Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines Review Summary

Last updated: 2026-03-02
  • Highly praised 2D platformer
  • Creative and varied level design
  • Excellent sequel with improvements
  • Fluid and responsive movement system
  • Luna's controls feel clunky
  • Game feels easier
Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines header

Emotions

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Review evidence

Why players say this

What players like

Highly praised 2D platformer: The game is frequently described as a great and enjoyable 2D platformer with solid mechanics and fun gameplay. Players appreciate its challenging yet fair platforming and consider it one of the best in the genre.

Creative and varied level design: The level designs are noted for their creativity, variety, and intelligence. Players find the levels fun to explore and well-balanced, rewarding creativity and mastery of movement.

Excellent sequel with improvements: As a sequel, the game is praised for polishing and refining the gameplay of the original. Players consider it a fantastic and wonderful sequel that improves upon its predecessor.

Fluid and responsive movement system: The movement system is praised for being fluid and responsive. Players enjoy the fast, expressive movement and the focus on flow, rhythm, and chaining movements.

Fantastic music and aesthetic: The music and artwork are praised as fantastic and great. Players appreciate the varied and enjoyable graphics and music, which contribute to a well-rounded experience.

Common complaints

Luna's controls feel clunky: Many players found Luna's control scheme confusing and awkward, particularly with aiming and movement. The controls can feel unintuitive and difficult to manage.

Game feels easier: The overall difficulty of the game is lower compared to the first game, making it feel easier and less challenging.

Minor bugs and crashes: There are reports of minor bugs, crashes, and glitches, including issues with specific levels and abilities.

Less grappling than original: Players noted a reduction in grappling mechanics compared to the first game, which was a significant aspect of the original gameplay.

Game is shorter: The game is perceived as being quite a bit shorter than expected, leading to a sense of it being less substantial.

Gameplay and performance

Grapple hook mechanics: The game features a significant focus on grapple hook mechanics, which are central to the platforming gameplay. Players appreciate the polished and responsive nature of the grapple mechanics.

Hidden areas and collectibles: The game features hidden areas, collectibles, and achievements, encouraging exploration. Players find the rewards for collecting items to be satisfying and enjoyable.

Elemental power-ups: The game includes a variety of elemental power-ups that add new abilities and gimmicks to the gameplay. These power-ups are appreciated for their creativity and impact on gameplay.

Luna's gameplay and gun mechanics: Luna, a new character, introduces a combat-focused gameplay style with gun mechanics. Players find her stages challenging and enjoyable, adding variety to the game.

2D platformer with two characters: As a 2D platformer, the game features two different characters with distinct playstyles and controls. This adds depth and variety to the platforming experience.

Various bugs and glitches: There are reports of minor bugs and a specific glitch with Pablo's vine ability, suggesting the need for bug fixes.

Frequent crashes reported: Players have reported occasional crashes and specific crashes on the High Winds level, indicating stability issues.

Good performance on Steam Deck: The game runs smoothly and plays well on the Steam Deck, indicating good optimization for this platform.

Optimization and level loading issues: Players have noted optimization issues and problems with levels failing to load, pointing to performance and technical problems.

Physics upgrade suggestion: Players have suggested an upgrade to the physics system, indicating a desire for improved gameplay mechanics.

Recommendations

Highly recommended for platformer fans: The game is frequently praised by players who enjoy platformers, with many reviews suggesting it is a must-have for its satisfying platforming and charming experience.

Must-have for pixel art fans: The game is considered a must-have title not only for platformer fans but also for those who appreciate pixel art.

Recommended over the original: Some players recommend this game over the original version, suggesting it has improvements or features that make it more enjoyable.

Consider buying the game pack: Some reviews suggest buying the game pack, which might include additional content or related games.

Pick up the first game: A few reviews recommend picking up the first game as well, indicating that there might be a series or related games worth exploring.

Buying context

Game completion: 24.0h.

Session length: 6.0h.

The game offers improved pacing and variety with a second character and better grappling mechanics, making it engaging and fun relatively early on despite some control and gameplay style preferences.

Reported time to anchor: 30m.

Friction: Luna's gameplay style being more methodical and tactical; Inability to use a mouse for controlling Pablo.

Unlock drivers: Introduction of a second character with a different skill set; Improved grappling hook mechanics.

Player profiles

Enthusiastic Recommender: Enjoys the game thoroughly and wants to share that enjoyment with others. Motivation: To share their positive experiences and encourage others to play the game. Stance: buy.

Completionist Achiever: Thorough and meticulous, ensuring they complete all possible tasks and challenges. Motivation: To complete all aspects of the game, including collecting all achievements. Stance: sale.

Critical Analyst: Analytical and critical, focusing on the game's design and mechanics. Motivation: To analyze and provide feedback on the game's design and mechanics. Stance: deep sale.