A Summer with the Shiba Inu

About

A Summer with the Shiba Inu casts you as Syd, a Shiba Inu returning to her childhood island after a decade away. This visual novel leans into its dog-centric world with dialogue-driven storytelling and light role-playing elements. Interact with a cast of canine characters including Max, a longtime friend, and Quei-Li, a Lab with unexpected ties to the island. Choices matter in subtle ways, the game tracks how long you hesitate before deciding, adding a layer of tension to interactions. Between scenes, menus offer random dog facts and a customizable bark button for quick responses. The game stands out for its niche charm and playful details, though it remains a modest entry in the visual novel space. With a Metacritic score of 62 and mixed player reviews on Steam, it appeals most to fans of lighthearted narratives and animal-themed antics. The dog park simulator vibes never fully take hold, but the premise ensures a low-stakes trip to Shiba Island. Available on Switch and PC since 2019, it’s a brief diversion for those curious about its bark-before-you-woof approach.

Storyline

When Syd the Shiba Inu returns to Shiba Island after a ten year absence, she sets off a chain of events that overturns the lives of all the dogs she had left behind. She gets back in touch with her old friend, Max, and along the way meets a mysterious Labrador retriever named Quei-Li. (What’s a Lab doing on the Island, anyway?) They are her only remaining allies as she tries to survive the past that made her leave the Island in the first place.