Best Games Where You Play As A Dog

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog

Key Takeaways

  • Play as a human’s loyal companion or a canine detective in these charming and adventurous dog-themed games.
  • From rapping superstar dogs to cute golfing canines, there’s a game for everyone who loves pups!
  • Embark on emotional journeys, solve puzzles, and swing through colorful worlds with dog heroes in captivating narratives.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades under my belt, I must say these two games have piqued my interest! The first one, “Ninja Cats vs Samurai Dogs,” seems like a delightful blend of strategy and tower defense, set in a visually appealing Japanese watercolor cartoon world. Its engaging gameplay and dreamy classical soundtrack are certainly intriguing.


When someone says, “It’s a dog’s life,” they’re suggesting it’s hard or uneventful. However, these games demonstrate quite the contrary! These titles are brimming with adventure and brain-teasing puzzles, all while featuring delightful canine protagonists guiding the journey. Players get to experience the comfort of being a beloved pet, solve mysteries as a streetwise detective, and so much more.

Whether exploring the Scottish countryside or battling against feline supremacy, these amazing dogs will keep players entertained for hours. Step into the paws of a canine hero and embark on an unforgettable adventure.

1 PaRappa The Rapper Remastered

The World’s Only Superstar Rapping Dog

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog

Star Canine Parappa stands out as the Hip Hop counterpart of Vanilla Ice in the canine world, famed yet not considered the top-tier rapper; he’s on a quest to redefine his status. The game features six tracks to conquer, employing a traditional rhythm action style. However, achieving Good or Cool ratings is more challenging than it seems! It’s not about mindless button-pressing here – success in rapping lies in mastering the nuances of timing and rhythm. This enhanced remastered version also offers additional content, perfect for those who originally played on PlayStation and seek a bit more to savor.

Experiencing a two-dimensional rapping canine character like PaRappa is a heap of goofy, enjoyable fun, especially for those who enjoyed this game previously. PaRappa represents the roots of rhythm games and is worth playing to understand their origins. Whether players are drawn back for nostalgia or curiosity about the buzz, they’re in for some great entertainment.

2 Sam & Max Hit The Road

Crack The Toughest Cases As A Canine Detective

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog

Sam & Max: Hitting the Road” is an enduringly popular satirical game from the ’90s that continues to attract players today. The game features a dog in a trench coat and a sarcastic rabbit, who for some reason, doesn’t don any clothes. This eccentric detective duo are on the hunt for a missing creature in this animated cult favorite, encountering an array of intriguing characters along the way. The narrative is entertaining and engaging, while the interactive settings are brimming with mini-games to enjoy.

Although the game has a vibrant cartoon-like appearance similar to Ren & Stimpy, it’s not suitable for children. Sam & Max Hit The Road may not be as mature as its comic book origins, but it does feature some odd and edgy content, with a penchant for humor that borders on the excessive. While the dialogue is clever and amusing, there are numerous jokes that are inappropriate for younger audiences. This game is definitely recommended for teenagers and young adults who enjoy retro titles!

3 Dog Gone Golfing

Master The Art Of Dog Golfing

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog
  • Platform(s): PC, PS4, Switch, Mobile, macOS
  • Released: August 25, 2017
  • Developers(s): Vagabond Dog
  • Genre(s): Sports

This unique golf game, “Dog Gone Golfing”, is an entertaining choice for those not typically drawn to golf. It carries a nostalgic feel similar to the classic “Worms” with its pixelated graphics and 2D perspective. The gameplay is straightforward, combining power control with trajectory management. It offers various modes, allowing players to engage in a single-player campaign or a collaborative pass-and-play experience with a buddy. The charm of “Dog Gone Golfing” lies in its blend of frustration and skill, making it highly addictive!

Although it’s called “Dog Gone Golfing,” there are no golf balls involved. Instead, players whack hockey pucks across the green, trying to slide them into challenging holes to achieve the highest score possible. The most enjoyable part of the game is competing against a friend for an extra dash of excitement. But if you don’t have a friend nearby, you can play against AI (represented by Robotic K-9 units) or engage in the never-ending mode with randomly generated courses. This adorable and laid-back canine arcade game has something for everyone.

4 Disney Bolt

A Nostalgic Adventure With A Canine Hero

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog
  • Platform(s): PC, PS2, PS3, Xbox 360, Wii, Nintendo DS
  • Released: November 18, 2008
  • Developer(s): Avalanche Software, Altron
  • Genre(s): Action-adventure, Platformer

The video game titled Disney’s Bolt became playable soon after the movie’s release, and it isn’t necessary to watch the film before diving into the game. Just like any superhero tale, the story offers an engaging battle between good and evil. Players get to choose between assuming the roles of two key characters: cunning hacker Penny or powerful superdog Bolt. As the game advances, players uncover new abilities; however, Bolt’s combat style is often sufficient to defeat even large groups of adversaries.

Among the characters, Bolt’s levels are probably the most captivating for many players. There’s just something irresistibly charming and amusing about the way Bolt charges towards enemies, nose first. The gameplay is dramatic and thrilling, and even though it’s an older title, it still boasts a visually appealing design without losing any of its original grace. Interestingly, while Bolt appeals to kids, it offers a level of challenge that keeps adult gamers engaged as well.

5 Okami HD

Take On The Role Of Wolf Goddess

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog

The game titled Okami, unlike any other adventure title, immerses you in a delightfully quirky Japanese setting. Your mission: vanquish an eight-headed beast responsible for devastating a once enchanting realm. The visuals, reminiscent of a Japanese artist’s sketchbook, are fluid and fashionable. Mastering the controls is straightforward, yet the combat is engaging; however, you might find yourself yearning to gallop around as the mystical canine for extended periods instead.

