Gravhounds free playtest mixes co-op shooting with unsettling dog-human characters
The open playtest for Gravhounds runs through Monday on Steam, offering a co-op wave shooter with resource mining and tower defense elements. The game's movement system, especially gliding on buildable cables, feels polished for an early access test. Its distinctive dog-people characters, complete with a cone of shame on respawn, help it stand out in a crowded market.
The Gravhounds playtest is accessible directly through Steam's "join playtest" button, requiring no purchase or key distribution. Developer Octopus Panic, Inc. has implemented a gravity gun for resource collection that lets players launch materials across the map, though the reviewer cautions against handling explosive items this way. The game borrows the home base spaceship structure from Helldivers 2, but the actual combat loop differs significantly. The dog-human character design, including the cone of shame respawn mechanic, serves as the primary visual hook. The reviewer notes the movement system, particularly cable gliding, feels unusually polished for an early access test build, suggesting the core traversal mechanics may be further along than other systems.
The game's unusual dog-people aesthetic could help it capture attention in a crowded co-op shooter market where differentiation is increasingly difficult. Players seeking novel multiplayer experiences may find the free playtest a low-risk entry point, potentially building an early community around the game's quirky identity. However, the unsettling character design may also limit its appeal to mainstream audiences, and the novelty could wear thin if the underlying gameplay doesn't sustain long-term interest. The game's success may ultimately depend on whether its movement and tower defense elements offer enough depth beyond the initial visual curiosity.