Tamagotchi: 'Round the World comes to iPod

We're not seeing many iPod games these days, what with all Apple's attention going on the iPhone, but Namco has got together with Tamagotchi to bring us 'Round the World – a super-stylish new take on the classic cyber pet concept.

Carrying all the expected features over from previous versions of the revolutionary gaming concept, you're still required to feed, play with and care for your Tamagotchi, though your cyber pet's world is now a far more interactive one.

"Fans of the Tamagotchi brand are going to enjoy the cute, fun gameplay that Tamagotchi: 'Round the World offers," says Scott Rubin, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Namco Networks. "The loveable characters and the playful setting deliver hours of amusement. In addition, the device's portability, similar to the original keychain, gives consumers access to this amusing game experience anywhere, anytime."

You move around the planet with your Tamagotchi as it interacts with the Gaiatchi (living clouds, plants, geysers and seedlings that populate this new world). Various mini-games come into play as your pet interacts with the living surroundings, including Rock Paper Scissors, Bubble, Beach Ball, Dancing, Tag, Tickling, Memory Match and maths puzzles.

Available now on iTunes (in the US – keep an eye out on Pocket Gamer for details on a European release), Tamagotchi: 'Round the World can be played on iPod nanos with video, iPod classics and fifth generation iPods.