Tamagotchi On - Wonder Garden (Lavender) (42844)

I was one of those kids with a keychain blob of Tamagotchis and other digital pets in the 90s, so when I saw these newer Tamagotchis finally get an English release, I had to get one... and then another one! My friend also got two. No issues with scratched screens on arrival as mentioned in other reviews (though the screens do scratch extremely easily, so you will need to be careful), but one of my friend's boxes had a huge rip through it so it sounds like there are quality issues with the packaging/physical product design in general.As far as the Tamagotchi game goes, I thought $60 was a bit steep, but I still got two of them so they're definitely worth it if you like digital pets. The artwork and character animations are really cute, and the different locations and items are nice. The amount of characters you start with is limited, but the whole focus of this set of Tamagotchis is marrying them and breeding them for different character combinations and traits. This is definitely the most fun part for me, and while you do need two Tamagotchis to unlock all of the locations and characters, there's also a phone app that lets you do matchmaking with other players and the monthly app-specific character. This way you still have a chance to get traits from characters you don't have. You can also get extra items and Gotchi points from the app as well, though right now there's not much you can do beyond that.Once your Tamagotchi is 2nd generation, you can have its parents watch it most of the day so you don't have to worry about it getting sick or dying while you're at school or work which is a huge plus and makes the game feel more chill. Sometimes your Tamagotchis will have two kids instead of one (though they're effectively one character in the game) which means more chances for fun gene combos.The only real complaint I have about these is the battery life. I have a set of high powered rechargeable AAA batteries, which you'll definitely need since these things eat through batteries like they're nothing. I get a Low Battery screen about once a week. This seems pretty ridiculous to me, especially since the batteries are only half drained when I take them out to charge them. My friend got a pack of non-rechargeables and only gets slightly better battery life than I do even with minimal use.I'd love to see them bring over more of the Japanese characters either through the app or a future release, but as-is, these are fantastic if you loved the original Tamagotchis! And they're great for newcomers as well. Just watch out for the battery life.

Okay I am in my 30s, so I grew up with the Tama gotchi rave. I must say these little devices came a long way from what we use to know.Comparing an old (90s) one that I had you could see very obvious patterns in the scripting. Like every 3 feeds mean poo, every 2 poos mean shots, every feed = 1 play. This a never ending repeating cycle to wrack up points.The design of these are way different as the scripts are seemingly a bit more random generated events. Like you can play your pet to death, and your not forced to feed per game or two.I have noticed the good ol basic medical script seems to still be the samish but with additions, but that is pretty much it, but can be altered by getting them to the bathroom on time. But they also added the chance to get sick when "visiting friends" (other tamas). Which adds to the experience.The basic 3 button controls are the same (select menu, choose, and cancel). But the color is super nice, and the room designs make it feel like there is a little room inside of that little screen.The only real thing I would personally change about it. Is my town/store to my town/mall. Because that is where 2 minigames are.Aside from that I love that you can discover new locations, and the tips are given in game. Like a visit to the park a Tama goes "I always go to restaurants and eat this because it expands my world" or something along those lines. Which is the first tip for the first unlock.The downside is one of them does require a second Tama to unlock (while resetting that 2nd one) to unlock a zone. As you need 2 people to visit, however resetting a second and then inviting the second to the unlock place does unlock it for both.Overall the interactive app you can get on your phone is very cute, and has two games on it including finding friends and dates.Oh and I can't stress this enough, this game has real season themes and weather, snow, rain etc.. holidays, owner birthday recognition, and so much more.I will agree with other reviewers when they say they could of used a better screen, so here is a nice tip. When you get your shipment let it rest to room tempature if it is cold outside, or if it was raining. The plastic keeps the humidity out, and letting it rest will help stop the screen from contracting and expanding due to natural air bubbles built in glass (thin screens are more noticable with this effect, but remember glass is just melted sand). So let it go to room tempature before exposing the actual item and it shouldn't look as bad as some of the others. I did this with 2 of mine, and only 1 micro scratch appeared. About 1mm off to the side. The second one has none. But they do sell screen protector 4packs which might be worth a grab if your interested.Now for the price tag, keep in mind that games overall have gotten smaller, this thing is 2-3x the size of a tamagotchi from the 90s. It contains Bluetooth, etc. If the 60$ tag is a turn off remember those, nintendopets also sold at 60$ and didn't have much of an on the go feature without the system itself- which was another 200$. Because I understand these pointers I marked it as a 4* in value.This is that with no console required. If your still on the fence get one of the cheaper ones. If you don't love it, Amazon does have a 30day.I love mine, and hope you love yours to. These will do better for those that loved them as kids, then today's spoiled youth, "if there is no micro transactions it ain't worth it".