Game: A Walk With My Dog
Genre: Adventure, Casual, Indie.
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer|Publisher: Nikodem Lokatelj
Controller Support: Yes
Steam Deck: Playable
Price: US $4.99 | UK £4.99 | EU € 4,99
Release Date: October 22th, 2022
Review code provided with many thanks to Nikodem Lokatelj.
A Walk With My Dog – A Good Walk
There are plenty of walking simulators out there these days, but every now and then one comes along that feels a little more personal. A Walk With My Dog is a lovely little adventure that celebrates something wonderfully simple: heading outside, enjoying nature and spending some quality time with your four-legged friend. Created by solo developer Nikodem Lokatelj, the game is inspired by their own dog, Ezio, and the experience of taking him for walks. That personal connection really shines through, making this more than just another walking simulator. As someone who has grown up around dogs and has a soft spot for them, I found quite a lot to appreciate here.
Just You, Your Dog And The Great Outdoors
You create your own character from a few templates, choose your dog and set off for a walk through a woodland environment inspired by real locations in Slovenia. Your objective is to find a church, but how you get there is entirely up to you. You can follow the paths if you prefer a little direction, or simply wander off and see what you discover. There’s no great rush to reach your destination, and that’s really the point.
The real star of the show, though, is your canine companion. Who behaves much like a real dog, happily wandering off, investigating things and occasionally getting distracted by something interesting. You can throw sticks, play fetch with a ball or frisbee, and enjoy a good old-fashioned game of tug-of-war. Anyone who has spent time playing with a dog will recognise some of these behaviours. Throw a toy, and they’ll happily retrieve it, although getting it back is another matter entirely! Sometimes they’ll run off with it, leaving you chasing after them, which feels wonderfully familiar.
The Joy Is In The Little Discoveries
Although the main objective is simply to enjoy a walk, there’s plenty to discover if you’re willing to venture away from the beaten path. Hidden treasures, unusual objects and little secrets are scattered throughout the environment. Some discoveries are genuinely unexpected, and I won’t spoil too many of them because stumbling across these oddities is part of the fun.
You can also find photographs and videos from the developer’s real-life experiences with his dog. These little personal touches help explain the inspiration behind the game and give the adventure a rather lovely sense of authenticity. There are some relaxing jigsaw puzzles to complete along the way, too, alongside various collectables and achievements to work towards. It’s the sort of game where the more curious you are, the more you’ll get out of it.
A Simple World With Plenty Of Character
Visually, A Walk With My Dog uses a straightforward pixel-art style. It isn’t trying to push any graphical boundaries, but it does a good job of creating a pleasant little woodland environment to explore. There are lots of small details that help bring the world to life. Birds can be seen moving around, wildlife occasionally appears in the distance, and there’s plenty of foliage to enjoy. You might even spot a fox if you’re keeping your eyes open. The calming nature sounds also help establish the atmosphere. It’s a game that encourages you to slow down, take in your surroundings and enjoy the experience rather than constantly chasing the next objective. Controls are simple and accessible, so there’s very little to get in the way of enjoying your walk.
Conclusion: All Dogs go to Heaven
What I particularly appreciate about A Walk With My Dog is how well it captures the simple pleasures of spending time with a dog. It’s not trying to offer an elaborate story or complicated gameplay systems. Instead, it focuses on those little moments that dog owners will recognise and appreciate. There’s also an emotional moment waiting towards the end of the experience that I won’t spoil here. However, I suspect it will resonate with anyone who has loved and shared their life with a dog. It’s a lovely reminder of just how important these little companions can become.
I wouldn’t necessarily describe myself as the biggest fan of walking simulators, but this one managed to connect with me on a more personal level. It reminded me of my own experiences with dogs and how something as ordinary as going for a walk can become one of the nicest parts of the day.
Final Verdict: Two Thumbs Up
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