There are a lot of video games out there and in this era of mobile and home-based gaming, the choices have never been greater. So how do you cut through the noise and find the “Best of” for any chosen topic?
Well, we’re here to help celebrate and shine a spotlight on some of the latest, greatest, and unforgettable games through the years.
For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best video games, our attention this time turns to games about animals. From games that focus on casual gameplay to those that offer intricate storytelling, you have a lot of games to whet your appetite.
Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
The Last Guardian
The Last Guardian is an extraordinary game that beautifully explores the bond between a young boy and a magical creature named Trico. It presents a heartwarming story that showcases how humans and animals can coexist.
Trico is an outstanding creature that players will fall in love with from a design and personality perspective. From Trico’s bird-like appearance to its realistic movements and sounds, you’ll be fond of how much effort went into capturing its reactions and behaviors. The game relies on players communicating, trusting, and cooperating with Trico to progress through its countless puzzles.
On top of having breathtaking landscapes and excellent sound design, The Last Guardian is a magnificent gem that everyone should play.
Stray
Stray is a fantastic game that offers a unique and captivating perspective. It’s set in a neon-lit city and has players control a stray cat. You must guide this feline through a bustling metropolis full of robotic inhabitants.
As the feline traverses through this futuristic city, players must help them solve numerous puzzles and overcome many obstacles. From climbing buildings to interacting with the environment in cat-like manners, the gameplay allows players to see and interact with the world through the eyes of an animal, offering a fresh take on urban exploration.
On top of having beautiful visuals that’ll heighten players’ immersion in the world, Stray is an incredible game that’s worth your time.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Animal Crossing New Horizons is a stellar simulation game and entry in the Animal Crossing series. This game has you creating an island of your dreams as opposed to running a town. However, this comes with a price as the game’s notorious business-animal Tom Nook requires you to pay several hefty fees if you’re hoping to create an island paradise.
Nevertheless, the game offers rich multiplayer and single-player content that’ll satisfy you. From inviting friends and strangers over via online play to shopping for essential and colorful goods in the game’s multiple shops, Animal Crossing: New Horizons delivers a decent amount of content to keep you occupied for many months.
In addition to having some compelling DLC that adds more value to the game, this is a simulation title you don’t want to skip.
Donkey Kong Country (Series)
Donkey Kong Country is a fascinating 2D platforming series that features Nintendo’s favorite ape Donkey Kong traversing numerous locales with his companions to thwart numerous villains. Although the titles developed by Retro Studios feature new foes for Donkey Kong and his friends to battle, the original trilogy had the Kong family battle the wacky and cunning, King K. Rool.
Nonetheless, each game delivers a boatload of juicy content for players to seek their teeth into. From riding minecarts to discovering hidden bonus levels, the Donkey Kong Country games feature various gameplay mechanics that’ll appeal to platform enthusiasts.
On top of having rich visuals and excellent sound design and music, you’ll have a blast playing through the Donkey Kong Country series.
Nintendogs
Nintendogs is a dormant Nintendo series that would be great to see revived on the Nintendo Switch or Nintendo’s future hardware. This game allows players to adopt and raise virtual pets. It makes great use of the Nintendo DS/3DS’s touchscreen controls and each entry delivers nice realistic visuals that’ll help players immerse themselves in the gameplay.
The gameplay is one of its defining features. From giving your pets commands via the hardware’s microphone to petting, grooming, and training them via the Nintendo handheld’s touch controls, Nintendogs will cater to casual players the most since it shrouds players in a relaxing atmosphere.
If you’re a fan of games with an emphasis on pet care, then you’ll likely enjoy the Nintendogs series.
Star Fox 64
Star Fox 64 is an excellent game that’ll convince anyone that animal characters can be strong lead protagonists. In it, players follow the adventures of Fox McCloud and his team as they combat evildoers who threaten the galaxy.
Fox and his allies receive great characterization throughout the game and bring something unique and memorable to the table. From Slippy’s clumsy attitude to Falco’s crude comments, there’s someone on this team you’ll resonate with.
Star Fox 64’s on-rails shooter gameplay is thrilling and iconic. You’ll help Fox take flight in his iconic Arwing and get into many exhilarating space battles with rival pilots while tackling many challenging missions on the side.
If you’re a fan of games with epic sci-fi settings and memorable characters, this is the one for you.
Cult of the Lamb
Cult of the Lamb is an interesting animal-themed game known for being dark and heartwarming. It combines elements of strategy, dungeon crawling, simulation, and adventure all in one package. It’s a game where you play as a lamb and must recruit members to your cult.
You’ll battle numerous foes during your cult-building endeavors. Some will wind up joining your regime after you defeat them, making the battles feel rewarding.
This game emphasizes resource management. You must keep an eye on your essentials as you’ll need to restock items a lot throughout the game. Thankfully, you’re given the opportunity to make your cult followers work at your establishment, increasing productivity and ensuring you have the items you need.
If you’re looking for a quirky game with impressive visuals and an ever-growing community, give Cult of the Lamb a shot.
Tunic
Tunic is an incredible indie gem that feels inspired by games like The Legend of Zelda. It features the same top-down gameplay as the acclaimed franchise and has you earning essential items like a sword, shield, and others gradually throughout its protagonist’s adventures. In it, you’ll control a fox and help them navigate through a mysterious yet colorful world.
Although the world looks cheery and feels great to traverse, the game itself can be daunting for players. The enemies can be ruthless, resulting in players dying numerous times. However, the game offers a way for players to lighten its difficulty a tad. Nevertheless, those expecting a challenge will find Tunic’s enemies satisfying to fight and defeat.
If you’re looking for a cutesy adventure title with intriguing revelations and splendid visuals, check out Tunic.
Goat Simulator
Goat Simulator is a hilarious and entertaining game that’ll make players feel like a goat. It takes a humorous stance on simulating a goat’s life in an open-world environment, offering players an unconventional gaming experience. Although it doesn’t offer an accurate depiction of real-life goats, players will adore this series for its comedic nature, explorative aspects, and playful interactions.
This game embraces absurdity and outlandish situations, providing players with endless opportunities for laughs. Whether you’re launching your goat into the sky or rag-dolling them around the city’s streets, you’ll appreciate the many nonsensical scenarios you can put your goat through in this series.
Give this series a try if you’re into over-the-top simulation games.
Untitled Goose Game
Untitled Goose Game is a delightful game that puts players in control of a mischievous goose. Through its nice blend of puzzle-solving, stealth, and comedic interactions, this game offers a wonderful portrayal of animals and highlights the joys they can bring to our lives. That said, players will adore playing as this game’s goose protagonist.
This bird indulges in many funny activities. From stealing items to honking at people, this game excels at delivering hysterical moments players will never forget. By embracing the goose’s playful and amusing behavior, Untitled Goose Game revels in creatures’ unique charms and reimagines what goes on in their minds.
Although this game doesn’t have the most groundbreaking graphics or narrative, you’re bound to have a swell time with it.
So, there we have it, our pick for the best animal-themed video games through the years!
What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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