Stray: The BEGINNING Of A New Era In Gaming

Article’s Summary

• Stray fully embraces the essence of being a cat, allowing you to indulge in all sorts of feline antics
• The cat’s animations are hyper-realistic,  for one,  and its mysterious plot further  separates Stray from other animal simulators
• Stray is not an open-world game,  it does seem to be set in a number of vast,  open-ended stages. 
• Stray” is an incredible adventure game with a captivating storyline divided into several chapters, each offering a unique gameplay experience.

The gaming industry is one of the biggest markets today.  Studios know what sells and produces its concepts to this end.  The result is a steady stream of releases that fulfill a high demand.  It’s rare for developers to try something different.  That’s what makes BlueTwelve Studios’  Stray so interesting.  Instead of playing as a human,  Stray brings players into the paws of a lost feline searching for his home in a world overrun by machines.  You could say Stray is a cyberpunk action-adventure puzzle platformer with open-world elements, but in reality,  Stray is so much more.  

What makes Stray special? 

The main character is unique.  While controlling an animal may be nothing new,  in this case,  the degree of its execution is hard to overstate.  The cat’s animations are hyper-realistic,  for one,  and its mysterious plot further  separates Stray from other animal simulators,  a mystery well-suited to our curious feline.

Gameplay

Stray also makes creative use of feline behaviour to enhance gameplay.  To many of us,  pawing and scratching at objects may be a source of great trauma,  but in Stray,  it’s a much-needed feature to solve the many challenges that await you in this cyberpunk dystopia.  Whether you’re knocking a can of paint over to break a sturdy window,  opening a new path, or when the cat scratches a door,  leading a robot to open it and inspect what’s amiss.  Of course,  there’s also a dedicated meow button, which can even be used during cutscenes.  

The Stray can also take naps in certain areas around the city,  scratch sofas,  and nuzzle robots,  because why not?  

Robots and Exploration 

Thankfully,  our cat isn’t alone in this adventure.  Somewhere along the way,  he encounters a drone named B-12.  The flying drone is much more than just a bizarrely endearing NPC.  For the cat,  it effectively serves as a kind of interface that translates to robot citizens and gives him access to places and regions of the environment that are otherwise inaccessible. The cat can interact with these rather human-like machines in various ways.  One robot,  aptly named Doc,  can modify B-12 giving our cat integral abilities,  like what looks to be a UV lead capable of  fighting zergs, creepy crawlers who appear in swarms.  These guys appear to be the main source of danger and munch on both flesh and metal indiscriminately.  Of course,  avoiding detection altogether is ideal. And the cat’s instinctual stealthiness will help you avoid not just the Zergs, but robot sentries as well.  

The Mystery 

Verticality is no challenge for a cat,  so players can easily climb trees and traverse rooftops reaching normally unexplorable areas.  So go out there and mark your territory.  Only our furry protagonist can uncover the truth of the world’s strange circumstances.  The only thing is,  there is no jump button. Rather,  players are prompted to jump upon reaching scalable surfaces.  I wouldn’t exactly call it a flaw though.  Its puzzle elements are apparent and solving these problems linearly is what puzzles are all about.  Speaking of which,  everything about this game could just be one giant puzzle. I have so many questions.  What happened to all the humans and how do you explain all the robots in their place?  Are there other cats?  What year is the game set in?  Suffice to say,  unveiling this as the Stray is going to be very interesting.

Lots of Collectibles

In Stray,  there are lots of collectibles,  some relevant to progressing through the story,  others simply letting you learn about this intriguing civilization.  This is all stored as data by the cat’s sidekick,  B-12.  

Stray is Not An Open-World Game

Although Stray is not an open-world game,  it does seem to be set in a number of vast,  open-ended stages.  Blue12 debut title is played in the third-person perspective and we’ll see players exploring the game’s distinct locales and completing quests for a bunch of NPCs that you find around.

Setting

Cyberpunk atmosphere  and the game’s Blade Runner-like mood only contributes to its stunning visual aesthetic further.  Puddles amidst graffiti-riddled neighbourhoods reflect colorful neon lights,  painting a gorgeous atmosphere throughout much of your journey.  And in a higher-end location,  fountains and statues are scattered throughout the somber scene.

Robot Communities 

Robot denizens roam the streets,  forming various communities.  One such settlement lies in the End Village,  a city constructed on junk,  which is used for resources by its robot dwellers.  For whatever reason,  a lot of robots appear to fear cats and flee the scene when the cat sighted.  

