Nintendogs DS Review

Imagine if you were digitalized, placed inside a video game, and someone was responsible for the outcome of your life. That’s exactly how a Nintendog feels, and is the essence of this game.


Gameplay
The DS utilizes both screens by giving you a camera view on the top screen, while gameplay is focused on the touch screen. The player is given complete control over a dog by using a combination of stylus and microphone. But there are limitations as you can only do so much in a given day. After all, it takes time to get a “real” dog to listen, and the same goes for your Nintendog. The DS’s microphone is very sensitive and can be tricky to master in order to get your dog to finally listen. It takes a good amount of practice by saying words both clearly, and in

the same tone. This can become frustrating, but thankfully gives a sense of realism which is fantastic.

As for using the touch screen, it responds to stylus movements, but almost too good. When trying to get the dog to sit, you may anger it if you hit an area the dog dislikes. This is yet another instance where patience can become your friend. The stylus movements used to prompt the icon for the dog (to learn a trick) are sometimes not easy. You have to try different stylus movements until you find the right pattern in order to get that dog ready to learn. And once that icon does come up, you have few seconds to give that dog an order correctly. This becomes frustrating as you feel rushed when trying to perfect the sound of your voice, or tone for that matter. By making things complicated it does give the player something to strive for, and thus creates a sense of victory once you get a trick down pat. The best part of trick learning is that the player is given complete freedom over the word or words used. And that is something that fits into this game perfectly. By giving that freedom you can go back and change a command if forgotten, or just change one to a more easily remembered command.

During the game the player has the choice to stay in the home and place focus on caring and trick learning, or venture outside to take the dog for a walk. The walking aspect of Nintendogs is a tad boring with a majority spent on picking up after your pooch does his/her business, but there are moments of fun. And that would be when the dog finds a gift for you, or perhaps runs into another trainer where they receive good advice. While outside you can also go to the park to play around, or more importantly, practice for the competitions. These trials are split into three, and each one is difficult in its own way. Practicing frisbee throwing in the park will get you ready for the disc competition. By taking your dog to the gym you train with laps through the obstacle course for agility trials. And last is the main show where you groom your dog before hand, and show off tricks they have learned. In order for you to gain points, and money, you must train and compete in trials. After winning you receive money used to purchase new dogs, home upgrades, and most importantly the caring supplies you need. It takes alot of work and dedication in order to best the competition and not come home empty handed. After you complete them all the point to go back becomes something either done with a new breed or for fun.

Graphics
One look at a Nintendog and you can sense the uncanny realness in its reactions and movements. Nintendo spent 3/4 of their time in development creating them, and this truly stands out. Each one bears its own unique personality with an extreme amount of detail to make sure they move and act just like their real life counterparts. The facial expressions as you give them a rub down becomes almost creepy to see in action. But don’t get too excited as there are moments of disappointment. Toys will go through your dog while playing. When in contact, dogs “ghost” through each other, and look like a science experiment gone wrong. All in all this game was meant to place focus on one thing, and that’s the dogs appearance.

Sound
Nintendogs music is basically a track that plays while you’re out on the town. It’s a very enjoyable melody, but the song’s repetition can become unnerving. Aside from this, there’s an abundance of sound effects as you would come to expect that make up for that lack of music. For example, while at home there are cars that pass and toot the horn, birds chirping and other outdoor/indoor effects. This works for Nintendogs and produces a very calming game experience. The player can then place focus on anything around, and have its audio effect stand out in such a way that they feel as if they’re actually there in the home.

Multiplayer
The multiplayer in Nintendogs is fairly scarce, but you can play with a friend by using bark mode. This wireless play feature can be entertaining as it gives a chance to find other Nintendog owners to receive presents, or vice versa. This can also be beneficial for collecting those items and breeds you wouldn’t normally receive. But since a majority of this game seems to be meant for solo play that’s all there is.

Replay
There’s a fair amount of replay value, but not enough to keep a gamer’s full attention. After the many hours spent with a dog you will become bored, even after having fun with each breed. However, there’s a ton of content to open whether it be different breeds, toys, or even the upgrades to new homes. Since this game is based in real time you’re forced to play often, but if you don’t it shows that neglect. And that’s where the focus of Nintendog’s replay lies. It becomes a daily routine of spending time with man’s best friend which can either be fun, or repetitive. It’s a game with a nice medium that can be picked up and enjoyed by any age…and tailor to their own pet lover’s needs.

Damnthatsawesome Gives This Game Three Out Of Five Stars