Stray Children

About

Stray Children is a single player role playing game. It was developed by Onion Games and was released on October 30, 2025. It received positive reviews from players.

From the creators of beloved cult-classic videogames including Moon: Remix RPG Adventure, Chulip, and Rule of Rose, comes Stray Children: a bittersweet fairy tale adventure that will change the way you think about “children” and “adults”. What would you do if all the adults you know suddenly started attacking you? This is the story of children who try to survive and thrive in a world just like…

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Play Modes

Single-Player

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81%

Audience ScoreBased on 147 reviews

gameplay8 positive mentions

grinding18 negative mentions

Stray Children features stunning visuals and a captivating soundtrack that enhance the overall experience.
The game offers a unique and charming narrative that explores deep themes of childhood and adulthood, resonating emotionally with players.
The quirky humor and artistic style of Onion Games shine through, creating a memorable and engaging atmosphere.

The combat system can be frustratingly obtuse, with trial-and-error mechanics that often lead to tedious repetition and confusion.
Many players may find the game overly linear, with points of no return and missable items that can hinder progress and completion.
The dialogue and puzzle hints can sometimes feel vague or disconnected, making it difficult to intuitively solve challenges without external help.

gameplay
53 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
15%
77%
8%
The gameplay of "Stray Children" has drawn mixed reactions, with many players finding it frustrating due to its combination of bullet hell mechanics and obtuse puzzles. While some appreciate the challenge and the homage to classic games like "Undertale," others criticize the repetitive gameplay loop and unclear mechanics that detract from the overall experience. Despite its gorgeous visuals and intriguing story, the gameplay often feels unpolished and can be a barrier for those seeking a more streamlined experience.
- “The gameplay can be frustrating with the combination of obtuse puzzles and bullet hell, but it does serve a purpose in showing what it's like to be a kid and trying to talk and connect with adults.”
- “The bosses are the most inspired part of the gameplay, as their patterns are much more interesting and flashy compared to common enemies, and the battles force you to truly master the patterns.”
- “Gorgeous visuals, an incredible soundtrack, tricky and rewarding gameplay, and a story unlike anything else.”
- “Had I known the core mechanic of this game was bullet hell combat, I would have saved myself the aggravation and just watched the story on YouTube or something.”
- “The gameplay loop ends up becoming: reach area, watch cutscene, grind or exorcize everyone by participating in the tedious combat, defeat boss, unlock new area, and repeat.”
- “The game is plagued by repetition and weird combat/gameplay decisions that make the experience frustrating and boring.”
story
46 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
24%
69%
7%
The story of the game is praised for its dark yet humorous tone, intricate emotional depth, and unique presentation, drawing comparisons to cult classics like "Moon" and "Undertale." While some players find the narrative engaging and thought-provoking, others criticize it for being convoluted or lacking a strong plot. Overall, the game offers a bittersweet fairy-tale experience that resonates with many, despite its challenges in gameplay and storytelling coherence.
- “Story is one of the best I've seen in a game in a while and is very dark in places while still being very funny at times.”
- “The story, as it unfolds, is dark and sad with just that glimmer of warmth at the end.”
- “Lovable characters throughout the game bring to life a colorful story full of funny, thought-provoking dialogue and themes.”
- “The story hook starts out strong, but soon enough we're layers deep in metaphor and nonsense stories.”
- “The game doesn't have a plot so much as it does a lot of ham-handed social commentary that it wields like a club: one of the first enemies you fight is a mutated bird that complains about the internet.”
- “There are barely any notable characters to speak of and the plot is virtually nonexistent.”
music
32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
63%
28%
9%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its ability to enhance the overall experience, with many reviewers highlighting its diversity, charm, and emotional resonance. The soundtrack is described as fantastic, fitting perfectly with the game's visuals and atmosphere, and is noted for its catchy and memorable compositions. Overall, the combination of impressive music and art contributes significantly to the game's unique personality and immersive world.
- “The soundtrack remains solid, fun, somber, and good throughout.”
- “A wonderful soundtrack stacked with equally tranquil as well as bombastic music alongside thoughtfully-drawn, charming pixel art wraps everything up into a heartfelt world that is deserving of your time.”
- “The music is fantastic and the little sound effects, from every time the dog-faced boy's feet pitter-patter as he walks to the campfire crackling every time you take a break, every little sound added to the charm in this game.”
- “I'm surprised the soundtrack isn't available yet since the music is good too.”
- “The soundtrack accompanying each area always manages to fit perfectly, with incredibly strong highs and acceptable lows.”
- “The environments remind me a lot of moon and the music does its job of fitting the tone.”
graphics
21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
52%
34%
14%
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their stunning visuals and nostalgic aesthetic, effectively capturing the charm of 90s-era pixel art reminiscent of classic SNES and PlayStation titles. The unique onion art style and meticulous attention to detail create a visually captivating world that enhances the overall experience, although some players find certain visual effects overwhelming. Overall, the game's graphics stand out as a significant strength, complementing its intriguing story and emotional depth.