First off, I must admit that Okami initially appears to be a somber expedition into a mythical Japanese narrative. However, it doesn’t take long to realize this game is far more than just a tale. It’s brimming with warmth, humor, and an unexpected dose of dog-centric amusement. As the sun goddess Amaterasu, I transform into a pure white wolf, engaging in battles against enemies, but also barking, unearthing bones, and snagging birds – all things a typical canine would do. Truth be told, Okami is an extraordinary gem unlike any other game out there, and it’s a visual treat for the eyes.

6 Chicory: A Colorful Tale

Step Into A Colorful World

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog

In “Chicory: A Vibrant Story,” players are encouraged to enter a vividly colored world that seems to have lost its hues due to an enigma. The absent-minded artist, Chicory, who is known for splashing colors everywhere, has vanished as well. Now, as his biggest admirer, it’s your task to bring color back to the world and find the missing master of the brush.

In this game, players traverse a whimsical side-scrolling landscape, painting and problem-solving together or individually. Initially, it might appear as a charming drawing simulator, but as you delve deeper into the adventure, it becomes clear that ominous forces lurk beneath the surface in this world. What sinister powers are active here? And what befell Chicory? There’s a wealth of secrets to discover, collectibles to gather, and fresh brush styles and hues to reveal, making it an ideal choice for completionists. The narrative is moving and unpredictable, and overall, this game should not be underestimated.

7 Super Space Pug

Defend Against Fish-Flinging Felines

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog
  • Platform(s): PC
  • Released: June 4, 2016
  • Developer(s): Digital Dawn Studios
  • Genre(s): Arcade shmup

Any gamer seeking a thrilling, retro-style chaos should give Super Space Pug a try. In this game, you’ll assume the role of Demetrius the Third, an adorable space-faring pup on a mission to vanquish evil feline cosmonauts. As soon as you hit Play in Super Space Pug, you’re thrust into an action-packed asteroid field battle. This isn’t a game for those aiming to emerge victorious, but rather for those who enjoy testing their survival skills!

Just as any great arcade title, Super Space Pug brims with unrelenting excitement and power-ups that shift the game’s dynamics. Those who have enjoyed classic arcade games like Moon Patrol or Exisus will find a familiar horizontal shoot-em-up experience. The gameplay is relentless and thrilling, whether players employ the Poop Cannon to obliterate meteors or hurl ninja stars at pesky space felines. This is an incredibly enjoyable game for solo adventurers or for friendly competition amidst the cosmos.

8 Ninja Cats vs Samurai Dogs

Lead An Army Of Samurai Dogs

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog
  • Platform(s): PC
  • Released: February 21, 2014
  • Developer(s): Eutechnyx
  • Genre(s): Strategy

In a fun blend of real-time strategy and tower defense gameplay, you’ll find yourself immersed in the addictive clash between Ninja Felines and Samurai Canines, dubbed as “Ninja Cats vs Samurai Dogs”! You can pick your allegiance: lead a cunning band of ninja cats or a disciplined pack of samurai puppies. While dogs are the undisputed rulers in this list, the gameplay is designed to be easy to grasp yet hard to put down. The setting is a captivating Japanese watercolor animated universe, and the soundtrack features soothing classical Japanese music that perfectly enhances the atmosphere.

65 exciting stages await in the game “Ninja Cats vs Samurai Dogs“. As you progress, each level becomes progressively more challenging. Success hinges on strategy, as players can opt for a direct assault on the enemy base or take a more diverse route to reach the end. The experience is unique to each player as they blend magic and martial arts in their quest to fend off waves of furry adversaries.

9 Grapple Dog

Swing Through A Cute Adventure

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog
  • Platform(s): PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Switch
  • Released: February 10, 2022
  • Developer(s): Medallion Games
  • Genre(s): Action, Platformer

Grapple Dog is an entertaining and meticulously crafted 2D, pixel-art platform game reminiscent of old-school platformers. Players assume the character of Pablo the Grapple Dog, who finds a potent grappling hook to traverse each level with ease. The gameplay offers traditional platformer enjoyment: dodge dangerous spikes, fight tough enemies as bosses, and gather sparkling gems.

As a captivated player, I find myself drawn into the heartwarming tale of Pablo, who inadvertently unleashes the malevolent Nul upon the world once more. With his indomitable spirit, I join him on this thrilling adventure, eagerly tackling each formidable level that lies ahead. The gameplay controls are a joy to master, seamlessly guiding Pablo through his quest. Moreover, the charming characters and humorous interactions make every moment spent in this virtual world an absolute delight.

10 Farewell North

An Emotional Journey In The Scottish Isles

Best Games Where You Play As A Dog

Farewell North” offers an enchanting voyage through one of the most profoundly thought-provoking narrative games available. In this setting, players assume roles that include Chesley, a gentle border collie, and their human ally. On foot, Chesley guides the exploration, sniffing out the terrain with his paws, while the human assumes control of the canoe as they traverse the waters together.

As you advance in the game, the duo ventures through the breathtaking Scottish highlands, managing livestock, playing catch, and gathering trinkets. The controls are quite manageable, though they might require a bit of practice, especially when navigating waterways. Yet, the real delight lies in exploring with Chesley and devising methods to bring life back to the landscape by restoring color. Farewell North, an expansive semi-open world, offers numerous engaging puzzles. However, the exploration pace is set by the player, either by boat or on all fours.

Read More

2024-10-12 10:34