Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines
Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines
Game
Game2022
Grapple Dog
Developer Medallion Games
Grapple Dog is a 2022 platform game developed by Joseph Gribbin. The game stars Pablo, a dog who traverses through 2D levels using his grappling hook to deal with platforming and enemies. The game was released for Microsoft Windows, Nintendo Switch, and later the Xbox Series X. On Metacritic, the game received an average of 76/100 indicating "generally favorable reviews". From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
275 reactions from 4 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Lemmy, Mastodon) · newest Nov 4, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
78
LovedLoved
142 positive · 40 negative
95% range 71–83%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 142 | 40 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 32 | 4 | 49 |
| Lemmy * | 1 | 0 | 6 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 1 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
541 of 629 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
78% recommend · 142 yes, 39 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 181 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (814 of 957 positive).
Players praise the charming presentation and cute characters. [1][2][3] Many find the grappling hook controls finicky and momentum inconsistent. [4][5][6] Some reviewers criticize the level design for punishing exploration. [1][7][8]
Liked
Representative posts
- [5]
The platforming is so frustrating to work with especially when it stops all of your momentum making the entire experience so stiff its harder than the tombstone this game should be in. Feel how the game feels especially when you think you're picking up speed, then your grapple hook stops you. Then that same grappling hook is also incredibly inconsistent in where it will land, what it'll connect to, and how it'll …
- [1]
I really like this game! The platforming is fun, the characters are cute, and there are some serious challenges as you get later into the game (especially if you're going for 100% completion). I have a few complaints, but overall it was a good experience and worth your time. things i don't like punishing exploration. like dude if I pick the path that leads to the end of the level, LET ME BACKTRACK. Let me go back …
- [3]
Adorable, charming, incredibly fun and very challenging 2D platformer that made me wanting more, I love collecting gems and trying to get all gold medals for the time trials. My kids love to play and look at the cute characters When you get better with landing your grapple hook to gain that speed and momentum it feels so satisfying to fly through sections of the map, made me feel like I was playing a super Mario …
- [4]
Yes, I recommend this game BUT... I have to agree with some of the other reviews. The main mechanic of the grapple hook, it's controls and behavior is a bit wonky and counter intuitive. Which is sad to say about the main mechanic about the game. If you expect Worms ninja rope levels of grapple feel, you will be disappointed. I have to admit, the moving grapple hook platforms and stuff were kinda novel and opened up …
- [2]
Grapple Dog is an entertaining romp with outstanding presentation. Positives: - Outstanding sprites, animation and aesthetic style. Everyone has really thick outlines that give off a really playful vibe. A lot of background elements react to your character's movement, which is a nice touch. - A good variety of environments, hazards and enemy types. - Simple controls that stay simple throughout. Negatives: - Even …
Summarised from 34 of the 265 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 10, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
78% of the 181 Steam reviewers we collected recommend Grapple Dog. The complaint that keeps coming up: grapple hook controls can be imprecise. Deal-breaker or nitpick?
Critics, per Wikipedia
Grapple Dog was released on February 10, 2022, for Nintendo Switch and Windows. It was later released on Xbox Series X on November 18, 2022. Will Nelson of the NME recommended the game to platform game fans, stating that the game "aims to claim its place among the pantheon of mascot platformers, and it gets incredibly close." Nelson found that some of the mechanics to be used alongside the grapple ranged from "brilliant" to frustrating due to the slightly imprecise nature of the grappling hook. J.P. Corban of the NintendoWorldReport echoed this, stating " since you can only aim the grappling hook straight up or at a 45-degree angle, there are times when it feels like you should be able to…
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 275 · most liked firstHad a couple people ask about Grapple Dog 3... Very unlikely to happen! The second game hasn't sold well, so that's probably it for the series.
