We’re celebrating the start of the Chinese New Year, the Year of the Dog, and we certainly aren’t alone. On Twitter, The Last of Us: Part 2 writer and director Neil Druckmann recently decided to post up a picture with his beloved doggo wearing what appears to be mo-cap gear.
This sparked endless excitement from fans, who speculate that the post means we’ll be able to encounter an adorable four-legged friend in The Last of Us: Part 2. If so, we hope our new canine companion fares better than some of our companions from the first game, that’s for certain.
To commemorate the Year of the Dog and possible inclusion of a canine companion in The Last of Us: Part 2, we’re taking a look back at some of the good dogs in video games!
Warning: Some of these mentions include spoilers.
Sif, the Great Grey Wolf – Dark Souls 3
We’re kicking this list off with a canine that’s technically not our companion, yet still serves as a shining example of what a “good dog” should be. Sif’s backstory is unbelievably tragic, having been the former companion of Sir Artorias, the Abysswalker. During a particularly dangerous quest, the darkness of the Abyss wound up being too much for Artorias.
Before succumbing, Artorias made sure to save his buddy Sif, all while Sif looked on in horror. This resulted in Sif being left all alone, guarding the grave of Artorias and vowing to protect others from meeting the same terrible fate. When you encounter Sif in Darkroot Garden he blocks your way, forcing you to battle with him in order to progress.
If Sif’s honorable motives aren’t enough to move you, knowing that Sif wields Artorias’s greatsword is an even more depressing blow. It’s one of the hardest boss battles in Dark Souls purely because of how guilty you feel afterwards. Sif just wanted to prevent you and others from ending up dead like his beloved Artorias. Oh Sif, you were such a good boy…
Umbra and Pryna – Final Fantasy XV
Umbra and Pryna from Final Fantasy XV are two of the most interesting doggos on this list to be sure. As the loyal companions of Prince Noctis and Lunafreya, Umbra and his sister Pryna serve as Messengers of the Astrals for the Oracle.
Always looking to be helpful, Umbra works to relay notes back and forth between Lunafreya and Noctis via the Lovers’ Notebook, which he carries around his neck. Meanwhile, Pryna helps keep Lunafreya company and comforts characters, including Prompto, in their time of need.
Unbridled kindness aside, Umbra and Pryna also have a unique set of talents which include Umbra’s ability to bend time and Pryna’s impact on dreams and visions. Both dogs are nothing short of adorable, and as you play through Final Fantasy XV, never fail to put a smile on your face.
Dogmeat – Fallout 4
Where would this list be without the faithful presence of Dogmeat from Fallout 4? In the game, you encounter Dogmeat at the Red Rocket Truck Stop outside Sanctuary Hills. Upon befriending him, Dogmeat serves as your first real in-game companions, cheerfully tagging along at your side as you journey through the wastes in search of your son.
Not only does Dogmeat help keep loneliness at bay, he also has a solid set of skills which include the ability to track scents, carry items, and defend you from harm. Like that immortal Rick Astley song, Dogmeat will never give you up, and never let you down. What’s more, you can either choose to keep him with you, or command him to stay behind in the safety of your home base.
Why would you ever choose to leave him behind? Well, despite the fact that Dogmeat can’t be outright killed (a detail we definitely appreciate), he can be injured in battle. These injuries cause him to yelp and cry out in pain, which can be heartbreaking to hear. No matter who you decide to make your travel companion during your time in Fallout 4, you can’t deny is that Dogmeat is one of the best.
Just look at those big, trusting German Shepherd eyes!
D-Dog – Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain
D-Dog, also known as DD, is a cute little puppy you encounter in Metal Gear Solid V during your missions in the Afghanistan desert. Passing D-Dog, who’s been abandoned and is missing one of his eyes, simply isn’t an option.
Even if it was, how anyone could resist scooping the little guy up and taking him in is beyond us. Despite his cute appearance, D-Dog is far from helpless. This is because he was taken in by the Diamond Dogs and raised to fight and defend himself.
This proves especially helpful, as he can fight alongside Snake in various missions and lay enemies out flat with his formidable attacks. Even better, he can sniff out mines and be taught a plethora of tricks. Thanks to his memorable presence, we honestly couldn’t imagine Metal Gear Solid V without D-Dog.
The Dog – Fable II
Fable II is an incredible entry in the series for a number of reasons, one of which centers around the dog you meet towards the beginning of the game. During your quest to buy a Music Box in Bowerstone, you happen upon a dog being attacked by a bully. Your actions to save the dog are later rewarded when you’re shot and tossed out a window in Fairfax Castle.
There, the dog finds you and helps you get back on your feet (under the watchful eye of Theresa, of course) and for the remainder of the game, the dog remains faithfully at your side. We feel like the presence of this adorable little pupper really helps buoy Fable II's atmosphere. Additionally, it’s nice that the dog is able to help in various ways including combat, treasure hunting, and pointing out key dig spots.
Want to reward your pal? You can buy a Dog Collar and give the dog a proper name. Want to know what the dog thinks of you at any point in the game? Fable II has a unique feature that lets you find out the dog’s opinion of you as an owner. Opinions aside, you never have to worry about the dog’s love, which is always at max.
When it comes to Fable II, there’s no honor higher than having the love and appreciation of your four-legged friend.
Riley – Call of Duty: Ghosts
Call of Duty: Ghosts will never be considered the best Call of Duty title, but it did have a crucial feature that helped make it worth your time… Riley. In the game, Riley is a playable dog inspired by a real-life Navy Seal dog who paid a visit to the Infinity Ward studio.
While there, the dog donned a custom mo-cap suit and helped record important game data which helped bring Riley to life in Call of Duty: Ghosts. Aside from being both fierce and cute, Riley has a host of special talents that players will find useful. Riley can sniff out explosives, help defend the player against hostiles, and even be controlled remotely at certain points in the game’s campaign.
If that’s not enough to make Riley one of the most badass dogs on this list, he can take out helicopters by leaping up and biting the pilot. Well, as long as the helicopter is close enough to the ground. Oh, and no worries about bonding with Riley, as we can assure you he makes it through to the end of the game. Which is good to know, especially considering all the dangerous situations Riley finds himself in!
Rush – Mega Man
Last, but certainly not least, we have Rush from the Mega Man series. Despite the fact that Rush is a robot, he’s a dog robot with a long history of being Mega Man’s most faithful companion. Rush initially debuted in Mega Man 3 as a creation of Dr. Light and has gone on to appear in almost every Mega Man title since.
With each Mega Man appearance, Rush grows and improves, becoming more and more useful (not to mention adorable). Aside from tagging along with Mega Man during his many adventures, Rush has a host of cool robot abilities including the Rush Coil and Rush Jet. In Mega Man 6, Rush got a cool upgrade that let him fuse with Mega Man, turning him into Jet Mega Man or Power Mega Man.
Then, in Mega Man 7, he was given the Rush Search ability that Mega Man can call upon to find items. No matter which Mega Man game you prefer, there’s a good chance that Rush plays an important role in it. We honestly can’t imagine the Mega Man games without Rush, and due to his long gaming history, feel confident in calling him one of the all-time best “good boys” in gaming.