Why Do Gamers LOVE Stray?

[@EvripidouM]

I think this is a rare time when the NPCs are the real protagonists. The cat is a way to tell their story. And i am perfectly happy with this

[@hevenzgaming]

people loved it because it was something unique, had no loot boxes, and didn't make you grind for years.

[@zai293]

yeahh... stray is just like a game that makes ur stress go away, and not making u stressed even more bcs of shitty gacha and bad matchmaking...

[@Sileonex123]

That's no way to make billions of dollars off of one game tho .for that to work and be profitable, you would have to make game after game after game, over decades, with every game being something unique and creative that feels complete at the end. Who does that?

[@Craxin01]

@@Sileonex123 People who make a product to make billions of dollars are people who don't make products, they make gimmicks. When someone makes a product that people like and make millions, but don't get greedy, that's a good thing. No corporation deserves to make billions just because they are a corporation. If they don't earn their customers' respect, they don't deserve their money.

[@Sileonex123]

@@Craxin01 not sure my sarcasm landed for you lol

[@Raxxel-n7v]

Yea its like a comfort game other than a grind game

[@TheTuubster]

I wasnt hooked because I play as a cat. I was hooked because of the immersive world. The cat aspect was a plus. When I saw the first trailers I simply wanted to explore this world.

[@JustNobody-lt6uf]

First: the cat is adorable Second: it's a breath of fresh air from all the generic shooters and rpgs

[@magnomliman8114]

adorable ? that ur argument? many games have cats even GTA and we dont see ppl say that. i think this just a cas where ppl need to say this game is cool or they we get canceled. fuk this game dude its boring and has no game play.

[@anasshahid224]

So true man

[@ryanheemann3819]

It may be simple, but I love the fact that the game doesn’t have a map. There’s no mini map in the corner. No dotted lines to follow. No pause screen map that you’re constantly referencing. It makes the exploration feel natural and rewarding. The game does a nice job of suggesting where you go through lighting and landmarks, with some literal sign posts in the city sections that feel very appropriate. It was so nice to really be engaged with the world itself, and not a map of it.

[@patventura1433]

I love the slums area in this game. It's so cozy and I want to live there.

[@TesseraPlush]

Legit me too. Might be small and crappy but just being in a small area where everybody is your friend and you can just relax would be epic

[@BioluminescenceOfTheSpirit]

@@TesseraPlush So you'll want to live in a small town? Seems reasonable. Big cities are too much like the 'rat utopia experiment'

[@applesaretasty2.099]

@@TesseraPlush Plus everyone is quite welcoming

[@FreshAirGamer]

The atmosphere of this world is great. When I turned the corner and saw all the neon I was like "Wow!!" Such a visually stimulating experience.

[@Gaminfystar]

Heartfelt story, stunning graphics, beautiful cat and robot dynamic, although limited Gameplay space but properly incorporated with the narrative, No wokeness, No microtransactions, No false advertising like Naughty Dog, no online component Just a pure, fun game... Actually, this is what a video game should be, not woke trash.

[@ozzyperez3190]

Amen

[@jazzx251]

You're wrong - they promoted "2K Energy" drinks at every opportunity! (I never found the 3rd 2K drink - is it even possible to find all three?)

[@legionarybooks13]

@@jazzx251 yes, though it took me forever to find. There's a vending machine obscurely located on a balcony near the entrance to the slums. You have to climb up some AC units near the crossroads with the bicycle to find it.

[@jeffsiemens4485]

What are you talking about? What games are “woke trash”. I’ve never heard of any games as being “woke trash”.

[@tidywire423]

@@jeffsiemens4485 It's a buzzword idiots like to use when women are treated the same as men.

[@monkeytron5061]

I love the playing dynamic that you can't fall off things, because you're a cat! It lets you free to basically run at everything with the confidence of a cat. Of course you do fall off things from time to time but only when the story cuts in and when that happens it's a genuine shock. Exatcrly as it would be to a cat. It's the best game I've played since the Unnamed Goose Game and it's actually better.

[@Drstrange3000]

I like it because it is a game among all the live service, multiplayer, and long open world games that doesn't waste my time with pointless grind. It has a start middle and end and can be completed in a few sittings. It is able to put its focus on its presentation with excellent environmental and level design, lighting, animations, music, and art direction. It isn't trying to be everything at once. It is nice to have a relaxing game with minimal to no combat. Great to destress too. I'm not even a cat person but loved how they captured the mannerisms of one. Fun attention to detail.

