Puppy Pal

Puppy Pal is a gentle virtual pet. On your first visit you choose one of six puppies, from a floppy-eared beagle type and a spotty dalmatian to a fluffy pom, a long sausage dog, a curly poodle and a pointy-eared husky, pick one of eight coat colours and spell its name with big letter tiles, no typing needed. Your puppy is saved in your browser and is there every time you come back, with a wagging tail, a happy dance and a "missed you" when you have been away for a while.

Six needs drift slowly: food, water, fun, clean, rest and cuddles, and every one of them is cared for by hand. Drag the kibble bag over the bowl and the jug over the water dish, toss a treat from the jar, flick the ball across the garden and your puppy runs to bring it back, play tug with the rope and try to keep the ball out of the puddle. In the bathroom you rub on soap, pour to rinse, rub dry with the towel and brush until the coat sparkles, and at bedtime you tuck your puppy in, switch on the night light and wind the music box. An in-game clock turns day into night while you play, so the stars come out and your puppy gets sleepy eyes. When a need runs low the worst you will see is a wistful face, and a little care brightens it straight away.

Three quick mini-games of about half a minute have no way to lose: a fetch streak, trick training where you tap the paw prints in rhythm to teach sit, paw, roll over and spin, and a bath full of bubbles to pop before they float away. Learned tricks go on a trophy shelf, collars, bandanas, bows, beds and bowls unlock as you look after your puppy, and every daily visit adds a sticker to the sticker book. Every reward is earned with care, nothing is ever taken away, and soft music box tunes make it a calm place to relax.