Pebble Watch Review & Apps: Tamagotchi-Like App Released for Smartwatch
Pebble Technology takes on a nostalgic approach with its "Hatchi" app for its smartwatch, Tech Crunch reported. "Hatchi", created by Portable Pixels, is very reminiscent of the "Tamagotchi", the popular virtual pet gaming device from the 90's.
According to Pebble's blog, "'Hatchi' is a retro-looking Pebble app sure to get the nostalgia burning for all those who cared for a virtual pet back in the 1990s when they were at the height of their popularity. Just as with the keychain-sized pets of the 90s, Pebble users now will feed, clean, play with and generally look after their pet to ensure they grow up healthy, happy little 'Hatchis'."
Like its 90s handheld digital pet counterpart, "Hatchi" is a pixilated pet that hatches from an egg. Through proper caring such as regularly playing with it, bathing and feeding it, "Hatchi" will grow bigger and turn into one of the variety of creatures offered by the app.
Its growth progress and needs can be monitored through the stat screen. The interaction with "Hatchi" is done through Pebble's top and bottom navigation controls and the center button.
"Hatchi" was first unveiled in this year's Game Developer Conference hosted by Google in San Francisco, along with several other apps featured by Pebble. The company stated, "We believe Pebble is a great new platform for studios around the world to create awesome games - specifically mini games and casual games."
One of the apps featured by Pebble includes Zing Games' "Mr. Runner", a black and white game where Pebble users control a stick figure character who runs endlessly.
Another app showcased during the event was the "Icon Pop Quiz" from Alegrium which "challenges players to name famous characters using imaginative, handcrafted visual cues inspired by each answer."
"Hatchi", "Mr. Runner", "Icon Pop Quiz" and several other apps are available for download at the Pebble appstore.