Keychain Game FAQ
rworne@primenet.com; gkomatsu@hawaii.edu and cdyer@best.com
Version .5; August 13, 1997
Copyright (c) 1997 Galen T. Kamatsu, Robert A. Worne and Clinton R. Dyer
All right reserved. This document may be copied, in whole or in part, by
any means provided the copyright and contributors sections remain intact
and no fee is charged for the information. Contributors retain the
copyright to their individual contributions.
The data herein is provided for informational purposes only. No warranty
is made with regards to the accuracy of this information.
These people helped contribute information to this FAQ:
No one yet, just us 3.
Table of contents:
I. Introduction
a. What are keychain games?
b. Our thoughts re. keychain games
II. Where can I get keychain games?
a. Stores that may be near you
b. Places on the Web
III. Keychain game list/information
a. Different types of games
1. Brick Games
2. Non-Tamagotchi, Non-Brick Games
3. Tamagotchi-like
b. Different Logics
1. Tamagotchi Logic
2. Giga-Pet Logic
3. Giyaoppi Logic
4. Other possible Logics
IV. Game List/Descriptions
a. Domestic Virtual Pets
b. Foreign Virtual Pets
c. Non-Pet Brick Games
d. Non-Pet, Non-Brick Games
V. Other interesting utilities/Miscellaneous
I. Introduction
Ia. What are keychain games?
Keychain games are small self-contained LCD games whose sizes range from
that of a Zippo lighter to a deck of playing cards with an LCD display that
measures from 1"x1" to 1"x1.5". These games originated from Japan, and
evolved to this state over: 1) a need to be compact, for portability, and
2) something to play on the train/subway on the way to/from school or work.
Keychain games have started to make headway into the US with the recent
releases of Tetris Jr., Nano-Pets, Giga-Pets, and Tamagotchi.
Ib. Our thoughts
Robert:
These games are fun to play and collect. They have a playability much like
that of the old VFD games in a much smaller package (and much longer
battery life!). They are relatively cheap to obtain ($9.95 US for most
domestic keychain games and $13.95 for most foreign models). Unfortunately
for US collectors, most of these foreign games can be found only in
Chinatown (or better, a Little Tokyo). Most keychain games are either
Tetris variants or Tamagotchi-like virtual pets.
Clint:
I would agree that they're fun to collect. Heck, for me, if it's a game,
it's fun to collect. Play wise, however, most of them are the same! One
more feature or a different character doesn't make a new game in my opinion
(it's like releasing a Sonic game with Mario put in his place). The games
that really stand out for me are the non-Tamagotchi rip-offs and the
non-Tetris (block) games. Those are what keychain gaming should be about.
Sadly, however, the list below contains very few of those. Maybe, once the
whole Tama thing has settled down, companies will realize that keychain
gaming is here and there's a lot of money to be made in it. In fact,
several US companies have started to see the potential. Tiger has made one
(granted, a Tama rip-off – might as well start with something?), Micro
Games has gotten into the act with 4 that I've found so far and Playmates
has released the Nano series of games. I'm just really curious as to WHY
Tiger and Playmates were allowed to completely and totally steal
Tamagotchi's concept. I wonder if anyone from Bandai is saying "Hey,
that's a Tamagotchi with a [insert farm animal here]".
Galen:
II. Where can I get keychain games?
IIa. List of stores that carry them
Toys R Us,
KayBee Toy Stores,
Electronics Boutique has started carrying them,
Sanrio stores,
Longs Drugs,
Japanese bookshops,
JCPenny's,
In Chinatown: check out variety stores (those that carry videos, and comic
books)
Little Tokyo: just about anywhere, but variety stores are the best bet.
Shirokiya, Daiei, High Performance Kites, Liberty House dept. stores
(Hawaiian stores)
IIb. Places on the web that sell them
There are tons of them! Do a search for "keychain&Games" and see what you
come up with.
III. Game list/etc.
IIIa. Different types of games
1. Brick games:
These games feature brick type games, and have displays that are
reminiscent of the old Microvision display. They usually have some form of
level and high-score storage. They are quite limited graphics-wise, but
can still be quite entertaining. The types of games available are:
a. Tetris: (and a multitude of Tetris variations)
b. "Snake and Egg": you are a snake and must eat the egg, but if you do,
your body grows longer! The snake dies if it touches the side of the
playfield or its own body.
c. Shooting Gallery: various games in which you shoot at advancing targets
on the top of the screen, including "reverse Tetris", where you have to
shoot blocks upwards to fill the lines.
d. Car Race: race among obstacles and avoid crashing. Graphics look
somewhat like the Atari 2600 game "Street Racer"
e. Breakout: with a paddle and ball, remove a row or pattern of bricks from
the top of the screen.
f. Tank Battle: match wits with a computer controlled tank for one-on-one
battle.
