TAMAGOTCHI: ‘ROUND THE WORLD

Before playing snake on a Nokia cell phone in 8th grade science class or BBMing throughout an Econ lecture, there was another electronic distraction: the Tamagotchi. For elementary schoolers in the ‘90s, Tamagotchis were a way of life — pay attention to the teacher or clean up digital poop? The latter, please. Now you can re-live your childhood fixation with Namco Networks’ new application for the iPhone and iPod touch. The visuals are a few steps up from the pixelated black and white of Tamagotchis of the past, and the color of everything can be simply described as “neon.” No longer are you responsible only for your pet, but rather for the health of the entire planet. Use your Tamagotchi to summon the rain dance for each of the trees and flowers you pass on your way, and play games with other creatures called Gaiatchi to create a positive environment for your pet. Just don’t get too distracted. It was acceptable in the 4th grade, but here? Not so much.