Nintendo DS - Nintendogs: Dalmatian & Friends Review

Overall 4.50 of 5 view all 2 reviews

krislynn
Southern Belle, GA

Nintendogs are realistic puppies you can adopt!!!

a video game addict, a pet owner, a pet pamperer, a dog owner of 2 Jack Russells, budget conscious, very happy with this product

Pros

realistic dogs, very good graphics, care for puppy and train it, pet your puppy and play with it, obedience contests, agility trials, flying disc competitions

DEC

2008

Nintendogs
Dalmatian and Friends

One of the first games I bought for my Nintendo DS was called Nintendogs. There are four different game editions. The Chihuahua and Friends, Dachshund and Friends, Labrador and Friends, and the edition I have the Dalmatian and Friends. Each edition comes with six different breeds. You will be able to unlock all 20 breeds on one game edition. There is no need to buy all editions. This has been the most fun video game I have played in a long time.

The game starts out in the Nintendog Kennel. The six starter breeds in the Dalmatian and Friends edition are of course the Dalmatian, Beagle, Yorkshire Terrier, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, and the Boxer. Each puppy has its own personality just like in a real one. Every time you bring up a breed, the puppies will shuffle from a selection of colors and personalities. This way you can pick the puppy you really want. Once you have your puppy picked out, pay the adoption fee and then off to home you go.

You will be able to name your new puppy by using the game’s voice recognition software. Just keep repeating your puppy’s name until it learns his or her name. After playing with your puppy and showing your puppy attention for a length of time, you will be able to start training your puppy. A lightbulb icon will appear in the corner of the screen as your puppy performs an action. You will need to tap the lightbulb icon quickly so it can record the command that is associated with the action. It is just a matter of associating the same word, for example sit, with the same action multiple times until your puppy learns the trick. A red question mark will appear over your puppy’s head if they are confused, which means you need to speak more clearly. A blue question mark appears if you are trying to teach a command that sounds like something your puppy has already learned. Your puppy can only learn so many tricks in one day though.

Your puppy can compete in three different contests once they have learned a number of commands. However, you can compete in only three contests a day. The obedience contest rates your puppy on how well it follows verbal commands. The flying disc competition lets you show off your puppy’s Frisbee-catching abilities. The agility trials is the toughest of them all. Your puppy will have to go through an obstacle course. In each of these contests, your puppy will have to place in the top three to earn a trophy, prize money, and a boost to the next level of competition. If you lose, your puppy is knocked down a level. However, you and your puppy will need to practice, practice, and practice.

You will interact with your puppy with the stylus most of the time. Use the stylus for such things as patting your puppy, position it for tricks, throwing toys, and much more. Tapping the screen with your stylus will alert your puppy and he or she will come to you. However, you can also call your puppy’s name to get their attention. Toss a toy to your puppy and they will routinely bring it back to you.

You can take your puppy for a walk around town, which is a good way to stretch their legs. Your puppy will discover accessories lying around during the walks such as collars, hats, toys, or items for the house. Your puppy will be able to play with other dogs during the walk. Watch out for the trash your puppy will try to get to it. You can visit parks and gymnasiums so you can practice throwing the Frisbee and running the agility course. However, you can only take your puppy for a walk every 30 minutes. Other than the walks, you can feed your puppy when it’s hungry and give it water when it’s thirsty. When your puppy is dirty, give it a bath. A menu lets you see your puppy’s vital information. Your puppy might eventually run away from you if it is neglected.

I’ve learned the more you play the game, the more items will be available for you to buy such as different type of foods and toys. A dog breed will be unlocked for you to choose from when you pass certain levels of achievement. You can only have three puppies in your house at one time. A doggie hotel can help house any of your puppies that you are unable to care for at a particular time.

I have really enjoyed playing the Nintendogs game. The puppies are so realistic with their mannerisms, motions, and expressions. This game has great sound effects. You can hear the yips, yawns, barks, whines, and other doggie noises. It is easy to train your puppy. There are LOTS of unlockable accessories, dog breeds, and much more items for you to find.

