Stray

 PlayStation 5
User Score
8.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 2049 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 1,660 out of 2049
  2. Mixed: 241 out of 2049
  3. Negative: 148 out of 2049

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  1. timmytime
    Jan 9, 2023
    9
    Loved this one. A feat of smart level design, animation, lighting systems, and a moving story. I'd recommend this one to pretty much anyone, gamer or non-gamer alike.
  2. zozzhun
    Jul 23, 2022
    9
    Nice graphics, lovely story. I don't like cats IRL, but this game is cool. Some parts were dull, seemed like to lengthen the playtime. Overall I'd love a part 2 or a dog version :P
  3. curzon_dax
    Aug 2, 2022
    9
    This game is clearly one of the best games ever created. I have played countless of excellent games since the 80s and this is one of the very few each decade that offers something original to some extend at least. The main reasons it doesn't get a perfect score is that a) part of its gameplay is to some extend derivative because the quest design is relatively predictable and b) a minorityThis game is clearly one of the best games ever created. I have played countless of excellent games since the 80s and this is one of the very few each decade that offers something original to some extend at least. The main reasons it doesn't get a perfect score is that a) part of its gameplay is to some extend derivative because the quest design is relatively predictable and b) a minority of the secret memories/areas were placed in the game in a way that it was more tedious to find them than to enjoy the rest of the game but it wasn't too bad.… Expand
  4. Schueli
    Jul 28, 2022
    9
    Sehr spaßiges Spiel, gute Grafik, tolle Atmosphäre, toller Soundtrack. Kann man nur empfehlen.
  5. HaloFever
    Aug 8, 2022
    9
    Another darling little game from Annapurna. The cat looks, moves, and sounds like a real cat. You will feel for this furry little guy. The attention to detail permeates the entire game world. This is the kind of experience you want from your interactive media.

    The game world felt very PS5. The game makes excellent use of the DualSense controller. Mouse and keyboard players on PC will    Another darling little game from Annapurna. The cat looks, moves, and sounds like a real cat. You will feel for this furry little guy. The attention to detail permeates the entire game world. This is the kind of experience you want from your interactive media.

    The game world felt very PS5. The game makes excellent use of the DualSense controller. Mouse and keyboard players on PC will not understand how much the controller integrates with games like "Stray". The game also makes good use of the PS5's graphical prowess. Nothing stands out as a gimmicky. It just looks good and plays well.

    The gameplay is a mix of platforming and casual exploration. You learn about this world and its people. My playthrough was about 5 hours and I felt as if I engaged in most of the conversations. (My PS5 trophies show that I missed some side quests and collectibles.) The platforming is a made for speed. You press X at the right moment to make your cat jump to next ledge. There is no need to perfectly time jump and control landings. The game does not want you to send the cat to its death. Fights are really flights, and the smooth animations of the cat are very helpful as you dodge, weave, and jump away from enemies. The gameplay is very polished for such a small team.

    The story is well done and mainly sold through the visual design of the game. You meet inhabitants of this world that tell you much about themselves by how they dress, their physical state, and body language. "Stray" would have been a success without dialogue, though there is quite a bit of dialogue if you are interested. Annapurna is building its reputation among gamers and raising interest in indie games as a whole. Where AAA games are becoming more mundane, AA games are become more different. I love it.

    Full disclosure, I downloaded "Stray" from my PS+ Extra collection. Even so, I try to never equate value with quality. "Stray" game me an unforgettable 5 hour experience. I my mind, it is a game of the year contender. I hope PS+ Extra delivers more of this.    … Expand
  6. rafaaguilera
    Aug 13, 2022
    9
    One of the most unique games I've played for a while. Simple, but effective and interesting story, great cast of characters, beautiful art direction and most of all, what a charming protagonist to play with. I loved how the game incorporate really well in its gameplay mechanics things that a real cat would do to solve puzzles and explore the environments. Actions like climbing on shelvesOne of the most unique games I've played for a while. Simple, but effective and interesting story, great cast of characters, beautiful art direction and most of all, what a charming protagonist to play with. I loved how the game incorporate really well in its gameplay mechanics things that a real cat would do to solve puzzles and explore the environments. Actions like climbing on shelves to knock things over, poking objects, scratching walls/doors and even meowing (there's a button just for that) are amazingly done and it's fun. The cat really won me over.

