Way Back Home…Stray Review

Lost: Stray is a 3rd person adventure game that takes place in a cyberpunk esq world far in the future where humanity is no more, and sentient robots, along with a dangerous virus and cats are all that remain. The world is open, lost in the green of the earth and robots, cats, and zurks alike roam the world the humans left behind.

Searching: Stray was a game that surprised me greatly. When I saw the first trailer I thought “oh this game looks cute and seems very relaxing” What I did not realize was just how emotional and powerful this game would be. It’s a truly remarkable experience that places you in a post pandemic filled world and creates the narrative that no matter how small, or little impact you think you have, you are more powerful than you will ever know. Stray is more than just a cozy game that you can relax with after a long day at work, this game is deep rooted in a scary reality. Covid. This game was made during a pandemic and shares the message that humans did what they could to stop a virus (zurks) from taking over, but it was too late, and the virus engulfed all human life, and only robots remained, while the game takes an overdramatized view of it, the message still remains. We as a cat have to help these robots find a way back to the surface. With their patience and hope dwindling, they find hope in a small feline friend that searches for not only that lost hope but a way out where the sun in limitless and the world is born a new.

Friend: Throughout the game there are many small puzzles, and immersive “jobs” I want to call them that really make the game a solid experience. The controls throughout are incredibly simple and to the point. There are no risks of falling since you are prompted with each jump and thing to do, making this game simple to get through. Stray can be finished in about 3-6 hours, for completionists around 10-13. Through the game a robot companion will be there with you translating signs, and the language that is used. This robot (spoiler) is a doctor which you find out about halfway through the game is the last living human. this doctor wanted to see the world evolve and grow, but it got to be too late when the government really decided to do anything about what was going on. That sounds all too familiar. By the time the game comes to a close we say farewell to our robot friend and open the city which has been cloaked in darkness for far too long. Stray as a whole share the message that no matter how small, no matter the obstacle, you can overcome anything with the right mental tools, friends and scratching posts. This game was a true gem its message speaks volumes and will always be in my ram.