Dog Man: Bark in Action Switch NSP/XCI [Update]

About Dog Man: Bark in Action / on Nintendo Switch

Step into the fur-covered boots of the world's most unlikely hero in Dog Man: Bark in Action, a riotous action-adventure that captures the chaotic charm of Dav Pilkey's beloved graphic novels. When the sinister Petey the Cat unleashes a new breed of robotic fleas that corrupt the city's canine population, it's up to Dog Man—the crime-fighting hybrid of a police dog and his human handler—to sniff out the source and save the day. Armed with his trusty rubber chicken and an unshakeable sense of justice, Dog Man must navigate a series of uproarious mishaps, from runaway fire hydrants to a catnip-fueled crime wave, all while proving that being a good boy is the ultimate superpower. The narrative unfolds through hilarious cutscenes and environmental storytelling, staying true to the source material's irreverent humor and heartwarming moments.

Bark in Action blends tight platforming with bite-sized brawling and brain-teasing puzzles. Players control Dog Man through 2.5D levels that zigzag between foreground and background, using a simple but satisfying moveset: a bark-powered dash, a tail-whip attack, and the ability to fetch items from afar. Combat emphasizes rhythm and positioning—enemies telegraph attacks with comic-book 'POW' indicators, and chaining successful hits fills a 'Good Boy' meter that unleashes a temporary super mode. Each world culminates in a boss fight that requires pattern recognition and clever use of the environment, such as luring Petey's mechs into traps. Levels are peppered with collectible bones and hidden comic panels that unlock bonus backstory, encouraging exploration and replay.

Visually, the game is a vibrant, hand-drawn delight, with cel-shaded graphics that mimic the look of the books, complete with bold outlines and expressive animations. The soundtrack is a jazzy, upbeat score that perfectly complements the on-screen antics, and the sound effects—from the satisfying 'squeak' of the rubber chicken to the comical 'boing' of a jump—are crisp and full of personality. On Nintendo Switch, the game runs smoothly at 60 frames per second in both docked and handheld modes, with no noticeable dips during hectic combat. Handheld mode is particularly impressive, maintaining clarity and color vibrancy on the small screen. Replay value comes from collecting all the hidden comic panels, unlocking alternate costumes, and tackling time-trial challenges for each level, plus a New Game+ mode that ramps up the difficulty for seasoned players.

Key Features & Highlights

• Play as Dog Man and unleash his signature bark-dash, tail-whip, and rubber-chicken attacks in fast-paced 2.5D platforming action.
• Explore vibrant, hand-drawn levels inspired by the graphic novels, filled with hidden bones, comic panels, and hilarious environmental gags.
• Battle Petey's robotic fleas and other bizarre bosses in pattern-based fights that reward timing and creativity.
• Enjoy a fully voiced, laugh-out-loud story with cutscenes that capture the irreverent humor of the original books.
• Replay levels to unlock alternate costumes, bonus comics, and time-trial challenges, plus a New Game+ mode for extra difficulty.

Gameplay Screenshots

Installation & Emulation Guide

Frequently Asked Questions