Virtual Paws

There are many different types of virtual pets out there. From the always popular Tamagotchi to Digimon, you have many different choices in digital companions these days.

They all follow a very similar formula without much deviation. Feed, play games, clean up poop, etc. It’s a fun gameplay loop but can sometimes feel too… same-y.

That’s where Punirunes comes in and shines with its unique mechanics (in my opinion). In my years of owning virtual pets, I have never seen anything quite like it. It is a great Tamagotchi alternative!

Punirunes Design & Shape

Punirunes is a rather large device for its type and compared to a Tamagotchi or Digimon device the shape is quite different. It is overall very round, with flat spots left only for the screen and battery door. Like most virtual pet devices, it has 3 buttons that you use to interact with your pet. It also has a hole on the side that contains a squishy joystick.

The mint green plastic is pretty without being overly obnoxious, but I do wish it came in more colors like its Japanese variant!

Overall, the device is cute and I am a fan of the design. Less portable to some extent than a Tamagotchi, but still cute. It looks great on a desk and makes a wonderful desktop companion.

Punirunes Gameplay

The core gameplay mechanics are similar to most virtual pets on the market, which is great because that gameplay loop works well for this type of device. Basically, you take care of a cute squishy pet that evolves in to new forms as it ages. You’ll feed it, bathe it, and play with it in various ways to keep it happy. It is reliant on you!

However like I mentioned earlier, it has some differences that set it apart from others.

Squishy Joystick

The defining feature of Punirunes is its squishy joystick (often referred to as a button but let’s face it – it’s a joystick). It adds multiple unique gameplay features to the device:

• You’ll use it to essentially hand feed your pet – you push the food to them with it.
• When your squishy blob pet needs a bath, you will utilize it to wash them with your finger.
• All of the mini games used to gain currency or make food involve the joystick, which is more fun than just pressing buttons.
• You can pet them any time by putting your finger in the hole.

There are probably other things too that I am forgetting about because it is utilized for so much. It’s really fun and refreshing honestly and I personally really love it.

Punitunes vs Tamagotchi

There are a few other key differences as well aside from the major one listed above. As far as virtual pet devices go, Punirunes is considerably easier and more relaxed to care for than most.

That is because they will never die or “leave”, even if you ignore them for months. They just turn in to a puddle of goo, which you only have to pet with the joystick to fix. It’ll make you feel bad, but you won’t lose your pet!

Another really awesome feature is that you get to choose what your pet evolves in to with no tricks and very little guesswork involved. You will have to unlock the different pet types by evolving more pets to their final forms, but it is otherwise very straight-forward. You can even choose their color.

The guide below (from here) illustrates all of the creatures you can choose to raise.

With Tamagotchi (aside from the Meets/On… sort of), you have to use care mistakes and other things to influence your creature’s final form. It is nice to get away from that mechanic for once!

The final difference to note is that Punirunes will not cry out if it needs attention. That means they won’t interrupt your sleep, but you will have to check on them on your own volition.

Care and Feeding

Overall, I find that Punirunes get hungrier and dirtier (in game, not the device itself) more often than most Tamagotchi devices do – at least at their adult stages. Their baby stages are closer to equal to some extent.

The lack of death takes the pressure to provide perfect care off which I think makes up for it. I find myself picking up the device more for enjoyment than obligation, which is pretty nice. You will still feel bad if your pet looks sad, but at least you know they won’t die on you! It is a really nice balance.

If you’re wondering, they are much lower maintenance than a GigaPet. Compared to a Digimon virtual pet… it depends on the device. I would say they poop as much as a modern D20!

Punirunes Pros & Cons

While being overall a great little device, there are some downsides. Let’s talk a bit about the overall good and bad.

Pros:

• Lack of pet death, which some people may really appreciate.
• Fun and unique squishy mechanics that really set the device apart from other virtual pets.
• Very cute, round characters that will likely steal your heart.
• Great replay value as you can get a different pet in a different color every playthrough for quite a while.

Cons:

• Lack of pet death may be a con for some – sometimes consequences like this can teach valuable lessons!
• Larger than normal shape for a virtual pet which may affect portability.
• The squishy joystick is a dirt magnet! (I make a Punirunes hole cover on my Etsy shop!)
• Lack of color choice if you get the US version.

Punirunes Accessory Availability

Since Punirunes is not as popular as Tamagotchi or Digimon, finding accessories can be a little harder. There are still a few things up on Amazon at least though. Here are a few things I liked!

Angel Wings Cover

This really cute cover that comes in multiple colors is probably my favorite Punirunes accessory on the internet. It is a silicone protector that has adorable little wings on top!

Bear Ears Cover

Maybe little bear ears are more your thing! Similar to the previous cover, this silicon case will protect the edges of your device from getting scratched up. It also comes with a screen protector, which is a nice bonus!

Carrying Case

This Punirunes carry case is perfect if you want to take your pet on the go safely! It even has space on top for batteries and a flap that protects the screen from harm.

Who Is It For?

Now obviously, Punirunes is made for and marketed towards children. And honestly, it is a fantastic virtual pet for kids because of the lack of death. They will likely love that they can actually “pet” their pet too!

However, Punirunes is great for adults too and is arguably better than other virtual pets depending on what you want. The low care obligation makes the device well-suited for a busy life, and the shell shape is absolutely perfect for keeping on a desk. It’s great when you are working and need a cute little friend to help keep you sane!

Final Thoughts

Overall, I find Punirunes to be fantastic. They aren’t that expensive and provide great value for their cost, and they have many key differences that may make them better than a Tamagotchi in some circumstances.

I would strongly suggest picking one up if you like virtual pets. You won’t regret it.

Punirunes FAQ:

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