Publisher: Nintendo
Ages:
five and up.
Family
Rating:
Parental
Advisory:
None
Something of a cross between a virtual pet and the Sims, Nintendo's outstanding Nintendogs puts a cute virtual puppy inside a Nintendo DS. Players get to raise and take care of puppies and the game rewards players with amazingly lifelike and ultra-adorable virtual dogs.
Using the DS stylus, players get to "pet" their Nintendogs, and with the DS built-in microphone, teach their dogs their names. Once a dog learns its name it will come to players when called, and players can also teach their puppies tricks.
Players have to take regular care of their dogs which includes feeding, watering, walking and bathing them. The great thing about a Nintendog is that even if they are neglected, they never die, and they remain cute puppies forever. On walks, Nintendogs will find special items: boxes that contain goodies such as clothing and toys. Players also enter their dogs in shows to earn cash and buy supplies and additional dogs. In shows, players compete in three events: disc competition, agility trials and obedience trials.
The title comes in three versions and each features puppies from the most popular dog breeds: Chihuahuas, Labrador Retrievers, Beagles and German Shepherds. Each of the three versions of the game comes with six breeds to choose from at the start, and additional breeds are unlocked as players proceed.
The game takes good advantage of the DS touch screen and wireless capabilities to create an entertaining experience. In particular, the innovative bark mode allows the DS to sense when another player is near and the dogs actually get to play together on the screen. The graphics that depict the puppies are detailed and realistic and oh so cute.
Nintendogs is an engaging and entertaining title. It's appropriate for everyone and a superb family game.
9/2/05 www.daytrum.com Editorial Staff
