70% off on Steam, A Walk With My Dog is a wholesome, heartbreaking walking simulator
It’s a sad truth that pets are taken from us too soon. Say what you like about the Rainbow Bridge, it’s never easy. But one beloved animal lives on, in a sense, in A Walk With My Dog, a pixel-styled walking simulator that’s currently 70% off on Steam.
Released back in 2022, A Walk With My Dog stars Nikodem Lokatelj and his dog, Ezio, as they go on a relaxing walk to a local church. And that’s it. You can roam freely, fling a frisbee or ball for Ezio (who’s happy racing around you), fill your pockets with detritus and generally enjoy the ‘walk’.
It’s a chill little outing but, sadly, has taken on new meaning with Ezio’s passing. Now, while it’s still undeniably wholesome, A Walk With My Dog has become a memorial for this much-loved canine. Walk up to the church and you’ll find Ezio’s statue, which I defy you not to at least sniffle over. On top of that, there are videos of Ezio to find and awww over.
The game does let you alter your in-game dog’s appearance but, for me, it felt disrespectful to do that. What really made A Walk With My Dog tug at my heartstrings was how much character the in-game Ezio had. You’ll roll your eyes when, after throwing his ball, the virtual Ezio just runs about with it for a bit, instead of bringing it right back to you. Presumably the real Ezio was just as reluctant to part with his toy.
“Thank you to everyone who played the game and took a walk with us. Ezio’s memory will live on through this game,” reads the final update. You can pick up A Walk With My Dog on Steam, discounted to £1.49 until August 23rd.
