New Free Game on Steam Has Serious Stray Vibes

Players who enjoyed the 2022 Game of the Year nominee Stray can enjoy a similar dystopian adventure starring an animal protagonist with Not My War, a stealthy isometric exploration game with a number of extra gameplay mechanics that set it apart from its sci-fi cat adventure predecessor. Just launched exclusively for PC via Steam on November 20, Not My War is already off to a steady start with “Very Positive” reviews, multiple patch releases, and an intriguing premise that may be worth checking out, especially considering it’s completely free to download and play.

For those unfamiliar, Stray received critical and commercial praise for its incredible world-building and unique story, which followed an adorable orange cat on its journey to escape a forlorn city populated by robots and surrounded by mutant creatures. Audiences applauded the simple gameplay with a cute lead character, though some criticisms pointed out a lack of gameplay beyond simple interactions, running, and jumping. For those who enjoyed Stray but would have preferred a bit more action in the way of game mechanics, Not My War may be just the title to scratch that explorative itch.

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Not My War Takes the Basics of Stray But Adds Combat and More

Not My War transports players to an island ransacked in the aftermath of a devastating war. Players must guide a clever ferret, formerly the subject of scientific experiments, on a journey to escape from the skeletal remains of humanity’s last stand against the very machines they created. The ferret must navigate through ever-changing patrols with the use of gadgets, like flash bangs and smoke grenades, while also using resources from the surrounding environment to distract the machines and evade their pursuit. Players must consider sightlines and sound when making split-second decisions, and time itself will pose its own threat. Not My War‘s day-night cycle alters visibility and enemy pathing, forcing players to adapt on the fly. For those who find themselves with no other options, hiding in burrows and lying in wait may be the only option for survival.

One of the more unique elements of Not My War is its implementation of a limited inventory system, similar to games like Resident Evil. As players gather various resources while making their escape, they will have to decide which items they will carry with them and which will be left behind. Different items offer helpful ways to avoid being spotted by the machines, so players will be wise to scavenge as much as possible while remembering they won’t be able to take everything with them.

During their search, players will encounter other survivors and can learn their stories through dialogue exchanges and environmental storytelling. The island is littered with the remains of the war, and the greater tale of what truly happened can be uncovered by exploring these military installations and piecing together how humanity fell while the forgotten experiments were left behind to survive on their own. Between searching through the rubble of the 3D isometric wasteland to leading the lonely ferret on a journey reminiscent of the story in Stray, Not My War offers a thoughtful balance of stealth, combat, and survival.

The popularity of games with animal protagonists is certainly no new phenomenon, with the likes of Sonic the Hedgehog, Spyro the Dragon, and Banjo-Kazooie among many older entries that first introduced heroically cute characters to lead the way for video game adventures. While more modern takes like Stray, and now Not My War, have prioritized deeply emotional tales over the more lighthearted fare of their predecessors, all have found their way into the hands of players who simply enjoy a mix of adorable animals and satisfying gameplay. Interested players can check out the leading ferret and dystopian story of Not My War for free on Steam and can follow along for more updates on the latest games coming to PC and console.