 | 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. |
Nintendogs + Cats
- Nintendo 3DS
- Price: $39.99
- Genre: Simulation
Common Sense Media says
Super pet sim adds cats, 3D, and other new features.
Parents say
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Nintendogs +Cats is an extremely realistic virtual pet game that lets players care for puppies and kittens. A pedometer mode encourages kids to get active by taking their pets for "walks" in the real world (by putting their 3DS in their pocket) and kids earn presents and bonuses based on how many steps they take. Once SpotPass becomes available (via a system update in a few months) and if it is enabled, the 3DS automatically connects to wireless Internet access points to download special items. Kids can also enabled StreetPass, which allows two 3DS devices in close proximity to automatically exchange user information and gifts -- including a short 16-character personalized message that may contain objectionable language. Nintendo does not recommend viewing of 3D images for children under 7. Nintendogs +Cats is still extremely enjoyable without the 3D features, and parents can disable the 3D through the system's parental controls.
What's it about?
NINTENDOGS + CATS comes in three versions: Golden Retriever & New
Friends, French Bulldog & New Friends, and Toy Poodle & New
Friends. As in the first Nintendogs game, players choose a puppy from the kennel,
bring it home, and interact with it by teaching it commands (via
microphone), petting it with the stylus, bathing it, taking it for
walks, and playing games with flying discs and other toys. In this new
version, players can also adopt a variety of cats with their own unique
needs and behaviors. Other new features include a new competition (lure
coursing), new accessories and furniture to purchase such as doggie beds
and cat scratch posts, and of course the incorporation of 3D.
Is it any good?
In Nintendogs + Cats the animals are even more endearing than in the first game. Not only are they fluffier and more realistic in appearance, but thanks to 3D, they literally jump out of the screen as they put their paws up on you and lick your face. A new facial recognition feature allows puppies to recognize their owners, and players can use the AR cards that come with the 3DS to make a projection of the puppy appear in real-world surroundings. Players can keep up to 3 animals at a time in the house; additional ones can be "donated" or housed at the Pet Hotel. For households where real dog or cat adoption isn't possible, Nintendogs + Cats is a wonderful alternative that teaches kids about the responsibility of caring for a pet -- even the not so fun parts like scooping poop!
Online interaction: Kids can take pictures of their puppies and send them to friends. If SpotPass is enabled, the 3DS automatically connects to wireless Internet access points to download special items. Kids can also enabled StreetPass, which allows two 3DS devices in close proximity to automatically exchange user information and gifts -- including a short personalized message that could contain objectionable language.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about the differences in behavior between dogs and cats. Why don't we take cats for walks or teach them tricks? What kind of personality do you prefer in a pet?
Families can also talk about their favorite dog tricks. What tricks are the most fun to teach your dog in the game? Are there any tricks that aren't in the game that you would have liked to teach your dog?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
perfect for kids who love cats and dogs!
love it.
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
pets
this games helps you show your kids how to love and care for a dog,or cat.if you want to think about buying you child a dog or cat this could help you think about you decision
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 9 years old
February 7, 2012
AGE
Fun and intteractive ! Also learning in it!
I think it is a great game , its good for learning because its teaching you how you take care of stuff( pets). You also can go for a walk, sometimes you also meet people( maybe try and look for your freinds).
Was this review useful?
|
|
AGE
Best Game Ever!!!
While Nintendogs + Cats is very educational on how to raise a dog or cat, violence is an issue as well. You can abuse your dog, from poking to punching to suffocating it with its leash. You can even force a dehydrated and starving dog into several 400m races a day. After enough abuse, your dog may start using profanity at you, or even run away. I do not reccomend this game for kids.
Was this review useful?
|
|
Kid, 10 years old
April 2, 2012
AGE
You can abuse your puppies but on the other hand it ROCKS
This game helps parents decide on if they should get a real pet or not. On the other hand, kids can abuse their pet by hitting it, throwing items at it and other rude stuff, if your kids do this the dog will bite. And may even run away. The dogs running away is a good punishment. As it teaches kids to treat living things how you would like to be treated. By the way, the puppies and kittens are ADORABLE.
Was this review useful?
|
|
| Platforms: | Nintendo 3DS |
| Available online? | Available online |
| Genre: | Simulation |
| Developer: | Nintendo |
| Release date: | March 27, 2011 |
| Price: | $39.99 |
| ESRB rating: | E for (No Descriptors) |
Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.
Review It
Screenshots
1 of 3
2 of 3
3 of 3
Tell us what you think about our new Learning Ratings. We value your feedback.
Great alternatives handpicked by our editors
Already played it? What do you think?
More from Common Sense Media
Top advice and articles