2. Non-Tamagotchi, Non-Brick games:
These games feature fixed themes, and quite a few are mini-arcade games.
Some of these games (particularly those by Bandai) have multiple screens
and virtual screens that are larger than that of the visible playfield,
opening music themes, and other features such as Pac-Man's intermissions
and Bomberman boss levels! They also usually have a battery-backup memory
that allows storage of the highest level completed and the high score.
3. Tamagotchi-like
The Tamagotchi is a virtual pet, and for simplicity's sake, all virtual pet
keychains fall into this category. This type of game is also the most
copied of all the keychain types due to the extreme popularity of the
Tamagotchi in Asia. In these games, you hatch some sort of creature from
an egg (usually a dog, cat, or dinosaur) and the creature lives from 2 to 4
weeks depending on the care and attention it receives. These games come in
three major subtypes, each classified by the name of the game in which the
variation first occurs (this is based on the most widely available game
that shares that type, or, if there is no equivalent US type, the game in
which the variation first appears). Currently, there are three versions of
virtual pet logic, Tamagotchi-type, Giga-Pet-type, and Giyaoppi-type.
IIIb. Different Logics
1. Tamagotchi Logic
Tamagotchi logic is: 7 game options, Food (Meal, Snack), Lights (on/off),
Game (left-right guessing), Medicine, Omaru (flush feces), Scale (check
health), and Discipline. Tamagotchi logic keychains usually have 3 buttons
on the face. Examples: Tamagotchi, Dinosaur
2. Giga-Pet Logic
Giga-Pet logic is: 7 game options, Food (healthy nutritious or snack), Bath
(clean up feces-- shows toilet, and give critter an actual bath), Game (2
variations-- some sort of "catch" or race game, and either a left-right
guessing game or rock-paper-scissors), Lights (on/off), Discipline,
Medicine, and Scale (check health). Two sub-types of Giga-Pet logic
exists, either the critter dies and becomes an angel (Giga-Pet), or packs
up and runs away from home (Nano-series, Virtual Pet, and most others).
Giga-pet logic keychains usually have 4 buttons (or more) on the face.
This is seemingly the most prolific variation to be found. If the
imitation is of a dog or cat it may very well be a Giga-Pet logic. The
Nano-Baby variation has an interesting game start animation that shows the
happy couple banging their heads together to produce offspring. Examples:
Giga-Pet series, Nano Series, Nekotcha, Pocket Puppy, Virtual Pet
3. Giyaoppi Logic
Gyaoppi logic is: 9 game options, Food (Meat, Vegetable, Water), Game1
(left-right guessing), Medicine, Discipline, Game2 (Over/Under 7 guessing),
Weather (Rain, Sun, Snow), Sweeper (remove feces), Scale (check health),
and Lights (on/off). Some relatively minor variations of Gyaoppi logic
exist, and certain items such as food types may vary, but the variations
all follow this basic idea. Giyaoppi logic keychains usually have 3
buttons on the face. Examples: Giyaoppi, Bird Watching, Chicknotch
4. Other possible logics
There are three other games which have surfaced that may be significantly
different from the three previously mentioned logics, Ganbare! Ryuuta-kun,
Raku-Raku Dino-kun and Pocket Love. Ganbare! Ryuuta-kun has basically
Giga-pet logic, but with the difficulty greatly increased. Raku-Raku
Dino-Kun appears to be of the Giga-Pet variety, and shares many of the
Giga-Pet features, and is tentatively a member of the Giga-Pet group unless
further investigation warrants another class for this game. Pocket Love is
not a virtual pet at all, but a virtual relationship simulator. Game play
revolves around keeping the happy couple happy. It probably falls in one
of the above three groups, but it is mentioned here as another possibility.
