For some time, I’ve been looking for a colourful and inventive 2D platformer that doesn’t just pique my interest, but keep me engaged from beginning to end. I’ve found that game in Grapple Dog, from developers Medallion Games.
As the first launch under the Super Rare Originals publishing label, there was a certain level of expectation for the recently-released title. Fortunately, the game manages to live up to those expectations and even exceed them.
Players take control of the titular hero, Pablo, who inadvertently unleashes an evil on the world when simply wanting to give a helping hand to a being in need.
From that point, Pablo and his friends make it their mission to learn more about the shady intentions of said villain, sailing from one place to another as players explore 33 different levels across six unique worlds.
With almost-countless hidden collectibles on offer, secret areas to discover and bonus levels to sink your teeth into, there's plenty of content to keep you engaged not only through the main story, but after reaching the end-game.
Your first island serves as somewhat of a set of tutorial levels, in that they should ease you into your experience of grappling across one platform to the next before really putting your precision and skills to the test as your journey progresses.
You’ll also quickly come to terms with the fact that you need to collect a certain amount of the purple gems - of which there are five hidden in each level - to take on the boss battle in each separate world. You don’t need every single last one of them, but you do need to snag a healthy amount to move forward. It’s a great design tool that forces the player to explore every nook and cranny the developers and artists have lovingly designed.
The grappling hook is an excellent way to not only get around, but boost your travel time. Walking speed isn’t exactly slow, but it’s not fast enough to elicit a sense of urgency. That changes when you start flinging yourself around.
There’s a chunky amount of lore that will keep you coming back to the game, curious to see what lies around the next corner and see just how Pablo’s adventure reaches its conclusion. Combining that slick writer with Joseph Gribbin's gorgeous pixel artwork and Jazz Mickle's infectious music, makes for one heck of an experience.
Grapple Dog is available now on PC and Nintendo Switch. A code for the game on PC was given to Female First in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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