negative · AI labelView post →Whenever anyone asks me what game I made I say 'Grapple Dog', and then they always ask 'what's it about??' buddy do I really gotta explain that
neutral · AI labelView post →Woah! A whole bunch of Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines announcements for ya!!! 🚨🚨🚨 - 🔧 The Stage Editor is OUT NOW!! - 🎮 Patch ver. 2.0.0 is OUT NOW!! - 💰 The Grapple Dog Franchise is today's Steam Daily Deal!! Get either game discounted, or both together, here: store.steampowered.com/bundle/42971...
neutral · AI labelView post →Intro post time: hi 👋 I'm Joseph. I'm a Game Designer and Artist. I own a company called Medallion Games where we make cool games on tiny budgets. Made Grapple Dog, Magnibox, + working on a top-secret unannounced project 🤫
neutral · AI labelView post →Here are some "patient" games I've played that are on dollar-bin deals right now. Some are actually cheaper off-Steam, so in those cases, I link there instead. * [Black Mesa](https://store.steampowered.com/app/362890/) — 90% off, tied all-time low * The fan-made remake of Half-Life * [Crypt of the NecroDancer](https://store.steampowered.com/app/247080/Crypt_of_the_NecroDancer/) — 90% off, new all-time low * Rhythm roguelike * [Downwell](https://www.gog.com/en/game/downwell) — 75% off…
neutral · AI labelView post →So excited to move on from Grapple Dog. Proud of the game but ready for the next chapter.
neutral · AI labelView post →What I'm playing 🪝🐶 Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines | Grappling hook platforming goes multiversal. ### I wanna get into it! Again! Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is the follow-up to 2022's Grapple Dog. The story picks up where the first game ended, with protagonist Pablo being recruited to save the world using his excellent grappling skills. This time, we meet a new character, Luna, who is playable alongside Pablo. The grappling hook-focused platformer gameplay is back as well, where your speed…
neutral · AI labelView post →Grapple Dog is 66% Off on Steam right now!!! Buy my game pls store.steampowered.com/app/1345860/...
positive · AI labelView post →What I'm playing 🪝🐶 Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines | Grappling hook platforming goes multiversal. cross-posted from: https://sh.itjust.works/post/49151220 ### I wanna get into it! Again! Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is the follow-up to 2022's Grapple Dog. The story picks up where the first game ended, with protagonist Pablo being recruited to save the world using his excellent grappling skills. This time, we meet a new character, Luna, who is playable alongside Pablo. The grappling…
neutral · AI labelView post →For their latest "Indie Game of the Week" feature, @gbmento.bsky.social Mento played Grapple Dog! Sure, you can pet the doggo, but what else makes it fun? Read all about it on @giantbomb.bsky.social! Link: www.giantbomb.com/grapple-dog/... #games #gaming #indiegame #indiegames #grappledog
neutral · AI labelView post →Before Grapple Dog came out I was really scared about reviews but now I have read so many I think I've inoculated myself. Someone will be like 'this game was dogshit!!' And I will just be like 'ah sorry that's fair'
neutral · AI labelView post →Grapple Dog Comic Canines is a good video game
positive · AI labelView post →Oh hey Grapple Dog is 70% off at the moment!! Play the game I made for super cheap!! !! store.steampowered.com/app/1345860/...
positive · AI labelView post →Hello butterflies 🦋 My darling is letting me trying out Grapple Dog on Xbox and I really love it 😍 Have you played this game? 🥰
positive · AI labelView post →The platforming is so frustrating to work with especially when it stops all of your momentum making the entire experience so stiff its harder than the tombstone this game should be in. Feel how the game feels especially when you think you're picking up speed, then your grapple hook stops you. Then that same grappling hook is also incredibly inconsistent in where it will land, what it'll connect to, and how it'll bring you to be hit. The last levels of the game ARE ABSOLUTELY HORRID because of…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I really wanted to like this one, it's charming and cute, animation is cool, music is cool. Unfortunately, the music repeats itself to exhaustion, the animations can't save the momentum mechanics combined with restricted grappling angles and charm can't hold against frustrating "you went past the checkpoint, so start the level over to try to find purple stone".
