LeapFrog Leapster/LeapPad Explorer Pet Pals 2 Game

This is my son's favourite game for his LeapPad. I have to admit that I bought his game from the Leapfrog online store and downloaded it straight to his LeapPad, it was twenty pounds but you don't have to worry about cartridges or packaging as he always has his favourite game ready.
Although it's called Pet Pals it doesn't really feature many different pets, just puppies. There are approximately 6 puppies to choose from, pug, dalmatian etc. At the beginning of the game your child chooses one puppy, if they look after it for a while and earn points then they can then choose a second puppy. The puppies need to be fed, watered, bathed and stroked, you can also dress them up, teach them tricks and play with toys with them.
Outside the house there are several other activities:
* Meeting puppy friends, each time your child interacts with another puppy they are asked a question which reqiures the correct emotional response, for example, "Cupcake has lost her favourite bone, how does she feel, happy or sad?". Although basic it is nice to see an emphasis on friendship and kindness.
* Treasure hunt, my little boy's favourite, your puppy and one of it's friends take turns digging in the garden, you can find a varity of items, doggy dollars (to spend in shops), junk items or collectibles (soft toys, dinosaur bones or gems which are displayed in the house).
* Shops where you can buy items using the doggy dollars won in other activities. There is a clothes shop where you can pick hats, sunglasses and coats/jackets etc and a food/toy store, there always seems to be basic dog food in the house but the luxury food you can buy earns extra oints for puppy care.
* Trick centre (not it's official name, can't remember that) you can teach your puppy new tricks, bark, somersault, sit etc. To teach the puppy a trick you have to trace over a line or shape 3 times, this can be tricky for younger children as it seems quite sensitive on the touch screen.
* Playground so your puppy can meet up with it's friends and play ball, not sure what else you can do here.
* Dog Shows, there are three parts to the dog shows, bathing your puppy, dressing your puppy and maths. The questions in the maths section are fairly easy for younger children, for example there are three pictures, each one containing a varying number of sticks, and you have to choose which picture has the most or least amount of sticks etc. Each section is scored out of 3 stars. Not sure exactly how many stars to win but my four year old gets 1st place every time so must not be too difficult. If you get 3 stars on the maths part you gain extra doggy dollars. The trophies are displayed in the house.
Out of all the activities on the LeapPad. this is one of my son's favourites and in his opinion it definately beats his other games. It might not be the most educational game there is but there is a bit of maths and it does have some social interactions between puppies. Every instruction is spoken aloud so it doesn't require reading ability. Older children may find it a little simple and get bored quickly but it is good fun for little ones, would recommend.

My children LOVE animals, and especially dogs. Even having two German Shepherds in the house, they still want more doggy-orientated toys and games!
I bought this when it was on offer at £10. Although for how much my children love the game, I'd say at full price it is well worth it too.
Very easy to use and there are so many different things to do while in game play. My three year old managed to easily navigate her way around the game, and with some of the explorer games aimed at a 4-7 year old audiences, she can find some things a little tough, but not this. An excellent game for youngsters.
I would highly recommend!

a good game for young kids. my only complain is that there is no storage case for the game they now come in a cardboard box which gets ripped getting the game out. the game is small so would be lost quite easily