IV. Game list/descriptions
IVa. Domestic Virtual Pets:
-Tamagotchi (1997, Bandai) #1800; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO/CS
This is the virtual pet that started it all. It comes in see-through blue
and see-through green, and 10 other bright colors. US debut was scheduled
for May 1st, but some leaked out 2 to 3 weeks early. These pets (according
to Bandai) do not die, but the angel displayed on the screen of an
aged/mistreated pet suggests otherwise.
-Giga Pets
Digital Doggie (1997, Tiger) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
Compu Kitty (1997, Tiger) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
Baby T-Rex (1997, Tiger) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
Micro Chimp (1997, Tiger) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
Bit Critter (1997, Tiger) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
Virtual Alien (1997, Tiger) #71-614; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
These all come in a variety of odd-shaped clear cases. While the themes
vary widely, gameplay on all the pretty much the same. Unlike the Nano
series of games, these pets eventually die.
-Nano Pets
Baby (1996, Playmates) #40050; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
Kitty (1996, Playmates) #40070; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
Puppy (1996, Playmates) #40060; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
These pets are the same as the Tiger Giga-Pets, but the Tiger series does
not include a human baby like this series from Playmates. In this series
you cannot "kill" the pets, they run away from home. The baby just
continually cries when the game ends badly or when the child reaches an age
of three years. Each comes in several different see-through colors.
IVb. Foreign Virtual Pets (Japanese characters, if any, have been
converted to English Alphabet):
-Bird Watching (1997, ??) #681685488021; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This series takes the "virtual chicken" as the US press mis-represented the
Tamagotchi quite literally. This game comes in a white egg-shaped case
with a chick body on the front. This game has Giyaoppi logic.
-Chicknotch (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This is a second "virtual chicken" game. It is identical to the Bird
Watching, except that the name and packaging differ, and the artwork is
slightly changed. This game has Giyaoppi logic.
-Chick Duck (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Virtually the same as the "Bird Watching" except that you raise a duck
instead of a chicken.
-Dinkie Dino (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
It comes in Red, White, Yellow, and Aqua. Also, the clock function gains
about two minutes per day, but it does not allow you to reset the time
without starting over.
(...however once in a while the game has "frozen" and gone into the time
set mode, and resumes as normal.)
-Dinobaby (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in an egg-shaped case in purple and possibly other colors. Further
description unavailable.
-Dragotti (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in multiple colored case with three buttons. Further description
unavailable.
-Gaahippi (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Imitation of Gojirappa.
-Ganbare!! Inudakun (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game features 3 buttons and various colors. A wristwatch version also
exists. Virtually the same as the Ganbare! Ryuuta-kun. This game has
Giyaoppi logic.
-Ganbare!! Ryuutakun (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game features 3 buttons and various artwork, from a plain plastic case
to a sculpted egg with a dinosaur head poking out of the top. A wristwatch
version also exists. This game has Giyaoppi logic.
-Gatcha Gatcha Juuban Shoubu (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Description Unavailable
-Giyaoppi (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game comes in a variety of color schemes (approximately 6), and two
known shapes, the more common ovoid shape, and a kidney-shaped shell.
Raise a virtual dinosaur hatchling from an egg to adulthood. This game has
several possible outcomes depending on the care given. This game has
Giyaoppi logic.
-Gojirappa (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game comes in an egg-shaped case that is clear white, white, red, and
possibly other colors with four buttons. In this game you raise a dinosaur
to adulthood. Package features hip-hop type art. Further description
unavailable.
-Hiyoko (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This is the alternate packaging for "Bird Watching"
-Karugamo Land (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in multicolored cases with three buttons. A virtual duck game.
Further description unavailable
-Kawaii Nekochan (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game is a white oval case with four buttons, and is apparently made by
the same manufacturer as Kyouryuu Game Gyaoo (who is still unknown). The
game uses Tamagotchi logic.
-Keshitchi (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Description Unavailable
-Kyouryuu Game Giyaoo (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in a white oval case with varying artwork, usually that of a
dinosaur. Has four buttons on the front, once is the recessed reset
button. The game uses Tamagotchi logic.
-Moshigo No Choubutsu (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This virtual pet is almost an exact duplicate of a Japanese Tamagotchi with
two major differences: first, the characters are all forms of dinosaurs,
second, the quality, unlike the Tamagotchi, is suspect. The owner (Robert
Worne) was approached in Chinatown by a man who distributes these. The man
claimed that these were made in the same Chinese factories with the same
parts that made the Japanese Tamagotchi. Unfortunately, the quality of the
item seems to say otherwise. This game has Tamagotchi logic.