The Soundtrack 

Also,  Stray’s soundtrack is very relaxing and tastefully done.  It’s memorable,  masterfully made,

and is sure to make even the dullest moments less of a chore.  I’m sure the cat likes it.  Probably.  Cats are weird after all,  but this is the type of jam my cats wouldn’t mind listening to. 

Chapters 

Stray” is an incredible adventure game with a captivating storyline divided into several chapters, each offering a unique gameplay experience.

Chapter 1: Inside the Wall

As the journey begins, our feline protagonist accidentally falls into the mysterious walled city. There, they meet B-12, a helpful drone who becomes their loyal companion. Together, they must escape the dangerous sewers teeming with hostile creatures called Zurks. The chapter serves as an excellent introduction to the game, showcasing the cat’s agility through climbing pipes, jumping gaps, and solving simple puzzles, all while unveiling the intriguing world they find themselves in.

Chapter 2: Unraveling the City

Venturing deeper into the forsaken city, our feline protagonist encounters a sudden power outage and finds themselves surrounded by Zurks, the mysterious inhabitants of the area. To make progress, they rely on B-12’s ingenious abilities to hack into computers, decipher intricate electrical puzzles, and interact with the dynamic environment. This chapter delves into the narrative, uncovering more about the city’s enigmatic history, its diverse denizens, and the formidable trials awaiting our cat hero.

Chapter 3: The Connection

Within the realm of this chapter, our cat comes across Mortimer, a genial robot on a poignant journey to reclaim lost memories. As they embark on an exploration of a flat, an unexpected and heartwarming bond forms between the two. The game delves into the realm of emotions, delving deeper into the intricate interplay of relationships and connections between characters.

Chapter 4: Amidst the Slums

Traversing through the downtrodden slums, our cat aids a group of robots in their search for missing companions. Here, the narrative introduces intricate platforming puzzles and confrontational mechanics. Employing B-12’s tactical prowess, the cat must strategically neutralize hostile robots. Amidst the challenges, our feline hero gains a profound understanding of the diverse robotic populace and their struggles.

Chapter 5: Heights of the Rooftops

Ascending to the lofty heights above the city, our cat undertakes the task of installing a transceiver to facilitate communication among a group of robots. This segment poses the most intricate platforming challenges yet and introduces the element of stealth gameplay. The cat must adroitly navigate past security robots, all while confronting a colossal mutant bacterium during their perilous journey across the rooftops.

Chapter 6: The Slums Revisited

Returning to the slums, our cat joins forces with Seamus, a robot in search of his long-lost father. As the duo’s journey unfolds, emotions surge to the surface as Seamus’s poignant backstory is revealed. Employing their accumulated skills and B-12’s expertise, they once again face off against aggressive robots and the enigmatic Zurks.

Chapter 7: The Culmination

At an impasse, our cat stumbles upon Seamus’s ailing father, prompting a desperate search for a cure. Scouring the surroundings for vital clues becomes a paramount task, all while remaining vigilant for lurking Zurks that may pose a threat.

Chapter 8: Delving into the Sewers

Returning to the depths of the sewers, our cat grapples with intricate platforming trials and engages in stealthy maneuvers while on a mission to secure a remedy for Seamus’s father. Confronting the immense mutant bacterium and navigating through a maze of robots prove to be formidable challenges that test our hero’s mettle.

Chapter 9: A Haven in Antvillage

In this segment, our cat chances upon a friendly ant village, providing a momentary respite and a safe haven amidst the trials. The ants extend their helping appendages, aiding our feline protagonist in charting a course back to the surface and imparting invaluable lessons about unity and cooperation along the way.

Chapter 10: Midtown

As we go into this chapter, our inquisitive cat discovers what could be the key to their ascent to the surface: a train. A shocking turn of events, however, is that a giant mutant bacteria powers the train. The difficult chore of planning how to take out the creature and start the train falls to our cat.

Chapter 11: Jail

Our brave cat ends itself in the hands of hostile robots when an unexpected turn of events sends them both to prison. The new task consists of escaping from this situation and finding a way to the illusive Control Room.

Chapter 12: Control Room

In the final chapter, the cat and B-12 breach the Control Room, disabling the city’s defenses. Reunited with the cat’s owner, the trio escapes the confines of the city, marking a triumphant conclusion to this captivating journey.

