Tamagotchi

"Pocketgotchi!"

Tamagotchi! Who doesn't love these guys? For those of you going ‘Tama..what?', Tamagotchi are those digital key chain pets there were so popular back in 96'. But, you see, Tamagotchi was, and still is, the original digital pet.

Gameplay 9/10
There isn't any to speak off. Most of the game is played my moving a cursers around, selecting icons and then selecting actions (ie: turn the lights off, feed your tamagotchi, flush the potty). There are three mini-games that give you more control over your tamagotchi's actions, but even then, your control is limited, as the little pet will also do whatever it wants.

Graphics 10/10
C-U-T-E! Your otherworldly pal stays in a lopsided room, complete with scribble drawings on the wall, that looks like it was by a 4 year old with a good sense of color coordination and underdeveloped motor skills (yes, IMO, that's cute.). The tamagotchis themselves look a group of little scribble characters. Ever seen those 1st grade assignments where the students are supposed to come up with an idea for the perfect pet and then draw said pet? Yeah, tamagotchi is the result.

Sound 2/10
Doo! Doo-doo-doo-doo-DOO! Doo-doo-doo-doo-dOO-doodoodoo-doodoodoo-doodoodoo-DOO! That's……about it. The music is the biggest downer the game has. Although cute, it's FAR to repetitive and static. The sound effects make up for the music…a little. The sounds made by the tamagotchi are both adorable and helpful. But…that….music…..X_x.

Play Time/Replayability
This game goes on forever. The only limits are your own parenting abilities. There is so much more to this game than to just feed and play with your pet. See if you can raise at least one of every tamagotchi in the game. Try to win all of the Contests. Prove how good of a parent you are, raise your tamagotchi to be over 100 years old! Can you beat me? I've raised one to be over 35 days old.

Will a Tamagotchi fan like this?
Probably. . If you're an average fan of the Tamagotchi, then this game is perfect for you. If you're an avid Tamagotchi-head, like me, then there is one BIG problem I'd like to inform you of here and now. Unlike other versions, this one makes you feel like all you can do it watch your tamagotchi. This version puts strict limitations on how much you can interact with you pet and that goes against everything that Tamagotchi stands for.

Final Recommendation
If you're a hardcore tamagotchi fan, give it a shot, but bare in mind what is noted above. If you've never had a tamagotchi before, then its high time to did. Cute, fun and charming, Tamagotchi is a good buy, or at least worth renting once.

Overall score 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 08/29/04