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Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines Review

Casey ScheldOctober 14, 2024

Overall - 90%

90%

Official Score

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is twice as nice, with pixel-perfect physics between two playable characters. While enemies and even bosses don’t put up much of a fight, Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines channels the best platformers for a dog-gone good time.

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The great Beyond awaits with the release of Medallion Games and Super Rare Originals’ Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines, a platformer with a grappling twist. Featuring new worlds, new characters, and new jams, does this sequel to Grapple Dogs promise a “dog-gone” good time?

Sorry, too easy!

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines Review

The multiverse phenomenon has spread across multiple mediums as of late, and Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines continues the trend.

After Pablo the Labrador saved the day from NUL in the original, things kick off with man’s best friend paying a trip to the Cosmic Gateway, getting swept up in an alternate dimension in the process. There’s no rest after his dimension hop; turns out the ancient evil Vyr has awakened and the Allkrystal is broken.

What’s a pup to do?!

No need to worry; Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is plural for a reason. Joining Pablo this go-around is Luna, who packs her own suite of skills. This dynamic duo both feature grappling hooks, wall jumps, and spot-on physics. Everything is incredibly smooth and responsive, with momentum (and in some levels, rhythm – spoiler alert) being the name of the game.

This especially comes into play with their pair of grappling hooks – chaining attacks and flying through the air with relative ease had us being like water, finding that perfect flow through each of its different areas. For those who feel especially confident in their abilities, there’s also a Time Trial mode and select challenges (think Super Smash Bros.) with medals players can gun for (heh).

Do note that there are some differences between the two in Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines to keep things interesting. Pablo’s punch dishes out damage with some pep in his step. He can also bounce on enemies like so many platforming legends of old – exactly what you’d expect.

However, Luna’s move set features speedy air dashes with i-frames, a lack of hopping and bopping, and a warm gun. In the case of the last one, players can swing and fire and start blasting.

That’s just the start – Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines takes this already great formula and builds upon it with a number of special level abilities.

Much like a certain mustachioed plumber, there are power-ups like the Electro Pulse and Chloroblaster that grant level-specific powers. Said powers are also carefully woven into the fabric of each stage, changing the way players approach different sections – and even bosses.

Of course, great stage layouts bring great secrets. There are a number of areas off the beaten path in Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines that bring with them a number of goodies, encouraging players to truly immerse themselves in each world. We still have a number of secrets to find after our initial play through to cash in at Toni’s Shop (just don’t call it that).

Just note that the core combat of Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is a bit on the easy side. Most enemies are relegated to cannon fodder, but don’t mistake this title for being a walk in the park; there are plenty of buzz saws, switches, and freakin’ laser beams to humble players.

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is twice as nice, with pixel-perfect physics between two playable characters. While most enemies don’t put up much of a fight, Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines channels the best platformers for a dog-gone good time.

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines Review

Reviewed On: PC
Release Date: September 12, 2024
MSRP: $17.99
Platforms: PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S
Developer: Medallion Games
Publisher: Super Rare Games
Alternative Reviews: God is a Geek, Tech-Gaming, Digital Chumps
Aggregate Scores: Metacritic, OpenCritic

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