-Nekotcha (19??, ??) #CR2032; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Pastel heart-shaped case or mouse-shaped pink case with four buttons.
Comes in red and blue. (description from Galen) This is by far the worst
virtual pet I have seen. It ages linearly through 8 life stages (if it
doesn't die by then, it goes back to the first stage, explained by the
instructions that you "raise it's kitten.") While the pet does have a
range of functions (feed, bathroom, medicine, exercise, play, injury-care,
napping, and dating, what's available depends on the life stage) and each
function has 2 or 3 sub-options only one option* will make the cat happy.
Too many wrong selections will kill the cat. The game is rather
non-interactive, you just enter some function, and it makes the cat either
happy or sad, there's no animation other than the cat's eyes moving up and
down. There is only its happiness to monitor, and it'll never refuse
anything which will please it for the particular stage, meaning you can
feed it all day long, give it injections to your heart's content, or for
the morbid, have it go under the operating knife repeatedly. It even keeps
terrible time.
*actually depending on the function and stage, sometimes none will
please it, or for food and bathroom, both options of both will work.
-New Tamagotchi (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Description Unavailable
-New Tamago Watch (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in white case with three buttons. Further description unavailable.
-Penguin Watch (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in a light blue penguin-shaped case with four buttons. Features
LED's in the "eyes" of the case to alert the user. Further description
unavailable.
-Penpei (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game comes in a round, white case and possibly other colors. Raise a
virtual Penguin pet. Further description unavailable.
-Petagotchi (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Description Unavailable
-Petegg Chicken (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in a white case with three buttons, a virtual chicken game.
Apparently from the same manufacturer as Moshigo No Choubutsu, with the
same drawbacks.
-Piyokko (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game is virtually the same as "Bird Watching" with different box and
case. The game uses Giayappi Logic.
-Pocket Biscuits (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Game is in the shape of a sandwich cookie, the case opens to play the game.
Release is due in 6/97 or 7/97
-Pocket Love (1997, Sanrio) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in Red, Pink, Blue, Green, Yellow, and possibly clear green. This
game is a virtual relationship game that plays similar to Tamagotchi.
Predicted Availability will be on 7/21/97. Further description
unavailable.
-Pocket Puppy (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in a white oval case with possibly other colors and 4 buttons.
Further description unavailable.
-Pocket Turtle (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This three-button game is identical to the Japanese Tamagotchi in styling,
but differs slightly in size (larger). Raise a baby turtle to adulthood.
This game uses Tamagotchi Logic.
-Raku Raku Dino-kun (1997, ??) #TK-910; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This digital pet comes in a five-button dinosaur-head shaped case in a
variety of pastel colors and features a much larger than normal LCD display
of the "pet dinosaur" you take care of. This game features several
possible outcomes depending on the care given. This game uses Giga-Pet
Logic.
-Ramu Chitchi (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in pink, yellow and white with imitation Tamagotchi decals. Raise
octopus-like aliens. This game uses Tamagotchi Logic.
-Rikou Rikou-chan (19??, ??) #TK9900; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Looks like this one is made by the same people as the RakuRaku Dino and
Yuki Penguin, and like them, there's no manufacturer noted. You raise a
boy and from the packaging pictures, there's pics of a student (w/robe &
mortar), doctor, and gangster. There's a huge number of buttons, ESC,
CLOCK, ENTER, and four more arranged in a diamond, and two extra icons
showing arrows, so there's probably more functions than the normal keychain
game.
-Sodateyo Gray (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Raise an alien in this purple spaceship-shaped case. This version is
different from the Tiger version. Further description unavailable.
-Tamago-gata Watch (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in ovoid-shape case, in bright colors. Further description
unavailable.
-Tamagotchi (1996, Bandai) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Originally came in 6 different colors, with decals on the face. Otherwise
same as the US version with the US version having minor changes in the
graphics.
-Tamago Game (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in a white case with three buttons. Raise a virtual chicken. This
game uses Giyaoppi Logic.
-Uupii (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Identical to the Nano-Puppy, and comes in a pear-shaped case with four
buttons.
-Wan Tatchi (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Identical to the Nano-Puppy, and comes in a pear-shaped case with four
buttons.
-Wan Wan Story: My Puppy (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in a case of various colors (usually white). Similar to the
Nano-Puppy.
