The year is 2025 and age Tamagothi returns. At least it is for me, someone who has never really stopped thinking about virtual pets and their various spin-offs and stories. But really, Bandai Namco’s Tamagothi Plaza It is the first console game from the franchise, which seemed internationally since 2008, which gives me great hope for the second world wave of Tama fever.
A little over a year ago I wrote about the ups and downs of the history of Tamagothi and focused on my intensive nostalgia in the Shop Shop series. I did not know that I predicted the “triumphant return of the series to our screens through Tamagothi Plaza, the renovated, shiny version of the children’s simulation game for Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. I knew that I had to get my hands as soon as possible and see how it lasts for almost 20 years.
If you’ve never played this strange trio of DS games before, they are basically a collection of miniGam from various companies, including dentist offices, balmy springs and bakeries. You work with your friend Tamagothi to develop your companies and impress King Tam. Tamagothi Plaza is in line with the same premise, but adds a few modern miniGam, an open world to discover, and even a little home decoration.
Tamagothi Connection Corner Shop used the DS touch screen for most of the game, so I was intrigued as Plaza operates on one screen, but the developer managed to perform it without relying on movement controls to imitate the touch screen. I played in Plaza with the Nintendo Switch 2 task, but it will always be a game for me. The joystick control is a great alternative to DS DS and everything seems natural. Well, as natural as pulling the pixie from the Tamagothi tooth cavity.
It is really crucial to notice that Tamagothi Plaza works strongly on nostalgia. So many things are exactly the same as DS games, but with a fresh layer of paint, including the soundtrack, sound effects and many elements of the user interface. This immediately transported me back to my childhood and I think it was designed. The game really doesn’t do anything breakthrough and aims a younger demographic group, but these little accents from the past are a great way to attract people like me.
Tamagothi Plaza maintains even less desirable functions of the corner store, such as the lack of tutorials for any of the miniger. You immediately pus to deal with bicycle repairs, clothing commissions and dental work without one advice from your companion. As a child, it was beyond the frustrating, and if I no longer knew Laissez-Faire Tamagothi’s approach to tutorials, I’m sure I would put this game. Therefore, as long as I love this game and I will undoubtedly sink dozens of hours in it, I know it’s not for everyone.
If you are not a fan of Tamagothi, you will not enjoy this game. This is not the best franchise gate and is very based on earlier knowledge. I think that this game will be fine with teenage children, because it is stupid, colorful and through test and mistakes, they can master the minigs, just like me as a child. Ultimately, Tamagothi Plaza is a love letter for DS games from mid-2000, so of course 20-momethings that played these games will get out of it.
However, I would not pay 50 USD for the Nintendo Switch 2 version. You get somewhat improved graphics and three modern stores, but if you are in it only for nostalgia, just take the standard version of the switch. The physical edition is already on sale in some places, so you can take a contract, seeing all adult companions and in 3D. Even Kuchipatchi at ozempic.
So, regardless of whether Tamagothi Revival is really over us or I just live in the past, Tamagothi Plaza is a charming and straightforward game to spend time. If you are looking for something equally charming, but with a slightly more depth, Tamagotci Adventure Kingdom is one of the best Apple Arcade games, so why not try?