[@309electronics5]

The uniquest thing is that its a game without violence really in this day of age. The story is nice, the music and atmosphere is such a warm lovely vibe to be in and the neon lit streets 👌 chefs kiss! Also there is some action added in by the zurks and the sentinels making it totally not boring. I also love story driven games and games with puzzels and vibes. Really makes you feel like you are in an abandoned world taken over by robots/ai where humans once used to live. Also makes you think about what went wrong (yes the upper layer ditched the lower classes and then died) but makws you speculate about what happens ans how it happened and if it can happen in real life!

[@S0K0N0MI]

This game gave me an amount of fun and beauty I didnt think my old computer was still capable of. Easily the nicest gaming experience ive had this year sofar.

[@landeezy465]

Only one hour in and I know I’ll be mad when it’s over such a pretty game and chill one im used to high stress competitive games this is such a nice change of pace

[@lllAstridddlll]

Stray the real GOTY !! 6 nominations for Stray for Equinox LATAM Game Awards 2022 (5 nov)! I like it because it is an intelligent and emotional game with a nice cause to defend!🐱

[@chibiarts9029]

I love the art direction and the character design

[@juicyfruit866]

In my opinion, one of the main ways Stray is a complete mastepiece is the ongoing story element. As the game progresses, your end goal shifts from "leave the city" to "open the city". You never get an achievement for leaving the city, you get an achievement for opening it. That's because of the NPCs and the compassion and selflessness the player builds within the world. That's why Stray's story is so brilliant.

[@JacquelynLaRonde]

I am still hesitant to play - my roommate and I helped an animal rescue for a while and all of our cats were rescues ... "strays" usually brings heartbreak, especially if we can't help :)

[@legionarybooks13]

It's worth your time, especially if you love cats. Parts of the story will definitely make you cry (Spoiler: NO, the cat doesn't die), but that is because of the heart and quality of writing that went into it. FYI, my own cat gives me dirty looks whenever I play Stray. Like he's saying, "Why are you playing a cat video game when I'm right here, requiring attention and nibbles, peasant!" 😸

[@childlessdoggentleman746]

I have put in a ton of hours on "Elden Ring." I thought it was clearly the best game of the year until the feral feline made his appearance. I mean does Elden Ring have a dedicated meow button. Plus, literal record scratching made "Stray" my new game leader for 2022.

[@fajaradi1223]

Naaah.... There's no dedicated button to spray piss on random things and mark your territory.

[@childlessdoggentleman746]

@@fajaradi1223 They had to save something for Stray II.

[@5610idan]

Because cats are awesome

[@IamYasha10]

Because you actually get what they advertised. You play and explore as a cat. No hidden agendas to scam people.

[@Tuco-Salamanca69]

Started the game yesterday and I really like it. Something different!

[@SnakeEaterGaming]

My one and only “problem” (it’s not even a real problem) I have with the game is how the cat communicates with the little flying droid and understand complex plans and requests. I just assumed the cat is a cyber-kitty. Problem fixed lol.

[@glyniscoleman4813]

My husband son and I all loved it and will play it again loved the artistry music and the story

[@lucifchristo]

the first ten minutes had me in tears... damn cats...

[@HatCHeTHaZ]

GOTY contender 🙌🏻

[@j.c.denton2312]

No definitely not

[@Craxin01]

@@j.c.denton2312 Oh, well then, I guess if J.C. Denton says it's not, hell, must not be.

[@j.c.denton2312]

@@Craxin01 this guy gets it

[@legionarybooks13]

"Stray probably won't see massive mainstream success by its very nature" - Actually, it seems to have very broad mainstream success. It's generated a lot of appeal, even from those who have zero interest in videogames. It's also currently the highest-rated game on Steam, with over 73,000 reviews, though I can't find the actual sales numbers. Almost all of my gamer friends have either played Stray or it's on their wishlist. Even non-gamer friends want to play "the cat game", especially when they hear how much depth and heart went into the story.

And there's hardly anyone playing it anymore… it's a one-play game. I prefer games I can and want to replay.

[@jeremiahcole964]

Simple answer: CAT

[@fatcully2012]

These game developers be making these weird random games and I buy them every time

[@stark5679]

It's Cat-tastic. A Prrrrrfect change of direction. Who doesn't want to play as a stray cat. Next lets have a dog game called "mans best friend🐕 " and not the horror movie from back in the day

[@fajaradi1223]

Pussybly GOTY?

[@thebajabobusa]

I wish my mouse pointing continued to work after Dead End but it did not. I looked up other user comments on Steam and found four other folks that had the same problem I did. I am glad it worked for you I was not so fortunate.

