# Anybody playing "Stray"? (Cat game) **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Tags:** video-games-e-games\ **Created:** [July 21, 2022, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353 "2022-07-21T23:17:35Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/21 "2022-07-22T23:26:16Z")
It’s an Intel HD graphics 5500. It’s not a gaming laptop or anything like that. I checked the minimum system requirements and it needs something fancier, one of those Radeon GPUs. Apparently I’m too old to play PC games now… ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [July 22, 2022, 11:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/22 "2022-07-22T23:37:19Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Intel HD graphics 5500 Try downloading these drivers > **[Release Version 1.10.2 · doitsujin/dxvk](https://github.com/doitsujin/dxvk/releases/tag/v1.10.2)** > > Bug fixes and Improvements > > Implemented non-seamless cube maps for D3D9 using the VK\_EXT\_non\_seamless\_cube\_map extension if supported by the driver > FIxed an issue with current versions of the Nvidi... and copying all the .DLLs to the game engine directory (assuming your graphics driver supports Vulkan) you could also invest in an external graphics card enclosure, of course, if you see yourself needing a graphics upgrade but not a laptop upgrade ---
**Author:** ![EllisDee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ellisdee/32/4531_2.png) [@EllisDee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/EllisDee)\ **Post date:** [July 23, 2022, 5:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/23 "2022-07-23T05:21:31Z")
An Intel HD 5500 is both integrated chipset graphics and also very old. (2015) I’d be impressed if the highest end, most modern Intel chipset graphics (Intel UHD 770?) could run a full 3D game like stray. Steam lists the minimum requirements as a 650 ti, which userbenchmark says is 13% faster than the UHD 770. So it’s not looking good for any intel chipset graphics. The newer AMD ones might, but I think it’s mostly a discrete video card kind of game. ---
**Author:** ![Smapti](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/smapti/32/17938_2.png) [@Smapti](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Smapti)\ **Post date:** [July 24, 2022, 9:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/24 "2022-07-24T09:22:25Z")
My six-year-old PC with its six-year-old graphics card is running it perfectly, despite System Requirements Labs insisting that my CPU isn’t powerful enough. I’ve just made it to “The Flat” and I’m enjoying the game so far. I loved the opening bits with the main cat (I’ve decided the cat is a he and his name is “Orange”) interacting with his friends, and my heart sank when he fell and hurt himself. It bothers me a little that some of the puzzles I’ve encountered so far are things that no actual cat would have the reasoning skills to figure out on its own (have you ever tried pointing something out to your cat? It just stares at your finger instead) but I guess that’s an acceptable break from reality. From what little I’ve read about the game while attempting to avoid spoilers, the setting is apparently inspired by Kowloon Walled City, which has fascinated me ever since I learned about its existence, and it hurts me that at least some small part of it wasn’t preserved for posterity so that future generations could see what life was like in that place. > **[Kowloon Walled City](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kowloon_Walled_City)** > > Pages for logged out editors learn more > > > > > Kowloon Walled City was an ungoverned and densely populated de jure Imperial Chinese enclave within the boundaries of Kowloon City, British Hong Kong. Originally a Chinese military fort, the walled city became an enclave after the New Territories were leased to the United Kingdom by China in 1898. Its population increased dramatically following the Japanese occupation of Hong Kong during World War II. By 1990, the walled city contained 50,000 ... ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/25 "2022-07-26T12:07:50Z")
That was short but sweet. An almost perfect length as I managed to finish it comfortably before my 7 day free trial of Playstation Plus expired. I really liked the setting, the cat, and the NPCs. The puzzles weren’t particularly challenging, which is fine. I like that the gameplay changed frequently enough that it never got boring. It almost felt like a teaser / pilot for a longer, more fleshed out game. I would rather this than something like Ubisoft’s open world extravaganzas that involve doing the same shit over and over and over and over… Although not as ground breaking as Portal, it left me with a similar sensation of wanting more and also wanting to look up some of the excellent music. There was one thing that dissapointed me, right at the very end: I didn’t see my cat reunite with his family. Perhaps they’re leaving it open for a sequel. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Strangelove](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr.strangelove/32/6613_2.png) [@Dr.Strangelove](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Strangelove)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 5:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/26 "2022-07-26T17:57:21Z")
I was about to write the same thing, especially the end part. I even watched the entire credits to see if there was a post-credit reunion scene. No dice. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 6:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/27 "2022-07-26T18:33:01Z")
I just started it today. Very cute. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2022, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/28 "2022-07-26T19:58:17Z")
I did the same! I’m normally far too impatient for that. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2022, 6:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/29 "2022-07-27T18:55:01Z")
I’m playing it further now, just put the transmitter at the top of the Slums tallest tower. It’s cute, though I do see the frustration in the little Zurk’s. When the elevator descended, it took me a few tries to realize I had to get on some boxes to get in the elevator. I did it, but it didn’t come naturally for me. ---
