GoPets! Vacation Island for the Nintendo DS

July 11, 2008

I must admit, when it comes to new Nintendo DS games, I usually fight my kids to play them first. (Truth be told, I usually lose that fight and have to go second.) The new game for Nintendo DS, Go Pets, Vacation Island was no exception. So as my daughter ripped into it and started, I watched eagerly over her shoulder for my turn to play.

GoPets is based on the online PC game GoPets. It brings the most advanced virtual pets created on the Internet to the most popular hand held entertainment system.

It is both a social network for kids and a cirtual univers, where pets created by each child feel like they are really alive- they have likes and dislikes when it comes to food (just like kids!). In addition you can watch you pet travel in real time between players all over the world!

My daughter loved creating her pets and naming them and treating them as real pets. (That I don’t have to clean up after. Bonus!)

It is also a great learning experience! Kids can win “shells” for performing acts of kindness to their pet or the pet of one of their buddies, allowing them to learn the value of good deeds. And in today’s world, that is a great quality for all of us to have!

The pets in the gam, either a dog or a cat, can be chosen randomly or matched to your child based on their interests. The pets names and appearanc, however, is completely up to your child. As your child amkes his way around the island, caring for his pets and meeting friends, he or she can trade purple shells he earns for different toys and pet suppoles. Your child can also interact with other characters and compete in mini games. Kids can also befriend new islanders, exchange gifts, and even unlocknew places to visit, all while increasing their ranking and the goal of acquiring the title of BIG KAHUNA, the most influential resident of Vacation Island.

Truth be told, I don’t know who had more fun with it, my daughter or me. All I do know for sure is that is it GAME ON in my house to see who can become the Big Kahuna first. My bet is on her, but my hope is with me.

This is a great game for kids as well as adults. It teaches children how to make friends online safely (which is a huge deal for me!) and they can add up to 250 players to their buddy list. I am not sure what it says that she has more friends that I do, but we both have made friends.

I highly recommend this game for anyone who enjoys their DS and virtual pets.

Other features that are a blast to enjoy:

• Customize and dress up your dog, cat, or pony in cute, funky outfits
• Collect over 700 world decorations, pet accessories, and food items
• Build a buddy list of up to 250 friends to exchange messages and gifts with
• Send your pet traveling when you’re not using your Nintendo DS, introducting you to more friends
• Create and send graphical IKU messages to other characters and players
• Play fun mini-games to earn bonus collectibles
• Chat and play with your friends in party mode

Now, I am off to buy my own copy. I can’t have HER become the Big Kahuna first, now can I?

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This review brought to you by Mom Central.

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