Dog Man: Mission Impawsible brings the world of Dav Pilkey’s beloved book series to gaming in an adventure that aims to channel the humor and charm of its source material. Developed by Floor 84 Studio and published by Mindscape, the game sets players on a journey with Dog Man and his Supa Buddies as they take on an array of escaped villains in a colorful, comic-inspired world. It’s not the deepest game out there, but its charm and lighthearted gameplay make it a good fit for younger players and fans of the books.
The story sets a straightforward tone as Dog Man and his friends must retrieve the stolen key to the city, which has unleashed chaos by unlocking every prison door. The narrative is filled with quirky humor that fans of the series will appreciate, though it doesn’t delve deeply enough to keep older players or newcomers fully engaged. Each Supa Buddy – Dog Man, Li’l Petey, and 80-HD – has unique abilities that play into the game’s core mechanics, adding an element of teamwork to the platforming and puzzle-solving. Switching between characters to tackle specific challenges works well in concept, though some abilities feel underutilized or a tad too gimmicky over time.
The gameplay spans an impressive 50 levels, offering a mix of platforming, puzzles, and boss fights set across whimsical and fan-favorite locations like the Giant Marshmallow Factory and City Hall. While the level design shows flashes of creativity, some stages feel overly simplistic, catering heavily to younger audiences. The puzzles, though charming, lack variety and complexity, which might disappoint players looking for a more engaging experience. The boss battles, on the other hand, stand out as highlights, requiring players to think about their approach and make good use of their team’s abilities.
Visually, the game does an excellent job capturing the colorful, cartoonish style of the books, complete with comic book style sound effects and animations. The attention to detail in the environments and characters is a treat, especially for fans who will instantly recognize familiar locations and personalities. However, the game’s audio design, while competent, doesn’t leave a lasting impression as the upbeat music and sound effects suit the tone but don’t elevate the experience.
Control-wise, the mechanics for character switching and gadget use are intuitive. However, the lack of precision in some platforming sections can lead to frustration, especially in later levels that demand tighter execution. Younger players might also find the increasing difficulty curve slightly daunting, though the game’s forgiving checkpoints help alleviate potential frustration and it’s nothing a helpful parent can’t fix for them either.
Dog Man: Mission Impawsible succeeds as an accessible and entertaining introduction to the world of Dog Man for younger gamers and fans of the book series. Its vibrant art style and humor bring the source material to life, and the cooperative mechanics add a fun twist to the gameplay. However, for those seeking a more robust and varied gaming experience, the game’s limited depth and repetitive structure may leave them wanting more. Still, as a family-friendly title, it delivers plenty of fun moments and faithfully captures the essence of the Dog Man universe.
Score: 7.0/10
Press Play Media 