Despite having childhood allergies, I absolutely adored cats. It was a lucky break for me that I quickly outgrew such a hindrance, so I have not been without a pet cat for years... that is, until I had to move to a new place where pets were not allowed. I begrudgingly had to bid farewell to my three beloved furbabies, and all I have left of them now are the memories and the multitude of pictures I took during happier times.
I'm not particularly fond of games that involve virtual pets, but had no other alternative since looking after the real thing cannot be done anymore. Kawaii Koneko DS2 was one the initial game purchases for my new DSi, and playing it has become a regular habit ever since.
No, you can't pick up strays. The pet shop is due east, dearie.
You play as a little elementary schoolboy/girl. You've been wanting to get a cat for as long as you can remember, and finally your parents are letting you have one. Upon reaching the pet shop, you get excited over the sheer number of kittens waiting to be taken home. But which one should you pick? Do you like a cat with big ears or small ears? Are you going to run around town with your new pet, or would you prefer quiet times indoors just stroking it's fur? But the most important question of all is this: Are you ready for the responsibility of taking care of it?
A Scottish Fold, huh? Would it be able to hear you properly when you try to call it?
If Kawaii Koneko DS2 looks like a kid's game, that's because it is. MTO made it as a sort of rearing simulation/edutainment game for young'ins to learn responsible pet ownership, but that doesn't mean it can't be an exciting experience. Due to the contemporary setting, your character is naturally bound by society's daily grind: Going to school during the day, doing chores in the late afternoon, and sleeping in early evening. In between such a schedule, you must develop a bond with your kitten by playing with it, brushing it's fur, and of course, feeding and cleaning up after it. If your parents see that you're doing a good job, then you'll be granted presents and extra allowance money. Sweet!
Eh, who needs FarmVille? Growing tomatoes with your virtual kitten is tons more fun!!
This is another one of those DS games where you can't do without the stylus. While moving your character around and advancing dialogue balloons can be done with the buttons, the fun part of interacting with your virtual kitten (stroking, brushing, throwing a ball, wagging a toy, etc) is a touch-screen exclusive affair. As an added bonus, you can even use the mic to call your pet's name! (In before "big whoop, all the DS pet games have that!" So sue me, this is my first, and I'm loving it lots.)
Let's get one thing straight, kiddo: You chose to have a cat, but it's supposed to be the family's pet. So naturally mommy gets to have a go at bonding with it, too.
While your kitten is mainly the one in the spotlight, your in-game character is not neglected in the least. He/she can change outfits by accessing the dresser in the kids' room. Later on, your in-game dad will teach you a mini-game that will allow you to obtain collectible kitten cards from the NPCs around town or other people in real life. Of course, you shouldn't get too absorbed in the card game and forget about your cute little ward...
Fluffy Collar: 5,000 yen.
Flower Clip: 3,500 yen.
Watching your fashionable furbaby do a balancing act on the scratching post: Priceless. =^o^=
Overall, Kawaii Koneko DS2 is a relaxing game that allows frustrated cat lovers (like me) to still experience taking care of something, even if it's just a 3D model kitten made up of mere binary code. Cat haters and people put off by by the daily grind setting need not apply, though... there are plenty of alternatives out there for your closed-minded kind. : P
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