Stray, a game about a lost cat in a cyberpunk city, became something of a viral hit even before release. It's out now with a Steam Deck Verified rating from the get go. Note: personal purchase.
Developed by French team BlueTwelve Studio, with this being their debut game they've hit quite a mark with it getting some pretty high scores from various other publications. So once again, it's fantastic to see such a high-profile release working out of the box on Steam Deck and Linux desktop right at release thanks to Proton.
Here's some Steam Deck footage:
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Even though it has a Steam Deck Verified rating, the out of the box graphics settings for the Steam Deck aren't the best. I saw quite a number of drops well below 30FPS but after switching a couple of settings down like Textures and Mesh Quality (as shown in the video) it performed well enough. That said, like a lot of bigger 3D games, battery life is really not your friend here. Aside from that, it's a genuinely lovely game and one cat lovers simply must grab. Being able to be a bit mischievous knocking things off high places, and the game actually using that is pretty awesome.
The official bit:
Stray is a third-person cat adventure game set amidst the detailed, neon-lit alleys of a decaying cybercity and the murky environments of its seedy underbelly. Roam surroundings high and low, defend against unforeseen threats and solve the mysteries of this unwelcoming place inhabited by curious droids and dangerous creatures.
See the world through the eyes of a cat and interact with the environment in playful ways. Be stealthy, nimble, silly, and sometimes as annoying as possible with the strange inhabitants of this mysterious world.
Along the way, the cat befriends a small flying drone, known only as B-12. With the help of this newfound companion, the duo must find a way out.
You can buy Stray on Steam.
Article taken from GamingOnLinux.com.
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19 comments
It crashed for me the first time after the opening scene. I switched to DX12 and have been fine since, not sure if that was actually necessary or if it was just a one-time glitch.
1 Likes, Who?
Very great game, especially for cat lovers. It's fun to see and do things my cats do all the time :)
For me it runs very well with default settings on the deck on 30fps. I've limited the CPU usage to 8W to get a bit more out of the battery (otherwise it consumes like 20W), therefore it's not a stable 30fps - but almost. Without limitations I haven't noticed drops.
I had one issue on the main screen, where the steam overlay didn't work well. Could not adjust volume without opening the overlay and when I tried to respond to a chat message, it would not show the chat and controls were no longer responding. I had to reboot to fix it. Once in the game, things went smoothly.
For me it runs very well with default settings on the deck on 30fps. I've limited the CPU usage to 8W to get a bit more out of the battery (otherwise it consumes like 20W), therefore it's not a stable 30fps - but almost. Without limitations I haven't noticed drops.
I had one issue on the main screen, where the steam overlay didn't work well. Could not adjust volume without opening the overlay and when I tried to respond to a chat message, it would not show the chat and controls were no longer responding. I had to reboot to fix it. Once in the game, things went smoothly.
2 Likes, Who?
I bought this tonight. I need a new relaxing, wandering type game, with escapism (I mean, something for me that makes me feel like my problems "won't find me here" lol)
It doesn't run half bad, for an Unreal Engine 4 game. I'm using a recent Proton-GE build. (and I haven't needed to install mediafoundation libraries)
On the PC, do remap any controls that may cause you strain. It recommends a "game pad" but I see no reason why that would be advantageous, for someone used to keyboard and mouse.
The default control scheme for keyboard isn't exactly designed by a panel of ergonomics experts. It had me holding Shift to run, using WASD to move, and having to hit Left Alt at the right times to attack, while running and avoiding these fat, rat-like scavengers. T'was then that I had to change the controls. That Left-Alt was causing strain after only 3 retries of that sequence.
It doesn't run half bad, for an Unreal Engine 4 game. I'm using a recent Proton-GE build. (and I haven't needed to install mediafoundation libraries)
On the PC, do remap any controls that may cause you strain. It recommends a "game pad" but I see no reason why that would be advantageous, for someone used to keyboard and mouse.
The default control scheme for keyboard isn't exactly designed by a panel of ergonomics experts. It had me holding Shift to run, using WASD to move, and having to hit Left Alt at the right times to attack, while running and avoiding these fat, rat-like scavengers. T'was then that I had to change the controls. That Left-Alt was causing strain after only 3 retries of that sequence.
1 Likes, Who?
Philadelphus Jul 20, 2022
Been playing for an hour or so on the Deck and it's been fine. The graphics are bit pixel-y on default, so I might fiddle with those a bit, though it's not terrible. Unfortunately it doesn't seem to transfer saves across devices, I was going to continue on my PC with graphics at max but only had the option to start a new game. Maybe I'll do it for a future replay.
0 Likes
I'm really tempted i must say. But after what Annapurna did with Outer Wilds, i'm having a hard time supporting them tbh...
The other interesting question when deciding if it's acceptable to deviate from "no tux, no bucks": Is it Deck Verified due to support by the Dev or is it just testing by Valve?
The other interesting question when deciding if it's acceptable to deviate from "no tux, no bucks": Is it Deck Verified due to support by the Dev or is it just testing by Valve?
1 Likes, Who?
Arehandoro Jul 20, 2022
Cannot really buy it this month, but after finishing FF7 Remake mostly likely will purchase it. Looks gorgeous!
0 Likes
It's not a bad game, but be aware it has a length of maybe 6-8 hours.
Which is IMO quite low for that asking price.
Definitely more within the walking sim genre than anything else, but if you're into that, probably a good purchase.
Which is IMO quite low for that asking price.
