This game is fun. It lets you take care of up to 5 cats, play games, and dress up your pet. Great game!
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Purr Pals
(2007, Video Games - Simulation, Rated E, Play it on: Nintendo DS)
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 6; suggested age 6. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Im-purrfect cat sim stresses obligation over fun.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 6 and Up
The good stuff
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Educational value:
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Purr Pals was written by Jinny Gudmundsen
Parents need to know that these virtual cats won't die if neglected. The game encourages kids to take good care of their virtual cats over time so that they can win cat shows and more virtual dollars to spend on their pets or their home. To win a show, the player has to turn on the DS at least twice a day and care for the virtual pet. Depending on the kind of cat show, the game tracks the player's ability to care for a virtual pet over a period of one to five days.
Families Can Talk About
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- Families can talk about whether taking care of this virtual kitty is fun or an obligation. Do you like getting a new virtual kitty or do you feel attached to the first one you bought? Does playing this game make you want to own a cat? Did you notice the Purina advertising in the game?
More on Purr Pals
What’s the Story?
In PURR PALS, you select a kitten from the 40 different breeds, and then customize it by choosing its markings, eye color, and whiskers. You can also decide if your kitty is female or male, and name it. Your cat lives in your DS in a three-room abode with a garden where you care for it by petting, playing, feeding, and grooming it. You get a daily allowance to spend on food and other items for your cat, based on how attentive you are to your cat's needs.
You can add to your income by entering and winning cat shows, and by playing four Mini games. Our testers' favorite was the Music Game, which combines Dance Dance Revolution mechanics with Elite Beat Agents gameplay. You interact with your cat by selecting icons: Tap the hearts icon, for example, and you can pet your cat by simply rubbing your stylus over its body. Entering cat shows can also win you money, but there is nothing to them.
CloseIs It Any Good?
While these kittens are cute, their antics were not enough to sustain the interest of our testers over time. The routine quickly changed from fun to obligation. Also, the game is buggy, with camera angles that stick your kitten's head into a wall and screens that freeze up, requiring you to reboot the game.
If you are thinking of getting a cat, this simulation may actually work to dissuade you. Cats are much more entertaining in real life. And the price of this game is a bit high, so you might want to rent instead of buy.
ClosePublisher’s Details
Released on 03/29/2007, price $30, not online enabled
ESRB rating: E
ESRB rating: E
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- My highlights are:
- Educational
- Good role models
- Safety isn't an issue
- Easy to play
Perfect for all ages!
- I rate this title on for age 3 and give it
my sister loves this game
she found the game very interesting
- I rate this title off for age 2 and give it
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