When I said in my review of PSP Camera game Invizimals that the game's sequel would be the next game to use the new accessory, I was wrong. The brand new PSP version of EyePet is that game, and I enjoyed it far more than anyone over the age of six should.
Like Invizimals, EyePet features augmented reality. With the PSP Camera and the paw print card that comes in the box, your EyePet can be seen as existing in your real environment.
The game takes quite a while to load, but considering all the technology added to a device that was originally released in 2005, it's to be expected.
A cartoon professor figure gave me my initial tutorial. EyePets are wonderful creatures who'd love to be cared for by you, and are always very playful. Unlike the Tamagotchi I had in 1997, your EyePet won't die from neglect. Unlike the Furby I had in 1999, mechanical parts won't get jammed, and leaving your battery in for months or years will do no harm. (My first Furby was killed by leaving the batteries in for a long time without use.)
Despite the fact that EyePets look like mammals, they hatch from a hard-shelled egg. I had to put my paw print card on a table, and aim my camera on it, not too close, and not too far away. The egg appeared right on the card from the view of the screen. At first, I was told the egg was too cold, I'd have to warm it up! So, I had to move the camera back and forth to direct my heater over the egg's surface. Then, my egg turned bright red, and I was told my egg was too hot! So, I had to blow on the egg, using the camera's microphone. The egg turned a pleasant yellow color, and my EyePet started to hatch.
I took a photo of the birth. Photos may be taken almost any time by pressing the square button. I promptly named my new EyePet Lexi, which is recorded in the game, along with my audio 'call' for her, and a photo of me, her proud owner.
Article comments