Definitely more within the walking sim genre than anything else, but if you're into that, probably a good purchase.
0 Likes
Unfortunately it doesn't seem to transfer saves across devices, I was going to continue on my PC with graphics at max but only had the option to start a new game. Maybe I'll do it for a future replay.It's supposed to, it had Steam Cloud support.
0 Likes
Is it suitable for kids? I am sure my 9 year old will ask for it the moment she learn about it. Thanks!
0 Likes
The other interesting question when deciding if it's acceptable to deviate from "no tux, no bucks": Is it Deck Verified due to support by the Dev or is it just testing by Valve?Deck Verified is just Valve's testing to see if it works or not. If a developer hasn't come out and said that they're pre-emptively testing in Proton then they aren't, and they could break it at any time; it continuing to work is only due to the work by Valve & the Wine devs.
The more Tux, more bucks approach I take is that if a developer has said that they're testing their Windows-only game themselves in Proton then I'll get it when it's 50% off, but if it just accidentally works in Proton then I'll get it when it's 90% off. For Deck Verified games I'm willing to split the difference at 75% off because they've got some incentive to keep it working so that they don't lose that green checkmark in Steam.
1 Likes, Who?
soulsource Jul 20, 2022
Is it suitable for kids? I am sure my 9 year old will ask for it the moment she learn about it. Thanks!I've just played for about an hour, but from what I've seen up to now I'd say it is.
There are some robot "rats" (for lack of a better word) that attack you, so there's some action, but there was no visible brutality. All that happens if such an enemy catches you is that it clings to your character and you have to shake it off by pressing a button.
However, the game is actually rated by the USK, as "Approved for children aged 12 and above" (description of age categories, what might be a better guideline than my personal gut feeling
.Edit: It also has an ESRB rating, and that one is ESRB-E 10+. (Description
Edit 2: Source for Ratings is the PlayStation store. USK is shown if you visit the German store, ESRB if you visit the US store.
Last edited by soulsource on 20 July 2022 at 2:30 pm UTC
1 Likes, Who?
Is it suitable for kids? I am sure my 9 year old will ask for it the moment she learn about it. Thanks!https://arstechnica.com/gaming/2022/07/game-review-stray-redefines-the-adventure-genre-with-a-cats-eye-view/
I want to be clear: If you are sensitive about violence against domesticated cats, failing a challenge in Stray may be difficult for you. These moments can include small, otherworldly creatures crowding over your cat's lifeless body as the camera hovers over until you press a button to try again from a checkpoint. There is no gore, and there is no disturbing animation of something that resembles an attack. But while I found the presentation of these challenging moments tasteful, Stray's protagonist is so carefully rendered that I could see cat lovers being very bothered. As such, BlueTwelve should probably include an "immediate cut to black" option in its menus.
1 Likes, Who?
Philadelphus Jul 20, 2022
I am an idiot, it does. I was expecting a "Continue" or "Load game" option on the main menu, but it's simply behind the "Start game" button. It's all good now.Unfortunately it doesn't seem to transfer saves across devices, I was going to continue on my PC with graphics at max but only had the option to start a new game. Maybe I'll do it for a future replay.It's supposed to, it had Steam Cloud support.
1 Likes, Who?
Mountain Man Jul 20, 2022
The primary criticism I've read is that it's a short, linear, "Press X to make something cool happen" game. Given the title of the game, I was hoping for a free roam experience rather than one that prevents you from straying off the golden path.
0 Likes
World details are amazing, sound is really good, animations are well done. Howerver, theres hardly any gameplay. Its more of a walking simulator with some extremely easy puzzles. You can't even fail jumps, it's mostly just press this button to do that when facing something, more like a QTE style thing than actual gameplay. I mean its good if you want to switch off your brain and just be a cat i guess.
1 Likes, Who?
I started playing it on the Deck. When using the game mode (steam mode?), I had several random crashes. Once when I was laying down next to the musician fore instance. When I started the game from desktop mode I had no crash any more. Did not matter, which Proton version I used.
I finished the game on the PC though and I had no crash there, either.
Yeah, it is a rather linear game. But I enjoyed it anyway. There is one horror part where huge eyes follow you. That could creep someone out. I would not let my 7 year old play the game yet. Too much action when those Zurks (I hope I remember the name of those red eyed "rats" correctly) chase you through the sewers. I was scared at some point :D
I might try to get more achievements later but not now.
I finished the game on the PC though and I had no crash there, either.
Yeah, it is a rather linear game. But I enjoyed it anyway. There is one horror part where huge eyes follow you. That could creep someone out. I would not let my 7 year old play the game yet. Too much action when those Zurks (I hope I remember the name of those red eyed "rats" correctly) chase you through the sewers. I was scared at some point :D
I might try to get more achievements later but not now.
0 Likes
Philadelphus Jul 26, 2022
Huh, weird, I haven't had a single crash in ~1.75 hours playing on the Deck (in "game mode"). Odd that there'd be that difference between two Decks.
0 Likes
Huh, weird, I haven't had a single crash in ~1.75 hours playing on the Deck (in "game mode"). Odd that there'd be that difference between two Decks.
I found out that my Deck had an issue. Horizon Zero Dawn crashed frequently on me, like other hardware demanding games, too. I RMAd my Deck and got a new one. But people still have this issue with their new Decks. So I was afraid to play any demanding game since I received it back.
https://steamcommunity.com/app/1675200/discussions/1/3186864655209404156/
0 Likes
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