There’s the occasional innovation in the video games industry that makes you step back and ask “Wait what?”. Some games have tried to fuse real world objects with the virtual experience by making real world objects interact with the game (a.k.a Skylanders) but past the game the objects don’t do anything. Now though you can fuse the virtual and the real in a new and interesting way.
[quote]”Wappy Dog is groundbreaking,” said David Oxford, Activision Publishing. “With the arrival of Wappy, the idea that videogames are a separate experience from toys is forever changed. Now, we have a future ahead which brings together the virtual and physical world, in a fun-filled and family friendly pet pastime.”[/quote]
Wappy Dog is a combined project from Activision and Sega Toys that delivers the perfect new companion for kids. Combining an electronic toy dog and a Nintendo DS game that communicate with eachother via sound to create an innovative and interactive experience. Players raise wappy through five distinct age phases from playful pup to full-grown pooch; the dog’s voice, songs and behavior all change to match it;s maturation level. Each pet comes with stickers and digital accessories and colour options in order to fully customize your experience and unlike real dogs, Wappy’s needs and thoughts and needs never have to be a mystery — the game will translate more than 350 dynamic barked responses.
Wappy is also a highly portable game, kids on the move can enter “travel mode”, allowing them to care for Wappy’s needs using only their Nintendo DS. Additionally, in-game toys, grooming, and environments provide even more ways to interact with the pup when not spending time with Wappy at home. When they return, switching back to the default “Home Mode” will automatically sync up the physical toy with all growth Wappy made while they were away. In “Home
Mode”, Wappy will react by cheering, crying, or wagging its tail based on the player’s performance in competitive, cooperative, and supportive virtual mini-games. Across both modes, the player can nurture, train, and play with
Wappy, which will affect development of mood, skills, and even personality.
Wappy Dog is available now on Nintendo DS(TM) for $49.99 and the game is rated E for Everyone.
