Keep a pet - without all the fuss

In an increasingly connected world where replying to work e-mail while in bed is becoming a norm, many people hardly have time for themselves, much less a pet.

If you have always wanted a critter for your home, but cannot adopt a real animal, getting a virtual one for your smartphone might help make that dream come true.

The history of virtual pets goes back almost two decades, when the famous Tamagotchi made its debut in 1996.

Today, virtual pet apps pack many more features compared with their egg-shaped predecessor, with better graphics and multiplayer modes among the new additions.

Here are four fun apps featuring a small zoo of virtual pets to keep you company while you reply to those urgent office e-mail messages in the dead of night.

Jasmine Osada is a freelance writer.

Tamagotchi Classic, $4.98 (Android and iOS)

The famous egg that launched the virtual pet craze is still around - the difference is, you can now house a Tamagotchi on your smartphone.

Featuring the same cute alien-like pets, Tamagotchi Classic is the same lovable game with extra modern-day perks.

As with the original, the egg you adopt hatches into a pea-shaped creature. Once you get your new pet, you will have to feed it, clean its living quarters and play simple games with it to keep it happy and healthy.

There are two gameplay options, a Toy Mode and an App Mode. Toy Mode is essentially a digital version of the original Tamagotchi toy, complete with LED pixel graphics and virtual push buttons.

App mode is an updated version of the game in full colour. This update lets you collect new types of Tamagotchi and wallpaper to decorate your virtual pet's play area as you progress through the game.

If you want a cute virtual pet that does not take too much time and effort, a Tamagotchi might just be it.

My First Dog, Free (Android and iOS)

Anyone who has played Nintendogs on the 3DS before will find this pet app familiar. My First Dog looks strikingly similar to the best-selling Nintendo game.

In this game, you adopt a virtual puppy and groom it to take part in competitions. Players can choose from a range of breeds including french bulldogs, beagles and yorkies.

Feeding and cleaning are not the only activities. You can take your pup for walks and play dress up. The puppies can be trained to perform tricks and you will have to teach your pooch well if you want to enter it in a contest and win.

My First Dog packs great looking graphics and features some adorable life-like puppies. The virtual pups are so well animated, it is difficult not to fall in love with your adopted pooch.

Available free, this game does have its downsides - progress is slow for players who do not make in-game purchases. But if all you need is a little virtual company now and then from a cuddly digital pup, this app is a must-have.

Hatchi - A retro virtual pet, $1.97 (Android); $1.48 (iOS)

Keeping a virtual pet does not have to be a solo experience. Hatchi not only lets you nurture a virtual monster on your smartphone, but also to take it to battle against your friends' pets too.

Inspired by retro virtual pet games like Tamagotchi, Hatchi features pixel art-inspired graphics that remind one of the black-and-grey LED screens on old portable game devices.

But do not let the lack of eye candy fool you - this game packs plenty of features.

The highlight of this app is its multiplayer mode in which you can let your pet monster loose on others.

Hatchi creatures have a complex developmental system and their mature form depends on how they were cared for. This means that your virtual pet might encounter a range of different opponents, keeping gameplay fresh.

In solo play mode, there are seven simple yet fun mini games to play with your pet. You can customise your monster's home by adding stickers or changing the background.

For committed virtual pet owners, Hatchi's addictive gameplay might just take up all your time. My only complaint is that some of the animation here was a tad bland.

Fish Farm 2, Free (Android and iOS)

A tank full of beautiful tropical fish looks great in any home, but keeping real fish can be quite a lot of work.

Fish Farm 2 promises to let you experience the joys of owning a freshwater or marine fish tank, without the hassle of changing water and scrubbing dirty filters.

Players start with an empty tank and a pair of blue fish. As your fish mature, you can breed and sell them for money and points.

The in-game currency can then be used to purchase new fish species, tank upgrades and more.

Later in the game, you can even cross breed different fish to get rare hybrids.

Fish Farm 2 packs lots of eye candy - many of the 170 species available in this game are modelled on real fish. The way they swim in their watery enclosures makes them look incredibly realistic.

While it is possible to enjoy this game as a casual player, be prepared to put in quite a bit of work if you want to expand your stock and build a large tank.

Keeping lots of fish means you have to log in regularly to make sure that they are all fed and healthy.

Some rare species tend to be more delicate and need to be fed every few hours.

This article was first published on May 21, 2014.
Get a copy of Digital Life, The Straits Times or go to straitstimes.com for more stories.