Barking Mad
Created by solo game developer Rohan Nowell, Doggy Don’t Care is a game where you take on the role of an adorable yet mischievous dog that is easily manipulated into becoming a tiny furry whirlwind of destruction. It also might be the zaniest, most unhinged indie game I played in a while.
The demo begins with a simple task: locate the treats that your considerate owners have hidden for you around the house. After you have completed your quest and had your fill of tasty, bone-shaped snacks, Rocko the Parrot, the other household pet, challenges you with a list of ‘fun-filled tasks’ Rocko, it seems, is nothing more than a chaos gremlin, and his idea of tasks are an excuse to cause as much damage as possible. And since I’m a gullible pup that is easily swayed by the promise of shiny Mischievous Badges upon completing these tasks, I happily volunteer to become an agent havoc on the bird’s behalf. It is here that the main gameplay loop reveals itself: break. everything.
The pup’s controls are simple and tons of fun, making the gameplay a delight. You have buttons assigned to barking, which is just the cutest thing ever. Then there’s the Action Button, used primarily for picking things up and hurling them across the room—whether it’s a vase, or a bowling ball, everything is fair game. Jumping is another essential control, and hilariously, you can even double jump, making your pup’s acrobatics all the more adorable and comical. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: the Piss Button. Yes, there’s a dedicated button that lets you pee on command, adding a whole new level of mischievous fun.
The demo features an extensive list of Mischievous Badges to collect, some that are pretty obvious and others that can be a bit of a headscratcher. For example the Screen Addict Badge requires you to grab a remote control from the master bedroom and turn on the television in the living room. The Hoodini Badge, however, requires you to somehow escape the house, a task I was able to complete by finding a key, which unlocked a chest that contained a basketball(?), which I promptly used to smash the glass door that led to the backyard. That is process of discovery through destruction plays a big part in what makes Doggy Don’t Care so much fun. There isn’t any hand-holding, you are just a lone pup placed in a sandbox and left to your own devices. Often times, I unlocked badges without even trying. Simple acts like walking across the ivory keys of a grand piano or taking your first pee unlock badges, and makes you wonder: ‘what else can I ruin and be rewarded for?’ I honestly didn’t even check the list of badges until about fifteen or so minutes into the demo; I was having too much fun breaking as much stuff as possible and pissing all over my owner’s bed to even care. My mischief was also punctuated by the game’s adorable art style. It’s a perfect fit for a game like this. It’s giving Untitled Goose Game vibes, and I’m here for it.
If the full game can continue to provide plenty of hilarious and fun brain teasers while maintaining the sheer joy of destruction, then Doggy Don’t Care has a winning formula on its hands. The combination of a charming art style, delightful controls, and a gameplay loop centered around chaos and curiosity makes this game a standout. As you break, pee, and bark your way through the house, you’ll find yourself constantly entertained and eager to discover what other mayhem you can unleash. With its unique blend of humor and mischief, Doggy Don’t Care is poised to be a must-play indie gem. Be sure to wishlist the game and play the demo now to experience the mayhem for yourself. Stay tuned for our upcoming interview with the developer, Rohan Nowell, where we’ll dive deeper into the creative mind behind this delightful chaos.
Wishlist Doggy Don’t Care: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2438180/Doggy_Dont_Care/
