Nintendogs
SCORE: 98
Nintendogs took Japan by storm. Nintendogs is taking America by storm
as well. What is this quirky little dog trainer simulation that has so
many people saying: "good boy," and/or "good girl" to their Nintendo DS?
Well simply put Nintendogs is a game with digital puppies. There are
eighteen different breeds in total (only five are selectable from the
start - with the rest unlockable). The player starts by picking a puppy
to take home. That puppy is now in your care; this includes feeding,
playing, petting, taking for a walk, bathing, and teaching tricks. The
game will rate how you are doing as a trainer, and if you abuse your
puppy then he/she will run away. The puppies respond directly to voice
commands of its trainer. Your puppy will also play with other puppies in
the town, and the puppies of other Nintendo DS owners. The bottom screen
of the Nintendo DS is utilized to interact with the puppies; which
includes picking up after they have done their business outside during
their walks.
The graphics are very nicely done in a bright and colorful fashion;
unless of course you are out at night, and then the game reflects the
time of day (no worries as streetlights are one). The details on the
astounding number of items in the game is done with great care. The art
work is done a realistic manner that really immerses the player inside
the town. The two problems with the graphics are the scaling of the
background fences in some areas during walks; and the background images
did not always match the upper screen map on walks. These are of course
minor things, but worth mentioning.
The sounds build on the realism of the graphics. The puppies barking,
whimpering, and other related noises really makes the player feel like
they are training (or playing with) a real live puppy. Different breeds
also have a different sound to their barking. The sounds also encompass
the voice recognition software which are simply amazing.
The plethora of things available to do will keep you coming back for
more. The depth of unlockable, or attainable content is mind boggling.
This is a game that is worth your hard earned dollars. The only problem
is having to feed your puppy twice and day, and walk him/her. After a
few months this does get a bit repetitive, and may bore some gamers.
There is a concern that this game could lead to an addiction problem.
The controls are done perfectly, and the gameplay makes you feel like
the puppy is real. Most of the controls involve your interaction with
the bottom touch screen. So if there are any problems with control, it
is going to be the player and not the game in this case. This game is
fun to play, and most certainly has been designed well. This reviewer
would like to see a sequel to this game - maybe one with cats.
This game was a total joy to review. It was good, clean, wholesome
fun that taught me to pick up after my puppy If you do not click on the
doggie doo-doo after the puppy goes the next computer person you run
into will chastise you for not cleaning up after your pet). It is safe
the whole family, and it is a game I would recommend to my pastor. If I
recommend it to him, you know I would recommend it to you as well. It
would have been nice if this game would have taught some truths about
the Holy Bible, and a relationship with Jesus Christ. It is nice that it
did not attack Christians in any way though.
- Paul
Graphics: 94%
Sound: 100%
Replay/Extras: 95%
Gameplay: 100%
Family Friendly Factor: 89%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Nintendo
ESRB Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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