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0 There have been plenty of movie-to-game adaptations over the years—even game-to-movie. However, book-to-game seems to be a genre rarely experienced. Well developers Floor 84, publishers Mindscape and bestselling author Dav Pilkey have teamed up. They have become the Supa Buddies, well not quite but we’ll get onto them soon! They have however released Dog Man: Mission Impawsible. Available across platforms, the game will cost you around £34.99.
Woof Woof, Bark, Meow Meow
In digital stores now you can pick up Dog Man: Mission Impawsible and dive into the comically adventurous world before the Dog Man movie hits cinemas in February 2025.
Gameplay
Firing up the game, you are greeted with familiar graphics, especially if you’ve read any of Dav Pilkey’s books. Thankfully the middle child in the TC Mini Crew is a massive fan of Dav’s work. Even asking if we can get Dav to visit his school. Safe to say this game has been on his wishlist, as much as mine, since we first covered the news of it’s release!
Dav, if you are reading this, what are the chances of the middle child getting a signed book? I know that was cheeky, but honestly, the book series is incredible. It captures so much imagination, even the smallest mini crew member has started to read them now!
Ok back to it. The game lets players explore 50 levels spread over 5 familiar locations. These range from City Hall, and then Police Station, to the Giant Marshmallow Factory. All locations you would have experienced in one of the many books. Playing at the beginning as Dog Man, and quickly gaining access to Lil’ Petey and 80-HD. They become the Supa Buddies pretty quickly. Gaining their special abilities as you progress through the game, including the Bark Knights’ gliding ability, and even some claws to help Cat Kid climb walls.
Switch between the team members to use each advantage to move through puzzles. The game tests you with a lot of mental gymnastics, having to move large blocks with 80-HD strength. then head through some tunnels using Dog Mans’ ability to dig, and finally climb up some walls using Cat Kids’ claws. Straight forward right? Once you’ve reached the final level of the location you get to take on a boss. Where another puzzle awaits you, ready to solve and beat that giant Taco!
Graphics & Audio
Dog Man: Mission Impawsible has great graphics, almost as if it’s been pulled directly from the comics. With animations that are a joy to look at and visual humour in bounds. My favourite bit of playing through the game with the middle Mini crew member was all the extra information he gave me. Letting me know which book each different scenes were in as well as little bits of information that helped round out the game for me.
With comic sound effects added to the gameplay, allowing me to fully get immersed in the world that Dav Pilkey imagined.
One of my favourite things during the gameplay was the following screenshot. Indicating that I had been playing for a while and that I should take a break away from the screens. If that’s not a recommendation many people can take on board, then I don’t know what is. Obviously this game is mainly aimed at kids which is what makes this message even better!
Longevity
There is a good 10 hours of gameplay in this game. With plenty of collectables to get, 4 badges per level as well as artwork to unlock. So if you want to get 100% expect to replay a few levels once you unlock different abilities. Even to the point where you may need to replay some boss levels.
Final Thoughts
Dav Pilkey’s world of Dog Man has been recreated lovingly. I’m sure he would be proud of the game.
Dog Man: Mission Impawsible is platforming at its best. It’s also a lot of fun to play through. I’ve spent a few evenings playing the game along with the TC Mini Crew and it’s given me an experience that can’t be replaced. Those core memories will live with me for a lifetime.
Dog Man: Mission Impawsible receives the Thumb Culture Gold Award.
Disclaimer: A code was received to write this review.
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