Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak - GBA

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Viewed: 2D Horizontal and Vertical scrolling Genre:
Simulation: Virtual Pet
Adventure
Arcade origin:No
Developer: Nintendo Soft. Co.: Nintendo
Publishers: Nintendo (US/GB)
Released: 27 Jun 2003 (GB)
7 Apr 2003 (US)
Ratings: PEGI 3+, ESRB Everyone
Connectivity: Link Cable

Summary

Aimed at the younger end of the gaming spectrum, the Hamtaro phenomenon may not be as universal as Pokemon, but give it time. Already massively popular in Japan, Hamtaro first appeared in game form at the beginning of 2003, on Game Boy Color in an adventure called Ham-Hams Unite! The new, improved (aesthetically, at least) Hamtaro experience charges you with quelling the trouble caused by a devious Ham-Ham named Spat. This sour fellow is determined to cause unrest as he spreads gossip and lies throughout the Ham-Ham world, causing good friends to turn on one another. That's where the heartbreak comes in; you have to help little furry creatures, Hamtaro and Bijou, avoid this heartbreak by solving puzzles and learning new Ham-chat words. And dancing!

If you're familiar with the TV marvel that is Hamtaro: Little Hamsters, Big Adventures, then you'll know pretty much what to expect. But the difference here is the interaction involved. You have to become part of the game. This means that you guide Hamtaro and Bijou through the game and face the challenges they face. Nothing too taxing of course - this game is, after all, sure to bypass more mature gamers of say, a double figure age! Simple puzzle-solving across a range of uncomplicated environments and the discovery of new words is the order of the day. The way to solve puzzles is to learn to Ham-chat, the unique hamster language, and in a neat twist to the gameplay, learning new words can lead to creating some hot dance moves and new outfits designed specially for the hamster in your life. We kid you not!

Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Heartbreak's cute factor goes right off the scale, and its target audience will gobble it up. Looks like Nintendo have another hit on their hands. Can Hamtaro co-exist peacefully with Pokemon? After all, Pikachu and co. will be back before you know it…we've seen Nintendo's release schedule.