5 More Great Dogs In Gaming

Last February, in anticipation of the Chinese New Year, we did a quick list of some of our favorite dogs in gaming. The problem is, there are so, so many good boys (and girls) in video games and we love every single one of them. So, let’s give these virtual puppers a little pat on the head and congratulate them on bringing a little joy to our favorite games.

Boomer / Far Cry 5

Far Cry 5 took players to the location they’ve been longing to see in the franchise for years; the wide-open spaces of Montana. Not really. But the game ended up being a fun foray into Americana and set the stage for the series’ colorful new installment Far Cry: New Dawn. Of the significant changes Far Cry 5 brought to the series, including fishing and flyable airplanes, the game also brought to life one of our favorite dogs in gaming, Boomer.

Boomer is a wonderful partner who will viciously tear your enemies to shreds, point out hostiles and huntable animals, as well as receive all the pets. Despite all his versatility, Boomer lacks the ability to ride along with the player in cars, ATVs, trucks, helicopters, or airplanes. This was incredibly disappointing at launch. Thankfully, Far Cry: New Dawn introduced Timber, an equally versatile pupper who will hop right in the sidecar of your motorcycle. There’s even a trophy for riding together.

[Mabari] / Dragon Age: Origins

The recent demo and launch of Bioware’s Anthem have upset a lot of fans of the franchise. The always online loot-shooter seems to stray from the developer’s style of choice-based RPGs filled with memorable side characters. It’s the perfect storm of dissatisfaction and nostalgia that can lead players back to the developer’s older games.

One of their best is Dragon Age: Origins, a dark fantasy title that lets players name and travel with their own breed of hound, known in game as a mabari. Bringing along the hound in the party is cool, but what really takes the cake is how the dog interacts with the other characters. Coming back to the players camp can trigger cutscenes with the dog and various companions. All of them are cute, or funny, and really offer some of deepest insights into characters throughout the whole franchise.

Rufus / Red Dead Redemption

Red Dead Redemption is one of the most unique franchises in the industry. Is it because of the immersive, sometimes tedious realism? Is it the stellar writing and character development? Is it the completely lackluster online mode? No. It’s the western setting. Seriously, give gamers more western games.

Rufus doesn’t receive the spotlight he deserves in the Red Dead games, but he helps make the Marston ranch, Beecher’s Hope, feel like home. In a game filled with the harsh realities of the American west, taking a second to pet a dog and enjoy the hard work of Rockstar’s animation team is entirely refreshing.

Barnabas / Skyrim

Skyrim. I’m still only in Skyrim.

Here you are in Skyrim again. It’s been over eight years since this game launched, and you still find yourself traipsing the snowy landscape once more. First it was on Xbox, then it was on PlayStation 4. Now it’s on VR and also on Switch. My god. It’s everywhere.

There’s a reason for that. It’s not just that there hasn’t been a new Elder Scrolls game in eight years (and it’ll probably be at least a few more), it’s that Skyrim is an incredible experience that keeps gamers coming back for more.

One of the most enthralling questlines in the game is tracking down the Deadric artifacts. These powerful weapons and items reintroduce players to a Pantheon of devious deities, including the Deadric Prince Clavicus Vile. Vile’s questline starts when his furry sidekick, Barnabas, begs you to come save his master. Barnabas is just doing his doggy best, and we’re always happy to see his face when we get back to the land of the Nords.

Just Dogs, Bro / Assassin’s Creed III

Another year, another slew of remakes on the horizon. Ubisoft will be releasing a remaster of Assassin’s Creed III this year. For a lot of players, this will be a chance to revisit or get introduced to an interesting game that features one of the few Native American protagonists in the history of video games. This assassin, known as Connor to his enemies, is one of the most physically intimidating and visceral heroes in the franchise.

But this dude knows how to pet dogs.

I think that’s what I learned from Connor as a young gamer:

1. Don’t trust George Washington.
2. Be willing to chase your enemy to the end of the Earth, if not at least New England.
3. Empower your community.
4. Offer shelter to those in need.
5. Take time out of your day to pet dogs. They deserve it and you need it.

That’s all we got this time, fam. We love seeing dogs in games, and we’re always ready to drop everything and talk about how much we love them. Check out our recent rundown of what’s new in Far Cry:New Dawn or our favorite special edition consoles. Let Handsome Phantom know about your favorite gaming canines! And be sure to check us out on Twitter!