Grapple Dog

 Switch
Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. Siliconera
    Feb 22, 2022
    70
    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.
  2. GameSpot
    Feb 15, 2022
    70
    Grapple Dog isn't doing anything new or revolutionary, but it is nicely delivering on a simple premise. It felt like uncovering a forgotten gem in a Game Boy Advance bargain bin, then taking it home and discovering some parts that are a little uneven or awkward. It's the kind of game that's just imminently likable and endearing, even if I don't expect it to hook me long-term.
  3. GameSpew
    Feb 14, 2022
    70
    The game is clearly a labour of love and it shows, to the point where a sequel seems like a given. And so, if you’re prepared to look past Grapple Dog’s level gatekeeping, you’ll have a blast.
  5. Pocket Tactics
    Feb 10, 2022
    70
    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.
  6. Shindig
    Feb 9, 2022
    70
    It’s that charm and playfulness that keeps Grapple Dog going, through its ups and downs. Slightly unwieldy controls mean the fluidity you’d expect isn’t always there, particularly on the trickier levels that demand more precision, but it’s hard to get too frustrated at something so gosh-darn cute. And when the grapple hook mechanic and nifty level design do come together just right, which is more often than not, the exhilarating result makes the odd annoyance worthwhile. A grappling hook and a dog just go together—I don’t make the rules.
  7. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Feb 10, 2022
    65
    Grapple Dog offers a lot of replayability and opportunity to hone your grappling skills, but the game often feels too slow due to overly long levels and long load times. Some performance hiccups hold back the thrills as well.
  8. NME
    Feb 8, 2022
    60
    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.

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best Switch Game of 2022

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. FoxyChalet
    Feb 17, 2022
    9
    I bought this game at release because it looked like a good traditional platformer, which is sadly an under-represented genre these days.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.    … Full Review »
  2. sloomo
    Dec 31, 2022
    3
    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 andI 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… Full Review »
  3. ophone
    Dec 23, 2022
    9
    An excellent 2D platformer where you play as a dog with a grappling hook, obviously.
    The platforming sections and the boss battles are    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.    … Full Review »
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