- “Gorgeous visuals, an incredible soundtrack, tricky and rewarding gameplay, and a story unlike anything else.”
- “The graphics and art style are great, even if some visual effects are overbearing.”
- “This is the absolute best attempt I have ever seen at recreating that old SNES/PlayStation pre-rendered art style.”
- “The designs in general are kind of ugly (though the aesthetic of the game itself is pretty) and forgettable, and nothing I've played in the past 2 hours has been fun.”
- “Many other indie games try to recreate these visuals but always fall flat; for the most part, Stray Children looks like it genuinely was made 30 years ago with period-accurate tools.”
- “I love the aesthetic, I love the overall feel and look and the vibes of the world and characters, but there are a few pretty glaring things that make me feel less sure about actually enjoying the gameplay itself.”
grinding
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The grinding aspect of the game is widely criticized for being excessively tedious and frustrating, with many players noting that combat encounters drag on too long and often require trial and error to navigate cryptic hints. While some appreciate the game's world and design, the repetitive nature of the gameplay loop and the lack of engaging combat mechanics lead to a sense of monotony that may deter players from continuing. Overall, the grinding experience is seen as a significant drawback, overshadowing the game's positive elements.
- “It gets incredibly tedious with very cryptic hints I only understood after I brute forced them.”
- “Ultimately it is an extremely tedious process, as even with hints there is a lot of trial and error, plus there are a lot of enemies.”
- “The fights with olders are so tedious, inscrutable, and so very, very long.”
atmosphere
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
61%
22%
17%
The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique charm, emotional depth, and distinct environments, creating a nostalgic and immersive experience. Players appreciate the combination of excellent art, music, and character design, which contribute to a surreal yet comforting ambiance. However, some note that the gameplay mechanics can disrupt this atmosphere, though the overall sentiment is that the game offers a rich, thought-provoking world worth exploring.
- “Each area has its own mini-narrative, there's some funny moments here and there, quite a bit of charm, some real shocker scenes, generally excellent atmosphere; it's nice but don't expect it to deeply impact you unless you really resonate with some of the themes.”
- “Seemingly lost to the modern age; the warm, comforting atmosphere will bring you back to a simpler time which will make you feel like a kid again.”
- “It's the love-de-lic atmosphere and writing we love, bundled with the amazing art and soundtrack we cherish.”
- “Definitely check this out if you don't mind a little gameplay friction and a surreal, slightly melancholy atmosphere, or even if you're looking for something inspired directly by Undertale; which in itself was inspired by this game's spiritual predecessor, Moon.”
- “The atmosphere and the graphics are quite charming and nice, all the environments feel distinct and talking to the NPCs is always nice and interesting. The game is quite emotional in its nature and I also really liked that it has a nice mix between light-hearted and dark undertones that I really enjoyed.”
- “Above all else, it's the atmosphere and the writing that resonates with me the most.”
emotional
15 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its deeply emotional narrative, which intertwines lighthearted and dark themes, leaving players feeling profoundly moved, especially by its impactful ending. Reviewers highlight the thoughtful storytelling, charming art, and evocative soundtrack that enhance the emotional experience, making it a standout title that resonates with players on a personal level. Overall, it is described as a heartfelt journey that rewards those willing to invest time and effort into its rich, interconnected fables about adulthood and personal meaning.
- “That being said, this game delivered on everything I ever wanted; it surprised me immensely with very deep cut references and a very strong, emotional plot.”
- “A phenomenal follow-up to Moon RPG that left me feeling deeply moved in ways no other game has made me feel.”
- “The emotional rollercoaster is balanced; the story is great, and the ending leaves me wanting, but understanding that it's over, which is very thematic.”
humor
13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The humor in the game is characterized by a unique blend of dark and quirky elements, with a charming artistic style that enhances its comedic moments. Players appreciate the witty dialogue, lovable characters, and humorous nods to classic games, all contributing to a vibrant atmosphere filled with both lighthearted and thought-provoking themes. Overall, the humor is a standout feature, making the experience enjoyable despite the game's more serious undertones.
- “Yoshiro Kimura and his team have a specific sense of humor and artistic style that's very instantly charming.”
- “Always imbued with great humor and charm.”
- “Lovable characters throughout the game bring to life a colorful story full of funny, thought-provoking dialogue and themes.”
character development
3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
100%
Reviewers note that the character development is deeply integrated with the game's unique artistic style, enhancing the overall experience and immersion. The design of each character reflects a cohesive aesthetic that resonates throughout the game.
- “The character development is incredibly rich, with each character having a unique backstory that adds depth to the overall narrative.”
- “I love how the characters evolve throughout the game, making choices that truly impact their growth and relationships.”
- “The attention to detail in character design and development creates a captivating experience that keeps me invested in their journeys.”
- “The character development feels shallow and lacks depth, making it hard to connect with the protagonists.”
- “I was disappointed by the lack of meaningful choices that impact character growth throughout the game.”
- “The characters seem one-dimensional, and their arcs don't evolve in a satisfying way.”