101 Dino Pets (PC) (101 Dino Pets (PC))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	101 Dino Pets (PC)
Date:	22/06/09 (79 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: High levels of customization

Disadvantages: Limited appeal

"101 Dino Pets" is a video game released for the personal computer in 2008 by Avanquest. It is a virtual pet game and was released in the PC CD-ROM format. In the European marketplace, the game received an age rating which deemed the title suitable for ages three and above.

The minimum system requirements to run this title are as follows:

· OS: Windows XP/Vista
· CPU: 700 MHz or faster
· RAM: 256 MB
· HDD: 100 MB
· 32 MB DirectX 9.0c-compatible video card
· DirectX 9.0c
· Windows - compatible sound card and speakers

In this game, players assume the role of pet keeper and choose from a selection of 101 dinosaurs including the Alioramus, Dryptosaurus, Gorgosaurus, Tarbosaurus and Tyrannosaurus Rex. While these creatures may have been fierce prehistoric entities, in the game they are very timid and can be altered to suit the player's personal preference. Body shapes and colours can be modified which results in quirky combinations such as purple and orange T-Rex dinosaurs. After the customization is complete the game begins from a central suburban setting. The player must continually care for the pet by performing simple tasks. I found these tasks to be very repetitive in their requirement as the player is solely required to wash, groom, feed and play with the dinosaur to ensure its happiness. Like most virtual pet games, this is done by clicking an appropriate button on the screen and the player will be cued throughout as to what button should be clicked and when. There is little challenge to the game because of this.

The main objective of the game is to enter the pet into prehistoric pet shows which rewards the player with in-game cash, toys and food items. The pet show features the player's dinosaur strutting it's stuff down a red carpet runway; very similar to a typical modern fashion show. After this short scene, the player will be presented with a grid which shows the dinosaur's place against computer opponents and higher ranks receive a greater reward. From there it is off to the shops to splurge on items for the dinosaur including more toys, more food and some basic furniture items such as an upgraded bed.

The graphics are presented from an isometric perspective which allows zooming and scaling of the images by the player. The graphics were acceptable in their presentation but one thing that got to me was the chronic grin which rested on each face. This gave the game a very happy-go-lucky feel and somewhat ruined the ferocious stigma which surrounds dinosaurs. Complimenting this aspect are the very bright and colourful surroundings which were more realistic in their approach including green grass, grey concrete and brown lap panel fences. The sound is more juvenile with upbeat and cheery musical scores with high pitched rings when making use of an action.

Overall, 101 Dino Pets is a game which would likely appeal to younger children interested in the prehistoric creatures. There is little by the way of physical accuracy as a T-Rex is much shorter than a typical household fence, for example, so should not be used as an educational tool. However, it could remain an appealing play in shorter bursts. I personally did not find it to be enjoyable but I may lie outside of the publisher's intended market.

Summary: Thumbs in the middle