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I really wanted to like this game more than I did, but it just never clicked. The game is simultaneously mostly too easy in its level design to be interesting, and too difficult in its controls, where the character feels sluggish and imprecise.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Have steam game codes for The Plucky Squire and got Grapple Dog. They have to be redeemed by October 6th on steam. First come first serve. @jogribbin.bsky.social #blutoid youtu.be/rU3HziWD8QQ?...
neutral · AI labelView post →Oh hey Grapple Dog features in the new Game Makers Toolkit video on good 2D cameras go check it out:
neutral · AI labelView post →Although I can manage the somewhat floaty controls (I much prefer snappy platformers), the fact that most levels are designed for repeated playthroughs, in a "trial and error" way, is a deal breaker for me. This is made much worse by the checkpoint system that can lock you out of previous parts of the levels: grab a gem after a checkpoint, die before you reach the next one, and you lose both the gem *and* the ability to go grab it again, because a door reappeared for no reason. And this is…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I really like this game! The platforming is fun, the characters are cute, and there are some serious challenges as you get later into the game (especially if you're going for 100% completion). I have a few complaints, but overall it was a good experience and worth your time. things i don't like punishing exploration. like dude if I pick the path that leads to the end of the level, LET ME BACKTRACK. Let me go back and explore. I hate it when I'm following one path and end up in a red cannon…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Trying to game out the next project and slowly realising Grapple Dog 2 might be it. Maybe this is the last game I get to make??? Better make it fucking count eh
neutral · AI labelView post →I felt very frustrated while playing Grapple Dog. I hate this game. I thought it was going to be a relaxing one, but the colors and cuteness tricked me. I can't give it a thumbs down because even though it was stressful playing it, I have to recognize that the game was well made in many aspects and maybe the problem is just that I am bad at it (but yeah, I beat it!). About the level design, I believe that it is not so good in some stages. I started trying to get all the oranges, but gave up…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Grapple Dog is an entertaining romp with outstanding presentation. Positives: - Outstanding sprites, animation and aesthetic style. Everyone has really thick outlines that give off a really playful vibe. A lot of background elements react to your character's movement, which is a nice touch. - A good variety of environments, hazards and enemy types. - Simple controls that stay simple throughout. Negatives: - Even after beating the game and getting all the gems, I still don't feel like…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Here's my #NintendoSwitch #indiegame highlight for today! 🎮👍🏼 Game - Grapple Dog Developer - @jogribbin.bsky.social Publisher - @superraregames.bsky.social Release date - February 10, 2022
neutral · AI labelView post →Hey this game is really cool and yall should check it out, especially if you liked the first game (which btw is on sale for crazy cheap if you wanna try that first!) Also ty @jogribbin.bsky.social / Grapple Dog team for letting me playtest game! 💙
positive · AI labelView post →The parent object of all pit hazards is still called 'oPurple_liquid' because that's what it was in early versions of Grapple Dog (when it was intended for mobile). Actual purple liquid appears in neither game.
neutral · AI labelView post →I wanted to like Grapple Dog, but the game ended up being more frustrating than fun. The grappling hook mechanic initially felt like a great addition, but the controls often felt slippery and imprecise, especially during tougher platforming sections. Combine this with the floaty mid-air movement, and you’ll end up taking damage far more often than you should. It was manageable for the most part, but the final set of levels felt like a chore. I enjoy a fair challenge - this wasn't it.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I was juuuuust about to hit live on a different game, but decided to just relax with more Grapple Dog! Come hang out! www.twitch.tv/veein3d
neutral · AI labelView post →I am live right now playing a cool 2d platformer called Grapple Dog. Ain't no rule says a dog can't have a grappling hook! Later, we're probably finishing up 007: The World is Not Enough and rolling our 366th N64 game of the challenge! twitch.tv/thabeast721 youtube.com/@Thabeast721
positive · AI labelView post →Grapple Dog is a great platformer for Steam Deck, it isn't too hard as it follows a solid rhythm and the challenges are fair only a handful of levels took more than a few attempts to completely finish everything. Would play if you love an easy to get into platformer!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →You can pet the dog. That's all you need to know.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Appleseed's Indie Game Of The Day! Day 84) Grapple Dog by Medallion Games You play as a dog that accidentally released a robot that will destroy the world. ...and you also have a grappling hook and gotta platform around.
