Games Genie
PHOGS! cover art

PHOGS!

Best if you want a wholesome co-op puzzle game that values communication and creativity over challenge, perfect for playing with kids, partners, or friends who enjoy low-pressure teamwork in a colorful, silly world.

Released
December 3, 2020
Metacritic
78
View reviews
Genre
PUZZLE
User Rating
3.2

Why We Recommend This Game

PHOGS! builds its entire identity around a wonderfully absurd concept: you and a partner each control one end of a stretchy, two-headed dog. This isn't just a gimmick—it's the foundation for constant, charming cooperation. One player might anchor their end while the other swings across a gap, or you'll stretch taut to create a bridge, then both bite onto objects to drag them into position. The physicality of coordinating a floppy, elastic canine creates moments of genuine delight and occasional chaos that feel endearing rather than frustrating. The learning curve is extremely gentle. Controls boil down to movement, biting, and barking, with puzzles telegraphed clearly through bright, readable environments. Early stages teach you the basics—stretching, grabbing, swinging—while later worlds introduce variations like herding creatures or feeding giant worms. The puzzle design favors experimentation over strict solutions, so you're rarely stuck for long. This accessibility is a strength for mixed-skill groups but means experienced puzzle fans may find it lacks the mechanical depth or head-scratching challenges of genre standouts. Sessions naturally break into digestible 20–40 minute chunks as you complete colorful themed worlds. The pacing stays relaxed throughout—no timers, no lives, no punishment for mistakes. You'll spend time figuring out how to coordinate your movements, laughing when your dog-body flops awkwardly, and enjoying the whimsical creature designs. Replayability comes primarily from playing with different partners or showing it to new players rather than mastering systems or chasing high scores. What makes PHOGS! special is how it makes cooperation feel physical and silly rather than stressful. Unlike couch co-op games built around precision or competition, this rewards patience, communication, and shared experimentation. It's ideal for evenings when you want something genuinely cooperative that anyone can pick up, though players seeking complex puzzles or long-term challenge will find it pleasant but limited. The game knows exactly what it is: a joyful, accessible celebration of working together in the most ridiculous way possible.

Best For

  • Parents playing with children who want age-appropriate co-op
  • Couples seeking relaxing, communication-focused gameplay
  • Fans of whimsical, family-friendly aesthetics

Not For

  • Players wanting complex puzzle mechanics or steep difficulty curves
  • Those seeking competitive multiplayer or score-chasing replayability
  • Solo players looking for deep single-player content

Multiplayer & Game Modes

2 local • 2 online

PHOGS! does not support crossplay, supports up to 2 players online, features co-op campaign mode.

Features

Crossplay(No Crossplay)
Online Multiplayer
Local Multiplayer
Co-op Campaign

Play Modes

Single PlayerMultiplayerCo-opOnline MultiplayerLocal Couch Co-opShared Screen

Player Count

Local
1-2
Online
1-2
Team Sizes
2-player co-op

Additional Details

Co-op supports 2 players either locally (shared-screen) or online. No LAN mode listed. No split-screen. Steam listing includes Online Co-op and Remote Play Together. No official cross-play support indicated.

Edition and Platform Information

Important details about which version to buy and where to play.

Platform Recommendations

Works well on Switch in both handheld and docked modes with clear visuals and smooth performance. Supports online co-op if you can't play locally, though local couch co-op is the intended experience.

Accessibility Features

Minimal button inputs (movement plus one main action) make controls very approachable. Forgiving puzzle design with no fail states or time pressure. Bright, high-contrast visuals aid readability. Ideal for introducing gaming to children or non-gamers.

Screenshots

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Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this game answered by our team.

Can I play this solo?

Yes, but it's designed for two players. Solo mode has you controlling both dog heads with one controller, which is awkward and removes the core appeal of natural cooperation and communication.

How difficult are the puzzles?

Gentle throughout. Challenges come from coordinating movements with your partner rather than complex logic or precision timing. Later puzzles require more teamwork but never become punishing or frustrating.

How long does it take to finish?

Around 5–7 hours to complete all worlds cooperatively, depending on how much you explore. Sessions naturally break into 20–40 minute chunks per world section.

Is this good for young kids?

Excellent choice for families. Simple controls, no violence, forgiving design, and colorful presentation make it ideal for ages 6+. The required cooperation also teaches patience and communication.

Does it have much replay value?

Limited traditional replay hooks—no scoring, speedruns, or unlockables. The value is in playing with different partners or sharing the experience with new players who haven't tried it yet.