A new turn-based tactics puzzler, Dog in the Machine, reimagines the strategic gameplay of Into The Breach with a unique premise: players train mecha-dogs to compete in agility-style challenges. Developed by Studio Chahut and published by Goblinz Publishing, the game is set for release on September 27th. A demo is currently available on Steam.
The game casts players as owners of robotic dogs in a futuristic city. When humans are exiled, their mechanical companions must defend themselves against the city's cleaning bots, which are attempting to dismantle them for parts. The core gameplay loop involves moving an Autodog around a grid-based map to defeat enemy robots. Players manage a limited energy supply for movement and special abilities, which can be augmented by 'tricks.' These tricks can replicate previous special abilities or introduce unique actions like teleportation. Developers have indicated that some tricks might be inspired by real-world dog agility competitions, such as pole weaving or playing fetch.
Players must strategically utilize their environment and enemy positions to succeed. A common tactic involves pushing one enemy into the attack path of another. More complex strategies can exploit terrain features like conveyor belts and laser defenses. The game allows players to undo moves without penalty, encouraging experimentation. A notable departure from similar titles is the integration of an alarm gauge. Enemies add to this gauge when they act, but damaging and destroying them can reduce the threat, offering a mechanic reminiscent of the alert system in Invisible Inc., though seemingly less elaborate.
The game features a colorful, cartoonish sci-fi aesthetic with a focus on sound effects that are described as 'clicky-clacky and burbly-whirry.' While the current tricks are familiar tactical gambits, there is potential for more unique abilities to be introduced. The game's title is a deliberate reference to Gilbert Ryle's philosophical work 'The Concept of Mind,' also known as 'The Ghost in the Machine,' critiquing Cartesian dualism.