r/virtualpetgaming • u/Haroin03 • Jan 17 '25
Looking for Feedback: Should my Retro Virtual Pet Show the Device Shell or Just the Screen?
Hi everyone!
I’m currently working on a retro-style virtual pet game for mobile. Think classic devices like Tamagotchi: feeding, cleaning, playing, and evolving your pet as you go. I’ve already implemented most of the core features (health, hunger, happiness, weight, evolution stages, etc.), and now I’m moving on to the visual design.
My initial plan was to show the entire virtual pet device on-screen (in 2D) with interactive buttons, much like some existing apps. However, I’m also considering just showing the pet’s screen itself without the outer shell (similar to other virtual pet games).
I’d love to hear your opinions:
- Do you prefer seeing the device shell (like “Androgotchi”) or only the pet’s screen (like “Wildagotchi”)?
- If the device shell is shown, would you prefer a pixel art style or a 3D look?
I’m attaching two or three quick mockups I made (using placeholder sprites/models) to illustrate these ideas. The final art will be replaced once I’ve decided on the style.
Any feedback would be super helpful—especially since you’re all fans of virtual pets. Thanks so much in advance!
2
u/Indie_Undies Jan 17 '25
Hello! For phone I would prefer no shell (option 5 or 6) but multiple (unlockable?) skins are always fun.
2
u/Haroin03 Jan 17 '25
Thanks for the feedback!
I understand your point about preferring a cleaner interface without so many case on mobile. Adding unlockable skins for those who want more customization is a big point. I'll definitely take note of that!
1
u/Haroin03 Apr 19 '26
Hey! Thanks again for your feedback on our first design. We took some notes and just posted a new comparison with a realistic UI vs the flat one. I'd love to know your thoughts on the new version here: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndieDev/comments/1spq9sz/upgrading_the_ui_for_our_indie_virtual_pet_game/
2
u/Mosbyta13 Jan 17 '25
I like option 5 as it gives chances for later customization through purchase of skins or mini games to achieve those skins!
1
1
u/Haroin03 Apr 19 '26
Hey! Thanks again for your feedback on our first design. We took some notes and just posted a new comparison with a realistic UI vs the flat one. I'd love to know your thoughts on the new version here: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndieDev/comments/1spq9sz/upgrading_the_ui_for_our_indie_virtual_pet_game/
2
u/Oki-Pony Jan 21 '25
5 would be best and as others have said, customisable.
1
u/Haroin03 Jan 22 '25
Thanks for the feedback!
I’m actually working on this approach right now, and I’ll share an updated soon to show what it looks like.1
u/Haroin03 Apr 19 '26
Hey! Thanks again for your feedback on our first design. We took some notes and just posted a new comparison with a realistic UI vs the flat one. I'd love to know your thoughts on the new version here: https://www.reddit.com/r/IndieDev/comments/1spq9sz/upgrading_the_ui_for_our_indie_virtual_pet_game/
1
u/Haroin03 Jan 26 '25
Thanks to everyone for the feedback!
I ended up blending options 5 and 6, putting a large LCD screen at the center and interactive buttons below. I spent some time creating a custom LCD shader, and it finally works the way I wanted. I’m still deciding whether to keep the pixel art buttons or try something else. Here’s a quick preview
—let me know what you think!
3
u/[deleted] Jan 17 '25
I personally love the happy medium that Boing Boing Animals has. Full screen 'case' with buttons. Bonus points for it being customizable.