Dog's Life is a video game published by Sony Computer Entertainment Europe for the Sony PlayStation 2. It was first released in Europe in October, 2003 and went on to be released in North America and Japan in 2004 and 2005 respectively. The game has a "T" rating due to crude humor (i.e. "dog poo") which some people feel is not appropriate for younger children. The game was successful with most reviewers, stating it was an original, fun idea, and a change of pace from violent shooters or beat-'em-ups.

Synopsis

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A dog named Jake is the main character and his overall objective is to save Daisy, another dog, and a lot of other dogs from a cat-food company CEO, Miss Peaches and her two brainless goons, Wayne and Dwayne. Bones must be collected to advance through the game and they can be obtained by digging them up, by beating other dogs in a variety of challenges, by completing tasks given by human characters, and by collecting special smells.

The game is divided into three areas: Clarksville, a rural town; Lake Minniwahwah, a ski resort; and Boom City. These are then divided into smaller areas such as districts or farms. In every area are humans willing to give you missions in exchange for bones. These include collection missions, 'get-to-here' missions and other various types. Bones can also be found buried underground or hiding under/in somewhere.

Certain smells picked up through the game's 'Smellovision' will activate challenges against a local dog. These missions you participate in include races, obedience trials, tug-of-war games and a territorial game where the player must run around urinating in marked areas to obtain teritory. Once these dogs are beaten, the player is able to use the special abilities of these dogs to find other bones (e.g. making use of a greyhound's improved speed). There are also dangers in certain areas, eg. dog catchers and an armed thief. The character must also keep the dog healthy by feeding it, allowing it to 'poop' and coax people into giving you snacks by growling and barking or performing tricks unlocked by doing the obedience trials.

2003 computer and video games | 2004 computer and video games | PlayStation 2 games | Virtual pets