Pokémon Pocket Pikachu
Game by Nintendo/Game Freak
Review by The Avardancer
Released 1998
Type: Virtual Pet

My sister begged me to get her one of these things. (She already HAS a
Tamagotchi, Giga Pets, the Pokémon Gameboy game, Nano Pets, and those
cheap-arse pets you can get for under $8 at the Mall.) Well, I finally broke
down and bought the danged thing. I have gotten to spend some time with this
creature and I must say.... this is completely different than ANY virtual pet
on the market in North America. This completely unorthodox review is my
impressions and opinion on the invader. The little yellow creature in a home
no bigger than the rumble pack. 

Graphics -  The screen is an LCD similar to the Gameboy Pocket's screen.
Pikachu has a lot of animation; some of it has also been changed slightly
from the Japanese version. The public relations people at Nintendo stated
that Poket Pikachu U.S. version has a few added bits of animation. I do not
have a Japanese version; so I would not know what has been added.  

Pikachu is clearly visible, and he does TONS of things, the animation is
drop dead cute. The game has LOTS of little things that Pikachu does. Make
him happy! Pikachu has more expressions and moods than most people I know.
:) Pikachu does have an attitude; though. (I E: "Philip, I gave him 3 doses
of 999 watts and he's STILL 'O.K.' with me!) 

Sound -  Beeps of different volume levels and that is about it. You can mute
it. It isn't important. 

Gameplay - You walk, run, gamble, jog, exercise, dance, jump, move, shake,
and do all sorts of actions to gain "Watts"; the little thing makes a
somewhat annoying click sound as you generate Watts. Give the Watts to
Pikachu to make him happy. The game preys on the mothering, or nurturing
instinct. 

You do not have to bathe Pikachu, or pick up his poop. (No crap here!) You
do not have to feed him; or put him to sleep. All you have to do is make
him like you. It is kind of like living with a teenager or having a
boyfriend/girlfriend. You must give Pikachu gifts and pay attention to him
by being active; taking Pikachu where ever you go; etc. (Though, if I had a
girlfriend that followed me around everywhere.... she would probably need to
be commited.) 

I feel like a voyeur watching Pikachu play games, take a bath, or sleep.
(Well, I'm used to watching people sleep.... I'm joking.) But, Pikachu is
addicting, and I hope some of Pikachu's good habits wear off on my sister.
Pikachu takes a bath almost everyday, brushes his teeth after he eats,
watches his weight, exercises, plays an instrument (Or two.), sings, and
seems to be quite independent. Pikachu would make a fine addition to any
family. 

Overall - Does the world REALLY need another virtual pet? The answer is yes;
IF all virtual pets were like Pocket Pikachu. Anything that can get my sister
to exercise, and wake up on time is definately worth the money. Pikachu is
easy to control; and Pikachu has a built in alarm. The instructions are clear
and there isn't much set-up required. Pikachu is simpler for young children
to understand and is more appropriate for thier age group. Pikachu is the
model virtual pet. Tamagotchi take note, Pikachu has just kicked your arse.
(PAW 1998) 

Final Score: 89%