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Grapple Dog
Grapple Dog is a charming and inventive 2D platformer with a solid foundation that’s not afraid to ramp up the challenge when needed. It still needs some work in the performance and accessibility departments, but fans of the genre should still check it out.
Grapple Dog is an extremely fun experience. It’s got a solid story and definitely has challenging aspects to keep you coming back.
There are elements I don’t like, but I’m now officially a big Grapple Dog fan. Granted, more because I love the characters, music, and world, rather than find it to offer revolutionary platforming. It’s a good time. Just know going in that it might often demand your best, but not always help you execute things exactly.
3
sloomo
I bought this on sale for $7.49. I feel ripped off. The game bored me immediately. It’s simply not fun. I kept playing for thirty minutes and it just kept getting worse. I want a refund for this trashy game
9
ophone
An excellent 2D platformer where you play as a dog with a grappling hook, obviously. The platforming sections and the boss battles are varied, the music on the other hand could've used more variety. To me Grapple Dog is one of 2022's indie gems.
9
FoxyChalet
I bought this game at release because it looked like a good traditional platformer, which is sadly an under-represented genre these days. There are plenty of physics platformers Celeste, Meat Boy, N+ etc. And there are lots of sidescrolling games with platforms, but very few stick at all to classic platforming design. I decided to buy the game because of the clear care put into it, I could tell that the developer knew what they wanted to accomplish, knew the aesthetic they wanted, and, in general, had a certain level of understanding for what makes a game great. This game really delivers. I would say it's biggest shortcomings are as follows: The levels are too long; This actually is quite noticeable, I will often turn my switch off halfway through a level. The repetitive music; You will hear this a lot about this game, it reuses a lot of the same music, and it isn't even particularly interesting. It mixes high difficulty with low difficulty too often; some of what you do will be too easy or forgiving, other parts will take you some tries. I think it is also worth note that to progress through the game you collect gems, or you collect berry things which get you more gems. In reality this is no different than collecting all the coins in super mario world, except you need them to progress. Personally I always tried to collect all the coins in old mario games anyways, even though you didn't really get anything for them. Also, I find the collecting in this game much less tedious than in the new Donkey Kong Country games, where you will often have to replay the entire level just to get a puzzle piece because you missed a banana. What the game does well is mixing platformer tropes to create a new experience. It feels a lot like playing a cross between mario, sonic, and shovel knight most of the time, but with a grappling hook that gives off Ninja 5-0 vibes, and an aesthetic that's pure Drill Dozer. It's definitely a game built for speed running, but that's the most modern concession to me, and even so, DK Country and SMB 3 are built for it too, even if it wasn't intentional. This genuinely feels like a lost gba gem, and despite it's flaws, it's a slick stylish platformer, with great touches, and a lot of depth. It can be challenging, but frankly most of the challenges are optional. It can also be a bit easy, but you can challenge yourself to make it harder. I really love this game, and am excited to see what the dev does next.

Grapple Dog

Released On: 
Feb 10, 2022
Metascore
Generally Favorable
76
User score
Mixed or Average
6.5
My Score
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Metascore
Generally Favorable
76
65% Positive
13 Reviews
35% Mixed
7 Reviews
0% Negative
0 Reviews
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
Feb 15, 2022
90
Pure Nintendo
Grapple Dog is an adorable, challenging platformer with a lot of content for the price. It’s a great filler if you’re waiting on some of the bigger 2022 titles to be released, or if you’re wanting a game to play with the kids. I highly recommend checking it out!
Feb 9, 2022
84
Video Chums
I love Grapple Dog so much that I hope to see Pablo come back for many more swingin' adventures. From its fantastic 2D platforming action to its rewarding collectibles and its adorable world to its quirky cast of characters; this delightful dog has it goin' on.
User score
Mixed or Average
6.5
46% Positive
6 Ratings
38% Mixed
5 Ratings
15% Negative
2 Ratings
  • All Reviews
  • Positive Reviews
  • Mixed Reviews
  • Negative Reviews
Dec 23, 2022
9
ophone
An excellent 2D platformer where you play as a dog with a grappling hook, obviously. The platforming sections and the boss battles are varied, the music on the other hand could've used more variety. To me Grapple Dog is one of 2022's indie gems.
