DS Impressions: Nintendogs

Nintendogs Impressions

Though my 21 years of life numerous dogs have vied for my attention; from the many different forms of Lassie, to the snack eating Scooby, to the always annoying Scrappy, to the critically acclaimed Reservoirs. They come in all shapes and sizes, some speak, some don’t, some you love to hate, some you hate to love. Some are Ladies, some are Tramps. We all wanted Lassie to come home and she managed to do it so many times (in all her different forms) we got sick of her! Well Toto we aren’t in Kansas anymore ’cause Nintendogs is on its way and if the Big N has their way, there will another fluffy K9 added to that long illustrious list.

Will Nintedogs End Real Dogs As We Know Them?

We take a scary look into the future…

Dogs Train To Bring Each Other For Walk

Could It Be All Over For Lassie Version 4?

Dogs Worldwide Fall On Hard Times

A game or not a game that is the question! It seems like Nintendo is not quite sure what they have created. Maybe they should take a hint from Gran Turismo and name it Nintendogs: The Real Dog Simulator (or maybe not). Whatever Nintendogs is be it a game or not, this is for sure: it is beyond charming. For anyone that comes within ten feet of the title and gazes onto those double 3 inch screens will find it impossible not to resort back to their childhood and mumble incomprehensible cutesy phrases towards their innovative handheld.

Blowers Beware

For all those that have spent the last few months puckering up their lips to blow into the DS’s microphone while playing Project Rub or Wario Ware, Nintendogs will be a breath of fresh air (forgive the pun) as it includes some well implemented voice recognition software to help you command your friendly K9 buddy throughout it’s daily tasks. Infact, Nintendogs puts the two key Nintendo DS functionalities to use. Those being of course touch-screen control and voice control!

Puppy Love

What to do first? To start you should purchase one of several breeds of dogs available at the beginning of the game and then start spending time with your pup. To pet your puppy, you basically stroke the bottom screen with your stylus or finger. To communicate with your pup, you use the DS’ microphone. The face or shoulder buttons serve no purpose in controlling the game. Using the two methods named above you can get your puppy to learn all sorts of tricks by directly asking him to. You will also get to name your puppy in this way and he will grow to learn your voice and will not (should not at least) listen to other people if they try and command him.

If you train it well enough, you’ll excel in dog shows and agility contests, which will earn you money and unlock other items and puppy breeds. When you earn enough cash, you can buy even more puppies to live with yours.

To throw an item or toy you flick the stylus across the touch screen, this is then followed by your dog(s) dashing crazily after the item bumping into each other if there is more than one on the way. The dogs must learn to then bring the item back, to do this tap the DS screen to get their attention and then again to get them to return it. In time, the dogs will learn to do this themselves giving a you a sense of achievement!

Toys range from simple balls for dogs to chase, to a towel to have a game of tug-o-war with either you or one of your other dogs. Other toys such as the jump rope can be set up to have one of your dogs learn to jump over with you and another dog controlling it!!

You can also walk your pup around the neighbourhood by using the map and hope to find hidden items such as to treats and toys. However the most important part of bringing your little dog for a walk is not finding these hidden treats, but for your little bundle of love to sit down and reveal a treat of his or her own, the lifelong question has now been answered. Yes! Virtual dogs do poo and can relieve themselves in many different places! It would be advisable to pick it before you continue on you walk but you do not have to if you don’t want to!

You can also meet other dogs on these walks, the two dogs will be tentative and scared of each other at first, which will lead to a bit of inappropriate sniffing to find out about each other. To end this behaviour all you have to do is give a quick tug on the leash via the touch-screen and carry on your way.

All the dog models are strikingly detailed and animated with extremely expressive faces, and while they may not be instantly graphically impressive, after watching the animals at play for some time and seeing them follow your commands with stunningly realistic animation, you will notice how each one has its own distinct diverse personality.

Puppy Power!

With the possibility to own up to 3 dogs at once, each with a completely different personality and sets of likes and dislikes, there is alot to do in Nintendogs. It may not be a “game” in the broadest sense of the word, nor is it a Tamagotchi for in the 21st Century that would be underrating it’s appeal. It is different, new and extremely appealing to everyone regardless of their gender or age, it is fun for all ages and an example of Nintendo at their best!