Taito’s My Pet Shop will be leaping into kids’ laps on March 10, 2009

Taito just announced that it plans to release My Pet Shop (Japanese title: Pet Shop Monogatari) for the Nintendo DS on March 10, 2009.

My Pet Shop is a simulation game that emphasizes the importance of organization, responsibility and care that is required in the raising of a multitude of pets. The game takes place in sunny, happy-go-lucky Green Town where you assist Mama/Mom (who looks like a younger version of Cooking Mama) in running the local pet shop through shopping, chores, and befriending the other people of the town.

While Taito is primarily marketing this title towards young children as “a safe, fun game that’s great for kids”, it has the potential to lure anyone who’s a sucker for adorable and exotic animals. Unfortunately, the this game doesn’t have an official US site for you to peruse yet, but you can check out my review of its Japanese counterpart, Pet Shop Monogatari, so that you can get a general feel for the game. For those who are interested, if you have $30 to spare, I suggest that you pick this up because it’s really enjoyable and you won’t regret it.

From the press release, the features include:

• More than 40 different animals to catch and interact with
• Care for and interact with your pets using the simple, user-friendly stylus and Touch Screen functionality to strengthen your bond with them
• Collect items and save your allowance to shop in town and buy cute outfits for your pets
• Play mini-games like races, obstacle courses and photo contests with your pets to show them off and gain new accessories
• Connect with friends via local wireless connection to trade pets and items

Read [Gamertell]