I was already sold on this cozy Metroidvania, and then I learned its cute space rovers are based on the devs' dogs: "We're constantly wiping our eyes during team meetings"

A screenshot from Good Boy, showing the Good Boy space rover looking at a flying creature, surrounded by a lush landscape.

Cozy indie Metroidvania Good Boy has done something that no other game has managed before – it's made me cry, and it's not even out. I have a feeling that its actual release is going to be an emotional rollercoaster for us all.

Developed by a small team of around eight-to-10 people at indie studio Observer Interactive, the upcoming indie game Good Boy is described as an "ecosystem-driven Metroidvania" where you'll step into the shoes (or rather, wheels) of a space rover, exploring a mysterious planet while researching alien creatures, completing quests for fellow rovers, and bonding with your human companion. This alone sounds delightful, but it's the extra twist it's housing that genuinely made me sob.