If you love Astro Bot, try this excellent new platformer next

I don’t know about you, but Astro Bot has gotten me in the mood to play more platformers. I’d forgotten how joyful a colorful adventure like that can be if it’s expertly crafted. There are plenty of games you can play if you want to scratch that itch, like this year’s Penny’s Big Breakaway or a selection of oldies on Xbox Game Pass, but there’s a brand new 2D platformer out this week that should be next on your list if you have Astro Bot fever.

Grapple Dogs: Cosmic Canines is a sequel to the 2022 hidden gem Grapple Dog. The original game stood out thanks to its grappling hook movement, throwback collect-a-thon structure, and a vibrant art style that made it feel like a long-lost Game Boy Advance title. Just two years later, developer Medallion Games is back with a sequel that’s even better and addresses many of its predecessor’s biggest weak points. If you’re looking for another game like Astro Bot, Cosmic Canines checks many of the same boxes.

While the first Grapple Dog was a straightforward, level-based platformer, Cosmic Canines strides in with a bit more confidence. There’s a bigger emphasis on story with its intergalactic villain, cutscenes throughout, and some genuinely hilarious writing. The bigger swing, though, is that it features two heroes this time. Pablo, the naive retriever with a heart of gold, gets a foil in the form of Luna, a gruff and tough pup with a gun. All of this helps build out the world of Grapple Dog and make it feel like more than a good platforming concept.

None of those changes throw out what made the original game great, though. The core idea is the same, as both Pablo and Luna clear 2D levels that require them to swing around with their grappling hooks and poke around for secret collectibles. Pablo’s levels play out like they did in the previous game, but Luna can shoot enemies, as well as use an air dash to mix up her combat and traversal options. That dynamic helps solve one of the previous game’s bigger issues, as the grapple