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Hamsterz Life

(2006, Video Games - Simulation, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6.
  • Is it any good?

    3.0
  • Common Sense says

    Talking hamsters enliven cute, easy simulation.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 6 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    Some education about how to take care of a pet.
  • Messages:

    You are a pet owner taking good care of hamsters.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

This review of Hamsterz Life was written by Anise Hollingshead

Parents need to know that this is a good introduction to simulation games for young kids. There isn't much educational content in this cute pet simulation for Nintendo's DS, but young players will enjoy it because it offers easy, non-frustrating play. Part of its allure is the fantasy element -- the hamsters talk!

Families Can Talk About

Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
  • Families can talk about the responsibility of caring for a real pet, and how the game demonstrates the basic needs of pets, including food, shelter, and attention. How is pretending to care for animals different? Is it easier because the hamsters talk? How do real animals communicate their needs? Does this make taking care of real animals harder? Would you like to own a real hamster or do you like these talking ones better? If you have pets in your home already, how do you think they would get along with a gaggle of talking hamsters?
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More on Hamsterz Life

What’s the Story?

In HAMSTERZ LIFE for the Nintendo DS, these rather realistic-looking hamsters converse with their owners and even ask how they're doing. Players can talk back to them and teach them words and commands, which the hamsters will remember and apply. Players begin by choosing a hamster. Once it's named, it will appear in a cage and kids can then either train, feed, care for, or choose other options to interact with their hamster.

Toys, cage improvements, and decorations are available to add to the hamster's environment, but the choices are limited in the beginning of the game. However, by playing Mini games players can win points and use them to add more items to their inventory. You can tackle the seven colorful Mini games randomly whenever you see a "play" icon at the bottom of the screen. These are simple, fun arcade-style games like breakout (a ball-bouncing game), memory, and a sliding puzzle.

Close

Is It Any Good?

On the whole, while Hamsterz Life doesn't offer the depth of play that Nintendogs does, this colorful, cute game isn't designed for that purpose. Since the game appeals to younger kids, it would have been nice to include more challenging Mini games or a broader educational focus. But as an introduction to simulation games, Hamsterz works fine. Close

Publisher’s Details

Released on 11/29/2006, price $30.00, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E (for everyone)

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 11
    Lives in Wisconsin
    I rate this title on for age 5 and give it 4.0

    Awesome Game!

    I love games that simulate something, and this is perfect for me. I wish there was a little more content on the game, but I enjoy accessorizing the cage, and it is overarm a great game.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 14
    Lives in Illinois
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 4.0

    I love this game!

    It is such a cute game, and I really like it. There is even a Hamsterz Life 2 now! I am getting the sequel for Christmas. Anyway, this is not a review for the sequel, it is for the original. You can teach hamsters words, which is neat, but you can only play a mini game when the hamster wants. My hamster is a grey Baby and his name is Victor (named after the character on The Secret Show). The mini games are very cute and original. I'd recommend this game to anyone.

  3. Adult Reviewer
    Lives in Tennessee
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 5.0

    PRETTY COOL

    THIS GAME IS NEAT BUT KINDA BORING BUT IT TEACHES BASIC CARE SKILLS OF A REAL HAMSTER

  4. Teen Reviewer Age 15
    Lives in North Carolina
    I rate this title on for age 2 and give it 5.0

  5. Kid Reviewer Age 12
    Lives in Minnesota
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 4.0

    READ THIS!!!

    well I think that this game could be really fun but then after a while it could get really boring so yeah you should think about that, because thats what happend to me once,It got so boring I had to give it away, but not for free!

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