Straywas a revelation. It throws you into a world devoid of humans, where you, a resourceful kitty, unravel mysteries and navigate treacherous environments. The platforming and puzzle-solving are thrilling, but after devouring Stray in one weekend, I was left wanting more.

The story hooked me, the world-building was interesting, and navigating a neon-drenched cyberpunk city as a ginger tabby was undeniably cool. But, honestly, Stray’s frantic pace had me craving more… well, cat time.

Little Kitty, Big Cityis the game that swooped in, albeit two years later, that filled that void in my gamer heart. This game takes a decidedly less stressful approach. Here, I am a fluffy explorer, ready tounleash my inner mischief-makerin a city that caters to my whims. Think of it as Stray’s laidback cousin. Instead of neon-lit alleys, I can prance across bustling avenues and charming parks. Without the constant threat of Zurks (I died a lot to those), exploration becomes a delightful pursuit,filled with silly achievements to chaseand zero pressure to fight for your nine lives. In essence, it’s a game where the hardest decision you have to make is whether to find a fish to eat or nap on a pile of freshly laundered laundry.

Now, I’m not saying Stray isn’t a great cat simulator. It is. Scratching up couches? Check. Squeezing through impossibly tight spaces? Double check. Getting my head stuck in a paper bag? You betcha. In fact, it’s what had me craving more of this niche kitty genre in the first place. But Little Kitty, Big City dials it up to eleven. I can bat at potted plants with wreckless abandon, pounce on unsuspecting birds,and even wear fancy hats– because every cat secretly dreams of being a dapper gent, right? It’s about embracing the simple pleasures of cat life, and Little Kitty, Big City serves them up on a silver platter.

I can prove my love for these hats with the approximately 237 screenshots I have. Just ask.

While Stray offers a more compelling narrative, Little Kitty, Big City won me over with its unabashed charm. Think of Stray as a gripping adventure novel and Little Kitty, Big City as a heartwarming cartoon. Both have their place, depending on what kind of experience you’re looking for. But after playing both, I can say decidedly that the latter is the one that’ll have me coming back.

Don’t get me wrong, I loved the challenges that Stray presents. But, Little Kitty, Big City is that game you unwind with after a long day; somewhere I can shed my human worries, and embrace the carefree, playful spirit of a cat. So, if you’re like me and looking to relive the magic of Stray with a healthy dose of lighthearted fun that caters to your inner desire for a slower pace, then Little Kitty, Big City is your perfect Stray successor. Just be prepared to spend a significant amount of time doing some pretty dumb stuff. After all, isn’t that what cat games are all about?