[@anasshahid224]

Stray is so much fun because it’s a real fresh game, different from AAA games, a real breath of fresh air in the games industry 👏👏👏

[@dipankarsanyal1594]

This game will have 0 haters.

[@TigersAreCool_48]

The fact people think stray is boring in impossible The game is such a good game in a punk Furture city U play as a cat looking for ur family U run and kill the potato bugs and other sorts and the main menu theme has good music same with other music in the game while u play but it’s really realistic

[@User71956]

Why do gamers love Stray? Because kitty, that’s why.

[@alenalevitskaya2467]

Opinions please! 💖I'm thinking of playing this game with my partner at a sleepover. Is it a good game for two people to 'co-play' at once, or is it better played on your own?

[@jazzx251]

hmmm ... it's a very "puzzle"-orientated game. (which in my case, means figuring things out on my own .. like a cat would do!) I think two people playing together would enjoy it - figuring things out together. And the cat is an endless source of amusement for both players - because ... it's a cat, and the most perfect representation of a cat ever put into a video game!

[@williamheuser658]

With unattainable trophies we don't

[@JamesSmith-sw3nk]

I am waiting for it to go on sale!

[@jazzx251]

Gamers and casual non-gamers love this game because you play as a cat. With no personality traits added - just a beautifully realised ordinary cat. The "meow" button is what tips it over the edge - I mapped the "meow" to left mouse button! (which also turned out to be the button you use to throw off the Zurks when they attach themselves to the cat - 2 hours of failed attempts to get past their attacks, and then I found you could shake them off with the meow button!) (yes - I beat this game using keyboard and mouse, without any HUD or prompts. Took me about 9 hours in total) Beautiful game, even more beautiful robo-jazz ["robo-jazz" - this game made me invent a new word!] soundtrack. Beautiful cat! 🐱🐱🐱

[@michaelthompson9540]

What a breathe of fresh air. I have played so much Stalker Gamma, everything else feels so boring, linear and predictable. This game is exactly what I needed. Something different.

[@معقم]

This game was beautiful idk why

[@JOYCONBOYZ76]

Hello , you play as a cat and the music is awesome

[@Sunnyellow]

I wouldn’t say it’s a “niche product” unless you consider video games in general to be niche. “Do you like cats?” “Yes” “You’ll like Stray” 👍🎮🐱

[@blueferal8626]

Ez game of the year 🐈

[@zephwilliams3010]

Why do gamers live stray??? Because the cat is adorable.

[@ZackeryGee]

I've appreciated this game because I followed it from concept to deploy... it being a small team I thought it could be cool. I just finished it. I enjoyed it... but it isn't perfect. May be a bit overrated. But still an 8 for me.

[@sjob1s]

I loved playing through the game but the ending was soooo underwhelming, the whole time I was just trying to get back to my cat family

[@Craxin01]

It wasn't a happy ending, it was a hopeful ending. It's the difference between the ending of The Shawshank Redemption movie and the ending of Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption novella.

[@ethangarrison4265]

Actually, there's a video out there that shows he actually went back to his brother's and sisters

[@ethangarrison4265]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qnaydpawj7Z7mNE Definitely worth a watch, this guy used math to show that stray possibly went right back to his car family

[@sjob1s]

@@ethangarrison4265 I need to see this asap

[@ethangarrison4265]

@@sjob1s well, I provided the link along with our

[@DJBisGOD]

We need this on Xbox !!

[@OscarG787]

It’s a fun game imo if you wanna get away from fighting and shooting games. Replay value is low tho.

[@tehslademaster]

It's a cat... no other explanation needed.

[@gilesa.4052]

Really hope this game does eventually come to xbox...

[@nanomancer]

Available for xbox one and series x, really looking forward to playing it!

[@Bookish_Lattes]

O only played it because it was part of Premium and I loved it. I laughed, I awwed and I cried.

[@Blackguysensai]

I'll wait till it's on sale for like $10

[@joshuariddensdale2126]

I thought about getting it, but every game that has gotten rave reviews was a big bust for me. The Avengers, Guardians Of The Galaxy, Death Stranding, Doom Eternal... I'll pass on Stray.

[@askaround5371]

I thought I was the only one that thought guardians was garbage. I couldn't even finish it.

[@agauld3212]

Doom eternal is amazing

[@askaround5371]

@@agauld3212 no it wasnt. Lol.

