Image via Complex Original
Call of Duty: Ghost may feature a ferocious, yet lovable creature, as one of its co-stars, but we've seen decidedly more courageous and exciting canines in the video game universe.
They've been gods, police dogs, members of your JRPG party, and loyal companions. We love them all equally and they go to show that they will remain man's best friend.
Here are ten dogs that would make the infamous Call of Duty dog look like a puppy.
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Shadow
Game: Dead to Rights
Dead to Rights is an oft-overlooked franchise, but you can't forget about Shadow.
Over the years he's been an invaluable companion who can assist in combat, take down the opposition, and even execute groin takedowns. Dead to Rights: Retribution even has a "Scrotality" achievement, if that gives you an idea of how dangerous Shadow is.
Missile
Game: Ghost Trick
Missile is an adorable Pomeranian who, unfortunately, was killed early on in Ghost Trick, setting the stage for particularly sad moment. But he comes back, and uses his special ghost abilities to swap objects, aiding protagonists in their quest to, well, we won't spoil the game for you.
Lupus
Game: Jet Force Gemini
Jet Force Gemini might not be a name in games you hear too often anymore, but Lupus is a force to be reckoned with. He's got guns, armor, and even the ability to hover at his disposal, but he's also "cybernetically enhanced." Pretty much, this dog is the equivalent of a walking tank.
Angelo
Game: Final Fantasy VIII
Rinoa Heartilly's companion animal Angelo is a gorgeous German shepherd/Border collie mix that Rinoa picked up from the pet store in Timber. Angelo's got a ton of tricks up her sleeve, teaming up with Rinoa for her attacks and even Limit Break. The pup hops up on Rinoa's back for Wishing Star, unleashing some fearsome damage.
Interceptor
Game: Final Fantasy VI
Shadow's only friend is his Doberman, Interceptor, and that dog will hunt.
Interceptor is a ruthless companion who will take damage in Shadow's place in dire situations, often following up with Wild Fang or Take Down, which serves up massive damage to the enemy. Interceptor's loyalty to his human doesn't die even if you let Shadow. Should Shadow fall on the Floating Continent, Interceptor is trusted to Shadow's daughter Relm.
Repede
Game: Tales of Vesperia
Repede is loyal to his master, Yuri Lowell, as you'd expect, but he's also able to be used in battle. He's lightning fast, agile, and has the ability to rack up some truly crazy combos. He's also got a pipe in his mouth, and some tough-looking adornments.
Koromaru
Game: Persona 3
Persona 3's famous white Shiba-inu has his own special Evoker, an adorable white T-shirt, and wings. If that's not the cutest thing ever, get out of our faces. Fiercely loyal, extremely intelligent, and an avid TV-watcher, Koromaru is both a team member you want on your side and a S.E.E.S. member's best friend.
Amaterasu
Game: Okami
Ammy, as we so affectionately called her, is a gorgeous white wolf with crimson markings.
But she's no mere wolf. She's the sun goddess of all of Nippon, reincarnated to face off against the evil Orochi. Her celestial brush (read: her tail) allows her to obliterate vicious demons by way of fireballs, cherry bombs, and other special powers, while she can also make the sun rise, repair broken structures and objects, and even make plants bloom. What can your dog do again?
Fable 2 Dog
Game: Fable 2
No matter what you decided to name your canine companion, it was always by your side, ready to find sparkling new treasure and protect you in every scuffle.
If you lost your way or couldn’t rely on the breadcrumb trail to your next objective, your furry friend never hesitated to lead the way. The ability to change the dog’s breed and teach it a host of different and unique tricks were additional enhancements that made your loyal traveling buddy more than just a virtual pet, but more like your dog.
In addition, your actions throughout the Fable narrative would alter the dog’s appearance to tailor it more to your own character, lightening or darkening its fur depending on your good and evil actions.
Rush
Game: Mega Man
Rush, Mega Man’s faithful robotic dog, was introduced in Mega Man 3 and was actually created by Dr. Light and Dr. Wily.
Not only does he provide excellent companionship (he’s programmed that way) but he can change into a variety of different forms, including a submarine. With Rush Jet, his legs can transform into jet engines, and the Rush Adaptor actually lets Rush attach himself to Mega Man for further battle support. And already he’s ran circles around your Shih Tzu. Too bad he’s not a real dog. Then his feats would probably be a little more impressive.