Returning to campus for the fall semester, many students had to leave their pets behind at home due to the “If it lives in water, it can live here” rule in the residence halls, and the similar rules of no pets allowed at many local apartment complexes. So what are students who miss their faithful companions to do?
There are several options for students to simulate a loving owner-pet relationship, but these are not the pet simulators of the late-90s, such as the Tamagotchi or the Furby, technological advancements have brought about the release of several simulated pets that look and act much more like their real life counterparts.
Nintendo has devised a way for people to have a “man’s best friend” experience, caring for a simulated pet in video game form.
The release of Nintendogs these week has made it possible for students to have a dog that both fits into their busy schedules, their tender budgets, and offers the tender loving care of a real pooch. The game is playable on the Nintendo DS, the dual screen handheld gaming console which was released last year. With the technology of the DS, players are able to pet their puppies with a stylus, call it by name through the microphone, and even blow bubbles to it by blowing into the DS.
Retailing at prices from $29.99 to $34.99, there are three different versions of the game each with six different breeds available to choose from. The Chihuahua and Friends title comes with a German shepherd, Chihuahua, Boxer, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Yorkshire terrier and Shetland sheepdog. The two other versions, Labrador and Friends and Dachshund and Friends each come with their own unique set of breeds.
Players interact with their dogs by feeding, training and walking them. The dog is trained with voice recognition and can be trained to perform its tricks by reacting to any word or phrase of the player’s choosing. Players can also earn money to buy items for their puppies, or more puppies, by entering contests or selling items the puppy finds while it is out on the street.
Two or more players are also able to introduce their puppies to each other by placing the DS in “bark mode.” The DS will then search for other puppies and owners in the area and allow all of the players to see the interaction between their puppies on the DS screen.
So even though you might not be able to spend quality time with a real dog or cat in your dorm room or apartment, there are several options from which to choose a substitute pet to entertain you throughout the school year.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
