Best New Animal Games

If you’re an animal lover and looking for a game to play, check out these awesome new upcoming releases.

Whether it’s Animal Crossing, Pokemon, or Zoo Tycoon animals have a special place in video games and in the hearts of many gaming fans. Animals offer a sense of comfort for a lot of people, so there is no surprise when games like Animal Crossing: New Horizons sell over 13 million copies.

There are as many variations of animal games as there are animals on the planet. Simulations, survival, role-play, and platforming games are just a few categories where animal lovers can find their next favorite title. However, developers are constantly seeking ways to expand on the genre. What are some of the best new animal games?

Updated February 2, 2023 by Mark Sammut: Why should players settle for petting the dog when they can become a canine? While relatively rare in the grand scheme of things, games with animal protagonists are still common enough to guarantee a few releases per year. 2023 is no exception.

Fuga: Melodies Of Steel 2

• Release Date: May 11, 2023
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC

CyberConnect2 has quietly explored a steampunk alternate reality in its Little Tail Bronx franchise, which (so far) has produced a platformer along with action and tactical RPGs. Even if they are not as well known as the developer’s licensed projects, these games are pretty good in their own right, and their collective world-building is fascinating. Fuga: Melodies of Steel is the darkest Little Tail Bronx entry, and the tactics game casts cute anthropomorphic animals in a sobering war drama.

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Debuting in 2021, the first title garnered a mostly positive reception and ranks among CyberConnect2’s highest-rated games on Metacritic. The franchise is set to receive two sequels, and if they maintain the standard set by the original Fuga: Melodies of Steel, this trilogy could prove to be something truly special.

Curse Of The Sea Rats

• Release Date: April 6, 2023
• Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Curse of the Sea Rats summarizes the game’s plot perfectly. Four pirates are cursed to be rats by a witch, prompting them to go on a sea-faring adventure to reverse the spell. Along the way, they meet a plethora of colorful characters, most of which might not be that kind. Featuring four playable characters and gorgeous hand-drawn visuals, Curse of the Sea Rats seems to have enough personality to distinguish itself in the oversaturated Metroidvania genre.

The game’s site advertises a lengthy single-player campaign with a main quest that should require more than 10 hours of gameplay. Each character also has upgradable weapons and abilities, which should add variety to combat scenarios. The title will even include a local co-op mode that supports up to four players. Curse of the Sea Rats could provide to be one of 2023’s best animal games.

Moss & Moss: Book 2 (Virtual Reality)

• Release Date: February 22, 2023 (PS5)
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC

Sony will launch the PS VR2 on February 22, 2023, and the hardware has a decent launch lineup. While games like Gran Turismo 7 and Pavlov VR will hog most of the limelight, animal fans might find themselves drawn to the Moss games, which will be immediately available when the PS VR2 debuts. As both games are out on PS4 and PC, they are hardly fresh experiences; however, the upcoming re-releases should not be ignored by people who missed out on the last-gen versions.

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When it comes to games where you play as an animal, Moss might just have the most adorable protagonist. Quill oozes charm out of every fiber of its being, and this cuteness is backed by intuitive and fun gameplay.

Stray

• Release Date: Jul 19, 2022
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, PC

A highlight of the 2022 gaming calendar, Stray is arguably the best animal game of the last few years. BlueTwelve Studio crafted a short but sweet adventure that follows a cat through a cyberpunk world. Although not devoid of sci-fi touches, the eponymous feline is largely ordinary, and its goal is simply to return home.

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Stray does a stellar job of immersing players within its environments, and the game goes out of its way to show things from its protagonist’s perspective. Even if someone is not a cat person, they should not ignore this title.

Endling – Extinction Is Forever

• Release Date: July 19, 2022
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Endling revolves around a mother fox that is trying to provide for its cubs, a process that is made difficult by climate change and poachers. As part of the survival genre, the game has its share of meters that need to be maintained and failing to do so results in dire consequences.

