Few modern video games have captured the hearts of gamers in the same way as Stray. The innovative indie platformer puts players in the paws of a stray cat as they explore a futuristic city inhabited by robots and a race of killer critters known as Zurks. Though the gameplay itself is very enjoyable, it's arguably the ability to play as a cute little kitty that makes the game so appealing to many.
As one might expect, controlling a cat is very different from controlling a human being. As well as their movement being a lot more nimble, there are also a number of adorable actions that players can choose to perform, with the game even featuring multiple trophies that are dedicated to performing cat-like actions. These are just a few of the most adorable things that the cat can do in Stray.
Meow on Command
Being able to make noises with the push of a single button is a feature that more games should really have, and not just games in which players control animals either. As well as being downright adorable, it's nice to be able to express oneself audibly while playing and can provide a sort of commentary on what's happening on screen.
At the beginning of the game when players are first taught how to Meow, they'll mostly be using it to communicate with the other kitties. As the game progresses though, they may start using it to express their frustration or to greet one of the game's many robots as they pass. Of course, doing so has no impact on the game whatsoever, but sometimes it's fun to pretend.
Nuzzle Up Against Robots
As anybody who's ever owned a cat will know, nuzzling is something that cannot be taken for granted. Cats can be very picky about who they show affection to, making it extra special when they find somebody they like enough to nuzzle. This is kind of the case with Stray too, with players usually able to choose whether or not to nuzzle the robots they meet.
That being said, there are some moments in which players will need to nuzzle in order to progress the main story of Stray, and one or two when this happens automatically as part of a cut-scene. These moments are often able to generate a surprising amount of emotion too, far more than a game about a cat amongst robots has any right to do.
Nap in Unusual Places
Cats are renowned for their ability to nap in the most unlikely of places and so it seems only fitting that taking a long nap is one of the very first things that players will do in Stray. There's even an achievement for spending more than one real-world hour asleep in-game, encouraging players to make use of the mechanic wherever possible.
Whether snuggled up in a comfy crevice or nestled up against the hard steel chest of a robot, watching the cat sleeping is surprisingly relaxing. The way that the camera gradually pulls back to reveal more of the environment only adds to this effect, particularly in some of the more rural locations. Like nuzzling, there are certain points in the game when sleeping can also evoke some hard-hitting emotions, ensuring that catnaps in Stray are just as touching as they are cute.
Hide in Cardboard Boxes
Aside from a brief period in which players are armed with a special weapon, Stray doesn't really feature combat in the traditional sense. Instead, much of Stray's challenge comes from puzzle solving and chase scenes, with the rest coming courtesy of stealth-based gameplay sections. Thankfully, the latter provides players with a special tool for avoiding security drones.
Much like the various versions of Snake in the Metal Gear Series, the cat in Stray is able to hide inside cardboard boxes to avoid detection. Though it's not exactly cute in this context, just knowing how much some cats love to play with cardboard boxes will no doubt bring a huge smile to cat owners. It can also be pretty funny, as drones will eventually give up on searching for the kitty even if they see it jump into the box.
Get Trapped in Bags
It's often said that it was curiosity that killed the cat, but it can also lead to some hilariously cute situations. This is certainly the case in Stray, thanks to the inclusion of brown paper bags. There are loads of them scattered around the game's neon-soaked world and interacting with them is almost guaranteed to put a smile on players' faces.
Pressing a certain button while in close proximity to one of these paper bags will lead to the cat sticking its head inside. Perplexed by the sudden shift to darkness, the cat will then begin to freak out. While in this frenzied state, players' controls are inverted until the bag falls off, invariably causing them to crash into random robots and objects in an adorable display of confusion.
Stray is available now on PS4, PS5, and PC.