The reason I bought the Dalmatian and Friends edition over the other editions was that I read you could unlock the Jack Russell Terrier breed. I happen to have two beautiful Jack Russell Terriers in real life. It took awhile to unlock the Jack Russell Terrier breed on the game, but I finally did it. If you are fond of this particular breed, you can unlock it by finding the book on the Jack Russell Terriers during a walk.

I would recommend the Nintendogs to anyone that has a Nintendo DS and for all dog lovers of all ages. Even if you have a dog or you are thinking of getting a dog, you will absolutely love this game. This game would make a wonderful Christmas gift for a video gamer. I give it 5 Stars!

Thank you for reading. If you would like to read more of my reviews, please click here!
Krista Lynn

Nintendo DS - Nintendogs: Dalmatian & Friends is recommended by krislynn

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Comments about krislynn’s Review

In response to krislynn's comment from Mar 5, 2009 at 4:43AM:

OOh cool, sounds like fun! :D

You're very welcome. :D

In response to Reviewer11's comment from Mar 5, 2009 at 3:24AM:

You can train your dog tricks, feed them, bathe them, take them for a walk, ... I play with this DS game all the time. It is so much fun if you like dogs. Thanks for reading and sending me a comment. =)

Wow, this sounds like a really good product for those who would love to have a pet but can't. It reminds me like those watches... I don't know what they are called .. Oh gigapets? where you feed, play and take care of your pet.

In response to Fardreamer's comment from Jan 6, 2009 at 9:40AM:

Thanks! I love my Nintendogs, too! Thanks for reading and commenting! ;-) ~Krista Lynn

I don't have one of these, but my best friend's 7-year-old daughter does. She really loves her Nintendogs! Good review!

In response to Meri's comment from Jan 5, 2009 at 6:33PM:

Good point! Thanks for reading and commenting! ;-) ~Krista Lynn

This sounds like a good idea for someone who is allergic too.

In response to LaurieM's comment from Jan 2, 2009 at 11:22AM:

I've had so much fun with the Nintendogs. I haven't been able to play it lately. My power cord to charge my Nintendo just died. I had to order another one from Amazon. I guess I'll survive until I got it! LOL. Dogz 2 is a fun game too. Thanks for reading and commenting. ;-)

My kids would absolutely love this game! They have Dogz 2 and have a riot with it.

In response to krislynn's comment from Jan 1, 2009 at 6:27PM:

He would if I suggested that but usually I try not to ask much from him and his wife for my birthday because he pays for my entire vacation every year when we go to Bike Week and that is right after my birthday.

In response to GigiandAdonai's comment from Jan 1, 2009 at 1:19PM:

I've been living without my Nintendo DS for just two days now. I think I'm going crazy. LOL! Why? I can't charge it, the adapter broke or something. I ordered another adapter on Amazon and wouldn't you know it is on back order. I got an email that it should ship sometime next week. I did order 2 more games too.

Tell your brother that always gets you Sweet Pea lotion that this year you want a Nintendo DS for your Birthday!!!

Okay, I have been wanting a DS and now here is another reason for getting one! This would even allow me to play with a cute beagle or boxer without fearing them attacking me. I also know they have this with cats and that sounds even more appealing to me! Maybe someone will get me a DS for my birthday--in time to take to the beach ;+) ~Gigi

In response to VixenViewTreasures's comment from Jan 1, 2009 at 6:08AM:

Nintendogs is a cool game and I play it everyday. Thank you for reading and sending me a comment! I hope you are having a great New Year's Day! ;-)

Awww...that sounds so cute. I don't have a DS, but that sounds like a game I would like if I did. :)

In response to TheBard's comment from Dec 20, 2008 at 8:46AM:

Thank you for reading my review and sending me a comment. Have a wonderful weekend. =)

Nicely done as usual.

In response to jasyjen's comment from Dec 19, 2008 at 8:44AM:

I have so much fun with the Nintendogs. I still haven't collected all 20 dog breeds yet. Speaking of Wii, I would love to get a Wii system especially the Wii Fit. Thanks for reading and sending me a comment. =) ~Krista Lynn