    The objective is to escape from an underworld where the cat accidentally ends up, where robots live in seclusion from the outside world. It took me around 6 hours to finish it. Some people may find it too short, but I'm ok with this. I'd rather play something short but well paced than a game drags on for hours and hours just for the sake of being long.    … Expand
  7. DrZomboid
    Feb 21, 2023
    9
    Original game concept, unique atmosphere, mystic story, fun to play with kids, good graphics at 4K/60fps
  8. LatinCritic13
    Jul 28, 2022
    9
    Stray is easily the most adorable games I've ever played. In terms of replayability and fondness of cats, it's actually worth purchasing it!
  9. SgStarov
    Aug 1, 2022
    9
    Отличная расслабляющая игра. Несколько вечеров отдыха от прокачки или убийства боссов. Вместо этого отличная история и красивый мир. Некоторые ругают игру за слабый гемплей, но геймплей в этой игре это ее плюс. Ведь, как по мне, основная цель этой игры расслабить игрока, а не напрягать его попытками правильно прыгнуть на очередной уступ. 9 баллов, так как игра не сделала никакой революции,Отличная расслабляющая игра. Несколько вечеров отдыха от прокачки или убийства боссов. Вместо этого отличная история и красивый мир. Некоторые ругают игру за слабый гемплей, но геймплей в этой игре это ее плюс. Ведь, как по мне, основная цель этой игры расслабить игрока, а не напрягать его попытками правильно прыгнуть на очередной уступ. 9 баллов, так как игра не сделала никакой революции, но в данном жанре является одной из лучших.… Expand
  10. ThiagoTitonel
    Jul 31, 2022
    9
    Excellent few hours of a great game. Beautiful and relaxing as it is supposed to be. Even better, a free game on PS Plus.
  11. SuperDuck23
    Jul 31, 2022
    9
    Stray is wonderfully atmospheric, with confident design and a surprisingly good story. All the elements come together very well to create a truly unique twist on the puzzle platforming genre. I would have liked a little more, particularly with the ending, but aside from that I can't recommend Stray enough.
  12. NathanHiberDive
    Jan 21, 2023
    9
    An absolute magic experience. Takes in the culture of post human cities, exploring every nook and cranny in surreal form. Characterization of the cat is so adorable, but equally so the quirky robots that play into its curiosities while reflecting their own strange processing. It leaves a lot of room for contemplation driven by A+ developed lore. It is capped by a very neat, awe inspiringAn absolute magic experience. Takes in the culture of post human cities, exploring every nook and cranny in surreal form. Characterization of the cat is so adorable, but equally so the quirky robots that play into its curiosities while reflecting their own strange processing. It leaves a lot of room for contemplation driven by A+ developed lore. It is capped by a very neat, awe inspiring ending, truly fitting for one of mankind's great companions

    Movement feels a lot like Uncharted for a cat, it is basically fail safe, the challenge comes in stealth/escape sequences. Nothing not done before really except in the context of the brilliantly conceived lore.

    Also, shout out to the music/ambience work, some gifted work there in this.

    All up this is a true blockbuster hidden by a small team dev team that have made a compact, yet layered romp. It respects your time and is an absolute blast.    … Expand
  13. SirBill
    Jul 22, 2022
    9
    A really enjoyable game, at first I thought it was a bit short but that was just after playing a really long RPG so it may have just seemed short by comparison... I found I enjoyed playing the whole time though, and enjoyed exploring enough I'll probably also go back and re-play some parts. I also found the game made good use of emotion and (most importantly) presented being a cat really well.
  14. porcodepre
    Jul 31, 2022
    9
    Grande jogo, bonito, bons puzzles, grande história, bonito.
    Stray começa e termina no tempo exato.
  15. triple_co
    Aug 6, 2022
    9
    I really loved this game. Sure, it's not very lengthy, nor does it present any crazy new ideas aside from literally being a cat.

