Each one of the Fur Fighters has a special skill that is unique to its species. For example, Tweek the Dragon is gifted with the power of flight — much like Spyro — while Juliette is able to claw her way up indented areas. To use a specific gift to get past a certain area, you need to change characters in a teleporter, which requires the use of a special marker that contains the portrait of the Fur Fighter you will be using. Fortunately, Bizarre Creations has placed the teleporters where they are most needed. Chances are, if you see a teleporter, it’s probably time to change characters.

As in every shooter, you have a limited amount of health and ammunition to work with. Even the basic bear guards can quickly reduce your health to nil, so replenishments are strewn about at various intervals in the form of “Pet Chow” cans and boxes. Your anthropomorphic heroes also have a complete arsenal with which to pummel the mobster-like bears and annoying pelicans. All of the traditional shooter weaponry can be found in Fur Fighters, from the barehanded scratches up to the incredibly destructive Neutron Gun, although more advanced weaponry like the Gatling Gun and the Flamethrower run out of ammo very quickly. Similar to games like Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, Fur Fighters uses a targeting system that locks onto the nearest enemy, allowing you to strafe and jump to your heart’s content while retaining the ability to fire accurately.

Fur Fighters isn’t just a brainless point-and-shoot title; it also requires you to occasionally think about your surroundings to solve minor puzzles. Whenever you see General Bristol lounging around, you can be certain that a puzzle awaits nearby. If you get within talking range of him, he will usually spill the beans regarding the impending enigma. Many of the puzzles are extremely easy and were designed with a casual gaming audience in mind.

Fur Fighters includes a lot of extras within its 30 levels meant to reward those who go for the long haul. Several mini-games exist that can be accessed from the Fur Fighters village once certain bosses have been beaten. Taking on these mini-romps will unlock special cheats like ammo boost, invulnerability and more. To find out how original and entertaining Fur Fighters can be, let’s move on.