[EXPlay] To The Rescue! A Dog Shelter Simulator | Nintendo Switch

Welcome to EXPlay, (Explain & Play) the review series where we care not for scores but tell it how it is when it comes to every game we get our hands on, whilst also taking the time to include some lengthy gameplay, to give you the reader, the chance to shape your own impressions and views whilst watching and reading.

In this explanatory review, we’re covering To The Rescue! A Dog Shelter Simulator by developer, Little Rock Games:

To The Rescue! A Dog Shelter Simulator (The Explanation)

To The Rescue! A Dog Shelter Simulator barks its way to the Nintendo Switch. The game is a point and click style simulator similar to gameplay mechanics found in Stardew Valley though contained around raising dogs in a shelter and getting them fit and ready for their furrever homes. 

 

Point and click style simulator games don’t always translate well to handheld or consoles. To The Rescue! is no different. While I enjoyed the overall gameplay moments, controlling and selecting the various things you need to do in the game can be tedious and difficult at times. 

 

You start off the game by finding a stray dog which you take to the local shelter. Your friend who works there asks you to help out around the shelter in getting dogs ready to go to homes. In the days ahead you will spend time cleaning dog pens, feeding the dogs, bathing them, playing with them, and more. It’s your job to get the dogs ready for when a potential owner comes in and matching them with a breed they are best suited for.

 

As you spend more time in the shelter you will slowly learn better ways to take care of the dogs and what foods and care items suit certain breeds. This step by step knowledge gained helped lessen the tutorial length in the beginning of the game as information was slowly doled out to the player.

 

The game has several various mechanics that all pull together for a unique experience. As new pups are brought in, you will assign them to a pen by themselves or put them together with another dog of similar temperament so as not to cause conflicts. You need to take time playing with the dogs so they get exercise out in the play area, and clean them up when they need to be washed, shampooed, and brushed. 

 

A healthy dog needs the right food. On top of that it is your job to order more food as funds allow, and as supply runs low. You do need to make sure to keep up with the computer in the office to order the right things, learn about the dogs needs, and see how the shelter is being run. Running a shelter is no easy task, as you’ll soon discover. While cuddles and snoot boops are part of the job, there’s much more to it. You’ll need to manage every aspect of the dogs’ lives to increase their chances of adoption and create a nurturing environment for them.

 

Each day in To The Rescue! presents new challenges and rewards. The dogs have their own individual preferences, can fall ill with infectious diseases, and may even exhibit negative traits. But fear not! There are also opportunities for fundraisers, random donations, and the satisfaction of uniting someone with their new best friend. However, the reality is that there are always more dogs in need than there is space available.

 

Some dogs may be more sought after than others, but with patience and perseverance, every dog can find their special place in someone’s heart. There is a lot to do in To The Rescue! You will come across 28 different breed variants each with dog is one-of-a-kind, generated with distinct traits, personalities, health conditions, and names. With each dog you’ll encounter a diverse array of dogs to care for and introduce to potential adopters. Matching their preferences will increase the likelihood of successful adoptions.

 

So, get ready to embark on a heartfelt journey where love, dedication, and compassion come together to save lives. Experience the joy of finding forever homes for adorable dogs in To The Rescue! a Miketendo64 recommended game for pet-lovers and simulation fans looking for a new game to play this summer.

To The Rescue! A Dog Shelter Simulator (The Gameplay)

Game Specifications:

Developer: Little Rock Games
Publisher: Freedom Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Simulation, Other
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: NA & EU: May 25, 2023
Price: $19.99
File Size: 1.2 GB
Nintendo.com Listing