**Author:** ![Teuton](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/teuton/32/3864_2.png) [@Teuton](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Teuton)\ **Post date:** [July 29, 2022, 2:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/30 "2022-07-29T14:10:04Z")
> [@EllisDee](#): > > After seeing all the Reddit videos of people’s pets being very interested in this game, I have gotten curious. As a counterpoint, I played this on PS5, and my cats didn’t give a hoot. Not even about the meow button. Decent game, though. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2022, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/31 "2022-07-30T00:38:43Z")
> [@Teuton](#): > > As a counterpoint, I played this on PS5, and my cats didn’t give a hoot. Not even about the meow button. Decent game, though. Two of my cats have approached the screen. My kitten put her paws right up on the screen while the Stray-cat walked around. ---
**Author:** ![Richard\_Pearse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/richard_pearse/32/13144_2.png) [@Richard\_Pearse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Richard_Pearse)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2022, 5:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/32 "2022-07-30T05:23:50Z")
My boy cat stared intently at it for several minutes then gradually relaxed. The meows didn’t interest him. ---
**Author:** ![BigT](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bigt/32/12044_2.png) [@BigT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BigT)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2022, 7:11am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/33 "2022-07-30T07:11:34Z")
While I agree that his GPU is probably too low, you do have to take minimum requirements with a grain of salt. They’re always higher than the actual minimum. I can see signs that you can get it running on an UHD 620 at the lowest settings (720p low with 50% scaling), as long as you put up with some hitching in the first (intro) area. For the OP, however, I’d suggest looking into cloud services if he’s really interested in playing it. It’s not on the big ones, but there are a few—though I don’t attest for how well they run or their costs. > **[Is Stray playable on any cloud gaming services?](https://cloudbase.gg/g/stray/)** > > Check today’s availability of Stray on the most popular cloud gaming services: GeForce Now, Stadia, Playstation Now, Xbox Cloud, Shadow & Boosteroid. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 30, 2022, 12:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/34 "2022-07-30T12:30:51Z")
I’m so easily pleased. My computer doesn’t support any kind of ray-tracing, if this game even offers it. I am still really blown away by lighting in today’s modern games. I played Cyberpunk 2077 last year on low to medium settings(my PC is a gaming laptop, not a desktop) and I could not believe some of the details of the lighting and reflections. Stray looks stunning on my computer. The game set itself to ultra or near ultra graphics and I keep looking at the details in the lighting, shadows, and reflections. It’s really impressive. ---
**Author:** ![Mahaloth](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mahaloth/32/1079_2.png) [@Mahaloth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mahaloth)\ **Post date:** [July 31, 2022, 8:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/35 "2022-07-31T20:34:24Z")
Finished it today. It took 6 hours. Fun game, very cute. I would probably consider a sequel. I’m OK if there isn’t one, though. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [August 10, 2023, 3:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/36 "2023-08-10T15:39:49Z")
> [@Horatius](#): > > Well, it’s a good news/bad news type situation. I figured out how to connect one of my old Xbox One controllers to my laptop. I then found out my laptop can’t run the game… And in the Great News category, they just released this on Xbox! I downloaded it yesterday, and it’s supposed to unlock today. I’m about to spend my lunch hour giving it a go! ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 1:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/37 "2023-08-11T13:49:44Z")
Oooh yay, I’ve been waiting for this to come to Xbox. Gonna check it out this weekend! ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [August 11, 2023, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/38 "2023-08-11T14:00:05Z")
> [@ShadowFacts](#): > > Gonna check it out this weekend! I played it most of last evening. I quite like how you have to think like a cat at times to figure out the puzzles. So far, though, the levels are all pretty linear, there’s really only one way to solve things. I haven’t read the whole thread yet, so I’m hoping it gets a bit more open-world-y. ---
**Author:** ![ShadowFacts](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/shadowfacts/32/2934_2.png) [@ShadowFacts](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadowFacts)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2023, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/39 "2023-08-14T13:40:54Z")
I played a few hours this weekend and - after dealing with a frustrating glitch that held me up for a bit - enjoyed it. It has a pleasing simplicity to it. I agree the levels are pretty linear so far, but that doesn’t bother me so much yet. I enjoy the little cat behaviors it lets you do, like rubbing up against “people’s” legs and curling up for a nap for no reason. It’s definitely a game for cat people more than for serious gamers. ---
**Author:** ![Horatius](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/horatius/32/3572_2.png) [@Horatius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Horatius)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2023, 2:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353/40 "2023-08-14T14:36:07Z")
> [@Mahaloth](#): > > Fun game, very cute. I would probably consider a sequel. I’m OK if there isn’t one, though. Although it seems to be a waste of developing pretty good Cat Physics Models, and then not using them again. The scene where he first gets the B12 backpack could have been a direct copy of what my old cat did when I tried putting a harness on him. Even if it’s not a direct sequel, I’d like to play other games as a cat. Make a series of historical settings, like Assassin’s Creed, except you’re a cat wandering through important moments in history, and knocking stuff off shelves to change the course of events. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353.md?page=1) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/anybody-playing-stray-cat-game/968353.md?page=3)