[@Swirrt]

Everyone has a different taste and thats a good thing, otherwise we would all be playing the same stuff and developers get uncreative. So if you don't like death stranding, that's totally alright. For me PERSONALLY it is in my Top 5 of all time. Still, I get a bit suspicious if all the critics label a game a masterpiece and best of our time... for example, I think Elden Ring is a bit overrated and has a few flaws that most keep ignoring, but I get that a lot of ppl have the time of their life with it. So is stray overrated? I think stray has a cool setting, vibes and a lot of character, nevertheless for me it is a little bit overrated. That's just my opinion, and isn't the only universal answer to that question. Best wishes :)

[@askaround5371]

@@Swirrt if u offer ppl nothing but garbage, sooner or later they begin to accept it, and eventually like it.

[@Catsngats]

Yay it’s coming to Xbox august 10th I can’t wait

[@PeterSkaOi]

A game about a Cat is better than Battlefield 2042 and also complete.

[@harryscottelliott8970]

We don’t

[@iceclkeyheart3060]

I feel like people have too strict defined standards of what a game "should be" and if it doesn't meet those criteria it's look down upon stuff like stray or death stranding

[@SierenH]

I love cats wo im really excited

[@miloc639]

Maybe we love it because it's a Cat??? I mean it's literally the best game ever

[@LucieOne]

This is it! This is the answer! It's cat game.

[@USMCKong0311]

The only ppl who hate on this game are ppl who hate cats

[@dr.chungusphd108]

Why does no one mention how the ending was absolute dog shit? It’s like the developers forgot what game they started making about 3/4 of the way through.

[@Craxin01]

No, it's not a conclusive ending, it's a hopeful one. You're so used to being spoon-fed storybook endings that you expect to see them all the time. The ending of this game is more like the one at the end of the novella Rita Hayworth and the Shawshank Redemption when you're expecting the ending of the movie The Shawshank Redemption.

[@jbzhummerh2gamer]

I mean, cat videos, cat lovers, & so many of these people are gamers. No kidding. To boot, they got the cat mannerisms correct.

[@fajaradi1223]

Almost correct There's no dedicated button to spray piss on random things to marks your territory.

[@lambvindaloo]

simple, because the protagonist is a lovely kitty! who doesn't love kitties?

[@csairbrushartwork]

In general I think mice aren't fond of them

I don't.

[@tfsonicyouth88]

Its already a cult classic

[@tweety2247]

Because I love Cat Meow

[@DashCourageous]

The better stray sequel called Corgi. 😂😂😂

[@Myky658_]

Hit the nail on the head. It’s a niche product for a niche market.

[@thebajabobusa]

Good ideas and good execution... Not so fast. What about PC users. This game was released for PC users on Steam. You know mouse pointing and keyboard arrows. At Dead End (29% game completion) mouse pointing stops working. Don't buy this game if you play on PC. Great fun until Dead End.

[@TigersAreCool_48]

It works well on ps4 and ps5 that’s weird

[@thebajabobusa]

@@TigersAreCool_48 It is not only weird it is really unfortunate. It is a good console game adapted to PCs. They published without testing.

[@ellenripley4837]

I played the full game on PC. XD

[@thebajabobusa]

@@ellenripley4837 You're a better man than I, Gunga Din.

[@nightvisiongoggles]

I played this on an old laptop. Other than the low graphics settings, it worked and I finished it with no issues.

[@CorvoFG]

Because it’s a relaxing game to play for a while that isn’t full of agenda bullshit.

[@comodorogalante8951]

It’s a critique about capitalism and totalitarian/repression police forces.

[@Craxin01]

@@comodorogalante8951 Subtle critiques often go over the heads of people on a quest to point out what they consider "woke nonsense." Often, package the same message with more subtlety and they're right on board. They're victims of the culture war but think they're the heroes.

[@comodorogalante8951]

@@Craxin01 well spoken my friend!

[@unknownsoldier6731]

@@comodorogalante8951 doesn’t necessarily make that an agenda to me

[@fajaradi1223]

@@unknownsoldier6731 It has its own agenda. But definitely not "THE MESSAGE". You know? Environmentalists could be annoying sometimes. PETA and Green Peace is the worst example. Fortunately they haven't targeting video games.

[@milanbajic242pcgaming]

👍❤💯🔔have a great day

[@BobbyCampbell93]

Y

[@teddyholiday8038]

I thought it was fine. For me it’s a solid 7 out of 10. It’s a fun, easy Platinum. I’m glad it was included on PS+ Extra. I don’t consider it a masterpiece, the others do, but it’s fine. The audio/visuals are really well done. Great atmosphere.

