Owning a pet isn't always possible, so pet-based games go some way to make up for it.
Many kids will want a pet at some point in their childhood, but unfortunately an animal friend isn't always possible thanks to its cost, associated inconvenience or because a family member is allergic, for example. Luckily, game designers have come up with a number of titles that replicate the experience of owning and caring for a pet. Usually, these games require a computer with Internet access.
Tamagotchi
Tamagotchis are independent electronic games, generally pocket-sized, which task players with looking after a particular animal from birth to death. The image of the pet can be viewed on the tiny LCD screen. Players operate tamagotchis by pressing the few buttons found on the game's case, and must check that their pet is well fed, regularly played with and even, on some tamagotchis, that the animal has his pajamas on before he sleeps. Failure to look after the pet results in the animal dying, and players must wait for another to hatch. Tamagotchis were first released by the Bandai company in 1996.
Pet Flash Games
Flash games are simple software titles accessed via the Internet for free and played through a user's Web browser. Pet-based Flash games usually find players looking after a certain animal. For example, in "Pet Grooming Salon," the player chooses one of several dog pets and must follow the instructions on-screen to keep the animal clean. In "Dream Horse," a game set in a stable, the player is in charge of cleaning and caring for a horse; the player uses the mouse to move items such as a brush to perform these tasks.
Facebook Games
A number of pet-related games have appeared on the popular social networking site Facebook. To play, kids must have a Facebook account. Players receive a virtual pet character who they can train and feed through an application on Facebook; players can interact with their friends on the site as part of these games, as long as each individual has installed the application. "My Pet," for example, allows players to build the experience of their pets and then unleash them to fight animals owned by their Facebook contacts. "PetVille" is another similar title in which players can take their pets to visit virtual houses owned by other players and must accumulate coins, which can be utilized to upgrade their pet.
Adopt-A-Pet Games
These pet games are similar to the Facebook games described above, except that each is played through an independent website. Adopt-a-pet games are typically the most expansive of the pet games available, and many feature whole virtual worlds that players explore with their pets, crammed with activities and opportunities to interact with other players. "Furry Paws," for example, allows players to train and show their own dogs, chosen at the point of registration from over 190 different breeds. "MoshiMonsters," meanwhile, is a pet game with a twist: Players adopt monsters that need to be nurtured. The game challenges players to collect virtual currency by solving puzzles.
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