Man’s best friend is a phrase commonly used when describing a dog. Dogs are loyal companions when treated well, and this is also the case in the world of video games. While characters that can converse with dialogue often add more depth to the storytelling aspect of a game, a canine follower or companion allows for new possibilities in terms of both general and combative interactions.
Regardless of how each individual dog is built up and given character, there are several that are vastly more talented and useful in their own games than others may be. This can come from their ability to detect, locate or engage in combat when required to do so.
10 Chop Was A Welcome Addition To GTA V
Chop is a large and intimidating Rottweiler that debuts in Grand Theft Auto 5, under the ownership of Lamar and Franklin. Chop can be called upon as a general companion to hang out with and take for a walk, but is also crucial in some missions.
Chop can even be controlled by the player on occasion, and he subsequently helps to locate certain characters and locations of importance to the wider story. As a companion, Chop can get distracted by other dogs and can also get the player in trouble with the law by attacking pedestrians with minimal provocation. Regardless, Chop is useful enough in missions and fun to hang out with.
9 Riley Was An Integral Member Of The Ghosts
In the solo campaign for Call of Duty: Ghosts, the titular Ghosts squadron have a canine member, a German shepherd named Riley. Riley can act like dog companions from other games, in helping to distract, locate and attack enemies.
However, Riley dying triggers a fail-condition, so commanding the dog to fight must be done with care and caution. There are even occasions where the player can control Riley, who is equipped with a camera and radio, on scouting missions to assess various situations before proceeding and engaging.
8 Boomer Was A Good Boy In Far Cry 5
Far Cry 5 saw the introduction of one of the franchise’s most popular companions in Boomer. Once rescued by the player, Boomer serves as many other attack dog companions, but with more ferocity and aggression towards enemies. Expect Boomer to rack up an impressive kill count.
The faithful companion will growl or bark at any hint of impending danger, which is a welcome change from the constant talking of other companion alternatives. Boomer can also grab weapons for the player, which is invaluable if in the midst of an intense and grueling fight.
7 The Mabari Hound Was A Useful Companion To Have In Dragon Age: Origins
In the Dragon Age universe, dogs are seen as an essential part of Ferelden culture, with the mabari war hound being one of the most revered breeds. The protagonist of Dragon Age: Origins, The Warden, has such a dog as a potential companion, with it being accomplished in battle and labeled as a warrior.
Dog has its own unique skill tree, and when upgraded, it can be an extremely powerful and useful ally to have. It can sense stealthed or hidden enemies and can also find rare items. The reduction in the overall roster in Dragon Age: Origins, allows Dog and the other companions to shine brighter than they would in a more convoluted roster.
6 Dogmeat Was A Staple Of The Fallout Series
Dogmeat was introduced as a potential companion for the player way back in the original Fallout game, and has appeared in other games since. In Fallout 4, it was once again a faithful friend and traveling companion to the player.
The German shepherd can be commanded by the player like other companions, but nothing beats having a loyal canine by your side. Dogmeat can be customized with bandanas and other forms of headwear in order to allow it to do its job in style. Dogmeat is actively used and required in one of the main story missions of Fallout 4 and is thus immortal in this game, to the delight of fans worldwide. While Dogmeat can normally hold its own in a fight, it will often struggle against powerful opponents unless appropriately equipped with armor.
5 Final Fantasy VIII’s Angelo Could Do More Than Just Attack On Command
In Final Fantasy VIII, Rinoa has a dog called Sant’ Angelo di Roma, or Angelo for short. Angelo can be summoned on occasion to help out in battle, with her utilizing a number of different offensive or support-based tricks.
Before fleeing, Angelo can help to heal the party, search the battlefield for items, or simply counterattack and shift momentum back to the player. Angelo’s moves will be influenced by the situation and more specifically, its level of crisis. Collecting issues of the Pet Pals Magazine can help to realize her potential, and unlock all of her abilities.
4 The Dog In Fable 2 Changed Appearance To Appropriately Reflect The Player’s Actions
The world and story of Fable 2 are both equally cruel. The player discovers the dog during the prologue when they are just a child, and the dog stays and serves as a loyal companion throughout all the trials and turmoil.
The dog in Fable 2 goes beyond simple customization, with it actively changing in appearance to reflect the actions of the player, due to their emotional bond. The dog is adept in battle but is mostly useful for locating treasure and quest items, earning its title as a trusty sidekick. The faithful companion even sacrifices itself for the player near the end of the story, but as is a common theme of Fable, a difficult choice can be made, resulting in its resurrection at the expense of other possible rewards.
3 Shadow Was Arguably The Star Of Dead To Rights
While playing as Jack Slate in Dead To Rights, the player can command Jack’s loyal dog companion, a Malamute named Shadow, to help out in battle. Shadow can be commanded to attack foes head on, but can also execute stealthy maneuvers, depending on the situation.
In additional to a variety of takedowns, Shadow is also capable of sensing an enemy’s heartbeat, in-turn telling the player whether an enemy is calm and unsuspecting or on high alert. This makes Shadow more useful in battle than simply being able to engage in combat, as it can seriously help the player and Jack to quickly gain the upper hand.
2 Tales Of Vesperia’s Repede Fought Almost Like A Human
Repede from Tales Of Vesperia takes the term “attack dog” to a whole new level. As Yuri Lowell’s loyal sidekick, Repede can also be controlled by the player, with it going from holding its trademark pipe in its mouth, to various items and weapons.
As noted by many of the in-game characters, Repede takes to weapon-based offense as if he was a human, rather than using teeth and claws, as would usually be expected of a dog. Repede is one of the fastest playable characters in the game, and is vastly underrated as one of the greatest dog characters in video games.
1 DD Grew Up To Be A Valuable Asset To The Diamond Dogs In Metal Gear Solid V
Aptly named DD, as a dog member of the Diamond Dogs, the dog can be found by Snake as a puppy and used as a companion in Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain. DD is kept at Mother Base and raised until it is fully grown and ready to be taken on missions. DD is also appropriately missing an eye, making it a perfect eyepatch-wearing partner for Snake.
DD can be utilized in many different ways, from all-out attack to simply barking in order to distract enemies. DD can detect and locate almost anything, from enemies and medicinal herbs to prisoners, and can also extract those prisoners by itself when commanded to do so. With the stealthy nature of Metal Gear Solid V, DD opens up a wealth of opportunities in terms of attack strategies and is certainly worth recruiting.
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