[@geeknupthenight7417]

Because cat

[@Stoogie]

because people are emotional and societal changes makes so many people own cats nowadays, i hate the game as its illogical and a waste of money for 4 hour playtime

[@sean7332]

This game bored me to death , I like cats but this games Hella over rated with basic platforming and skill needed, and the game drought helped this

[@jakemills7829]

Yes! It was interesting to me for like an hour & half but then I got bored as hell. People are letting the novelty of playing as a cat blind them to the shallowness of the gameplay/mechanics. Exploring was fun but, I hate that you don’t have freedom to jump and that it’s tied to a button prompt. Plus the puzzles I did were so ridiculously easy. I can see how people like Stray but, to me it’s a boring/repetitive game that doesn’t offer anything to keep me wanting to play.

[@TevyaSmolka]

people love it because you play as a kitty.

[@Sean-lv6fx]

Just finished it, I thought I wouldn't enjoy it very much and I was right. It's a pretty mediocre game with not very challenging puzzles. You can't even jump unless it's onto a ledge and then you have to wait for the button to appear before you can jump. It would have been better if you could've fallen off the ledges if you were able to jump freely. I've no idea why this game was so highly rated. The visuals can be nice, but the gameplay was very boring.

[@Carpythesharky]

My personal opinion is Stray plays like an average game. I don't like cats, and have a below average emotional connection to them, so the novelty of being a cat did nothing for me. That's the huge grain of salt out of the way lol. I don't think it deserved PS GOTY, but it's good that a game that did everything right, no mtx, no p2w, etc etc., is getting highlighted. And obviously just because I don't think it deserved it doesn't mean it didn't. Votes speak for themselves. Well done!

[@AzaiaMonota]

This game looks so boring

[@syedazaidi4873]

It isn't tho.

[@syedazaidi4873]

The end is sooooo gooood.

[@syedazaidi4873]

The first part is pretty boring but the near last is SOOOO FUN take my advice.

[@askaround5371]

Because if ALL u have to offer ppl is garbage, they eventually start to like it.

[@slyceth]

Because the game ISN'T TRASH OR PAY TO WIN. I'll pay for an 4k rock simulator if it means I only pay for the game and that's it

[@Craxin01]

The Indy market doesn't make as money as the triple A market, but it's definitely more well liked overall. They actually care about their art. Yeah, they want to make money, but that's secondary to making their art. Triple A would and has sold us crap we didn't really want, package in pay-to-win mechanics because of a tiny few that fall for it, cut content out of their main game to sell it to us at a premium, and then fire their hardworking staff after release because they can rework the number to make it look like they made more profit than they did.

[@jazzx251]

I just bought "Paint Drying Simulator 2023" - in my opinion it's not as good as PDS 2022 (which was a vast improvement on PDS 2021 for sure) The new "3D angles" view - where you can see the paint dry from any angle in 3D - didn't make up for the sorry lack of gameplay or story mode ("come back PDS 2019! All is forgiven!"😁)

[@jub8891]

I dont

[@ToxMod]

I still haven’t passed it I fall asleep every time I play it 😴😴😴

[@gtibro6799]

Because sony gamers are between the age of 12 and 15 and every game Sony announces is game of the year.

[@s.t2627]

But this isn't a Sony game... It's available on stream and will be available on Xbox and possibly the Nintendo switch in the near future. Playstation only has a timed exclusive for consoles, like they did FFVII Unless you meant every Sony and PC gamer are between the age of 12-15? Or the fact that Stray was the highest rated PC game of 2022 surpassing God Of War? (which is a Sony game)? One might say based on the statistics it's the PC gamers that have overrated it

[@Craxin01]

@@s.t2627 Don't feed the troll. Haters gonna hate. BTW, Sony player, and 43 here.

[@Nami-Swwaaan]

I don't lol

[@dorokaiyinvil5705]

Enjoy what you want but I would never play this game lol

[@alessandrodelpierojuventus8156]

I love cats but honestly I dont care at all about this game lol

[@Revenent666]

It's a cat game, the internet loves cats. And the world lore lets douchy lets players preach.

[@pianisthun]

Overrated

[@G_GO0NO]

If you're a 7yr old girl, you'll LOVE this game 😂

[@gtibro6799]

facts!!!!

[@e.s.geasystreetgaming1367]

I don't know. It's the worst game I've played this generation.

[@djj1]

cats suk lol

[@OldestOldGregg]

Definitely my next choice

[@FlameGirlPlays-gq9xv]

I loved Stray so much that since my PlayStation Plus isn't paid rn, I went and bought the physical copy of the game recently so I never have to worry about not being able to play it

[@geeknupthenight7417]

Because cat