A pet sim that gives you a new best friend.
For as long as there have been video games, it seems like we’ve had some form of virtual pet simulator.
Whether it’s the Tamagotchis of old or the virtual reality (VR) games of now, these games all try their best to make you feel like you’re playing with a pet.
Those who have used these gaming experiences and owned a dog, cat, or whatever other animal they chose to love, will be the first to point out that one does not successfully emulate the other. Sure, you need to feed and clean up after your animals, provide them with love and attention, but the press of a button – or the confusing interactions between you and a VR pet dragon that wanders around aimlessly while leaving sparkly poops everywhere– does not really work out the same.
What’s missing – besides the physical interactions between you and a furry friend – is the emotional elements of the relationship built between human and animal.
People bond with their pets. It’s never just about keeping the pet alive, but making sure it thrives through the connections made. How is one supposed to connect with a virtual animal that you can’t touch, or really interact with?
Now imagine adding that extra level of bugginess that comes with most games today. You know the type, it glitches out the characters just enough that they do odd things that become annoying.
Regardless, it’s nearly impossible to create the perfect pet game, simply because the technology isn’t there to bring truly indistinguishable immersion that seems as real as it can get.
Of course, there are developers who are going to try to add in the missing pieces – and create a successful game from it.
Developed by Windup Minds, Stay: Forever Home is a pet simulator that does its best to build that emotional connection between you and the pet.
In this game you are introduced to your new best friend, Ember. Ember is an interesting looking canine, whose world is merged with yours through the magic of mixed reality (MR).
Wary of your presence on the other side of a portal that has appeared to link your worlds, you must interact with and feed her as you coax her to trust you. Eventually, when that happens, she’ll jump through the portal and into your space, making your home hers too.
The game offers both an MR and VR experience, allowing you to spend time with Ember in your home – while also going with her and visiting her fully virtual world.
Going into the VR world is where the core of the gameplay is held. If you’re only in it to sit around and pet a dog-like creature, then you are more than able to do that. However, stepping through a door into the VR realm will allow you and Ember to go on walks, while taking on challenges that can earn you rewards.
Engaging in activities like getting rid of thorns will net you items and experience, you can put these rewards in Ember’s backpack. You’ll also encounter odd jelly like creatures that will either be helpful – by giving you free stuff – or pains – by stealing from you.
You’ll need to pay attention and keep an eye on your items, as Ember can’t always stop these creatures from getting the upper hand.
As you play more and bond with Ember, your friendship will grow. There are numerous levels for your friendship to grow, and as you achieve them, you’ll unlock new commands to enhance your interactions with Ember.
Because the game switches between MR and VR, you’ll find yourself using the controllers – with no option for hand tracking. This actually works out better here, especially since many people will want to spend time petting the dog. Well, you can’t do that without the haptic feedback of the controllers.
Graphically the game is vibrant and bright. Ember looks great in your home – though the VR world does at times have graphical issues like framerate drops and flat looking scenery.
One of the downsides here is that this MR game is not suited for larger spaces. In fact, the game recommends you play in a single room, rather than having a multi-room setup.
This is a real letdown.
Imagine the kid who is allergic, being able to run around multiple rooms or even floors, with Ember, before jumping into bed and petting their friend as they have a story read to them at bedtime.
It paints a nice picture, right? And that’s something that can’t happen due to the limitations of the game. Of course, it’s meant to do a limited job when it comes to the pet simulation. It’s never going to fully replace the real thing.
Also, just to be clear, kids shouldn’t be using VR headsets. If a kid needs a story ready to them before bedtime, there is no way they should be using a VR headset – and the parent letting it happen is kinda irresponsible.
Overall, Stay: Forever Home tries to add something extra to the pet sim VR game space, but it ends up proving that it just doesn’t compare to having a real animal best friend.
The game does a good job of creating a virtual bond between the player and Ember, allowing those who want this kind of experience, to have one that is a little more connected to nature, evoking a peaceful and serene experience with Ember by your side.
Stay Forever Home, was reviewed on the Quest 3 after receiving pre-release access.