    But it's so refreshing to play a polished, detailed, beautiful game that doesn't waste your time and knows what it wants to be. It tells a short, effective story, with lots of heart and imagination throughout. The sound design is gorgeous, there are a few    I really loved this game. Sure, it's not very lengthy, nor does it present any crazy new ideas aside from literally being a cat.

    But it's so refreshing to play a polished, detailed, beautiful game that doesn't waste your time and knows what it wants to be. It tells a short, effective story, with lots of heart and imagination throughout. The sound design is gorgeous, there are a few collectibles and quirky achievements for completionists, and overall it's just a really solid, confident package.

    For me it was well worth the asking price and will be remain a memorable one, I'm sure. I wish there was a little more content, but that's the only real fault I can find. Absolutely worth a play - and we should support developers that create complete, fully-realised titles without any of the industry nonsense we're too often subjected to with this current gen.    … Expand
  16. Geronimous
    Jul 23, 2022
    9
    For an Indy studio with only slightly more than a handful of developers, this is an instant classic. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, narrative, gameplay and plot. It is now hard to understand nobody else has ever thought of making a game where you play as a cat. A platformer like this, with puzzels, verticality, lends itself perfectly for cat's size and agility. You can also do alot of theFor an Indy studio with only slightly more than a handful of developers, this is an instant classic. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, narrative, gameplay and plot. It is now hard to understand nobody else has ever thought of making a game where you play as a cat. A platformer like this, with puzzels, verticality, lends itself perfectly for cat's size and agility. You can also do alot of the typical cat stuff: meow with a buttonpress, give friendly headrubs, scratch furniture, dab at TV remotes, sleep in cozy spots, jump into cardboard boxes, be a little too curious, and of course, knock stuff off of ledges :)

    The art direction is gorgeous, the robots, the city environment, animations and gameplay are a joy to play around. On PS5, the 4k and solid 60 fps make for a smooth experience.

    There are a few missed opportunities though, in my opinion: the story is very short. I took my time anywhere I could and finished in 8 hours. It is easily doable in much less, and there's a trophy for doing it under 2 hours, which is easily doable.
    This is mainly because the game is very linear; only the paths that will take you somewhere where you need to go, are accessible. You cannot go wrong. Some paths are clearly blocked, but often I thought "too bad I cannot go there", even though a cat clearly should be able to. But if the jump-prompt does not appear, you cannot jump onto it.
    The puzzles presented are also not very difficult.

    Again, this all does not really take away any enjoyment. The pace is good, story enjoyable. Leave me wanting more of it!    … Expand
  17. nomad1326
    Apr 23, 2023
    9
    Cute game not only for cat lovers, but for adventure games lovers. This is a nice trip with a lot of pleasant moments. From one perspective, as a Game Designer, I can say that this game doesn't bring anything new from mechanics and level design perspective, it uses a lot of classic approaches, but all these approaches work correctly for that game. If you want to play a classic journeyCute game not only for cat lovers, but for adventure games lovers. This is a nice trip with a lot of pleasant moments. From one perspective, as a Game Designer, I can say that this game doesn't bring anything new from mechanics and level design perspective, it uses a lot of classic approaches, but all these approaches work correctly for that game. If you want to play a classic journey without epic actions like we can find in Tomb Raider or Uncharted, if you want a calm trip into the unknown world with a moral of narrative, this game will give it to you on the next 10 hours.… Expand
  18. Vodia
    Jun 4, 2023
    9
    Its hard to bring something new into the industry this days. Though gameplaywise it was pretty simple, the setting was fresh and atmosphere is well done :)
  19. estradas
    Jul 23, 2023
    9
    Great and short atmospheric game