Endling is grounded and harsh; consequently, it might be too much for some people. The game does not attempt to sugarcoat the constant danger that defines the lives of these foxes, and they will suffer due to the player’s poor decision-making skills.

Tunic

• Release Date: March 16, 2022
• Platforms: Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC

Tunic has attracted a lot of praise since its debut. The top-down action and beautiful 3D art are reminiscent of The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening remake that was released on Nintendo Switch back in 2019. That said, Tunic’s visual direction is far more detailed and breathtaking, with seemingly expansive zones and meticulously crafted landscapes.

The protagonist looks beyond huggable, but Tunic is far from an easy game. Combat is punishing but satisfying, and some of the puzzles are quite challenging.

To The Rescue

• Release Date: November 2, 2021
• Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PC

Indie developer Little Rock Games surprised animal-loving players at E3 2021 by unveiling To the Rescue, a dog shelter simulator that lets everyone live out their virtual dreams of finding loving homes for a variety of pooches. It features charming 2D graphics and simple simulation mechanics that should make it a relaxing, mood-boosting adventure.

Players have the ability to open their own customizable shelter, offering a haven for down-on-their-luck doggos. The shelter can be upgraded to house even more pups or provide a bevy of other useful things to help players run the best rescue possible.

Tails Of Iron

• Release Date: September 17, 2021
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Switch, PC

Among the slew of 2021 indie releases stood Tails of Iron, a Souls-like that explores a war-torn struggle between rats and frogs. Boasting beautiful hand-drawn 2D art, Tails of Iron is a side-scrolling epic set in a fleshed-out world rich in imagery and intrigue.

Tails of Iron is a grandiose adventure and features classic action-RPG gameplay mechanics with dodge rolling, parries, and even execution-style attacks. Players can create new weapons and armor, unlocking a variety of attacks and skills to take on their foes. The RPG offers players six beautifully crafted biomes to battle through, with a variety of quests to complete and items to uncover.

Kitaria Fables

• Release Date: September 2, 2021
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Players out there looking for a blend between farming and combat à la Stardew Valley should find a lot to enjoy in Kitaria Fables. The title sees gamers taking over the role of a furry feline friend, battling their way through hordes of enemies, and then returning home to farm, craft, and upgrade their way to success. The visual style is slightly top-down, reminiscent of most ARPGs, and features fluid movement, colorful environments, and beautiful animations.

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The combat experience in Kitaria Fables is truly spectacular on its own, as developer Twin Hearts opted for a “choose your own adventure” style of character customization instead of classes. By building weapons, choosing armor, and unlocking skills, players are able to create a build that caters to their own playstyle. It even offers up a cooperative experience where gamers can join forces to slash through enemies together.

KeyWe

• Release Date: August 31, 2021
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC

KeyWe is a cooperative postal puzzle game developed by Stonewheat & Sons. Jeff and Debra are two small kiwi birds working in a whimsical post office. Players can work together to find creative ways to keep the mail flowing.

Help Jeff and Debra jump, flap, and bump their way across an interactive landscape of levers and buttons. An endearing co-op game that will undoubtedly leave friends or family members laughing, KeyWe is a fun indie title made for animal lovers.

Neko Ghost, Jump!

• Release Date: January 11, 2022 (Early Access)
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, Switch, PC

Neko Ghost, Jump! is a 2D/3D puzzle-platform game where players can switch between camera perspectives at any time. Help Nekoman, the cat-like protagonist, rescue his bride-to-be and friends from space pirate dogs. Players also can switch between a physical and ghost form to solve puzzles and collect coins.

Neko Ghost, Jump! welcomes competitive play styles, by having leaderboards for each level. For players who prefer to take their time, exploring each puzzle can lead them to new customization options.

Every Game Coming Out In 2023 And Beyond

Not every upcoming game stares a dog, cat, or bird; in some cases, players will just have to make do with humans. For anyone trying to decide what games to pick up in the near future, the following articles should help:

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