Animal lovers come with all different types of interests. Some people might prefer to curl up at home with their cat or head to the park for an adventure with their dog. Others might prefer to watch shows that depict animals in the wild, from the Amazon jungle to the African savannah.
Regardless of which types of animals you’re most interested in, there’s a video game that will suit your interests. Though not quite as popular as first-person shooter titles or battle royale games with fantastical characters, video game developers (and game developers in general) often create games that focus on animal heroes.
This is even true for casino games. The most popular themes for slots online include fantasy and mythology. However, given how many gamers seek out slots, developers create something for everyone. For example, Luckyland Slots has ‘King of Jungle’ available for those who love The Lion King, along with ‘Undersea Dreamin’ for marine life fans. ‘Pay Day Puppies’ and ‘Doggie Kisses’, meanwhile, were created with dog-lovers in mind.
And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. If you’re in search of a longer-form video game that focuses on animals as main characters or supporting characters, then try out one of the titles listed below.
Stray
Released in 2022, this game is one of the most thorough games created from an animal’s POV. In the game, players navigate a dystopian cityscape as a stray cat. The game lets them explore the city, where they’ll need to solve puzzles to hack into the system while also invading enemies like Zurks and Sentinels. Since its release, it’s been touted for its cat gameplay and stealth sequences.
Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze
Any Donkey Kong title will help scratch an itch for animal lovers. After all, the character is one of the most recognized animals in gaming history. In Donkey Kong Country: Tropic Freeze, gamers have the chance to play and interact with a variety of beloved primates, including Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong, and Cranky Kong.
Untitled Goose Game
Have you ever had to run from a goose? If the answer is yes, consider switching the narrative with Untitled Goose Game. The smash hit from 2019 lets players wreak havoc on a quaint English village as a wrathful goose. Along the way, they can pick up objects to help them complete the game’s simplified objectives: cause mayhem and strike fear into the hearts of villagers.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Most animal-lovers are aware of the Animal Crossing series, which lets players create their own perfect utopia on an island. Along with human characters, anthropomorphic animals accompany players as they craft their perfect world. New Horizons includes a cast of over 400 animals that might someday join your settlement, including fantasy crossovers, like Annabelle the anteater, who is instead colored like a pangolin.
The Sims 4: Cats & Dogs
The mega-popular simulation game, The Sims, is one of the most expansive video game franchises in the industry. The series has covered almost every scenario imaginable, from cottage living to Star Wars. Back in 2017, developers finally incorporated cats and dogs into their domestic adventures. Players are able to build the perfect dog or cat companion, selecting appearances and even behaviors for their new friends.
Pokémon Snap
Many animal-lovers also find themselves enjoying fantastical creatures, whether the mythical beasts from the Harry Potter series or Pokémon. For those who enjoy creative fauna, check out Pokémon Snap. The game lets players pass through natural environments to see Pokémon out in the wild, where they can snap photos of their favorite creatures. It’s a perfect title for casual gamers who might not want to compete at a fast pace.
Rain World
So far, we’ve covered the top video games that focus on realistic animals—Pokémon aside. However, many video games take a more creative approach to animals and nature in general. If you don’t mind getting out into the weeds of experimental new ecosystems and fauna, then try out Rain World. The 2017 release is a survival game that includes an evolving natural world where prey and predator constantly shift. Considered one of the most difficult games due to its lax instructions, there’s plenty to dive into in this imaginative new game.
