Grapple Dog

 Switch
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

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  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. 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 couldI 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.    … Expand
  2. 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 varied, the music on the other hand could've used more variety.
    To me Grapple Dog is one of 2022's indie gems.
  3. 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 and it just kept getting worse. I want a refund for this trashy game

Awards & Rankings

97
#97 Best Switch Game of 2022

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
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. GameGrin
    Sep 12, 2022
    80
    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.
    Read full review
  2. Movies Games and Tech
    Feb 28, 2022
    80
    Grapple Dog is an extremely fun experience. It’s got a solid story and definitely has challenging aspects to keep you coming back.
    Read full review
  3. 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.
    Read full review
See all critic reviews »