-Virtual Pet (1997, ??) #E-35; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Identical in every respect to the Nano-Puppy save quality. This item has a
dog-shaped face and is available in several pastel colors with five buttons
across the face. This game uses Giga-pet logic.
- Yuki Penguin (199?, ??) #TK920; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This is pretty much identical to the Rakuraku Dinokun but with different
graphics. The packaging and manual is very similiar to the Dino though
oddly it also came with English instructions...for the Dinkie Dino.
-??? na Shoubutsu (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Description Unavailable
IVc. Non-Pet Brick Games
-155 Mini Game (19??, ??) #KC-155; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game comes in a matchbook sized box and has 9 games each with 5 to 16
variations, (except one which has 52). In addition, you can choose the
level and speed of each of the games. I says in the instructions that with
the level and speed options, you have _6377_ game patterns!
The games are as follows:
A. "Dam Dam Shooting": patterns of blocks descend and you just shoot them
away before they reach the bottom, it's like the "Space Invader" game.
B. "Machine Gun": this also appears in my "SI" keychain, but as a
variation of the Space Invader game, the one where the shots you fire fill
in blocks, and when you fill a horizontal line, it and all those below
clear.
C. "Twin Bomber": Same as A but with a double-cannon.
D. "Super PuyoMaru": It's Columns! However you need to line up at least
4 of
the same "color" (since the game basically only has 3 colors)
E. "PuyoMaru Gem Search": This one is like "Flash" Columns.
F. "MechaMecha PuyoMaru": (mechamecha="messy"), same as E, but the target
gems aren't embedded in a pile of others, just floating in empty space.
G. "Security Boy": Sokoban
H. "IQ Hopper": Puzznic (I think that's the title. Taito's puzzle game
where you control a little blob who shoves patterned blocks into a larger
pile)
I. "Excite Block": Tetris Rip-Off
J. "Power Block": Tetris with an extended block set and other items (eg,
bombs)
-6638-in-1 (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
Imagine this… Having to select the games one by one. Holding the select
button down and makes it fly through about 820 per minute. But you need to
release and re-press the button again every so often, since if you hold it
down and don't release,
the game considers things to be "idle" and shuts off in 2 minutes.
It plays a reasonably good game of tetris, 10 square wide well, and
doesn't give those 4-long pieces too often unlike some other tetris
keyrings (then again, sometimes this can be a minus =^) But, two things I
don't like about it are: no "NEXT" indicator, and the "T" shaped piece
doesn't rotate at its junction point.
-Blockade (1997, Micro Games) #231196; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
This game comes in a purple package with the word "blockade" written on the
right of the lcd screen. There are 9 different games (1-8 and A), ranging
from Tetris (a complete rip-off) to Car Racing, Shooting and Adventure
games. Different skill levels (8) for each game exist.
-Brick GP (1993, Tsukuda) #KC-32; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This unlicensed Tetris game comes in a white case and features 8 variations
of the "Tetris" theme: Traditional Tetris, Side-Scrolling Tetris, and
Tetris with rising bricks. The other four are the same as the first four,
except that the screens are upside-down.
-Hello Kitty Super 3 Mini Gamer (1996, Sanrio) #980; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Available in a pink "Hello Kitty" motif, this girl's game features some
"unusual" choices of brick games: Snake, Car Race, and a Shooting Game
loosely based on Galaxian.
-Pikorin 55 (19??, Gametech) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game comes in Silver, Yellow and Black. Plays various block games:
Snake, and others in 55 variations. A Korean version is also available.
Further description not available.
-Space Panic 118-in-1 (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game comes in a variety of different colors. On the packaging is
"118-in-1 Space Panic" but on the game is "Space Game 118-in-1".
-Space Panic Super 97 (19??, Fukuyama) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This game comes in a black case and has 97 variations of seven different
games.
-Space Panic 9696 (19??, ??) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This brick game has 9,696 different game variations! It starts at 0001
every time you turn the thing on, and only goes in one direction. So if
you wanted to play 7530, but accidentally pressed an extra time and for
7531, you're hosed. The game contains the normal Brick type games.
-Tetris Jr. (1996, Blue Planet Software) #56102; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
This licensed game comes in a clear blue or gray case and has three styles
of packaging: 1) Red cardboard backing, 2) Purple cardboard backing, and 3)
Bundled with Tetris 2 for the Sony PSX in a Target-exclusive special. This
item features the Tetris music and multiple skill levels. This item is
identical to the Hiro Tetris Jr.
