Fantastic Pets is a virtual-pet life simulation video game developed by Blitz Games Studios and published by THQ Inc. The game was released on April 12, 2011, in North America, April 14, 2011, in Australia, and on April 15, 2011, in Europe.
| Fantastic Pets | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Blitz Games Studios |
| Publisher(s) | THQ Inc. |
| Platform(s) | Xbox 360 |
| Release | |
| Genre(s) | Virtual pet |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, multiplayer |
Gameplay
editThe game uses augmented reality to allow players to interact with their pets in their living room via Microsoft's Kinect.
Players start the game by choosing a pet from a variety of animals, including dogs, cats, lizards, and ponies. Players can then engage with their pets through mini-games and activities, such as washing and brushing them, playing fetch, chasing bubbles, and teaching them voice- and gesture-based commands.[1]
As players progress through the game, they can earn gems that can be used to unlock new ways to customize their pet's appearance. For example, players can change their pet's skin or fur color and markings, or add wings and horns. Players can also adopt more pets for a total of four.
Reception
edit| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | 66/100[2] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Gamekult | 40/100[4] |
| IGN | 7.5/10[3] |
| Official Xbox Magazine (UK) | 8/10[6] |
| Official Xbox Magazine (US) | 6.5/10[5] |
Fantastic Pets received "mixed or average" reviews according to review aggregator Metacritic.[7]
Kristine Steimer on IGN rated the game 7.5/10. Also stated that "Loads of customization options paired with the leveling up system means you or your little one will spend plenty of hours toying around with the cuties."[8]
Wired stated that "Still, despite some issues with the technology itself, Fantastic Pets is a genuinely fun title, particularly for the parents of young children. It takes the chore out of pet ownership and encourages experimentation and creativity. It may not always work, but when it does the charm certainly shines through."[1]
References
edit- ^ a b Z. "Fantastic Pets Falls Just Short of Fantastic". Wired. ISSN 1059-1028. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
- ^ "Fantastic Pets". Metacritic. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
- ^ Steimer, Kristine (May 3, 2011). "Fantastic Pets Review". Metacritic. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
- ^ "Tested for Xbox 360 - Fantastic Pets". Gamekult. Retrieved December 30, 2023.
- ^ "Fantastic Pets". Official Xbox Magazine (US). June 2011. p. 85.
- ^ "Fantastic Pets". Official Xbox Magazine (UK). June 2011. p. 103.
- ^ "Fantastic Pets". www.metacritic.com. Retrieved 2023-12-30.
- ^ Steimer, Kristine (2011-05-02). "Fantastic Pets Review". IGN. Retrieved 2023-12-30.