Stay

72%
Game Brain Score Based on 109 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Stay Game Cover
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.
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"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."

  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
  • Play​station 4
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Play​Station
  • Play​station Vita
  • Xbox
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

72%
Audience ScoreBased on 109 reviews
story23 positive mentions
grinding4 negative mentions
  • The game features a unique and engaging premise where players communicate with a character named Quinn, creating a strong emotional connection.
  • The pixel art and soundtrack are well-executed, enhancing the overall atmosphere of the game.
  • The game offers multiple endings and replayability, encouraging players to explore different choices and outcomes.
  • Many puzzles are overly cryptic and lack clear hints, leading to frustration and reliance on external guides.
  • The pacing can be inconsistent, with some chapters feeling tedious due to repetitive dialogue and lengthy text.
  • Quinn's character can be unlikable and frustrating, which may detract from the player's overall experience.
  • story75 mentions

    The story of the game is praised for its emotional depth and complexity, focusing on themes of mental health, guilt, and depression, with players feeling a strong connection to the protagonist, Quinn. While the narrative is engaging and offers multiple endings, some players found the ending disappointing and felt that the puzzles detracted from the overall experience. Overall, the storytelling is considered a standout feature, with immersive elements that keep players invested, despite some frustrations with gameplay mechanics.

    • “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 central conceit of the game and its story is mostly acceptable, although believability suffers the longer the game goes on. 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.”
    • “I tried really hard to like this game. I mean, the idea is great, and I would really like to know what the story is, but I couldn't go farther without feeling like I was forcing myself to play this game and hating it all the time, feeling like I am wasting my time for a story perhaps not worth it.”
  • gameplay21 mentions

    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 game offers a substantial length of playtime, but the execution of its themes and mechanics can lead to a disjointed experience, with some players feeling that the storyline detracts from the overall enjoyment. Overall, while the game has potential, it may require patience and a willingness to navigate its more challenging aspects.

    • “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.”
  • music19 mentions

    The music in the game is widely praised for its ability to create a captivating and atmospheric experience, enhancing the overall tension and mystery. While the soundtrack is described as beautiful and fitting for the game's mood, some players noted that the limited number of tracks can lead to repetitiveness. Overall, the combination of high-quality music and pixel art contributes significantly to the game's immersive qualities.

    • “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.”
  • graphics18 mentions

    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 the visuals enhance the storytelling and puzzle-solving experience. Overall, the pixel graphics are a standout feature that resonates well with 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.”
    • “Not because they're 'bad graphics' or anything, it's more of just preference and the feel.”
    • “Stay is a story-driven, pixel art style, puzzle-filled video game that will immediately keep you hooked.”
  • emotional14 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Stay" is deeply impactful, as players can actively monitor and influence the emotional bond and trust levels with the character Quinn, creating a sense of responsibility and investment in his journey. Many reviewers highlight the game's ability to evoke strong feelings, including sadness and empathy, through its unique storytelling and character development, making it a memorable experience that resonates on a personal level. Overall, "Stay" is praised for delivering a touching and emotionally rich narrative that stands out 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.”
  • atmosphere9 mentions

    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 sense of mystery and unease.

    • “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.”
  • replayability7 mentions

    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, and the different ways you can drive him to end his own life.”
  • humor6 mentions

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

    • “The writing is brilliant and intelligent throughout the entire game; the casual conversation with the character is deep and often very funny and sarcastic, with numerous 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.”
  • grinding4 mentions

    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 unnecessarily prolonged. Overall, while the game's premise and aesthetics are praised, the execution in terms of pacing and character engagement leaves much to be desired.

    • “After each death, you have to replay the chapter, and there's no option to fast forward the 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 lot more playtesting and refinement before it was released, especially in the puzzle design and making us care about our slow, tedious typist of a protagonist.”
    • “Basically, talking to our character is unpleasant and tedious.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game has drawn criticism for incorporating unexpected puzzles that disrupt the narrative flow, which some players feel detracts from the overall experience. This element may be a dealbreaker for those who were not anticipating such gameplay mechanics based on prior advertising.

  • character development1 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the game misses significant opportunities for character development, particularly with the character Quinn, who is portrayed primarily as a grieving partner rather than a complex individual. This lack of depth diminishes player engagement and makes their role feel inconsequential within 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 simply being 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.”
    • “The character development feels shallow and one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with the characters on any meaningful level.”
    • “There are moments that could have been used to explore the characters' backstories, but instead, the game rushes through them, leaving players with a sense of missed potential.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

65% average critic score

Buy Stay

Play time

6hMedian play time
6hAverage play time
6-6hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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