Out of all of the video games I’ve performed lately that weren’t for assessment and weren’t on the Nintendo Swap, Stray is without doubt one of the few I’ve accomplished all through. It’s not a brilliant lengthy recreation, however that’s inappropriate—it managed to captivate me, and its world utterly drew me in.
Stray tells the story of an unnamed cat residing close to the partitions of a domed metropolis that people as soon as populated. Now deserted, town is inhabited by robotic servants who’ve advanced sufficient to overlook their masters and tackle the roles and hobbies of people.
The town has additionally been overrun by the Zurks, with the protected zones within the dome changing into fewer and fewer. Other than one other enemy kind encountered later within the recreation, they’re the one enemies, making it a fairly relaxed expertise more often than not.
In contrast to different cat video games on the Nintendo Swap (which have been launched after Stray’s authentic launch), the platforming motion here’s a bit less complicated. All the pieces you possibly can work together with or soar to is clearly labelled as you navigate town to unravel its mysteries. Alongside the best way, you’ll assist the robotic inhabitants, have interaction in quintessential cat actions like knocking issues over, utilizing a devoted meow button, and scratching at doorways or curtains.
However these talents aren’t only for enjoyable—they’re integral to the gameplay, comparable to herding enemies or uncovering new paths. The sport additionally boasts a outstanding diploma of verticality; you possibly can soar up ledges, climb alongside pipes, and even experience in a pulley bucket to traverse rooftops. Over time, you’ll transition from cautiously exploring your environment to nimbly and effortlessly navigating the atmosphere.
It’s not simply platforming—you’ll additionally resolve puzzles and assist varied characters alongside the best way. Your companion on this journey is B-12, a drone you awaken that resides within the vest the cat wears. As you progress via the sport, you’ll develop a bond with B-12, who assists you by hacking doorways, translating the world’s language, and extra. You’ll acquire gadgets alongside the best way and finally discover the right characters to present them to. Some gadgets present clues to uncover hidden objects that additional the story, even when it’s not instantly clear why you have got them.
The sport is fairly linear as you progress via its chapters. Whilst you gained’t see the whole lot in your first playthrough, the guts of the sport—the story—is offered in segments, interspersed with open-area exploration which you can take your time to get pleasure from. It jogged my memory a little bit of a tighter Breath of the Wild: the principle storyline is at all times there so that you can observe, however you’re free to discover the world because the cat and carve out your individual path. Reconstructing B-12’s corrupted recollections serves as the principle “aspect quest,” serving to your companion uncover their identification. The sport’s tales are all interconnected, and also you’ll end up keen to maintain enjoying, chapter by chapter, to uncover the place it’s all main. Like a great guide, it’s onerous to place down.
The town in Stray appears like a huge place for such a small cat. Whereas the darkish, neon-lit streets may initially appear slim, you’ll finally come throughout areas the place town’s vistas open up, revealing the Zurk infestation and the remnants of no matter life as soon as existed, slowly being eroded. Among the robots dream of life outdoors, however their residing area is being consumed from inside. Determining how this little cat could make a distinction is all a part of the enjoyable.
Stray tells a number of totally different tales, all via the eyes of a cat. It’s a touching story that gained’t take too lengthy to finish and doesn’t overstay its welcome. The platforming expertise required are minimal, making it a calming and fulfilling expertise. Whereas the Swap model is a bit fuzzy, the sport retains its appeal with nice lighting and results, even when it doesn’t run as easily because the variations on different consoles. It would solely take a weekend to complete, nevertheless it’ll stick with you without end, like cat fur in your sofa.
Ranking: 4/5