    8/10 gameplay
    10/10 graphics
    9/10 story
    10/10 environments
  20. Dubeau
    Jul 22, 2022
    9
    Stray is great game. The story is interesting and focus on the future. Visually the game is stunning at many places. the lack of a photo mode is sometimes daunting. The movement, gesture and expression of the cat are really accurate and so are the element of gameplay. You move, jump and run like a cat. Which makes this game extra fun. There are things to finds and some side quests, if youStray is great game. The story is interesting and focus on the future. Visually the game is stunning at many places. the lack of a photo mode is sometimes daunting. The movement, gesture and expression of the cat are really accurate and so are the element of gameplay. You move, jump and run like a cat. Which makes this game extra fun. There are things to finds and some side quests, if you want to take the time to fully explore the great levels and designs of the game. Now some elements are a bit difficult regarding the Zucks. It can be frustrating but you have to use the cat speed at times, and other time not go too fast. Great sounds and music. I give it 88%, even if the game only last around 6 hours. It's an experience that is worth playing.… Expand
  21. GappleM8
    Jul 25, 2022
    9
    “Stray” is an extremely creative take on the classic linear single player games everybody plays. It took me around 7 hours to beat Stray, but that is when you are pushing the content to the max. As in all achievements. The game’s gameplay is very entertaining and the world is very immersive and atmospheric. While there is no voice acting the player still feels some attachment to the“Stray” is an extremely creative take on the classic linear single player games everybody plays. It took me around 7 hours to beat Stray, but that is when you are pushing the content to the max. As in all achievements. The game’s gameplay is very entertaining and the world is very immersive and atmospheric. While there is no voice acting the player still feels some attachment to the characters you meet along the way. With your droid buddy being your closest. I enjoyed the parkour immensely and the soundtrack is top-tier. The subtle storytelling with the environment is a treat, and your main character being a cat enhances the experience, the story and game would not work with a humanoid protagonist. Overall, very worth the price even if it is short and sweet. 9/10.… Expand
  22. ClubPS
    Nov 17, 2022
    9
    Presiona O para maullar, el mejor juego Indie del año está qui señores y señoras. La aventura de un gato en un mundo donde los autómatas dominan el mundo es una premisa única y que llama la atención, sin duda un indie que debes probar si o si.
    Historia: La historia comienza como su título lo dice con un gato extraviado en una sociedad de robots, en esta aventura nos acompaña B12 un    Presiona O para maullar, el mejor juego Indie del año está qui señores y señoras. La aventura de un gato en un mundo donde los autómatas dominan el mundo es una premisa única y que llama la atención, sin duda un indie que debes probar si o si.
    Historia: La historia comienza como su título lo dice con un gato extraviado en una sociedad de robots, en esta aventura nos acompaña B12 un pequeño dron que nos ayudará no solo a entender a nuestro felino avatar, si no también a los habitantes de este mundo futurista. La premisa es simple pero dentro de nuestra aventura nos toparemos con tantas tramas cómo así lo deseemos o solo centrarnos en nuestra propia aventura. Sin duda la historia de Stray es linda y nos hace reflexionar un poco sobre nuestro futuro.
    Sonido: El actor de voz de nuestro gato hizo un excelente trabajo, tan es así que mis gatos reaccionaban cuando el Michi virtual lo hacía, el sonido general de Stary no es muy sobresaliente pero cumple con su cometido de ambientación, así como su banda sonora.
    Gráficos: En este apartado Stray para ser un indie se luce bastante bien, jugué las versiones de PS4 y PS5, en ambos casos luce bien aunque es obvio que la versión de nueva generación lo hace mejor. Su mundo está bien detallado y trabajado así como nuestros personajes, se extraña un modo foto.
    Gameplay: en extremo sencillo pero no por ello malo, con los movimientos que poseemos debemos resolver los puzzles del juego, los cuales su nivel de dificultad es apto para toda la familia. Ser un gato no requiere de más habilidades de las que poseemos y le da cierta credibilidad a nuestro personaje.    … Expand
  23. thawl
    Aug 4, 2022
    9
    Stray is a memorable, and refreshing game that does not overstay it's welcome (literally.. it's a very short game). Playing as a cat is something I didn't know I wanted, and the execution is near purrfect. Would love to see more quirky games like this in the future, and from Annapurna.
  24. Yourmumsbills
    Jul 24, 2022
    9
    This game is worthy of every bit of of praise that it's getting. A beautiful story in an incredibly well designed and stunning world to explore in a very unique way. fantastic music, good controls. All round a fantastic game up there with the likes of What Remains Of Edith Finch, Firewatch, Oxenfree etc.
  25. Derangedxzombie
    May 1, 2023
    9
    A quite unique and charming game, very different to many I've played. It's essentially a narrative driven platformer with some evasion/minimal combat and puzzle elements. There's an overall sci-fi/cyberpunk setting with some surprisingly horror moments thrown in. Not a long game, 10 hours? But very good, the ending is memorable.
  26. Cidiust
    Dec 27, 2022
    9
    Ok, its a game that you play as a cat and do cats thing! XD What else could you need.

