 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Hamsterz Life
- Nintendo DS
- Price: $30.00
- Genre: Simulation
Common Sense Media says
Talking hamsters enliven cute, easy simulation.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
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!
What's it about?
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.
Is it any good?
On the whole, while Hamsterz Life doesn't offer the depth of play that http://www.commonsensemedia.org/game-reviews/Nintendogs.html ">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.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
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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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
PRETTY COOL
THIS GAME IS NEAT BUT KINDA BORING BUT IT TEACHES BASIC CARE SKILLS OF A REAL HAMSTER
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Kid, 11 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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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Kid, 10 years old
March 24, 2009
AGE
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.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
I LAUGHED
THIS IS FUNNY
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
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.
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| Platforms: | Nintendo DS |
| Available online? | Not available online |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | UbiSoft |
| Release date: | November 29, 2006 |
| Price: | $30.00 |
| ESRB rating: | E for everyone (Nintendo DS) |
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