Over the past few days, I have been scanning Steam to try and find some of the most unique-looking indie games that are in the works, and there are almost too many to keep track of. Steam Next Fest is one of Steam’s biggest events, and as exciting as that is, it also really adds to an already-bloated backlog. In spite of a backlog that’s bursting at the seams, I will carry on and continue to collect the indie games that look the most charming, and that includes the adorably spooky Haunted Paws.
If dogs and Halloween are two things that bring you joy, then Haunted Paws is a must-play. Fair warning, there is only a demo out at the moment, but it’s still a really fun time, especially with it being spooky season. Halloween is usually a time for some of the scariest horror games to be brought back into the spotlight, but that isn’t everyone’s thing. The season doesn’t have to be all about scares, and Haunted Paws still boasts plenty of Halloween vibes without causing heart palpitations.
Haunted Paws Is Like a Spooky Stray, But With Dogs
Fear not, cat lovers; gamers who are more into pets of the feline variety can still play as a cat. However, there is an important twist. Cats still have to wear dog costumes in order to blend in with the canine community, but that simply just adds an extra dose of Halloween energy to the gameplay. There are some really great games with cats out there, and Stray is probably the most well-known by now. Haunted Paws takes Stray‘s adventure-loving gameplay and gives it a co-op twist.
In Haunted Paws, two dogs (or cats) must find their owner who has gone missing in a haunted house. As any good pet would do, the duo bravely venture into the house and face the haunts and obstacles that stand in their way. With puzzles and monster chases that are deeply reminiscent of games like Little Nightmares and an animal focus that will immediately resonate with Stray lovers, Haunted Paws might be one of the cutest and spookiest indie co-op games currently in development.
A Sneak Peek at the Gameplay Features Confirmed for Haunted Paws
- Two-player co-op
- Dig, sniff, bark, and even pee
- Emphasis on puzzles
- Untangle the house’s deeper mystery
- Fight evil creatures
- Customize and dress up your puppy character
Haunted Paws is filled to the brim with charm and cuteness, and one of the best parts about playing the demo with a friend is getting to customize the characters. There are a solid number of breeds to choose from, which means it’s pretty easy to create a dog or cat avatar that resembles your own pet. Beyond the breed choices, players can add fun cosmetics like an astronaut helmet, various hats, super-cool sunglasses, and even a Jack-O-Lantern mask. It’s not exactly a game with the most detailed character customization, but simplicity isn’t a bad thing.
Haunted Paws Is an Adorable Horror-Inspired Breath of Fresh Air
Check Out the Haunted Paws Demo Here
Although Haunted Paws might not be a full-blown horror game, it’s a great reminder that not all horror-themed video games have to be downright terrifying. I’m a huge horror nerd, but it can get exhausting sometimes. Hellraiser: Revival is one of the most shocking games I have witnessed in a while, Silent Hill: Townfall does its unsettling franchise justice, and Resident Evil Requiem is one of the year’s best games. This trio brings plenty of effective scares and discomfort, and that’s great. Horror games that aren’t scary can still have just as much strong atmosphere without inspiring nightmares, though.
Haunted Paws Is a Reminder That Hard Obstacles Are Always Easier With a Friend to Help
Co-op games like Split Fiction and It Takes Two are some of the best examples of stories that drive home that sometimes situations are much harder when faced with alone. Haunted Paws takes the same route, and the fact that adorable dogs and cats are used as the main characters just makes the experience even more heartwarming.
There are many co-op games with animals that have become big multiplayer hits, especially on Steam. It’s too early to say if Haunted Paws will join those ranks, but it definitely has the potential.
It won’t be much longer before the spooky season is over, which is a bummer. Halloween is my favorite time of year, and it’s always great to find a new game that serves as both a way to celebrate the holiday and is simply a lot of fun to play. It’s also a great demo to dive into if you have kids and want to bond over some Halloween-themed gaming. With Stray‘s focus on adventure and Little Nightmares‘ special blend of cuteness and spooks, Haunted Paws is a uniquely adorable co-op game worth adding to the Steam Wishlist.
- Developer(s)
-
LazyFlock
- Publisher(s)
-
LazyFlock
- Multiplayer
-
Local Co-Op, Online Co-Op
