Are you drawn to Stray’s stunning visuals, unique world, and the unusual idea of playing as a cat—but still hesitating because it’s a paid game? If you’re on the fence, this honest review is for you. I’ll share my impressions of Stray without major spoilers, so even first-time players can read on with peace of mind.
What Kind of Game Is Stray?
Stray is an adventure game set in a neon-lit cyber city. You play as a stray cat, exploring mysterious alleyways, solving puzzles, and uncovering the secrets of this futuristic world.
Originally released in 2022 for Windows and PlayStation 4/5, Stray made its way to Mac at the end of 2023, and became available on Nintendo Switch by late 2024.
For reference, I played the Mac version (via the App Store).
A Cat That Says Nothing—And That’s the Point
Let me introduce three aspects that make Stray such a compelling experience:
1. You Really Feel Like a Cat
The real charm of Stray is the chance to truly experience life as a cat. Leap onto tables and knock over glasses, send paint cans rolling off rooftops, scratch up an expensive-looking sofa—things that would be a headache in real life are simply “that’s what cats do” in this world.
As someone who owns cats myself, I’ve often been frustrated by these exact behaviors. But taking on the role of a cat in Stray, I found myself thinking, “Well, it can’t be helped.” In fact, the game gives you a fresh perspective on the cat’s philosophy: “Why should I care about human convenience?” It’s surprisingly liberating.
2. A Gorgeous Cyberpunk World
The graphics are stunning, and the cyberpunk atmosphere is top-notch. The neon-filled, crowded city streets have a distinctly Asian vibe—personally, they reminded me of wandering through the back alleys of places like Ueno, Akihabara, or Kabukicho at night. The world feels both futuristic and nostalgic at the same time.
Every corner of the city is carefully crafted, and simply roaming around is a joy in itself.
3. A Heartwarming Story
Without giving away spoilers, the city is home to many robots, some of whom long to see the “outside world.” As you journey alongside them and hear their hopes and dreams, you’ll find yourself wanting to see the world beyond, too. The cat, of course, never says a word—because, well, it’s a cat. This only makes the robots’ feelings come through even more strongly.
By the end of the adventure, you’re likely to feel a gentle, uplifting sense of satisfaction.
Stray isn’t overly difficult as an adventure game. While there are a few action-heavy moments, they’re not too challenging—most players should be able to get through with a little persistence.
You’ll Want to Stay in This World Longer
While there’s so much to love about Stray, I should mention one thing: the game is relatively short. For me, finishing the main story took about 10 hours. Even after unlocking all the hidden “memories,” I was done in about 12 hours. Compared to a traditional RPG, that’s quite brief.
Still, the value of a game isn’t just in its length. The depth of the world and the story completely drew me in, and I felt satisfied overall. Even so, I found myself wishing I could have spent a little more time exploring. A few more post-game features or puzzle variations would have made the experience even better.
It All Depends on What You Want From a Game
Stray’s price varies by platform; on the Mac App Store, it sells for about 4,000 yen. Whether that feels expensive depends on what you’re looking for in a game.
If you want a long, challenging experience or love tough puzzles, you might find Stray a bit lacking. But if you care more about story and atmosphere, Stray will absolutely satisfy you. At least, it did for me.
Sometimes, you just have to act on impulse—just like a cat. Maybe it’s time to hit that “Buy” button and see where your curiosity takes you.