Feb 17, 2022
9
FoxyChalet
I bought this game at release because it looked like a good traditional platformer, which is sadly an under-represented genre these days. There are plenty of physics platformers Celeste, Meat Boy, N+ etc. And there are lots of sidescrolling games with platforms, but very few stick at all to classic platforming design. I decided to buy the game because of the clear care put into it, I could tell that the developer knew what they wanted to accomplish, knew the aesthetic they wanted, and, in general, had a certain level of understanding for what makes a game great. This game really delivers. I would say it's biggest shortcomings are as follows: The levels are too long; This actually is quite noticeable, I will often turn my switch off halfway through a level. The repetitive music; You will hear this a lot about this game, it reuses a lot of the same music, and it isn't even particularly interesting. It mixes high difficulty with low difficulty too often; some of what you do will be too easy or forgiving, other parts will take you some tries. I think it is also worth note that to progress through the game you collect gems, or you collect berry things which get you more gems. In reality this is no different than collecting all the coins in super mario world, except you need them to progress. Personally I always tried to collect all the coins in old mario games anyways, even though you didn't really get anything for them. Also, I find the collecting in this game much less tedious than in the new Donkey Kong Country games, where you will often have to replay the entire level just to get a puzzle piece because you missed a banana. What the game does well is mixing platformer tropes to create a new experience. It feels a lot like playing a cross between mario, sonic, and shovel knight most of the time, but with a grappling hook that gives off Ninja 5-0 vibes, and an aesthetic that's pure Drill Dozer. It's definitely a game built for speed running, but that's the most modern concession to me, and even so, DK Country and SMB 3 are built for it too, even if it wasn't intentional. This genuinely feels like a lost gba gem, and despite it's flaws, it's a slick stylish platformer, with great touches, and a lot of depth. It can be challenging, but frankly most of the challenges are optional. It can also be a bit easy, but you can challenge yourself to make it harder. I really love this game, and am excited to see what the dev does next.
Feb 16, 2022
80
Gamezebo
Ultimately Grapple Dog is a well priced platformer that’s clearly a labour of love for all involved, and is essential if you’re looking for a new 2D platformer on your Switch.
Feb 10, 2022
80
Finger Guns
Grapple Dog is an exhilarating, fast paced 2D platformer that feels like a familiar warm hug and a nod to platforming greats such as Sonic and Super Mario. While it doesn’t do anything especially new, the game never stops surprising with its mechanics and it’s a valiant addition to the genre.
Feb 22, 2022
70
Siliconera
There are elements I don’t like, but I’m now officially a big Grapple Dog fan. Granted, more because I love the characters, music, and world, rather than find it to offer revolutionary platforming. It’s a good time. Just know going in that it might often demand your best, but not always help you execute things exactly.
Feb 10, 2022
70
Pocket Tactics
With a vibrant soundtrack, vivid visuals, and an eye for a punchline, Grapple Dog is a good time in a neat package. There are a couple of issues with movement, and progression can feel forced in places, but overall I’m hooked on the first game from Super Rare Originals and Medallion Games.
Feb 8, 2022
60
NME
Grapple Dog is a solid 2D platformer built around its core grapple mechanic. Whilst it has a lot of charm charm and some fun level design, a handful of the mechanics fall flat instead of utilising the grapple to its full potential. When Grapple Dog brings everything together for frenetic platforming though it’s a lot of fun, and these moments alone mean fans of the genre should at least give it a try. I’m very curious to see what might come next, as there’s certainly a few good ideas on display here.
See All 20 Critic Reviews
Dec 31, 2022
3
sloomo
I bought this on sale for $7.49. I feel ripped off. The game bored me immediately. It’s simply not fun. I kept playing for thirty minutes and it just kept getting worse. I want a refund for this trashy game
See All 13 User Reviews
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SummaryJump, Swing and Zip your way through colourful worlds and exciting challenges in this unique 2D action-platformer! Master the power of the Grapple on your adventure to save the world.
Rated Efor Everyone
  • PC
  • Nintendo Switch
  • Xbox Series X
Feb 10, 2022
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