The highly anticipated cat cyberpunk simulation,Stray, has finally arrived for Playstation and PC gamers alike. The game has become such an internet phenomenon as of late thatSteam users have ratedStrayabove FromSoftware’sElden Ringwith an abundance of overwhelmingly positive reviews. At the moment, it sits at number 49 in Steam’s 250 All-Time Chart, which is still quite a few slots behind the top four rated games which consist ofPortal 2,Terraria,Stardew Valley, andHades.
Many people are raving overStray, which has managed to evade stereotypes and deliver fresh content. One skillful modder has even gone so far as to add players' own cats toStray, to complete the wholesome experience. However, all the excitement surrounding the game has many people wondering if any harm befalls the kitty during the story.
Note: There will be slight spoilers for the Stray ahead, but the ending and specifics will not be disclosed.RELATED:Stray: 6 Hardest Trophies To Obtain
Stray Has Some Upsetting Moments
In a game set in a walled dystopian city crowded with robots, viruses, and machines, the cat inStrayhas to overcome multitudes of obstacles. From climbing into buckets to be transported, jumping across planks that are high off the ground, and evading lasers, there are quite a few places that could lead to disaster. Not to mention that players may have to engage in violence of their own in order to defeat the enemy Zurks that populate the futuristic city, although it is worth mentioning thatStraydoes have a pacifist trophy for those that find alternative methodsduring Chapter 8.
For example, at one point during the game, the cat falls from a broken pipe and tries to desperately claw its way back up the Outside World, to no avail. This sees the feline limping for a few minutes afterward, but they do survive and return to normal, which allows for theunique and emotional story ofStrayto continue.
During other segments ofStray, the cat can take damage from environmental elements and objects, like barrels, moving carts, etc. They are able to die when performing dangerous movements in the puzzle platformer, as the cat tries to figure outwhat plague inStray has taken all the humans. Thankfully, the cat is able to be revived and comes back with full health and ready to solve mysteries once more at the last saved checkpoint.
For those wondering about what the ending entails for the kitty, they can rest assured that their feline protagonist does not die. Chapter 12 takes place in the Control Room, and while there are some heart-wrenching moments, the cat is still alive to continue its travels. Manyfans are hoping that a sequel toStraywill be announced soon.
Stray is Genuinely Heart-Warming
Seeing the cat die from different situations on a player’s screen can still be emotionally devastating for those that grow attached to their fuzzy companion. At least there is a multitude of happier and more entertaining moments in the game than there are saddening ones, which cat lovers who playStraywill likely resonate with. Meowing at the push of a button, nuzzling robots, hiding in cardboard boxes, and getting stuck in bags are just a few of the adorable actions players are able to execute in the neon-lit world.
Traveling the unfamiliar but eye-catching city with B-12 at a player’s side makes for some truly heart-warming scenes that will affect each person individually. The gameplay is mechanically sound and looks so realistic thatreal-life cats are curiously watching their owners playStraywith interest. At the $29.99 price point, some may not be certain if this game is a good investment, but the story and cute kitty should be more than enough to at least pique their interest.
Strayis available now for PC, PS4, and PS5.
