rescue for a while and all of our cats were rescues ... "strays" usually brings heartbreak, especially if we can't help :)

[childlessdoggentleman]

I have put in a ton of hours on "Elden Ring." I thought it was clearly the best game of the year until the feral feline made his appearance. I mean does Elden Ring have a dedicated meow button. Plus, literal record scratching made "Stray" my new game leader for 2022.

[SnakeEaterGaming]

My one and only “problem” (it’s not even a real problem) I have with the game is how the cat communicates with the little flying droid and understand complex plans and requests. I just assumed the cat is a cyber-kitty. Problem fixed lol.