Since I got my iPhone, I have been waiting for an app that is similar to the handheld digital pet toy called "Tamagotchi" You may remember it being a hot item marketed back in the 90's. The basis of the toy consented of taking care of a little egg, which hatched upon turning the toy on. You got to name it, then nurture it into a cool little digital pet. The needs of your pet were pretty standard, feed it, clean up after it and play with it and it will grow. Keep it full, clean and happy- easy right?
When I got my iPhone I figure the iPhone app development would be pretty standard. However, after doing a couple of app searches I was disappointed to find, no one was getting it right. In fact, no one was making it. I scoured forums and blogs and many iPhone fanatics were asking where they could find such an app and why it did not exist. Well, it seems that this app has finally arrived: meet iGotchi!
iGotchi is indeed very similar to a Tamagotchi i because it is simple and consists of similar buttons to the handheld toy with a few fun exceptions. You can check the Care Meters which are labeled Food, Water, Love and Health. When certain meters go down, this indicates you should probably take action by simply pressing one of the food, water or love buttons. The cool evolved features include the use of "Gotchi points." As you play the game of caretaker, you can earn Gotchis, which then allow you to buy your digital pet accessories and toys from the Gotchi Store. Of course, the longer you keep it alive and the amount of quality care you give allows for you to receive Gotchis. Additionally, the creature should mature and grow and possibly change appearance.
If you are fan of virtual pets, then this app is probably the best thing for you right now. The only downside I noticed was that sometimes when you actually touch your pet- this resembles a "pet" or "play" it sometimes does not respond accordingly. Petting and playing with your digital pet equals the same as hitting the love button, thus your love meter should go up. However, sometimes when you try scratching its head or tickling your digital pet, the love meter will not go up or the pet will just not respond. Simply hit the love button and you are all good though. A small quirk, but still fun none-the-less.
The benefit of IGotchi is that it is more than just an iPhone app. It can be installed on most smart phones, from a new Droid to a used BlackBerry. There are no limits to its service capabilities.
Also, an insider tip: if you have purchased toys and accessories for you digital pet from the Gotchi store and your pet dies, you are allowed to start over with a new pet but you will lose all of your items. So don't let your pet die!