Grapple Dog Reviews

Grapple Dog is ranked in the 75th percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
Mar 31, 2022

Even though Grapple Dog is just one 2D platformer in a sea of them, I believe this can be your one diamond in the rough. It’s a game that feels responsive and is relatively easy for anyone to pick up and play. It isn’t a cakewalk, though, and you will find challenges ahead, but at the same time, you’re going to soak up the bright colors and the fun story, placing this near the top of your lists.

Read full review

9 / 10
Feb 15, 2022

Grapple Dog isn't quite perfect. We feel that more could have been done with the grapple itself, as it's a little restrictive in its application. A less friendly, more freeform approach would interfere to an extent with the tight level design, but it would still be cool for speedrunners if the grapple really let them cut loose. That's pretty nitpicky, though, because developer Medallion does precisely what it sets out to do — deliver an unpretentious platformer that's a hell of a lot of fun to play.

Read full review

4.5 / 5.0
Feb 11, 2022

Grapple Dog is a fantastic platformer that nails just about everything it tries to do.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Feb 15, 2022

Grapple Dog is an adorable, challenging platformer with a lot of content for the price. It's a great filler if you're waiting on some of the bigger 2022 titles to be released, or if you're wanting a game to play with the kids. I highly recommend checking it out!

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Feb 9, 2022

with a fun mechanic at its core, harking back to the golden age of 2D platformers while giving the model a fresh coat of paint with its stylish pixel art. The music was the first thing I loved about it, but thankfully it’s more than just that: Grapple Dog certainly has style, but it’s got the substance to back it up too.

Read full review

9 / 10.0
Feb 9, 2022

Grapple Dog is an approachable platformer with enough depth in its central mechanics to encourage replayability and mastery.

Read full review

90 / 100
Feb 15, 2022

There are few things that Grapple Dog can't do well: it has a very solid and addictive gameplay that will keep us glued to the screen for hours, an elaborate level design with many secrets to discover, a unique visual style and a lot of replayability. A real must have for fans of platform games.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

8.5 / 10.0
Feb 12, 2022

Grapple Dog is a lot of fun, and for platform fans new or old it should provide plenty of entertainment. But the concept doesn’t push the ingenuity slider high enough, and many of its other tricks have been used aplenty elsewhere.

Read full review

8.4 / 10.0
Feb 9, 2022

I love Grapple Dog so much that I hope to see Pablo come back for many more swingin' adventures. From its fantastic 2D platforming action to its rewarding collectibles and its adorable world to its quirky cast of characters; this delightful dog has it goin' on.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 22, 2021

Grapple Dog is an excellent proof of concept for a 2D action platformer that requires you to swing through levels and traverse through the air as an adorable pup. While I did enjoy the gameplay despite the quirky movement, I couldn't help but wish there was more, as Medallion Games are onto something fun, charming, groovy, and unique with Pablo. I hope to see this game optimized and updated for the Switch, as the gameplay issues I encountered slightly detracted from this short but sweet indie platforming gem. Need I remind you to pet Pablo every time you complete a level? Please give him all the pets; he deserves it.

Read full review

Feb 16, 2022

I'm not the world's biggest fan of platformers, but I very much warmed to Grapple Dog. The thought and passion that went into every element of the experience is explicit, and it's hard not to fall for its wiles and charms. I do think the developers lost sight a little of how they wanted people to play this game, as the speedrunning quality of the movement system does feel at odds with the way the game also asks you to carefully explore levels, but that's really splitting hairs here. Grapple Dog is a bold, confident, and often inspired take on a genre that is as oversaturated as they come.

Read full review

GameGrin
Top Critic
8 / 10.0
Sep 11, 2022

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

8 / 10
Feb 10, 2022

Grapple Dog combines some fantastic 2D platforming with an awesome grappling hook mechanic that's a cinch to pick up n' play.

Read full review

8 / 10
Feb 10, 2022

Grapple Dog is an exhilarating, fast paced 2D platformer that feels like a familiar warm hug and a nod to platforming greats such as Sonic and Super Mario. While it doesn’t do anything especially new, the game never stops surprising with its mechanics and it’s a valiant addition to the genre.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Feb 10, 2022

Grapple Dog uses charisma and lots of color to create a nice 2D adventure. Swing through the scenarios using a grappling hook is very intuitive and agile. In addition, the constant introduction of elements and hazards maintains the feeling of novelty throughout the creative stages. Some points are annoying, such as the uninteresting bosses and the jump inaccuracy in certain situations, but overall, the experience is competent. In the end, Grapple Dog captivates and is a great option for those who want to enjoy a platform game inspired by the classic 16-bits.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

4 / 5.0
Feb 11, 2022

Grapple Dog may look cute, but it grows more and more challenging the farther you go. It has tight, fast-paced platforming and features a ton of hidden goodies to keep you playing. If you’re at all a fan of the genre, I’d say you need to check Grapple Dog out.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Feb 12, 2022

Between the cute graphics, enjoyable platforming, and terrific soundtrack, Grapple Dog is a great first offer from Super Rare Games and matches the spirit that the company projects with its selections of indie games.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Feb 15, 2022

Grapple Dog delivers a solid 2D action platformer with fresh and interesting mechanics, impossibly cute characters and a soundtrack that’s straight fire! Don’t be fooled by the charming aesthetics because Grapple Dog follows a trend of impossibly cute but frustratingly challenging platformers. Taking advantage of some choice accessibility options might be a must when taking on this 2D platformer unless, of course, living life on the edge is your jam. Despite some issues, Grapple Dog is an incredibly exciting journey that never outstays its welcome.

Read full review

8 / 10
Feb 14, 2022

Ultimately, Grapple Dog is fun, and sometimes that’s what I want from a game: no seriousness, just light-hearted, satisfying fun. And it offers that, in spades. If you love a good platformer, it’s a must-play.

Read full review

8 / 10.0
Feb 19, 2022

Grapple Dog was a fun romp that made me appreciate platformers much more. Staying up late, trying to get past hard levels? Excellent stuff. With constant new ideas, challenge levels, and groovy tunes along the way – Grapple Dog is a joyous time.

Read full review