Catz
SCORE: 93
I am always pleased when a game developer or a PR contact tells me about an ‘E’ rated game with no descriptors. In fact to let ya’ll in on a secret, such games get my top priority (excluding ‘EC’ rated games). Ubisoft is doing a marvelous thing with their Petz line up, and Catz fits right into that mold quite well. In fact ever since the release of Nintendogs cat lovers have been clamoring for a virtual cat simulator on the Nintendo DS. Christmas in the year of our Lord 2006 the cries of those cat lovers have been heard, and Ubisoft has answered those prayers. Players pick a feline (given the option to play with the kitty first), and then get to bring the animal home. Feeding, taking pictures, petting, and dressing up your digital feline friend are all part of the enjoyment in this game.
The graphics in Catz is decent, but really feel like they are a little bit dated. The kittens are usually farther away than the Hamsterz, Dogz, and Horsez. This is an area that was a little disappointing for me. The animation of the different kittens is very nicely done. At times I felt like I was watching a real cat. The toys, and decorations are all decent. Wholesome images are used properly in this game as well. There were no offensive images that I saw.
Catz really excels in the audio department. The sounds of these little furry friends is so realistic that people nearby me were a little confused that the Nintendo DS was making the noise and not a real live kitty kat. The music in this game is also pleasant. This is one area of the game that Ubisoft hit the nail on the head. There were no offensive sounds that I heard in this game.
Like the other games in the Petz line up, Catz can be played for a few minutes a day, and then easily be turned off. This is a game that could be theoretically played for years. There are plenty of different items that can be purchased for the room, and to dress up the little kitten. This adds to the cuteness factor. Pictures taken of your animals can be sent wireless to friends. If the small images of the kittens do not bother you, then by all means this game is worth your hard earned dollars.
The controls are quick and responsive in Catz. The ability to pet the furry little friend works really well, as does the use of the different toys. The layout of the controls also works well. The design of the rooms, and camera (to take the pictures), along with the menu screens is nicely done. This is a fun little game to play. It is also nice to have a game like this one where it can easily be put down after a few minutes.
Has your child been asking for a cat
as a pet? Catz is certainly much cheaper, and less painful (in case
something goes wrong) for your family. This game can be used as a test
to determine if your child can be responsible enough to handle it.
Learning to take care of animals is a wonderful lesson. This game is
safe for the entire family. It was my joy and pleasure to play and
review this game. I really hope that Ubisoft releases a sequel to this
game, and does some graphical updates, along with close ups of the
kittens. Catz is just a little shy of the Family Friendly Gaming seal of
approval.
- Paul
Graphics: 81%
Sound: 97%
Replay/Extras: 98%
Gameplay: 95%
Family Friendly Factor: 95%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Ubisoft
ESRB Rating: 'E' for Everyone
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