Stray is a third-person adventure game developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive. Released in July 2022, the game gained widespread acclaim for its unique premise, emotional storytelling, and immersive world design. It places players in the role of a stray cat navigating a dystopian city inhabited by robots, with a blend of exploration, puzzle-solving, and environmental storytelling.

Premise and Setting

Stray begins in a lush, overgrown area where a small ginger cat lives among its feline companions. An unfortunate accident separates the protagonist from its group, plunging it into a vast, enclosed cybercity filled with neon lights, narrow alleyways, and towering skyscrapers. This city is devoid of human life but populated by robots who mimic human behaviors and cultures. The world is inspired by cyberpunk aesthetics, with elements of decay, artificial intelligence, and the contrast between nature and technology playing a central role.

The story unfolds as the cat discovers that the city is a sealed ecosystem, with no natural sunlight, ruled by robotic entities, and plagued by strange, hostile creatures called Zurks. These creatures threaten both the robots and the cat. The protagonist’s goal is to escape the city and reunite with its feline family.

Gameplay Mechanics

Stray offers an immersive experience by letting players truly embody the role of a cat. Movement is fluid and cat-like, allowing players to leap between rooftops, climb walls, squeeze through tight spaces, and knock objects off ledges—often leading to useful discoveries. Players can also engage in typical cat behaviors, such as meowing, nuzzling, and curling up for a nap, which add to the charm and relatability of the character.

The game emphasizes exploration and environmental interaction. Players solve puzzles by interacting with the environment, such as pushing objects, manipulating switches, or distracting enemies. The cat's agility and small size are essential for navigating the city’s vertical and labyrinthine design, which encourages creative problem-solving.

A critical gameplay element is the inclusion of B-12, a drone companion the cat meets early in the journey. B-12 serves as a translator for the robots' language, stores inventory, and aids in hacking electronic devices. This partnership between the cat and the drone adds depth to the gameplay and storytelling, as B-12 reveals its own backstory and connection to the city.

Story and Themes

Stray's narrative is subtle yet impactful, primarily conveyed through visual storytelling, dialogue with robot inhabitants, and the discoveries players make while exploring the city. The robots, known as Companions, exhibit human-like personalities, aspirations, and struggles, providing a poignant look at themes of identity, community, and survival in a post-human world.

One of the game’s core themes is the relationship between nature and technology. The cat represents nature's resilience, while the city embodies the consequences of over-reliance on technology and neglect of the environment. The game also explores loneliness, companionship, and hope, as the cat’s journey brings life and change to a stagnant world.

The mystery of what happened to humanity is gradually uncovered through environmental clues and B-12’s memories. Players learn that the city was designed as a shelter during a catastrophic event, but over time, it became a prison. The Zurks, originally engineered to consume waste, evolved uncontrollably, creating a significant threat to the city’s inhabitants.

Visuals and Sound Design

Stray’s visual design is one of its most striking features. The cybercity is a beautifully crafted environment, blending futuristic neon lights with the grime and decay of an abandoned world. Each district of the city has a distinct atmosphere, from bustling marketplaces to eerie, dilapidated slums. The attention to detail makes the world feel alive, despite its desolation.

The sound design further enhances immersion. The game features a minimalist yet emotive soundtrack that complements the mood of each scene, from melancholic piano pieces to upbeat electronic beats. The sound effects, such as the cat’s meow and the Zurks’ unsettling noises, add authenticity and tension to the experience.