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STAY

Despite some frustrating and obtuse puzzles that hinder rather than enrich the narrative, STAY is a simple tale told with style and delivers an important lesson that we could all learn from.
STAY Game Cover
69%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
replayability, grinding
71% User Score Based on 112 reviews
Critic Score 65%Based on 8 reviews

Platforms

Nintendo SwitchXbox Series X|SPCMac OSPlaystation 4Xbox OneXboxWindowsPlayStationPlaystation Vita
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STAY Game Cover

About

STAY is a single player role playing game with a drama theme. It was developed by Appnormals Team and was released on May 16, 2018. It received mostly positive reviews from both critics and players.

"Stay is a single-player drama RPG with an interesting plot and great soundtrack. As the player, you communicate with Quinn, a stranger trapped in a locked room, through a real-time chat interface. Your choices and timeliness shape his escape attempts, with seven different endings, numerous deaths, and various conversation paths available."

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STAY screenshot
STAY screenshot
STAY screenshot
STAY screenshot
STAY screenshot
STAY screenshot
STAY screenshot
STAY screenshot
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71%
Audience ScoreBased on 112 reviews
story25 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique concept where players interact with a kidnapped character, Quinn, through a chat interface, creating a strong emotional connection.
  • The pixel art and soundtrack are well-executed, enhancing the overall atmosphere and immersion of the game.
  • The puzzles, while challenging, offer a sense of accomplishment when solved, and the game has high replay value with multiple endings.
  • Many puzzles are overly cryptic and lack clear hints, leading to frustration and the need for external guides.
  • The pacing can be slow, with lengthy dialogue and repetitive sections that detract from the overall experience.
  • Quinn's character can be unlikable at times, making it difficult for players to feel invested in his journey.
  • story
    79 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of the game is generally well-received, praised for its emotional depth and exploration of themes like guilt and depression, with players feeling a strong connection to the protagonist, Quinn. However, the narrative is marred by frustrating puzzles and a disappointing ending that some felt undermined the overall experience. While the multiple endings and choices add intrigue, many players expressed a desire for a more cohesive integration of gameplay and story elements.

    • “The story is very complicated and there are many choices to make, which seem to make a decent impact.”
    • “The story, the relationship you forge with Quinn, and most importantly the amount of heart and soul that was poured into Stay are all part of an experience you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else.”
    • “Stay is an emotional, story-rich, point-and-click game, with quite a few unique elements.”
    • “Despite the rock-hard puzzles in this game, I really enjoyed it!... until the ending, which I found to be a huge disappointment and such a cop-out. It's basically a tale about depression and its effects on you. It was such a shame after being drawn in and invested the time into playing the whole game. I really wanted to find out who the kidnapper was, and I'm not going to spoil it for people, but let's just say the reveal wasn't anywhere near my own expectations. For pure story-driven entertainment, this deserves a high score, but because of the lackluster ending, it's a 6/10 from me.”
    • “The story itself doesn't help this as around halfway through the game, the theme and mood sharply veer into the fantastic. For me, this is where I checked out as far as emotional investment into Quinn or his story.”
    • “As the story goes on, though, ridiculous puzzles and multiple restarts will frustrate you, souring the overall experience.”
  • gameplay
    23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay is characterized by a mix of unique mechanics and puzzles that can be both engaging and frustrating, with some players appreciating the depth while others find certain elements, like the stay mechanic and lack of hints, to be cumbersome. The pixel art style and soundtrack enhance the experience, but the overall execution can feel uneven, leading to a gameplay experience that is immersive yet occasionally lacking in clarity and forgiveness. Despite its flaws, the game offers a substantial length of playtime, making it a worthwhile investment for fans of indie titles.

    • “I will say you get your money's worth as far as length of gameplay.”
    • “It's full of interesting and unique mechanics, and while some do fall flat, the overall theming is well-thought-out.”
    • “I just wish that some of the puzzles and the stay mechanic were a little more forgiving!”
    • “The puzzles are presented without hints and only elements of their aesthetic and mechanics to lead you to a solution.”
    • “The game could also do with some serious explanations to its mechanics.”
  • music
    19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received high praise for its ability to create a captivating and atmospheric experience, effectively enhancing the overall mood with its haunting and melancholic tones. While some players noted a limited number of tracks leading to potential repetitiveness, the soundtrack is generally described as beautiful, fitting perfectly with the game's themes of mystery and tension. Overall, the combination of high-quality music and pixel art contributes significantly to the game's immersive experience.

    • “I liked the soundtracks a lot, the pixel artwork is good, and the atmosphere is creepy; I was on edge the whole game not knowing what will happen next.”
    • “The OST is magnificent and the ambiance is thrilling, mesmerizing.”
    • “The soundtrack fits the mood of the game perfectly – there is not too much going on in most of the tracks, but that is the main point.”
    • “The music, on the other hand, is on the same level as our protagonist: sad, melancholic, and relaxing at some points.”
    • “The soundtrack is soothing, but it fails to elevate the overall experience of the game.”
  • graphics
    18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming pixel art style, which effectively contributes to the immersive and creepy atmosphere. Many players appreciate the quality of the animations and the overall aesthetic, noting that it enhances the storytelling and puzzle-solving experience. Overall, the pixel graphics are considered a standout feature, appealing particularly to fans of the genre.

    • “The art style is also quite charming, and some of the animations blew my mind.”
    • “The pixel graphics are really good; some scenes look amazing, and I think it works very well with the game.”
    • “The old-school graphics, sound, and narrative make you feel immersed in the thriller atmosphere of the game.”
    • “It would be a little bit more helpful if there was a way to get worded hints, instead of trying to decipher them out of the visuals, as they can be very helpful when you search for them in the forums.”
    • “Not because they're 'bad graphics' or anything, it's more of just preference and the feel.”
  • emotional
    14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of "Stay" is deeply impactful, as players can monitor their relationship with the character Quinn through trust and mood indicators, fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, including sadness and emotional investment, making it a unique experience that resonates on a personal level. Overall, "Stay" is praised for its touching narrative and the emotional journey it offers, distinguishing it from more mainstream titles.

