Let's talk about Up Dog

[GoatusMax]

I am obsequious about Up Dog. I like that he reminds me of Rush and K9, but frankly, sometimes his jump ability get's me killed cause I didn't want to spring into the air. but I do see that there's a lot of potential for him to upgrade along with you. I wonder exactly how many ways he gets upgraded along with your character. Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences here and I will update when I know more.

[GoatusMax]

Sugon?

[GoatusMax]

Right... so, you don't actually have anything to contribute to the conversation... Thanks.

[Oberic]

He does sometimes launch you into spikes or enemies. But he also helps keep enemies off of you to make up for it.

Holding "Down" makes him no longer spring you upwards, if that helps.

[GoatusMax]

I figured out the down pressing option after a few more games with him. Yes. I also like that he gives you close cover. It takes time to get used to him, but like all things, it becomes muscle memory.

[MattB]

I've been working on a lot of AI related things recently. Hopefully some of the stuff I'm doing will eventually find its way into some improvements for Updog. I agree that he's not always a good boy.

[GoatusMax]

Do know that I'm always excited when I find him. He takes some personal training to get used to, but he's fun none the less.

[Almea]

I'm new to the game so I don't know if this thread is all a giant joke or not

[GoatusMax]

Updog is a real thing. You'll find it. You'll figure out on your own if you like it or not. I like it, but it has its flaws.

[JaffaCake]

He is really cute but I got killed at the last boss because of this idiot... not sure if I love him or if I hate him

[Sanmei]

Updog is the number one cause of me accidentally taking self-inflicted damage. It'd be nice if he only extended his spring when prompted. Is the special ability button tied to anything on its own? Maybe make Neutral+Special signal him to extend the spring?

EDIT: Ah, Dash uses Neutral+Special.

[ProxyJames]

yeah updog killed a run for me when I was in the megabest core, bounced me into a laser cuz I don't always have time to hold down. I feel like he doesn't really fit with the other jump upgrades....OH maybe if the dev ties him to the jump button! when you hit jump in mid air he should rush below you and bounce you that way you don't get any unwanted bounces.

[Consuela]

Originally posted by ProxyJames:

yeah updog killed a run for me when I was in the megabest core, bounced me into a laser cuz I don't always have time to hold down. I feel like he doesn't really fit with the other jump upgrades....OH maybe if the dev ties him to the jump button! when you hit jump in mid air he should rush below you and bounce you that way you don't get any unwanted bounces.

I'm amazed you lasted as long as you did with that thing.

I came here to say the up dog really ♥♥♥♥♥ me badly. It kills me more when I have it than the enemies do.

DEV MattB : You can turn the spring off after one bounce so that after it launches you into spikes, you fall down to the ground and stay there instead of acting like a trampoline that launches you into spike until you die. Or, better yet, why not hold the up button while over the dog to jump. Or hold the down button while over the dog to jump. The jump needs to be controlled by default. Instead now you have to put in control by holding down to not jump.

Yeah. I just started a game with the damn thing. I am supposed to hold the down button when shooting enemies to the left or right. Not gonna work. It's just disrupting my flow.

[Zombie]

Originally posted by GoatusMax:

frankly, sometimes his jump ability get's me killed cause I didn't want to spring into the air

yeah, not a fan

if I get him early enough in a run as my jump upgrade I quit out sometimes

dog combined with jump physics that carries slightly too much momentum with it (versus metroid which lets you stop on a dime) is a recipe for disaster

[[Cuss] Balthasar]

I've yet to complete a run with Updog. He's strong and handy against enemies but bosses are a nightmare with him.

[Cream-of-Plenty]

Seems like an old thread but yeah, I figure I'd throw my two cents in: Not a big fan of the dog, either. It's a noticeable liability in a number of areas (rooms with spikes, for instance) and boss fights. I'd much rather have the double-jump or jet pack, which seem to be analogs for the dog when it comes to circumventing obstacles. I like the nod to Mega Man, but yeah.