10 Adorable Animals That Will Melt Your Heart in the Stray Sequel

Highlights

Stray's gameplay focused on platforming with a cat protagonist who behaved realistically but had some obedience to players and NPCs.

A potential sequel or spin-off of Stray has the possibility to enhance gameplay in distinctive ways. It would be unfortunate if Annapurna doesn't pursue a similar game that could be just as engaging.

In a potential Stray sequel, there is the opportunity to introduce various new animals to roleplay as, such as dogs, mice/rats, birds, spiders, and squid/octopuses. Each animal would offer distinct gameplay possibilities.

Stray proudly embraced its unique feature of having a cat protagonist that behaved authentically like a real cat—almost. Although it responded to player commands and interacted with non-player characters, there was still an element of obedience and compliance, surpassing what a cat would typically exhibit. The gameplay primarily focused on straightforward platforming, emphasizing cinematic engagement rather than interactive challenge. Now, the chance arises for a Stray sequel or spin-off to enhance the gameplay in thrilling ways.

Stray may ultimately stand alone as a single game without any future connections or continuations, and that would be perfectly acceptable. However, given its remarkable distinction as an animal-centered game, where the cat finds itself as a metaphorical fish out of water in its surroundings, it would be a pity if Annapurna never explored a similar concept. To further enhance its uniqueness, a Stray sequel should introduce a new adorable animal for players to assume the role of.

Dog

A dog would be the obvious choice for animal enthusiasts who are already drawn to their endearing and delightful characteristics. However, structuring gameplay around a dog could prove to be more challenging. The captivating and charming cat-centric interactions in Stray allowed it to stand out, while the cat's agile platforming abilities added to the immersive experience. Dogs, on the other hand, are not as agile, and although their interactions with NPCs and the environment would undeniably be adorable, the sequel would need to find a wholly unique approach to design gameplay that aligns with the activities dogs are realistically capable of accomplishing, as whimsical platforming may not be feasible.

Mouse/Rat

Introducing a mouse or rat as the main character would offer an exciting twist, as it would allow fans to delve into environments on a smaller scale than ever before. These agile creatures possess lightning-fast reflexes, enabling them to access even the narrowest of passages. Furthermore, they could encounter enemies much larger in size, who might try to crush or hunt them down. In fact, we could even incorporate a unique element into Stray by introducing a cat as an antagonist, adding a thrilling escape aspect to the gameplay. Moreover, rats are often associated with disease and unease, providing Annapurna with an opportunity to challenge these perceptions or creatively leverage them to enhance the narrative.

Bird

A bird would completely ignore platforming sequences, but it would still be intriguing to navigate through areas while in flight, particularly if these areas are as dystopian and imaginative as Stray’s setting. Alternatively, players could potentially assume the role of a bird with a damaged wing, resulting in temporary inability to fly in the sequel. In any case, incorporating bird gameplay could provide a more comprehensive exploration of Stray's verticality, although Death's Door may have already dominated the market with its adorable bird-themed games.

Spider

Like a bird in a Stray sequel, a spider faces a similar dilemma. Spiders are not commonly perceived as cute, but that hasn't deterred game developers from challenging this perception. Webbed, an endearing indie game, allows players to navigate and solve puzzles using web-slinging mechanics. The game's protagonist, a leaping spider, can even showcase its charm by waving its legs and engaging in a playful dance. It can even ride a skateboard. While a Stray sequel with similar elements could be enjoyable, it may lack the uniqueness that comes from exploring new experiences.

Squid/Octopus

Players can delve into a dystopian underwater world with a squid or octopus, offering a unique contrast to the usual bird-centered games. In this setting, it is plausible that humans or robots may seek sanctuary in the ocean, potentially making it the last vestige of civilization. By assuming the role of a marine creature, one can freely navigate through captivating coral reefs and eerie deep trenches, delivering an unparalleled experience distinct from Stray. Despite this deviation, players can still enjoy controlling an adorable animal. Stray is currently accessible on PC, PS4, and PS5.