As a child, the dream of becoming a veterinarian, caring for animals and nursing them back to health, was a powerful one. While life took a different turn, the opportunity to experience a virtual version of this aspiration arose with My Universe – PET CLINIC CATS & DOGS. Taking on the role of the lead vet in this simulation game offered a chance to finally live out that childhood fantasy, albeit in a digital world.
My Universe presents a charming concept: running your own veterinary clinic. The focus? Primarily cats, alongside dogs, in need of your care. From diagnosing illnesses and treating injuries to simply grooming and bonding with your furry patients, the game promises a hands-on experience in the world of pet healthcare. Daily challenges range from tackling fevers and ticks to coaxing fussy eaters and cleaning up some rather mucky animals.
Stepping into the clinic after a basic character creation, the initial charm is evident. However, the gameplay quickly reveals itself to be quite simplistic. With only two patients a day, the in-game workdays are surprisingly short, leading to a rather rapid progression through the game’s initial stages. When a sick cat or dog arrives, a brief diagnosis is provided before they are placed on the examination table for treatment. This is where the game’s mechanics become strikingly straightforward.
Treating the animals involves a series of mini-games designed to be simple to grasp. These challenges typically consist of memorizing and repeating button combinations or matching identical images. The specific mini-game varies depending on the ailment, aiming to simulate different aspects of veterinary care. Unfortunately, the variety in cases presented at the clinic feels limited. Repeatedly encountering the same conditions, such as treating multiple dogs with colds consecutively, diminishes the sense of realism and engagement. Furthermore, the pet descriptions lack personalization, using generic text for similar injuries, making the interactions feel somewhat robotic and detached.
Success in these treatment mini-games is measured by a happiness score. Performing tasks quickly and accurately earns happy reactions from the virtual pets and a star rating out of three. Achieving a high star rating translates to greater in-game rewards, providing a simple incentive for efficient and error-free treatment.
As you progress through patient care, quests are introduced to guide your clinic’s development. Completing these objectives, such as treating a set number of patients or earning a certain amount of in-game currency, allows you to level up your clinic. Leveling up unlocks access to new upgrades and rooms, which can be purchased using your clinic earnings. These quests, however, are quite basic, primarily focusing on numerical milestones rather than complex or engaging tasks.
An endearing element of My Universe – PET CLINIC CATS & DOGS is the interaction with pet owners. Occasionally, owners express their gratitude for your care by gifting donations and decorative items for your clinic. These gifts, ranging from children’s drawings to plants and furniture, serve as customization options for your clinic spaces. Each room features decoration slots, allowing you to personalize the clinic’s ambiance. This feature adds a touch of personal expression to the gameplay experience.
Despite the gameplay’s simplicity, the game does feature a pleasant variety of cat and dog breeds. From German Shepherds to Ragdoll cats, the game includes recognizable breeds for pet enthusiasts. A charming touch is the ability to interact with each animal, offering cuddles and building a bond. After each successful treatment, a photo opportunity arises, allowing you to capture a memento of your patient and display it in your clinic. However, the photos are largely uniform, with only the breed of animal differentiating each snapshot.
Ultimately, My Universe – PET CLINIC CATS & DOGS appears best suited for younger players. While it offers a gentle introduction to the concept of pet care and clinic management, its repetitive gameplay and simplistic mechanics may not hold the attention of older gamers or those seeking a more in-depth simulation experience. For children with a love for cats and dogs and an interest in veterinary care, this game could provide some light entertainment.
Summary
My Universe – PET CLINIC CATS & DOGS presents a basic and repetitive simulation experience that may appeal to young children interested in pets. However, its generic gameplay and lack of depth do not fully justify its price point for a broader audience seeking a more engaging and challenging veterinary simulation.
