"But to be human, to be robot, and to be cat – these are different."
um, citation needed???
I love those games that make you get philosophical about things like 'what does it mean to be a cat?' Really scratches my itch. That said, I haven't played this game. It always just seemed a little bit -too- expensive for such a short experience, and I am allergic to money. I'll grab it at some point. The call of Cat Game is too strong.
I always enjoy reading your thoughts on the games you play, you’ve definitely encouraged me to work through the small games in my backlog!
I remember reading “What it is like to be a bat” in college and comparing it with a reading from another book: “Faith, Madness, and Spontaneous Human Combustion.” I think the latter I think touches on what you discuss about legacy.
We pass traits and memories and emotions to one another as one would pass a cold, and sometimes find ourselves repeating those thoughts or the actions of others whom we share no common background or experience with. Similar, I think, to the companions mimicking the humans before them. Perhaps without really knowing why the humans did what they did in the first place.
Thanks so much, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind words. I'm so glad you're working through your little games <3.
That's really interesting, I think I'll try and read the Bat paper and the book you've mentioned because it's really interesting stuff. I've never thought super hard about it before and I found myself wishing I could explore my thoughts more deeply, so it seems some reading is necessary!
I just want to thank you for that well-written piece on Stray. I have been a big fan of the game since I launched it on my pc and I couldn't stop exploring the area and the stories and dialogues with the companions. It's also worth noting to say that the developers really captured the dystopian version of my home city which is Hong Kong. They took some great detail and every second of me playing the game brings me back to the alleys of Hong Kong/Kowloon, making me imagine that Stray's dystopian version of HK could very well be what it could turn the city! It's a wild imagination but truly a great experience playing and diving into the story of this wonderfully made game.
Thanks so much. The game's 'working title' was actually HK Project so there's a lot of suggestion that you're more on the money than you might think! I'm so glad you liked the game and the write up :)
Of course, to nobodies surprise this is the post with the most pictures. Deservedly so, they’re bloody lovely.
This has been on my to-play list for years and now might be the time to look into getting it. I didn’t know there was anything more to this game than cute cat platforming, the idea of exploring post-human society through the actions of a cat and the mind of a (supposed) human really does it for me. Thanks for writing this!
I'm also one of those people who gets utterly crushed by animals in peril, the start of this game was a tough time! Great review, so interesting to see where the game took your thoughts, such a powerful medium x
This is on my wishlist and I was a bit worried that being a mouse and keyboard player might make it too difficult as a platformer, but since there's so much more to it maybe next sale.
Thanks for this! Yes, it's definitely a must-play. I started it months ago and now it sits in my Xbox. ;) One of my backlog games but with high priority :) Currently I am busy playing Animal Well, which I also highly recommend. I discussed it in my latest post if you are interested:
Animal Well is high on my list but I'm pretty broke right now so it might have to wait til Christmas. I'm really excited to play it though! Stray is super worth getting to when you can.
"But to be human, to be robot, and to be cat – these are different."
um, citation needed???
I love those games that make you get philosophical about things like 'what does it mean to be a cat?' Really scratches my itch. That said, I haven't played this game. It always just seemed a little bit -too- expensive for such a short experience, and I am allergic to money. I'll grab it at some point. The call of Cat Game is too strong.
Cat Game, Goose Game, Goat Game, I wonder what's next. Cow Game?
I think if the novelty value of being a cat appeals at all, Stray will be fun enough :) and you can always wait for a good sale.
Goose game is on my list to replay for this blog at some point. HONK.
I always enjoy reading your thoughts on the games you play, you’ve definitely encouraged me to work through the small games in my backlog!
I remember reading “What it is like to be a bat” in college and comparing it with a reading from another book: “Faith, Madness, and Spontaneous Human Combustion.” I think the latter I think touches on what you discuss about legacy.
We pass traits and memories and emotions to one another as one would pass a cold, and sometimes find ourselves repeating those thoughts or the actions of others whom we share no common background or experience with. Similar, I think, to the companions mimicking the humans before them. Perhaps without really knowing why the humans did what they did in the first place.
Really enjoyed your thoughts on this!
Thanks so much, I can't tell you how much I appreciate your kind words. I'm so glad you're working through your little games <3.
That's really interesting, I think I'll try and read the Bat paper and the book you've mentioned because it's really interesting stuff. I've never thought super hard about it before and I found myself wishing I could explore my thoughts more deeply, so it seems some reading is necessary!
I just want to thank you for that well-written piece on Stray. I have been a big fan of the game since I launched it on my pc and I couldn't stop exploring the area and the stories and dialogues with the companions. It's also worth noting to say that the developers really captured the dystopian version of my home city which is Hong Kong. They took some great detail and every second of me playing the game brings me back to the alleys of Hong Kong/Kowloon, making me imagine that Stray's dystopian version of HK could very well be what it could turn the city! It's a wild imagination but truly a great experience playing and diving into the story of this wonderfully made game.
Thanks so much. The game's 'working title' was actually HK Project so there's a lot of suggestion that you're more on the money than you might think! I'm so glad you liked the game and the write up :)
Of course, to nobodies surprise this is the post with the most pictures. Deservedly so, they’re bloody lovely.
This has been on my to-play list for years and now might be the time to look into getting it. I didn’t know there was anything more to this game than cute cat platforming, the idea of exploring post-human society through the actions of a cat and the mind of a (supposed) human really does it for me. Thanks for writing this!
It's so good. I can't wait to hear what you think when you play it ☺️
I'm also one of those people who gets utterly crushed by animals in peril, the start of this game was a tough time! Great review, so interesting to see where the game took your thoughts, such a powerful medium x
Thank you. I'm really glad there's a hopeful ending.
I watched some great YouTube playthroughs when this first came out and reading this makes me want to watch it all again!
It's such a great game, I love it.
This is on my wishlist and I was a bit worried that being a mouse and keyboard player might make it too difficult as a platformer, but since there's so much more to it maybe next sale.
I'm sure you'll love it. It definitely can be played with a kbd and mouse but might be a little more awkward, but overall probably fine.
Thanks for this! Yes, it's definitely a must-play. I started it months ago and now it sits in my Xbox. ;) One of my backlog games but with high priority :) Currently I am busy playing Animal Well, which I also highly recommend. I discussed it in my latest post if you are interested:
https://substack.com/home/post/p-147059556?r=3reher&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web
Animal Well is high on my list but I'm pretty broke right now so it might have to wait til Christmas. I'm really excited to play it though! Stray is super worth getting to when you can.