Wappy Dog

 Review

Common Sense Media says

Novel game+toy concept makes for unique virtual pet romp.
greenON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
yellowPAUSE: Know your child; some content
may not be right for some kids.
redOFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
not for kidsNOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age.

Find out more

Quality
 
Sometimes media can be age appropriate but a real waste of time. Our star rating assesses the media's overall quality.

Find out more

Parents say

Not yet rated

Kids say

Not yet rated

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that the Wappy Dog is both a tech toy and video game. The video game functions similarly to most other virtual pet games -- players can feed, groom, and pet the dog as well as play mini-games with it. What sets this game apart is the physical robotic toy dog that comes with the game. The toy connects wirelessly with the Nintendo DS, allowing communication between the two (for example, the toy dog makes barking sounds, which the game "translates" for players). The robotic toy stores information from the game and changes over time, making it appear as though it becomes more familiar with the player and adjusts its attitude accordingly. The game can also be played without the toy nearby.

  • There is mainly one central message in this game: take good care of those who entrust their care to you. Players are rewarded for ensuring their pet 'Wappy Dog' is played with, fed well, and cared for. At no point is negative behavior ever encouraged or rewarded. This game is about building a bond with a virtual pet and/or toy.
  • Players become a role model of sorts for their pet dog. The game rewards players for good, responsible behavior.
  • This game uses simple point-and-click controls, allowing players to easily search through menus to provide their pet dog with food or toys, or play a mini-game to raise its spirits. When connected to the physical Wappy Dog toy, the controls are just as seamless. The interaction with the toy is presented in a user-friendly and easy-to-control way, making it accessible for any player.
  • Not applicable.

What's it about?

WAPPY DOG consists of two elements - the Nintendo DS game and the physical Wappy Dog toy. The game is presented like a standard pet simulation game, offering players the full scale of pet customization options, giving it a name, playing games with it, etc. The robotic toy that links up with the game works to enhance the experience by giving players a physical object to make their work within the game seem more real. The dog moves and barks in reaction to events that happen within the game, though the interaction does not go far beyond that.


Is it any good?

 

Wappy Dog provides a great experience just for the sheer novelty of the robotic toy that reacts in real-time to the game. It should be noted that Wappy Dog's interaction with the game are limited. The toy makes sounds and limited movements in response to actions that happen in the game, but these are all pre-defined and not truly customizable by players. It is not a sophisticated robot, but it does not need to be. The point of the toy is to make the hard work and dedication of caring for a virtual pet seem more tangible and real, which this game/toy combo accomplishes. Aspiring pet owners will no doubt find the charm and novelty of this game well worth it.


Explore, discuss, enjoy

  • Families can talk about how much time should be spent tending to a virtual pet. How much game time is too much?

  • Does the inclusion of a physical toy make you feel more like you're caring for a real pet?

  • What isn't in this game that you need to take care of with a real, live pet dog?


This review of Wappy Dog was written by
Teen, 13 years old
February 4, 2013
 
Learning2
Wappy Dog: Pawsome Fun For Your Family!
It is so easy to play, I finished it in two days! Well sorta. I kinda deleted the data. But I learned a lesson by doing that, and it is DON'T FORGET TO FEED WAPPY OR HE OR SHE BARKS NON STOP. Besides that, it is fun and addicting. If you are allergic to dogs, pets not allowed in your appartment, or just don't have the time and money for a dog, this is the closest thing you can get to a dog. It is WAY better than other "virtual pet" games and its eyes even glow to tell its emotions! The only problem for the little ones are the bad fortunes it can give children like "You will have a bad day today". No violence or cursing in here. Wappy can barely speak for crying out loud! Get a Ds ( the lites are proball cheap right now) and get ou and your kids a Wappy Dog! I put 10 and up because the Ds Lite is rated for 10 and up normally so I don't know for sure if 3 year old should be playing with a Ds of anykind.
What other families should know:

Flag as inappropriate 
Parent of 7 year old
December 26, 2012
 
Learning2
forutne telling
Wappy told my 7 year old that his fortune was that he was going to have a bad day. Is there a setting to turn this off or preset positive fortunes?
What other families should know:

Flag as inappropriate 

This review of Wappy Dog was written by
Platforms:Nintendo DS
Available online?Not available online
Genre:Simulation
Developer:Activision
Release date:November 8, 2011
Price:$49.99
ESRB rating:E for No Descriptors (Nintendo DS)

This review of Wappy Dog was written by

Contact us to give us more feedback on our learning ratings.

 

Review It

Share your review with others

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.

Screenshots


Learning Products Quick Finder

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors