E3 2008: Hi! HamTaro Ham-Ham Challenge Hands-On

By Sophia Tong, GameSpotPosted Jul 17, 2008 6:34 pm PT

We look at another cute Natsume title, this time aimed for an entirely different audience.

It's not uncommon to see young children who aren't old enough to cross the street walk around with their DSs, attempting to play games that are above their ability. Natsume has come up with a collection of minigames using Hamtaro the hamster as its mascot to cater to that crowd. Described as a Brain Age for children in elementary school who aren't old enough to realize what's cool and what isn't, Hi! HamTaro Ham-Ham Challenge is a vibrant collection of simple games that young children can play and maybe learn a few things from in the process.

When the game begins, you see Hamtaro in a small hamster cage where he can eat, drink, and do his business in the corner. Not only is it practicing good hygiene to make him use his litter box, but he also has a great expression. Once you climb down the little hamster tunnel, you pop up in an area with other hamsters who each represent a minigame.

We had a chance to try only three of the 12 minigames, but they are very easy and kid-friendly. One was to color a crown to match the crown in the top screen. You have a selection of various colors at the bottom of the touch screen where you can select and color between the lines. Another game involved a small maze, where you need to find a path to pick up your scattered hamster friends before you get to the exit. The other minigame requires that you choose the hole that has the most hamsters. There are two holes and about seven or so hamsters, and you'll watch them dance around in a circle and enter. As long as you're paying attention, you should have no problem.

Hi! HamTaro Ham-Ham Challenge is the kind of game that by the time you're old enough to read this, you'll be too old for this game. However, it is a well-presented game for young children with easy games for them to play and a cute theme to keep them amused, especially if they are fans of Hamtaro.

24 Comments

  • Meta_Knight

    Posted Jul 26, 2008 9:53 am PT

    jippie

  • kaze347

    Posted Jul 25, 2008 8:43 am PT

    @ tyzwain: He's had 2 games on the gameboy color and i think one on gba.

  • Killingspree303

    Posted Jul 23, 2008 12:09 pm PT

    It's good that they are making games for kids, but I don't understand why did they have to named it "Hi! Hamtaro Ham-Ham Challenge"? ...Don't understand it

  • ciaxhieu

    Posted Jul 23, 2008 9:54 am PT

    ham sandwhich mmmm

  • Cobra5

    Posted Jul 23, 2008 2:30 am PT

    Now that's hardcore.

    HARDCORE LIKE EATING LEMONS RAW. YYEAAAAHHHHHH

  • scorch-62

    Posted Jul 22, 2008 4:00 pm PT

    The hell...?

  • REgrl4life

    Posted Jul 22, 2008 7:32 am PT

    I loved Hamtaro. I still love it today, and I am happy they are making games for children

  • tyzwain

    Posted Jul 21, 2008 1:26 pm PT

    This IS the hamster from tv ye? Wow hes finally got a game. Whats next, Shin Chan?

  • ognen

    Posted Jul 20, 2008 4:39 am PT

    I like the idea of creating more easy games for kids. There aren't too much arround.

  • nettydorko

    Posted Jul 19, 2008 9:53 pm PT

    I thought the show was cute..but I'm not sure if the gameplay's gonna be as great.

  • zombieman666

    Posted Jul 19, 2008 1:02 pm PT

    same as mehfuz

  • Mehfuz

    Posted Jul 19, 2008 11:19 am PT

    not my type

  • gmax Site moderator

    Posted Jul 19, 2008 1:01 am PT

    Yep... sounds like one for the kids... But... Hamster hygiene?

    And yeah - that title... Why does it almost seem like a tongue twister?

  • Macgyver40

    Posted Jul 18, 2008 10:35 am PT

    this should be good for kids

  • shinian

    Posted Jul 18, 2008 10:14 am PT

    "HamTaro Ham-Ham Challenge" This can win the worst tittle award in 2k8

  • ryanstoy91

    Posted Jul 17, 2008 9:32 pm PT

    Wow, it's been so long since I saw HamTaro on tv, good times.

  • Hungry_bunny

    Posted Jul 17, 2008 9:30 pm PT

    Not even a grown-up can remember that title for long without looking at the box, how could the child playing it do it.

  • jakeboudville

    Posted Jul 17, 2008 8:59 pm PT

    the title just makes me laugh

  • lettuceman44

    Posted Jul 17, 2008 7:56 pm PT

    Uh, cool name?

  • grambyte

    Posted Jul 17, 2008 7:05 pm PT

    The game isn't anything for me although I think I would score and become "the best uncle alive" if I would get it for my little nieces . But the title... lol really that title must be awarded with "Best Sounding Title of the E3 2008".

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Hamtaro Ham-Ham Challenge

Game Stats

  • Rank:
    12,733 of 76,607
    (up by 7,248)
    DS Rank:
    1,118 of 3,118
    Highest Rank:
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    Tracking:
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  • Player Reviews:
    1
    Player Ratings:
    10
    Users Now Playing:
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  • Top 5 User Tags:
    1. challenge
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    3. hamtaro: ham-ham challeng
    4. hi! hamtaro
  • Everyone Rating Description

    Titles rated E (Everyone) have content that may be suitable for ages 6 and older. Titles in this category may contain minimal cartoon, fantasy or mild violence and/or infrequent use of mild language. Learn more

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