    The story is nice and refreshing.
    Graphics are ok I thin.
    I love the verticality you have on the world and how you can interact with most of the scenery.

    Its a quick and nice adventure for those looking for something new!
  27. Cz3rw0ny
    Jun 21, 2023
    9
    Excellent single-playthrough experience. I was positively suprised by this indie game. I actually prefer shorter, single player experiences so this was a perfect match!
  28. Tobyvenom
    Aug 24, 2022
    9
    Such a cute game where you play as a dubious little CREATURE getting up to mischief.
  29. FuriousAegon
    Jul 24, 2022
    9
    Stray is magnificent experience!Like in Undertale I had literally no frustration in the whole game just pure joy.But Undertale had me with outstandingly real/alive characters and unusual gameplay.But Stray has something different.Besides cats, this game pleases me with its fantastic art direction and soundtrack but also with interesting lore and min story.
    The main question of player at    Stray is magnificent experience!Like in Undertale I had literally no frustration in the whole game just pure joy.But Undertale had me with outstandingly real/alive characters and unusual gameplay.But Stray has something different.Besides cats, this game pleases me with its fantastic art direction and soundtrack but also with interesting lore and min story.
    The main question of player at the start and through the middle of the game - What happened with humans?And by exploring the world you learn more about it. In this game there is no words ( in our language ) spoken, and this also shows how you can get empathy to the beings even without any speech, only words written and actions.
    Soundtrack completely complements the whole game, with every "search" or "walking" segments the game starts playing themes that completing the sequence. The main theme is amazing though.
    The gameplay introduces us with literally a cat life. You can attach surfaces,sneak in places humans and robots couldn’t, and this game has even a meow for a specific button in controller.Also there lots of puzzles in this game.
    I don’t know what to say more, this game has become very personal to me, ever since announcement. So I thank B 12 and Annapurna Interactive for making such a pleasant,cute and relaxing journey, that brought me to tears in the end of it.
    9/10    … Expand
  30. ap3rd96
    Jul 21, 2022
    9
    Incredible game. Very fun, very unique, and has great storytelling without overloading with cutscenes. I highly recommend this game to everyone.
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Awards & Rankings

20
#20 Best PlayStation 5 Game of 2022
8
#8 Most Discussed PlayStation 5 Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
83

Generally favorable reviews - based on 99 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 87 out of 99
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 99
  3. Negative: 0 out of 99
  1. PLAY! Zine
    Oct 14, 2022
    82
    If you are allergic to cats, hate mystery, exploration and a good atmosphere in video games, don’t play Stray. Otherwise, you’ve probably already beaten it. It’s a rare occasion to get a title such as this. And if it looks like something you might enjoy, that’s likely because you most surely would.
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  2. PLAY
    Aug 30, 2022
    80
    Stray makes the most of its choice of protagonist early on, really allowing you to do all the things a typical cat would do, though it eventually loses sight of that in favour of spotlighting the short story. That’s no cause for hissing, though it does leave the overall experience feeling somewhat like two kittens from different litters forced together. The combination works better than it should, but we’re ultimately left wondering what could’ve resulted if either half of the game had been given enough space to stand alone. [Issue#18, p.70]
  3. Het Nieuwsblad
    Aug 26, 2022
    80
    It sounds ridiculous. And maybe it is. But the first ten minutes of Stray broke our heart. We’re a soft-boiled egg when it comes to animals, even when they're completely fictional. A cat who loses his friends and then gets hurt? Enough for an intense feeling of sadness and pity. It is not the challenge, but the experience that is key in this game. You really play Stray for the atmosphere. And that's exactly right.
    Read full review
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