Paws and Claws Pet Vet Australian Adventures
Ages: Everyone

Oh no! Not another Pet Vet. But this one is different. The animals are way different. We're in Australia - there are kangaroos, dingos, numbats, brumbys, wombats and koalas. Instead of jumping right in and wielding the syringe, there is a bit of exploring to do. You can customize your appearance from slightly formal to stone-washed jeans, pick your gender and enough choices to feel OK. This is not a dress-up game. Introduction to the game uses a friendly choice of words, "Come on over to me". The walking animation is good as are the trips you take with the jeep.

Tasks are indicated by a big button on the map. I was expecting to complete finding five animals during the first day - but the game goes slower that that. The pace us just fine and you can relax and enjoy your stay in Australia. One thing that could have been improved was the map. It was totally devoid of features like fences, houses and water towers, and there was no indicator to tell you where you were. Pretty frustrating.

Handling animals is divided into two sections - one relatively simple and the other more complicated, and sometimes you just get to just observe the animals. Eventually, you can get to expand the compound and take in guests.

ValuSoft is a venture by THQ the high powered game publisher. The games are almost a throwback to simpler times and are an excellent value.

Fun Factor: Interesting variety of animals in Australia
Female Factor: Starts with a female character but you could choose male
Player Friendly: A better map would have made for less frustration.

Reviewed by: Editor - 07/08