For kids who grew up in the late 90s, Tamagotchi virtual pets were a household name. They were so popular that out of 10 kids back then, probably all 10 had one—each with a unique pet design. Children were constantly glued to the tiny screen, making sure their pets were fed and well taken care of. Although the craze eventually died down with the rise of other forms of entertainment, Tamagotchi continued to live on through different variations, collaborations, and unique character designs that have kept fans engaged to this day.
Those who played the older versions on the Nintendo DS and 3DS might find this game familiar. The first few hours feel like reconnecting with an old friend—revisiting minigames and caring for your Tamagotchi, who serves as the main character. But soon after, the game starts to fall apart, with a plot that feels shallow and content that isn’t strong enough to keep players engaged in the long run.
The story begins with the player being abducted by a prince and transported to the Tamagotchi Planet. Shortly after, players are tasked with taking over a town and improving its overall well-being. This is where all the minigames come into play.
Players provide a variety of services in different shops and houses—making crepes, tailoring clothes, baking galettes, crafting eyeglasses for Tamagotchi, treating cavities as a dentist, repairing bicycles, and more. These minigames form the core gameplay loop, which in turn allows players to upgrade the Plaza and its shops.
Here lies the game’s main issue: the gameplay loop itself. If the minigames were more engaging and offered deeper mechanics, the game might have retained players for longer. As it stands, it seems better suited for a younger audience, perhaps serving as an introduction to the Tamagotchi franchise.
That said, the game does shine in presentation. Its cute sound design and vibrant atmosphere are sure to appeal to younger players. It also runs smoothly, with Tamagotchi characters that are as charming and adorable as ever. Exploring the Plaza alongside such warm and cheerful characters adds to the nostalgic charm of Tamagotchi Plaza.
