In the 1995 action RPG Secret of Evermore, the protagonist's companion is known simply as 'The Dog', changing physical forms across different historical realms. Additionally, the character represents the popular Artlist Collection franchise, starring in dedicated titles such as The Dog Master, The Dog Happy Life, and the adventure game The Dog Island: Hitotsu No Hana No Monogatari.
In
Secret of Evermore, this companion serves a vital gameplay function by sniffing out hidden alchemy ingredients scattered across the environment, growling to alert players to danger, and participating directly in combat. Its physical transformation in each era—ranging from a prehistoric feral beast in Prehistoria to a toaster-shaped, laser-firing robotic hound in Omnitopia—directly influences its speed, attack power, and combat style.
For the Artlist Collection franchise, the character design is defined by its signature fish-eye lens photography, which emphasizes oversized heads and expressive eyes. In
The Dog Master and its
Limited Edition release, players engage in virtual pet simulation mechanics, training and grooming various breeds. This concept expanded with
The Dog Happy Life on handheld hardware, utilizing touch-screen controls for direct interaction. In the narrative-driven
The Dog Island: Hitotsu No Hana No Monogatari, the character transitions from a pet to a fully voiced quest protagonist, utilizing a scent-tracking mechanic to navigate environments, locate items, and progress through the story.