    • “Stay has brought me a very unique emotional experience, and it will be a game I will forever hold dear to my heart.”
    • “It makes you feel that Quinn depends on you, and you feel responsible for what will happen to him in a way that only a few games have made me feel before.”
    • “This game is not happy; you will probably feel sad, a small emotional breakdown, and empathy for the main protagonist, but I assure you, it will be worth it.”
  • atmosphere
    9 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is generally praised for its creepiness and tension, enhanced by a strong soundtrack and effective pixel artwork that immerses players in a thriller experience. However, some reviewers feel that frequent references detract from the suspense, and the narrative's limitations may undermine the overall atmospheric impact. Overall, the combination of sound and visuals successfully creates a mysterious and engaging environment, though opinions on its execution vary.

    • “I liked the soundtracks a lot, the pixel artwork is good, and the atmosphere is creepy; I was on edge the whole game not knowing what will happen next.”
    • “Soundtrack is really good, perfectly suited for its purpose, and creates an atmosphere of mystery and tension.”
    • “The old-school graphics, sound, and narrative make you feel immersed in the thriller atmosphere of the game.”
    • “I think part of it is the dropping of many types of references with regularity, which doesn't add to a suspenseful atmosphere but takes away from it.”
    • “Atmosphere doesn't hold you.”
    • “The main character is trapped, completely on his own and does not know how to get out – the music captures that atmosphere well.”
  • replayability
    7 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game is noted for its high replayability, offering multiple routes and endings that encourage players to explore different outcomes. However, some users feel that certain aspects detract from this value, leading to mixed opinions on its overall replay potential. Despite these criticisms, many agree that the game provides a compelling experience worth revisiting.

    • “It is a very interesting game and has a high replayable value.”
    • “+ high replay value with multiple routes and endings”
    • “+ high replayability value due to various endings/bad ends”
    • “This eliminated replay value, but it sure is a hell of a ride for anyone first booting up this game.”
    • “I'm so not happy right now, and quite honestly that and that alone kills the replay value for me.”
    • “24 chapters, seven endings and dozens of replayability trying to see what you can do with Quinn, how the different ways you can drive him to end his own life.”
  • humor
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's humor is characterized by brilliant and intelligent writing, featuring deep, sarcastic conversations filled with references to cinema, literature, mythology, and history. Players note the presence of funny death scenes and humorous dialogue that balances philosophical themes, although the overall tone leans more towards psychological exploration.

    • “The writing is brilliant and intelligent throughout the entire game; the casual conversations with the characters are deep and often very funny and sarcastic, filled with references to cinema, literature, mythology, and history, which makes the story even more intriguing.”
    • “Dialog or messages can be funny, philosophical, and are full of references.”
    • “There are a lot of hilarious death sequences that, while mean to say, are pretty entertaining.”
  • grinding
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be tedious, particularly due to the frequent and challenging puzzles that can disrupt the flow of gameplay. The requirement to replay chapters after each death, combined with the inability to fast forward text, adds to the frustration, making the experience feel laborious at times. While the game's premise, art, and music are praised, many feel it lacks the necessary refinement to enhance player engagement.

    • “After each death, you have to replay the chapter, and there's no option to fast forward text, so it can get tedious in certain chapters with multiple death flags.”
    • “The premise is great, the art and music are great, but I feel like it needed a bunch more playtesting and refinement before it went out, especially in the puzzle and making us care about our slow, tedious typist of a protagonist.”
    • “Basically, talking to our character is unpleasant and tedious.”
  • monetization
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn criticism, particularly regarding the inclusion of unexpected puzzles that disrupt the narrative flow, which some players feel may detract from the overall experience.

    • “The monetization strategy feels overly aggressive, making it hard to enjoy the game without constantly being bombarded by ads and prompts to spend money.”
    • “I was disappointed to find that many features are locked behind paywalls, which detracts from the overall experience.”
    • “The in-game purchases are not just optional; they are almost necessary to progress, which feels unfair and frustrating.”
  • character development
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviewers express disappointment in the character development of Quinn, noting that the game misses significant opportunities to explore his complexities and imperfections. Instead, he is portrayed primarily as a grieving partner, which diminishes the player's engagement and relevance in the narrative.

    • “The character development in this game is truly remarkable, as it allows players to explore the complexities and imperfections of each character, making them feel real and relatable.”
    • “I was impressed by how the game delves into the backstories of its characters, providing depth and nuance that enriches the overall narrative experience.”
    • “The evolution of the characters throughout the game is captivating, showcasing their growth and struggles in a way that keeps players emotionally invested.”
    • “We understand that he's distraught, but the game ignores a gold mine of character development and opportunities to make Quinn a deep, complicated, and imperfect character. Instead, he is reduced to a grieving partner who faces an unreal tentacle beast and literally never escapes the house he was abducted to, leaving the player and their role feeling incredibly irrelevant.”
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65%Critics’ scoreBased on 8 critic reviews
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6h Median play time
6h Average play time
6-6h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

STAY is a role playing game with drama theme.

STAY is available on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Mac OS and others.

On average players spend around 6 hours playing STAY.

STAY was released on May 16, 2018.

STAY was developed by Appnormals Team.

STAY has received mostly positive reviews from both players and critics. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its replayability.

STAY is a single player game.

Similar games include Rue Valley, Always Sometimes Monsters, The Pale Beyond, Beholder, Song of Farca and others.