I preordered Stray and never actually got around to playing more than half an hour of it on release. I can see why I bounced off it - it's not exactly a deep or challenging game, but that's okay. I just needed to come back when I was in the mood for a cute, mellow, vibey little adventure with a kitty cat. I really enjoyed how the cat handled, the different animations and movements depending on if you're jumping onto a ledge, a chair, or a vending machine for example - it all feels very natural and smooth. Really enjoyable aesthetic. I struggled a bit with the idea of having human-brain puzzles and such, and when you get your companion I was also a little disappointed - I was kind of hoping for the entire game to be through the eyes and capabilities of a lost cat. However as the game went on I appreciated the way your little friend helps add to the texture and story of the world. Cool setting - I'd be keen to see what else these developers can do in future. I'm glad I finally got around to playing it!

Stray is an interesting piece. You play as a cat who ends up all alone in a dystopian city. From there, you will solve puzzles and platform your way back to the surface world.
The world bulding is fantastic and easily my favourite part of the game. It really sets up an awesome visual experience if you're a fan of cyberpunk styles meeting gross horror. It really nails the enviornments it's trying to build up as well as the characters living in them.
The game absolutely rocks in this sense and honestly is worth the playtime even just for the world it's set in.
Gameplay wise, it's fairly simple. You third person roam as a kitty and jump with x on any surface that it allows. No free jump but you can basically jump onto almost everything, allowing for great traversal mechanics. Other than that, there isn't much new here. It's a simple platformer and features a variety of puzzles and mini quests to make up most of your adventures. From finding secret codes to scratching areas to reveal hidden doors.
Does the cat game have plot? Why yes it does! It's a pretty fun storyline that captialises on the world around itself. It isn't anything hyper unique or special but it is heartfelt and the questions of the world are quite intriguing. You always want to know more and how your companion robot ties into everything.
It isn't so much plot for the cat but for the beings you meet and how to provide hope to their lives.
Ultimately, I enjoyed Stray. Do I think this game would have been AS played and loved if it wasn't for the cat? God no. Which saddens me because games like this normally go underappreciated.
However the marketing was incredible and now a lot of people will get to see a really neat cyberpunk dystopian platformer that gives a nice short adventure.

Yes there's a meow button (yes every outlet think this is gods gift to mankind in terms of reviewing it)