Why You Should Be Excited About All These New Animal Games

Are you tired of playing as the same old human characters? Well, you're in luck. This week's Gamescom announcements brought a whole bunch of games where you get to be an animal – or at least something close to it. From retro RPG frogs to sword-wielding dogs, there's something for every animal lover. Let's dive in.

First up, we've got Amphibian, a retro RPG that puts you in the webbed feet of humanoid frogs. Your mission? Save your world. But here's the kicker: all the dialogue is just ribbit sounds. No, really. The frogs communicate entirely in ribbits, but don't worry – English subtitles are provided. It's a quirky choice that's sure to bring a smile to your face. Amphibian is coming to PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Switch, with a release date set for 2028.

If you prefer something smaller in scale, check out Bye Bye Bonnie. In this four-player co-op adventure, you control tiny creatures navigating a world that's giant compared to them. Even their ship is miniature, and you'll have to jump on the controls to steer it through obstacles. It's a charming little game from Brainwash Gang and Raw Fury, coming to PC with a release date to be announced.

Now, if you're a fan of cozy horror, you'll love Haunted Paws. This game puts you in control of two puppies who must rescue their owner from a haunted mansion. The dogs are more realistic than the frogs in Amphibian, but they still manage to drive cars and play video games while dodging ghosts. It's a "cozy co-op horror" experience like no other, coming to PC, Switch, and Switch 2.

For those who prefer their canines a bit more humanoid, Gravhounds might be right up your alley. This game features very human-like dogs sent across the galaxy to colonize a planet. How they became humanoid is a mystery, but they're all working to earn a trip back home. Gravhounds hits PC and Xbox Series X|S on November 2.

If you're into shooters, DNA Nemesis might be more your speed. This third-person shooter has player characters with animal traits genetically engineered into their bodies – some even have animal heads, which could give them an edge in combat. It's coming to PC in December 2026.

And if you want something with a bit more polish, Zoopunk is another anthropomorphic animal game, this time with animals waging war against deadly machines in a futuristic world. It's heading to PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PS5.

Finally, there's Stray Dog: Nobody Cares, a fantasy adventure where you play a sword-wielding dog on a quest. It was announced before Gamescom but fits right in with the trend.

So, which of these animal-centric games are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!