neutral · AI labelView post →Neat little game. I got it from Humblebundle Choice so I didnt intend to purchase this game although I'm happy i tried it. It took me 20 hours to 100% the game and it was enjoyable the entire way through. Very fun game and smooth gameplay. Highly recommend.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It was recently increased to $15 USD. Though t[he Plucky Squire](https://store.steampowered.com/app/1627570/The_Plucky_Squire/) actually looks like a solid game published by Deveolver Digital. Looks like it has gone on sale for $15 before, so it'd basically be like buying that game. And you get Grapple Dog thrown in
neutral · AI labelView post →I really wanted to like Grapple Dog. In fact, I did at first. The presentation is charming, the art style is appealing, and the core idea has a lot of potential. Unfortunately, the more I played, the more that excitement faded and I couldn't really bring myself to beat the game (I gave up at the last world). Here are the main reasons why I can't recommend it: 1. Almost no sense of progression You receive the grappling hook right at the start, and that's essentially the full extent of your…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →You can pet the dog
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Mechanics don't really feel great. And way too many cut scenes that get in the way of actually playing the game.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Doesn't respect your time. Every time you die, you lose all the collectibles (purple gems essential to progression) you've collected, so you end up having to re-do the secrets and special challenges again and again. It also doesn't let you save before boss fights, so you have to pass the entire preceding level to replay a boss fight in a later session.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Adorable, charming, incredibly fun and very challenging 2D platformer that made me wanting more, I love collecting gems and trying to get all gold medals for the time trials. My kids love to play and look at the cute characters When you get better with landing your grapple hook to gain that speed and momentum it feels so satisfying to fly through sections of the map, made me feel like I was playing a super Mario game as a kid. Had so much fun that I 100% the game
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →RemyRaccoon number one Grapple Dog fan ok not really cause my thumb is begging me not to go for 100% but I just rolled credits and yeah what a sick game dude And I still have the sequel to play??? Life’s pretty good actually
positive · AI labelView post →Nowadays? If you want to get a game in my face, it has to be via word of mouth or be blown in by the winds of Steam. I took a look through my game library and these are the broad categories of how a game ended up there. * Friends (though I tend to be the recommender for my friends) * Path of Exile, Cobalt Core * I liked the demo at Steam Next Fest * Moonlight Pulse, Laika: Aged Through Blood, Cassette Beasts * Announcement through a game I already like * Jackbox series, Slayers X,…
neutral · AI labelView post →Even looking at Grapple Dog stuff now I'm like 'oh the new game looks way better than that'
neutral · AI labelView post →Good art and great soundtrack but the grapple mechanics didn't click for me which is a bit of a problem for a game called grapple dog.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I have done everything there is to do in this game and I say I had a good experience. I had only three issues with the game and everything else is perfect. My only three issues are: 1. There's still some unskipable cutscenes. 2. The Grapple sometimes hits the blue stuff and doesn't grapple onto it. 3. The final level has this unforgivable bug where if you die then the collectables don't respawn so you have to reset the entire level in order to collect all of them. Other than that, this game is…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →the game is good, but i cant recommend it because its flaws are very apparent towards the end of the game. The game has a few technical issues like certain grappling hook spots not loading in right away and random stuttering across a few levels. It also does not feel like the game had any thought put into the time trials, that they were just thrown on. Some levels have insanely easy time trials, and some have insanely tight timing, especially the very last one. The game has a whole meter…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Grapple Dog is not that fun. Gameplay - 3/10 - It's cute, but the game itself is rather clunky. The movement feels very slow for this type of platformer and the game lags A LOT for whatever reason (which seems to be a common problem). It's frustrating to play. Graphics - 9/10 - It's a very visually appealing game with its stylized backgrounds, vibrant colors, and clean outlines. It strikes me visually as a mobile game but I'm not too bothered by it. Achievement Hunting - 6/10 [21.6 hrs] -…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Getting a lot of slow downs and frame rate issues for no discernible reason.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I played, liked, and 100%ed Grapple Dog.
