Many people are raving over Stray, which has managed to evade stereotypes and deliver fresh content. One skillful modder has even gone so far as to add players’ own cats to Stray, to complete the wholesome experience. However, all the excitement surrounding the game has many people wondering if any harm befalls the kitty during the story.
Note: There will be slight spoilers for the Stray ahead, but the ending and specifics will not be disclosed.RELATED: Stray: 6 Hardest Trophies To Obtain
Stray Has Some Upsetting Moments
In a game set in a walled dystopian city crowded with robots, viruses, and machines, the cat in Stray has to overcome multitudes of obstacles. From climbing into buckets to be transported, jumping across planks that are high off the ground, and evading lasers, there are quite a few places that could lead to disaster. Not to mention that players may have to engage in violence of their own in order to defeat the enemy Zurks that populate the futuristic city, although it is worth mentioning that Stray does have a pacifist trophy for those that find alternative methods during Chapter 8.
For example, at one point during the game, the cat falls from a broken pipe and tries to desperately claw its way back up the Outside World, to no avail. This sees the feline limping for a few minutes afterward, but they do survive and return to normal, which allows for the unique and emotional story of Stray to continue.
During other segments of Stray, the cat can take damage from environmental elements and objects, like barrels, moving carts, etc. They are able to die when performing dangerous movements in the puzzle platformer, as the cat tries to figure out what plague in Stray has taken all the humans. Thankfully, the cat is able to be revived and comes back with full health and ready to solve mysteries once more at the last saved checkpoint.
For those wondering about what the ending entails for the kitty, they can rest assured that their feline protagonist does not die. Chapter 12 takes place in the Control Room, and while there are some heart-wrenching moments, the cat is still alive to continue its travels. Many fans are hoping that a sequel to Stray will be announced soon.
Stray is Genuinely Heart-Warming
Seeing the cat die from different situations on a player’s screen can still be emotionally devastating for those that grow attached to their fuzzy companion. At least there is a multitude of happier and more entertaining moments in the game than there are saddening ones, which cat lovers who play Stray will likely resonate with. Meowing at the push of a button, nuzzling robots, hiding in cardboard boxes, and getting stuck in bags are just a few of the adorable actions players are able to execute in the neon-lit world.
Traveling the unfamiliar but eye-catching city with B-12 at a player’s side makes for some truly heart-warming scenes that will affect each person individually. The gameplay is mechanically sound and looks so realistic that real-life cats are curiously watching their owners play Stray with interest. At the $29.99 price point, some may not be certain if this game is a good investment, but the story and cute kitty should be more than enough to at least pique their interest.
Stray is available now for PC, PS4, and PS5.
MORE: Stray Modder is Putting Players’ Cats into the Game
