Good Dog for Mac

Being a dog is easy

Good Dog is a free and wholesome simulation video game wherein you get to become a therapy dog at a hospital. Developed by Marafrass and rnoelliams, this indie game is a 3D animal simulator that offers first-person POV of a cute canine.

In Good Dog, being a dog is easy since the controls are clearly outlined and the game doesn’t actually impose any fail states—allowing you to freely act without fear of getting a Game Over. The game is free but it allows you to donate to charities such as Direct Relief and Rebuilding Alliance by buying a copy.

Everyone in the hospital is family

As a rambunctious therapy dog in Good Dog, your only job is to go around to interact with patients—although you’re also allowed to interact with staff and visitors alike. To cheer up people, simply click on them and choose from three options: Wag Tail, Lick, Cuddle. Take note that each patient prefers a different action. You’re successful if they coo at you and red hearts surround them.

What’s great about this game is that you can always try again if you get an interaction wrong. Plus, there’s no rush in cheering everyone up. Once you’re done, just go back to the starting area and jump on your chair to prompt the end of the day. Other than that, you can go around exploring and even trying to find the secret items scattered around. 

The controls are simple enough; you can check them by pausing the game, as prompted at the start. The settings could use more options, though, as there are only three adjustable choices. The movement speed in this game is particularly bad as walking already feels like running and can easily induce dizziness in players who are not used to a lowered view of a first-person POV.

Could use some movement adjustments

Overall, Good Dog is a good enough short game if you want to experience what dogs see and do when they’re saddled with the job of comforting hospital patients. While the settings are quite lacking, the gameplay itself is quite relaxed and meant to de-stress players, as well. Buying a copy of the game will also help in aiding certain charities.