Game: Werewolf: The Apocalypse-Earthblood
Developer: Cyanide
Released: 2021
Console: PC, PS4/5, Xbox One/X

What happens when you give your dog the expensive organic food.

Story: Cahal is a freedom fighter against the evil corporation Endron. When he loses his wife during a special operation he unleashes his inner werewolf and starts painting the walls red.

Gameplay: Stealth is plan A, but when stealth fails, plan B involves slashing the place up as the near-invincible werewolf.

Is the stealth dumb?: The stealth is a great first impression, but it is by no means necessary. The game is setup for enemies to find you easily and when they do you the gameplay changes into a slash’em up.

Is the fighting dumb?: Enemies are thrown aside with a simple button press. The werewolf mows down soldiers like grass. When the stronger and tougher foes come out you need to evade and vary up your attacks. Silver bullets kill you much faster.

Presentation: Werewolf: The Apocalypse is based on a tabletop game, but the video game involves a lot less stat management and dice rolls. The story of vengeance, the little guy versus the corporation is not breaking new territory. Voice acting is what you would expect from any small company aspiring to be God of War.

Is it a majestic wolf or coyote ugly?: This game checks all the right boxes for a popcorn flick basher. The graphics are crisp and clean, the controls are tight, and the voice acting is passable. The important part is that the game isn’t irritating or frustrating (at least not on easy). You will play this after you finish your God of War and Spider-Man queue.

Do all dogs go to Heaven?: The hard Mature rating is adhered to. Blood splatters the walls, the wolf can do dismembering finishers, and all swear words are part of the dialogue.

As dog as my witness: Cahal has a difficult relationship with his werewolf self. When emotions flare, he cannot control the beast that will kill anything in sight (friend or foe). His “Hulkesque” dilemma reminders gamers that anger can get a lot of obstacles out of the way quickly, but it can also destroy those around you. Proverbs 16:32: “Better a patient person than a warrior, one with self-control than one who takes a city” 

Review: Werewolf: The Apocalypse is a noble attempt at finding their spot in the cinematic 3rd person smasher genre, but there is a reason that this game is always in the bargain bin. It lives in the shadows of better offerings. But, if you want to end a long work week with bloody battles and epic moments than this entry will not disappoint.

6 Doggie Treats out of 10