positive · AI labelView post →Is there a game you guys would prefer to see on stream Sunday? I've got a couple I want to give a try for the Should You Play series.. - The Plucky Squire - Grapple Dog and maybe Silksong 👉👈 Naturally you can always give me your own fav you would like to see me cover 🤍
neutral · AI labelView post →Tl;Dr - This game can be summed up into one phrase, "Great idea, bad execution." Overall, its a solid 6/10 for me. It wasn't the worst game I've ever played, but it has plenty of room for improvement. Most of the negatives I give this game down below actually look like they've been fixed in the second game, at least judging from the short trailer I've seen on its store page, so that's pretty cool. The main reason for the negative review is the grappling hook. The grapple is, quite literally,…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Playing Grapple Dog for the first time and this is a really cute and fun game. I don't like most platformers but this one doesn't play like your typical platformer for long. It gets into its gimmick quick and doesn't leave it. You're quickly thrown into high speed grapple platforming.
positive · AI labelView post →this game is ass, I love challenging 2D platformers with a lot of cool things to collect in the levels like Celeste and the Donkey Kong Series but this game is bad. Controls feel clunky and UNPRECISE, especially the hook which is the main mechanic of the game, i feels bad to have limited directions, levels are boring and slow. It's easy to miss sections that may contain the purple gems at the end their paths but you realize that right after passed a wall that doesn't allow you to come back so…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's time for a new game! Checking out the cute platformer Grapple Dog! It's time for more animals tossing rope! www.twitch.tv/andydershon
neutral · AI labelView post →Grapple Dog is a fantastic precision platformer with very enjoyable movement that feels smooth and responsive throughout most of the game. The grappling hook is the star of the game. Building momentum and flying through levels feels incredibly rewarding. However, the general movement can occasionally make precise platforming a bit awkward in certain situations, which is separate from the momentum gained through the grappling hook itself. The level design is excellent throughout. Every…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Charming 2D platformer with the key mechanic of note being the grapple. While it wasn't the most enjoyable platformer I've played, it was not a bad experience. Some parts I struggled with, and I consider that a skill issue.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Do not get this game on Steam Deck!!! The game doesn't feature cloud saves (released in 2022 btw). My save file got nuked TWICE for no reason. I dont have the energy to replay this game anymore and I'm refunding the sequel.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Playing game genres that I actually enjoy; one of them being Platformers! Let's play some Grapple Dog and have this part of the games I need to finish and play! LIVE ON: www.twitch.tv/werebearista
positive · AI labelView post →Pretty solid 2d platformer and stands out due to its focus on the grapple hook. I would say the general level variety reminded me a lot of the New Super Mario Bros series in the sense that levels feel very similar vibes wise per world, but each level in the world usually relates to a certain focus or gimmick which get later remixed into other levels. Difficulty and level design had a Donkey Kong Country feel in the sense that there can be lots of obstacles and I would say it leans towards…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →---{ Graphics }--- ☐ You forget what reality is ☑ Perfect ☐ Beautiful ☐ Good ☐ Decent ☐ Okay ☐ Bad ☐ Very stylized ☐ They're what they should be for what the game is ☐ MS Paint could make something better ---{ Gameplay }--- ☐ Fantastic ☑ Excellent ☐ Perfect ☐ Good ☐ It's just gameplay ☐ Meh ☐ Bad, but playable ☐ Just go watch paint dry ---{ Audio }--- ☐ Eargasm ☐ Amazing ☑ Very good ☐ Good ☐ Not to bad ☐ Alright ☐ Bad ☐ My ears are bleeding ---{ Audience }--- ☑ Babies ☑ Young kids ☑ Young…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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