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 Little Friends: Puppy Island by developer, Big Blue Bubble:
Little Friends: Puppy Island (The Explanation)
Welcome to the delightful world of Little Friends: Puppy Island, where an unforgettable puppy adventure awaits! In this new Switch game, you take on the role of upgrading an island paradise in hopes to attract other dog owners to the area to engage in games, shopping, and more. Immerse yourself in a tropical paradise as you embark on an exciting journey, discovering hidden treasures, expanding your holiday resort, and forming heartwarming connections with adorable little friends.
In Puppy Island, you will meet, befriend, and nurture a plethora of lovable puppies while exploring the stunning beauty of a paradise island. In the opening hours of the game I had my husky friend to start the game, and soon found a black lab and a golden retriever. Each dog has attributes like hunger, cleanliness, and relationship closeness to you. Throughout the day you will need to tend to each of their needs through feeding them back at your house, washing them in the outdoor tub, and playing with them or petting the dog.
Taking each dog out on the trail for a walk will increase their level in the game which allows them to go further, do more, and unlock the island. The map of the island looks to be pretty big, though I only was traversing the first area in the EXPlay. I did feel like the game world was large enough and full of variety even in the first area.
While taking my dogs out on the trail I encountered mini-games like throwing frisbees at the dog park, avoiding the distraction of squirrels, and digging for surprises usually giving me clothing options to put on my dog. Speaking of clothing, there are stores around the island you can unlock and you can use the in-game currency to give your puppies hats, pants, shirts, shoes, and more. The variety in which you have is astounding and the combinations you can come up with can be a lot of fun.
Overall, Little Friends: Puppy Island, is a decent game, especially skewing for younger players. If you or your kids are looking for a fun adventure game with some simulation elements, revolving around the care and upkeep of dogs, Little Friends: Puppy Island is a decent game. There are hours of fun to be had as you unlock the entirety of the island and find all of the clothing options and breeds of dogs in the game. There are levels to the customization that you have in terms of naming your dog, customizing their look, and the direction you travel on the island each time you go out for a walk.
A Final Thought: Little Friends: Puppy Island tries to be a lot like Nintendogs, and it does an ok job at that. One thing that set Nintendogs apart was its use of the microphone on the 3DS to give you a sense of talking with and using voice commands to train your dog. Since the Switch doesn’t have a built-in microphone the lack of voice commands in Little Friends: Puppy Island is a real shame. Hopefully, the next Switch system has a built-in microphone to help games like Little Friends: Puppy Island reach their full potential with added voice commands.
Little Friends: Puppy Island (The Gameplay)
Game Specifications:
Developer: Big Blue Bubble
Publisher: Fireshine Games
Platform: Nintendo Switch (eShop)
Category: Simulation, Adventure,
No. of Players: 1 (Single System)
Release Date: NA & EU: June 27, 2023
Price: $39.99
File Size: 1 GB
Nintendo.com Listing
