Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines review

Although Nintendo ceased manufacturing the Game Boy Advance in 2009, the portable’s plucky spirit lives on thanks to the efforts of indie developers. Over the last few years, titles such as Curse Crackers: For Whom the Belle Toils, Mago: The Villain’s Burger, Garbanzo Quest, and Grapple Dog have all captured the essence of this halcyon era.

With the arrival of Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines, retro aficionados have another reason to rejoice. UK-based developer Medallion Games has created a sequel that not only mends some of the original’s wayward behaviors but also brings a second playable character. Satisfyingly, returning grappling-hook-carrying Labrador Pablo and gun-toting newcomer Luna play well together.

A Sassy New Adoptee Joins the Pack

Several tweaks to Pablo’s playset boost the pace of platforming. Now, his standard move speed is closer to a sprint while his canine punch functions as a dash. The lively Labrador’s ground pound returns and now flaunts a loftier recoil, making it easier to bop a succession of enemies. But the amount of lateral movement while in the air has been diminished, providing a bit more precision as you make your way through the stages without flooring. Pleasingly, Pablo’s signature grappling remains untouched, allowing you to swing around to gather fruit or fling yourself toward a neighboring edge.

Meanwhile, Luna offers the ability to fire an endless supply of standard bullets or special rounds from a secondary weapon. And with the ability to air-dash, Luna sinuously shifts between platforming and twin-stick gunning across her own selection of stages. Not only do these levels offer an agreeable respite from Pablo’s exploits, but her goth-girl attitude is counterbalanced against the good boi’s sociability, making for some amusing moments across Cosmic Canines’ caravan of media references.

A Study of the Classics

The original title flaunted capable stage design, and satisfyingly, Cosmic Canines upholds the same level of creativity. While a bit of Bionic Commando’s DNA is part of the series’ formula, Medallion Games has obviously scrutinized the platforming pantheon, incorporating navigational mechanics that keep the action feeling fresh.

As such, you’ll find gimmicks that will send you hurtling through the air like Donkey Kong Country’s barrel cannons and the tense aerial-based tests found in games like Celeste or Super Meat Boy. When Pablo gets electrified, he’s able to rocket around flat areas and propel himself skyward, recalling Pepper Grinder’s air-boosts. Occasionally, Cosmic Canines extends a slight variation from the familiar, with power-ups like the leaf blade, which lets you instantly cultivate a climbable patch of foliage on vertical walls.

Help, If You Truly Need It

With these influences and innovations, Cosmic Canines strives for variety and the inclusion of different stage goals broadens this objective. A trio of concealed gems are now the key to unlocking additional stages, extending tense timed challenges. Meanwhile, treasure chests secure cosmetic decorations for your grappling hook, goading you into scouring each stage. Now, gathered fruit is used as currency in Toni’s store, allowing players to purchase assists like additional health or additional outfits for Pablo and Luna.

Like the original, perfectionists will face a consummate challenge, since Cosmic Canines likes to lure you into danger with its collectibles. Make no mistake, the game can get unapologetically difficult, requiring a mastery of each pup’s moveset. But like the original, accessibility options can be found in the main menu, allowing invulnerability and an infinite number of jumps.

Conclusion

Sure, the detailed visuals and sophistication of contemporary titles might be alluring. But there’s something just as appealing as tackling classical gaming challenges. Outstandingly, Grapple Dogs provides a wealth of these timeless trials. From swinging through dangers with honed precision to gunning through obstacles with a new playable character, each stage in Cosmic Canines feels like an extended stunt sequence.

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines was played on PC with review code provided by the publisher.