Doggone tired of the typical brawler or tower defense that is all bark and no bite? Then join Alpha and T. Juan on a dynamic adventure that has you battling hordes of baddies and bosses on their mission to save all the Doggos!
You control Alpha, a protagonist who must rescue kidnapped dogs across a post-apocalyptic landscape. The core gameplay loop involves setting up defensive "towers" made up of the rescued canine companions, while also directly engaging and fighting off enemy hordes.
The tower defense elements heavily draw inspiration from Plants vs. Zombies. Levels unfold as side-scrolling lanes, with enemies marching towards the player's base (an RV that requires protection). You collect resources by defeating foes, then use these to construct and upgrade a variety of dog-themed turrets and defenses. Each canine companion offers unique abilities and specialties, forcing you to thoughtfully balance their strengths and weaknesses.
Alongside the tower defense, you can directly control Alpha, engaging in beat 'em up style combat. Alpha possesses a repertoire of melee attacks, combos, and special moves that allow you to wade into the fray and support your canine defenders. Mastering Alpha's moveset and learning how to efficiently combo enemies is key, especially in the game's more challenging encounters.
As you progress, you unlock new dog companions, RV upgrades, and additional abilities for Alpha. This creates opportunities to experiment with different strategies and build styles, though reviews note that certain optimal setups do emerge. The ability to name and personalize rescued dogs adds a charming touch.
The game starts on the easier side, allowing you to coast through early levels with relatively straightforward tower and combat tactics. However, the difficulty gradually ramps up, requiring more active engagement and thoughtful planning to succeed. The quick, bite-sized level structure helps maintain momentum, preventing the gameplay from becoming stale or repetitive.