Summary
- Mix and match effects of Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered outfits for gameplay advantages.
- Explore top animal-based games like Spirit of the North and Tamarin for engaging adventures.
- Experience unique gameplay by controlling animals in games like Eagle Flight and Maneater.
There is certainly something to be said for the customization of characters, especially when commencing a highly anticipated new game. Often, as in the case of Horizon, for example, different outfits provide different strengths and powers to aid the player in completing a certain quest.
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Under the vast umbrella of video games, there is another, less customizable, but certainly more adorable set of games; those with animals as the leading protagonists. For animal lovers everywhere, there is nothing better than combining a deep love of gaming with an obsession with furry and feathery creatures. Ranked on the overall popularity of each game and the length and breadth of storytelling, the following animal-centric games are sure to capture players’ imaginations and hearts as their gameplay delves into each of the separate worlds.
The games mentioned here are not necessarily PlayStation exclusives, nor are they limited to a specific PlayStation console, such as PS4 or PS5.
9
Spirit of the North
Handsome Fox Adventure
- Released
-
May 7, 2020
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Weak
Spirit of the North is a highly underrated PS game whereby players adopt the form of a fox. This game takes around sixteen hours to complete on the first playthrough and involves a huge variety of puzzles and challenges.
With bright white fur contrasting with the classic burnt orange to begin, as players make their way through the stunning landscapes and contrasting terrains, opportunities to change appearances to benefit gameplay are presented. Spirit of the North is a fantastic single-player game for those looking to relax and get back to nature in an affordable PlayStation game. The soundtrack to the game is also something to remark upon and gives all the relaxing and meditative feel.
8
Tamarin
The Cutest Monkey Ever
Tamarin
- Released
-
September 10, 2020
- Developer(s)
-
Chameleon Games
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Weak
What Tamarin lacks in philosophical in-depth lore, this game certainly makes up for it in engaging levels and dramatic music, as players embody the cute, cheeky, and full-of-life monkey Tamarin.
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Set against a mountainous Nordic background to start, Tamarin takes players on an adventure full of action, conversing with other animals (not just monkeys), and reminds players what they used to love about old-school games. With thirty-one separate trophies to be attained, Tamarin will keep players hooked from the very first cutscene, and although there are few options for customization, when the monkey is this cute, why would players want to change him?
7
Eagle Flight
Fly Like a Bird
- Released: December 20, 2016
- Developers: Ubisoft Montreal Studio
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, VR
For players who adore virtual reality, then Eagle Flight is the perfect animal-based adventure game. Fifty years after the human race has been entirely eradicated from the planet, Eagle Flight takes place in and around the skies of post-apocalyptic Paris.
Not only is the game playable alone but also, through the Capture the Flag mode, with up to five other players in multi-player mode. Players control a glorious soaring eagle, tilting their heads to turn and defeating enemies with the controllers. Word of advice though: make sure to be totally au-fait with the controls and the style of gameplay before even attempting to enter multi-player mode.
6
Faaast Penguin
Become Emperor Of The Ocean
- Released: September 19, 2024
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch
- Developers: Historia Inc.
Faaast Penguin is not only a kids’ game but the competitive element of knockout racing gets addictive; fast. Developed as an unofficial homage to the mighty Club Penguin, the game developers have clearly spent a great deal of time ensuring the aesthetics are just right.
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Playing as an adorable Emperor Penguin, this game features eye-catching visuals and high-speed graphics as players race, either solo or local multi-play through various landscapes. Essentially, think Super Mario Kart or Disney Speedstorm: with penguins.
5
Away: The Survival Series
Small But Mighty
- Released: September 28, 2021
- Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S
- Developers: Breaking Walls
Away: The Survival Series is certainly one of the more challenging games driven by an animal protagonist. Players embody a tiny sugar glider who has to make sure he stays alive whilst completing exploratory missions at every turn.
What this game succeeds in where many others have failed is the real-life footage of myriad different animals as the player collects trophies. Either as a break during the game or else after a completed playthrough, players also have the option to see the world through the eyes of various other wild creatures in the enhanced exploration mode.
4
Maneater
Great White Vengeance
- Released
-
May 22, 2020
- ESRB
-
M For Mature 17+ due to Blood and Gore, Drug Reference, Intense Violence, Mature Humor, Mild Language
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Fair
For gaming animal lovers searching for a more fight-based game, then look no further than Maneater. Even though there are a few open-world games whereby the player embodies a shark, Maneater most definitely comes out on top. Navigating the waters of the Gulf of Mexico, the great white shark is on a revenge mission to find the hunter who killed his mother.
As the game progresses, there is ample opportunity to upgrade the shark, taking it from a typical-looking one to a mutated and powerful killing machine. Maneater also showcases a huge array of different landmarks and locations, from Florida-style swamps and rivers, to neglected waste sites in industrial cities.
3
Stray
An Emotional Dystopia
- Released
-
July 19, 2022
- Developer(s)
-
BlueTwelve Studio
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Strong
Many have no doubt already heard of the well-publicized and dystopian adventure game that is Stray and if not, then it is time to download it. Stray follows the dangerous adventures of a ginger tomcat who is thrust into a walled cityscape inhabited by mutant bacteria and killer machines.
Players will inadvertently find themselves on an emotional rollercoaster of a journey, especially as the game draws to a close. By far the best way to thoroughly immerse oneself into gameplay is to prioritize exploration over trophies and instead live in the moment just as a cat would. The best beginner tip? When arriving in a new area (however small), players spend time diving into every nook and cranny, as treasures in Stray are hidden where they would least expect them.
2
Key-We
Become Besties With Jeff & Debra
- Released
-
August 31, 2021
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Strong
Jeff and Debra are two adorable kiwis who are tasked with working at a variety of different locations in and around a post office. Key-We is certainly one of, if not the best, co-op game on the whole of the PlayStation store.
There are three seasons, Summer, Autumn, and Winter and players are tasked with working their way through each mission, collaborating in the most specific of ways. Not only that, but throughout the missions lie hidden customization pieces, such as backpacks, different furs, headgear, and even sunglasses which players collect as they go.
1
Sonic Origins
Everyone’s Favorite Hedgehog
- Released
-
June 23, 2023
- OpenCritic Rating
-
Fair
No matter the age or gaming experience of the player, everyone who has ever picked up a controller will at least be familiar with the electric blue speed demon that is Sonic the Hedgehog. In Sonic Origins, every single Sonic game players remember from the days of the Sega Megadrive is available to play, as well as many more.
Players can choose to play the classic, originally designed games if they prefer, or else plunge into Anniversary Mode and play the remastered versions of each level. Sonic the Hedgehog himself, Knuckles the Echidna and Miles (Tails) Prowler are all up for grabs and literal hours can be spent just remembering how to defeat Robotnik alone.
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