Astrodogs is an on-rails arcade action game featuring a cast of space dogs that have to save the galaxy from WOOFER, a corporation that controls everything. Also ran by dogs.
Players control a spaceship on a predetermined path through 10 beautifully crafted levels, shooting down enemy ships and obstacles. The "on-rails" mechanic automatically moves the ship forward, allowing players to focus on aiming and firing their weapons.
One of the game's standout features is the "Slow-Mo" or "Instinct" mode, which temporarily slows down time. This gives players the opportunity to improve their aim and reaction time, adding a strategic layer to the gameplay. Players must carefully decide when to activate this mode to effectively deal with challenging enemy patterns. The game also offers a "Special Weapons" system, allowing players to choose between four unique weapon types, such as remote-controlled bombs, homing missiles, and a hyperbeam. This depth in weapon selection enables players to tailor their playstyle to the situation at hand, increasing the game's replayability.
Reviewers consistently praise the responsive and satisfying controls, whether using a controller or mouse and keyboard. The ship's movements and weapon controls feel precise and intuitive, which is essential for the game's challenging but rewarding experience.
While some players mention encountering "unkillable" or "undodgeable" enemy segments, the overall consensus is that the game's difficulty is appropriately challenging. Overcoming these obstacles provides a satisfying sense of accomplishment, encouraging players to revisit completed levels in pursuit of higher scores and new ship customizations, such as colors and skins.
The combination of unique gameplay mechanics, responsive controls, and a well-balanced challenge make the on-rails shooter experience in this game engaging and satisfying for fans of the genre.