An upcoming Soulslike game, tentatively titled ‘Stray Dog: nobody cares,’ has rapidly gained viral attention for its distinctive concept: players control a sword-wielding dog on a quest to rescue its master. This premise has resonated with fans of the Soulslike genre and those who enjoyed similar mechanics in titles like The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess or Okami.
The game’s narrative, as detailed on its Steam page, follows a stray dog raised from birth by a disgraced knight. This knight, once a celebrated member of an unnamed legion, fell from grace after uncovering the organization’s “dark secrets.” Now an outcast, he travels the kingdom with only his canine companion, teaching the dog how to survive. The knight is then captured, compelling the pup to venture into the perilous border fief of Greythorn, now occupied by a tyrannical legion, to save him. The dog must rely on its own cunning and the sword it carries in its jaws.
‘Stray Dog: nobody cares’ aims to incorporate a range of familiar Soulslike mechanics. Players will be able to parry enemy attacks, execute stealth takedowns, perform backstabs, and deliver finishing blows. The Steam page also highlights features such as multiple combat arts, custom levels, challenging boss encounters, and exploration through dark, atmospheric medieval environments characteristic of the genre.
Screenshots and gameplay footage of ‘Stray Dog: nobody cares’ have circulated widely on social media, drawing significant praise and numerous pledges to wishlist the game. In response to the outpouring of interest, developer Parry Frames Studio issued a statement thanking players and providing an update on the game’s development.
The studio shared that they began as a small team passionate about Soulslike games, self-teaching themselves the Unreal Engine. Their prior experience includes the release of their first game, Crimson Oath, supported by an Epic Games MegaGrant. Parry Frames Studio emphasized their professional team, comprising specialists in battle design, game programming, art, and level design, asserting their capability to deliver on the game’s ambitious vision.
While an official release date for ‘Stray Dog: nobody cares’ has not yet been announced, the game’s significant online traction suggests that despite its title, considerable player interest does indeed exist. The developers acknowledged the unexpected surge in popularity on X (formerly Twitter), expressing gratitude for the attention. The game's title may also be subject to change given its newfound widespread appeal.