The first week of November saw a bumper crop of verified hits. Tavern Keeper, which launched on the 4th, kicked off its Early Access with an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' reception, while Reentry, which hit its full release on the 8th, is cruising along with a solid 'Very Positive' rating. But one title in particular has been tugging at the heartstrings of pet owners everywhere: the emotional, tear-jerking My Little Puppy.

The game is set in an afterlife for those who have 'crossed the rainbow bridge' and the loved ones who miss them dearly. While the fairy-tale aesthetic and cute animation style might trick you into thinking this is a lighthearted romp, it quickly reveals a narrative that feels more heavy-hearted than heartwarming.

Our protagonist—or perhaps 'dog-tagonist'—is Bonggu, a pup who became a stray at eight years old. Fortunately, he found a loving home and lived a full life before making his way to the afterlife. After spending his days frolicking in doggy heaven, Bonggu catches a familiar scent of his 'dad' and sets off on a journey to greet him. This poignant emotional quest is where My Little Puppy truly begins.

Despite its modest scale, the game keeps you engaged through a series of events told from a canine perspective. From digging for toys to chasing seagulls on the beach, or even running agility courses and racing other dogs, the game meticulously recreates the mundane yet precious 'daily life of a dog.' If you’ve ever owned a pet, you’ll recognise these moments instantly, which only adds to the immersion.

Given the afterlife setting, calling this a simple 'healing game' would be a disservice. Since the backdrop of doggy heaven inherently implies a 'farewell,' players often find themselves misty-eyed. The review section is already flooded with comments like, "I cried thinking of my own dog," or "I went through an entire box of tissues." It’s the small, shared habits and memories that really hit home, reminding players of their own companions back in the real world.

Of course, it’s not without its flaws. Some have pointed out that the linear storytelling and simple controls can feel a bit flat. However, the developer has added plenty of touches to smooth over these edges, including homages to dog-centric films like John Wick and mini-games that capture the chaos of mischievous pups. It’s this charm that leads to reviews like, "I’m sure my dog is running around just as happily in heaven."

Perhaps most notably, even the most stoic players seem to lose it during the end credits. The narrative is masterfully paced, letting the emotional weight build up until it culminates in a cathartic release. The comment section has essentially become a message board of love letters to lost pets, with players writing, "Don't come to pick me up yet," or "I'll come find you soon."

Ultimately, My Little Puppy, which launched on the 7th, managed to secure an 'Overwhelmingly Positive' rating (98% positive out of 609 reviews) in just four days. By blending grounded, realistic portrayals of pet life with a story that breathes life into old memories, it has become more than just a relaxing game—it is a journey that forces you to reflect on what it truly means to be a pet owner. Perhaps that deep, lingering resonance behind the cute visuals is the true message the developers intended to send.