A new video game where you play as a stray cat is taking the internet by storm — here's what it's like to play

Travis ClarkJul 22, 2022, 01:44 IST

"Stray."Annapurna Interactive

"Stray" is a new sci-fi video game about a cat lost in a robot city.
People have taken to social media to post videos of their cats watching them play.

"Stray" is a new sci-fi video game about a lost cat uncovering a mystery in a futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired city where only robots remain. It debuted on Tuesday for PC and PlayStation. It costs $30.

"Stray" was developed by BlueTwelve Studio and published by Annapurna Interactive.Annapurna Interactive

"Stray" is a new sci-fi video game about a lost cat uncovering a mystery in a futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired city where only robots remain. It debuted on Tuesday for PC and PlayStation. It costs $30.

Since debuting on Tuesday, "Stray" has taken the internet by storm, with pet owners posting videos to social media of their cats watching them play the game.

Twitter/@CatsWatchStray

In the game, the player commands a stray cat. I played on PlayStation 5, but it's also available for PC. The controls are simple, and there's even a dedicated "meow" button (O on PS5).

Annapurna Interactive

In the game, the player commands a stray cat. I played on PlayStation 5, but it's also available for PC. The controls are simple, and there's even a dedicated "meow" button (O on PS5).

The game starts innocently enough. Our feline avatar is with a group of other strays, wandering what will be come to be referred to as "the outside."

Annapurna Interactive

But you're soon separated from the group, and find yourself in a mysterious, dark cyberpunk city, where the only inhabitants seem to be robots and pesky little creatures called Zurks. We find out what they are, but I won't spoil that.

The robots are terrified of the Zurks. Above is a shot of an infestation of them.Annapurna Interactive

But you're soon separated from the group, and find yourself in a mysterious, dark cyberpunk city, where the only inhabitants seem to be robots and pesky little creatures called Zurks. We find out what they are, but I won't spoil that.

And yes, the Zurks can kill you (but you never start too far back in the game after you die, and there are plenty of checkpoints that automatically save the game).

Annapurna Interactive

"Stray" has elements of an adventure game and puzzle game. Throughout the game, you'll have to figure out how to navigate certain obstacles. Early on, when you first get lost, for instance, you'll have to figure out how to stop this fan from spinning so you can walk through.

Annapurna Interactive

"Stray" has elements of an adventure game and puzzle game. Throughout the game, you'll have to figure out how to navigate certain obstacles. Early on, when you first get lost, for instance, you'll have to figure out how to stop this fan from spinning so you can walk through.

You get around mainly by running and jumping — but there's also some conveniently placed buckets on zip lines as you wander on rooftops.

Annapurna Interactive

Early on in the game, you'll wake up a robot companion that will help you uncover secrets, unlock doors, and overall point you in the right direction as you complete tasks.

Annapurna Interactive

Early on in the game, you'll wake up a robot companion that will help you uncover secrets, unlock doors, and overall point you in the right direction as you complete tasks.

What exactly this "Dead City" is, and where all the humans are, are among the game's big mysteries.

Annapurna Interactive

Meeting new robots was one of my favorite parts of the game. At first, they are skittish, but they warm up to you.

Annapurna Interactive

For instance, you can find sheet music for this one that will play their instrument for you.

Annapurna Interactive

One of the robots is Momo, who was part of a group of four robots searching for a way out of the city and to the "outside." But when the other three left he stayed behind. One mission involves finding the others' notebooks that could contain clues to escape.

Annapurna Interactive

One of the robots is Momo, who was part of a group of four robots searching for a way out of the city and to the "outside." But when the other three left he stayed behind. One mission involves finding the others' notebooks that could contain clues to escape.

"Stray" is a beautifully detailed game, and screenshots don't do it justice.

Annapurna Interactive

Overall, the main story of "Stray" would only take around four-and-a-half hours to complete, according to HowLongToBeat.com.

Annapurna Interactive

But just because it's a short game doesn't mean you can't get a catnap in.

Annapurna Interactive

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A new video game where you play as a stray cat is taking the internet by storm &mdash; here's what it's like to play

"Stray" is a new sci-fi video game about a lost cat uncovering a mystery in a futuristic, cyberpunk-inspired city where only robots remain. It debuted on Tuesday for PC and PlayStation. It costs $30.

Since debuting on Tuesday, "Stray" has taken the internet by storm, with pet owners posting videos to social media of their cats watching them play the game.

In the game, the player commands a stray cat. I played on PlayStation 5, but it's also available for PC. The controls are simple, and there's even a dedicated "meow" button (O on PS5).

The game starts innocently enough. Our feline avatar is with a group of other strays, wandering what will be come to be referred to as "the outside."

But you're soon separated from the group, and find yourself in a mysterious, dark cyberpunk city, where the only inhabitants seem to be robots and pesky little creatures called Zurks. We find out what they are, but I won't spoil that.

And yes, the Zurks can kill you (but you never start too far back in the game after you die, and there are plenty of checkpoints that automatically save the game).

"Stray" has elements of an adventure game and puzzle game. Throughout the game, you'll have to figure out how to navigate certain obstacles. Early on, when you first get lost, for instance, you'll have to figure out how to stop this fan from spinning so you can walk through.

You get around mainly by running and jumping — but there's also some conveniently placed buckets on zip lines as you wander on rooftops.

Early on in the game, you'll wake up a robot companion that will help you uncover secrets, unlock doors, and overall point you in the right direction as you complete tasks.

What exactly this "Dead City" is, and where all the humans are, are among the game's big mysteries.

Meeting new robots was one of my favorite parts of the game. At first, they are skittish, but they warm up to you.

For instance, you can find sheet music for this one that will play their instrument for you.

One of the robots is Momo, who was part of a group of four robots searching for a way out of the city and to the "outside." But when the other three left he stayed behind. One mission involves finding the others' notebooks that could contain clues to escape.

"Stray" is a beautifully detailed game, and screenshots don't do it justice.

Overall, the main story of "Stray" would only take around four-and-a-half hours to complete, according to HowLongToBeat.com.

But just because it's a short game doesn't mean you can't get a catnap in.

A new video game where you play as a stray cat is taking the internet by storm — here's what it's like to play