Throughout the chapters, we explored a beautifully crafted world, faced challenges, and forged deep connections with characters. The journey was filled with emotion, mystery, and triumph, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts. “Stray” is a captivating and unforgettable experience that reminds us of the power of resilience and friendship

No maps

The fact that Stray lacks a map is one element that some players can find unsettling. Even though the game doesn’t have an entirely open world, it does include major hub locations that might be difficult to find without a guide at first. But let me tell you, Stray’s level design is superb! It is very amazing how these large rooms are connected to one another and flow together.

Yes, at first it could seem a little intimidating, but after just a few minutes of exploration, I promise you’ll get the knack of navigating these wide-open spaces with ease. A typical map is not necessary because to the game’s creative design, which makes every street corner and landmark in every hub distinct and memorable.

The World Is Vertical

Apart from the charming cat aspect, what truly sets Stray apart is its impressive verticality. Solving challenges often requires thinking beyond ground level, as simply running around searching for open doors won’t cut it. Instead, you’ll need to constantly look up and down to discover innovative approaches to familiar obstacles.

As a nimble cat, scaling buildings becomes second nature if you can identify the right objects in your surroundings. Boxes, air conditioning units, and other elements become your allies in reaching elevated places. But ascending isn’t the only option; sometimes, gazing downward presents a solution. As a cat, you possess the agility to squeeze through tight gaps, which can lead you exactly where you want to go.

In Stray, the gameplay’s vertical dimension opens up a whole new realm of exploration and creativity, providing a unique and engaging experience for players.

Is There Combat In Stray?

Since our adorable feline protagonist finds itself in a world filled with androids and mysterious beings, it’s not surprising that direct combat isn’t part of the Stray experience. However, as the game progresses, your loyal B-12 robot drone can be upgraded to protect the cat from smaller hostile robots that pose a threat.

The focus of the game lies in other engaging activities. Most of your time will be spent navigating the world, wisely steering clear of trouble, immersing yourself in exploration, and unraveling puzzles. And, of course, being a mischievous cat, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to scratch up some furniture along the way.

Playful Nature of Cats through Stray

I’m pleased to share that Stray fully embraces the essence of being a cat, allowing you to indulge in all sorts of feline antics. From playfully clawing at the couch until it’s a mess of ribbons to purring and rubbing yourself against the legs of the android inhabitants, the game captures the delightful behaviors of our feline friends.

You can sense that Stray is a true labor of love, created by a development studio that fondly describes itself as “a small team from the south of France mostly made up of cats and a handful of humans.” Their passion for the project shines through, making it a delightful and unique gaming experience. It’s exciting to see such creativity and dedication from game developers, hinting at a promising future for the gaming industry.

Where can I play Stray?

Stray is now up and running on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Windows, which is fantastic news for those gamers! However, we understand the disappointment for Xbox, Switch, and macOS users, as the game hasn’t hit those platforms just yet. Don’t worry, though; we’ll keep you posted on any updates!

If you’re ready to jump into the Stray adventure on the compatible platforms, you can check Electronic First, as they offer special discounts. 

Minimum System Requirements

To enjoy Stray to the fullest on your PC, make sure it meets the following minimum system requirements:

• Operating System: You’ll need a 64-bit operating system, so Windows 10 or a newer version will do the trick.
• CPU: Look for an Intel Core i5-2300 or a higher model, or you can opt for an AMD FX-6350 or a higher one.
• RAM: Ensure you have a minimum of 8GB of RAM.
• GPU: For your graphics card, go for a Nvidia GeForce 650Ti or anything higher, with at least 2GB of VRAM. Alternatively, an AMD Radeon R7 360 with 2GB VRAM or better should work just as well.
• DirectX Support: Your PC should have DirectX 12 or a higher version installed.
• Storage: Make sure you have at least 10GB of available storage space.

Conclusion 

Being a mid-budget release, it has the potential to be a real standout this year and might even mark the beginning of a new era in gaming. Personally, I feel quite optimistic about Stray. The gameplay, visuals, premise, and the fantastic soundtrack all seem promising. There’s something refreshing and different about this game compared to other releases.

One aspect that stands out is the absence of an online feature, which is a bold move in this day and age where multiplayer dominates. It’s a brave step towards reviving the great single-player experience that many of us have been missing. This choice makes Stray unique and intriguing. The developers’ dedication to crafting a tale about a lost cat is fascinating.

In any case, I’m really looking forward to playing Stray and seeing how this captivating adventure unfolds. Fingers crossed they don’t get led astray and deliver something truly exceptional!

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