Dog in the Machine reinvents the domino tactics of Into The Breach as a mecha dog show, with players teaching their hounds tricks
If the organisers of Crufts ever have to produce a season of Robot Wars, the results probably won't be a million miles away from Dog in the Machine - a new turn-based tactics puzzler that's sort of Into The Breach but with a greater emphasis on props and tricks. Read more
Dog in the Machine offers a fresh twist on the domino tactics of Into The Breach, this time presented through a unique lens of mecha dogs and their tricks. Set in a future city, the story unfolds as humans are exiled, leaving their mecha-dogs to clean up the city. The mecha-dogs, known as Autodogs, excel at creating chain reactions on smaller grid maps, using limited energy for regular moves, repeatable core attacks, special abilities, and wildcard tricks.
Players must efficiently use their resources to defeat bots, create domino-chain reactions, and exploit terrain features like conveyor belts or impact-triggered lasers. The game also has an alarm gauge that ends once filled, with enemies contributing to its increase. Players can undo moves without penalty, focusing more on the terrain fixtures compared to Into The Breach.
The game's cartoon sci-fi aesthetics and agility competition theme make it an enjoyable experience. However, the title, Dog in the Machine, is a reference to Gilbert Ryle's critique of Cartesian dualism, which may not resonate with all players. The demo can be found on Steam for those interested in trying it out.
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