Stealing an Entire Flock in Sheep, Dog n’ Wolf

Sheep, Dog 'n' Wolf Featured Image

Introduction

Sheep, Dog ‘n’ Wolf is a 3D Looney Tunes puzzle platformer game for the PC and PlayStation developed and published by Infogrames (now Atari Europe). A starving Ralph Wolf tries to steal a sheep but is swiftly stopped by the shepherd, Sam Sheepdog. Defeated, he returns home only to be visited by Daffy Duck to participate as the sole contestant of the game show Sheep, Dog ‘n’ Wolf!

Developer: Infogrames
Released: 1 March 2001
Price: N/A

Platforms: Windows, PlayStation
Available on: N/A

Ralph now needs to steal all of Sam’s flock throughout several levels, using his stealth skills, conveniently movable bushes, sheep-tempting lettuce, and assistance from dubious ACME tools!

Sheep, Dog 'n' Wolf - Planning
Thinking of ways to get one of Sam’s flock!

Gameplay

Playing as Ralph, you have various abilities such as running across cliffs, a double jump, and sneaking around. You can also use environmental items such as bushes, or ACME utilities that you can order from mailboxes spread throughout the levels. You must utilize all available tools and skills for the sake of successfully stealing one of Sam’s flock without him catching you and knocking you out cold.

Even after you manage to steal one of the sheep, delivering it to the goal circle is not straightforward! To finish the level, you must engage in wacky antics like using elastic rubber to catapult yourself and your sheep over a precarious precipice.

The items you order from ACME also add another layer of complexity: not only do they ship with brief user manuals, but they can also be combined for new or more effective functions and uses, but that’s not all. From time to time, you will run into characters who either help you or cross your path!

Sheep, Dog 'n' Wolf - Road Runner
Don’t try going where Road Runner is headed!

My Thoughts

The best part about the puzzles in Sheep, Dog ‘n’ Wolf is that their set pieces are not immediately obvious as being a part of a puzzle. Instead, the levels consist of environmental puzzles that blends quite well with the Looney Tunes aesthetics, such as convenient seesaw rocks. This puzzle design is very immersive, clever, and yet manages to fit well into a quirky, wacky cartoon world.

Another thing I like about the game is how two levels never feel the same. There are always new challenges, tools, and environments to take on, so you’re always coming up with new strategies and plans instead of relying on one tried-and-tested method to resolve problems.

The cel-shaded visuals of the game are very appealing to look at and does more than enough to translate the Looney Tunes artstyle to a 3D world, although Sheep, Dog ‘n’ Wolf suffers from being a little too dark. The gentle, environmental music is also a nice listen that doesn’t distract you from the action and gives the levels a distinct feeling.

Sheep, Dog 'n' Wolf - Hypnotizing Sam
The tables have turned. Thanks, hypnotizing flute!

In Conclusion

For a game based on the random, slapstick humor of Warner Brothers’ flagship cartoon series, Sheep, Dog ‘n’ Wolf is a surprisingly deep puzzle experience. Manipulating the very terrain around you just to steal one sheep at a time is engaging and fun, and that’s not to speak of the various ways you can knock out Ralph in Looney Tunes style!

If you want more games with sheep, check out Dark Sheep! You can also see other retro games, such as:
Pink Panther: Pinkadelic PursuitDragon Quest I40 Winks

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