-Tetris Jr. (1996, Hiro) #No. 1; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This licensed game comes in a clear blue or gray case. This item features
the Tetris music and multiple skill levels. This item is identical to the
Tetris Jr by Blue Planet Software.
IVd. Non-Brick, Non-Pet Games
-Bomberman (1997, Bandai) #55515; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This licensed game comes in a rather large white oval case. Gameplay is
similar to the Bomberman arcade: Clear the screen of bad guys (with bombs),
and find the exit. This is attempted against a countdown timer. This game
also has a more unique display of a sandwiched LCD panel that has two
layers of graphics. Gameplay occurs over 4 virtual screens. Plays the
Bomberman theme music, has power-ups (extra bomb, and extra power), and
even has boss levels!
-Car Racing (1997, Micro Games) #231134; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
This game comes in an orange package and has the words "Car Racing" written
above the lcd screen. It is, by far, the most common type of lcd handheld
-- A simple driving game where you have to avoid hitting other cars. A few
differences from the norm are that there is a car that comes behind you
that you have to avoid and you can move the car forward on the screen (to
avoid the car behind you).
-Happy Pak-kun (19??, D&O) #4971490002330; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This unlicensed Pac-Man clone comes in either a white or black case and has
9 virtual screens in which you run about a maze. It contains 8 skill
levels.
-Pac-Junior (1997, Bandai) #55606; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This arcade translation comes is a rather large clear oval case. Gameplay
is similar to the Pac-Man arcade, but with a smaller maze that covers two
virtual screens and only three ghosts. Mazes change on different levels,
and this game also features intermissions after every four completed
levels. Also plays the Pac-Man theme music.
-Pac-Man (1997, Micro Games) #231073; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; CS
This arcade translation comes in a blue case with "Pac-Man" written across
the top. The game itself, is quite different from the arcade game. The
maze is different for each level and the cherry moves around the maze,
randomly appearing and disappearing.
-Pac-Man (19??, ????) #TP-201; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This arcade translation comes in a variety of transparent case colors. On
the front of the packaging is in Chinese "Little spirit", on the back "Pac
Man", and on the unit "P-Man".
-Pikorin Petit (1996, Gametech) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
This is another keychain game designed for girls and comes in a clear white
case with red buttons. This game has a slot that allows insertion of
"Print Club" photos to be the backdrop for the playfield. Print Club is a
Japanese photo booth off immense popularity, it takes a picture and prints
out a sheet of stamp-sized photos with cartoonish borders to share with
friends. It also has the same problem that the "Hello Kitty" game has odd
game selections: Breakout, and Tank Battle. Several utilities also exist
in the game: a countdown timer, and an odd display game that covers and
ucovers patterns of bricks, which is used in conjunction with the "Print
Club" feature.
-Sokoban 55 (1996, XING) #XEH96001; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in clear case with red buttons, this game plays 55 different levels
of Sokoban, the Japanese box-shoving puzzle game.
-Space Invaders (1996, Bandai) #55605; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in oversized clear dark blue case. This is a licensed Space Invaders
game in which you have 2 virtual screens to do battle. Features base
"shields" that slowly (or quickly, depending on skill level) crumble when
shot at.
-Space Invaders (19??, Hiro) #No. 2; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Comes in solid gray or clear blue case. This is a licensed Space Invaders
that plays almost like the Bandai version, except for a much smaller size
(about the size of a Zippo Lighter). This game has two virtual screens in
which you shoot at advancing invaders, and crumbling bases.
-UFO Battler (19??, Tsukuda) #??; Bc; lcd; 1P; K ; FO
Description Unavailable
V. Other interesting utilities/Miscellaneous
1. Photo holder: for "Print Club" photos, you can place a photo of your
beloved in the playfield of the game (it's used as a backdrop). Print Club
machines are Japanese photo booths that produce stamp-sized adhesive
photographs. The particular game with this feature allows the user to
cover & uncover portions of the playfeild with bricks.
2. Countdown timer: displays hourglass from 3 to 160 minutes, then sets
off an alarm.
3. Recently, Tamagotchi merchandise has started to pop up. So far, only
books and T-shirts have been seen, but we're sure to see more as time goes
on.
Thanks for reading!