There are certain types of gameplay mechanics and concepts that can be fun, but need to be done right or the game will get stuck. Struggling is one of them. enter Grapple Dog, a platformer where one of the key components is spinning around a grappling hook. The good news is that it mostly handles the concept well. However, not good enough for it to become the highlight of the title.
Grapple Dog Set in a world where a great inventor, the Steve Jobs-like mouse, has created a number of revolutionary items. However, enemies emerge, forcing those treasures to be hidden. Pablo was a research assistant on an expedition. When he falls behind, he ends up both acquiring a legendary grappling hook and unleashing a horde of robots that begin to acquire those inventions for their own purposes. The player must pass 33 levels of the game to save a day.
All the hallmarks of the classic platformer are in Grapple Dog. Levels are the right length, with optional Trial Time options for each level. To defeat enemies, you bounce off of them or grab them with your grappling hook. Only certain, recognizable block types can be appended. Each world is added with a special theme and mechanic, which means you’re constantly learning and growing as a player. Scattered items are about to be collected, some hidden behind walls or secret spaces. In addition, there are many spikes.
But very quickly, Grapple Dog much more demanding than its innocent looks that you would believe. That cute veneer is a lie. There are absolutely demanding gloves that require precise input. In some cases, the ability to locate beyond your control can come into play. The actual mechanic works fine. I even want to say perfectly. I can always control my angle and speed, and it will be easy to adjust. But when you’re throwing in mechanics like floating green spheres, you need to land in exactly the right place to get the correct trajectory through a series of spikes? Not cool. It means you can get the general implementation done, but minor issues may keep you from getting past that point. Also, this may be a Switch thing, but there are significant load times after you die in Grapple Dog.
Yes, there are fairly regular save points scattered all over the place Grapple Doglevels. This might help a bit. However, the most troublesome parts appear between the last level marker and the end of the level. Means you know you most of accomplished. But it also makes things more and more annoying. But then, depending on your skill level and timing, all this might not be a problem.
What happens when locking boss battles behind a collection. In Grapple Dog, you can collect fruits scattered throughout the levels, tokens that unlock bonus levels and purple gems. If you don’t have enough purple gems, you can’t access that war. Some of those gems are well hidden in areas! Or maybe you’ll see one there, but maybe don’t have the necessary gaming skills to collect them. I had no problem facing those battles, but seeing that barrier made me pause a bit.
But while those techniques can be a problem, Grapple Dogof style is undeniable. The soundtrack is awesome. Each song is poppy, upbeat, and perfect for the moment. (It also gives me Jet station ) The character designs are amazing. Whether it’s the enemy, the NPC, or Pablo himself, it looks incredible. Other than that, I couldn’t get over how interesting the dialogue was. It’s witty, but never forced. Charming, but not sweet. Even if some segments in the levels are kicking my ass, I can’t go crazy with this early game.
There are elements I don’t like, but now I’m officially a Grapple Dog fan. It’s true that I love the characters, the music, and the world more than seeing it provide a revolutionary background. It was a good time. Just know that it often asks you for the best, but doesn’t always help you do everything correctly.
Grapple Dog available for Nintendo Switch and computer.
