Last year’s Petz Wild Animals: Dolphinz stood out as a game that not only stood out against the rest of Ubisoft’s Petz franchise, but was also a surprisingly fun on its own merits. Now, the publisher is releasing a direct sequel to the game, Petz Rescue: Ocean Patrol. Ocean Patrol takes the story driven elements that worked well in its predecessor and adds in some cool new elements that will keep the experience fresh for fans of the series.

Petz Rescue: Ocean Patrol once again follows the protagonists of Dolphinz, Greg and Mila. When we meet up with them, they are on a well-deserved break from their previous exploits from the previous game. However, this is short-lived, as they are kidnapped and moved on to the secret island of Djanowai and work for the secret aquatic life organization from Dolphinz, WAZAPS (World Association for Zoological and Aquatic Parks Survey), and forced to create a brand new wildlife sanctuary for aquatic creatures.

Stepping beyond the rest of the “virtual pet” genre, Ocean Patrol instead is more about rescuing injured animals and nursing them back to health within the game. You’ll rescue animals from the ocean and spend a lot of hands on time rehabilitating their injuries and spending time with them getting them into shape.

You won’t be alone when rehabilitating these animals, as you’ll have ample help from several other characters. Uncle Bob returns to manage the affairs of the oceanic reserve, with a new assistant, the easily-stressed Britannia, in tow. Additionally, you’ll have a wannabe-pirate boat driver, Jacques, who will take you out onto the ocean in order to rescue animals, a trainer, a communications expert, and a few others.

The gameplay is pretty varied and uses the DS’s control scheme quite well. Controlling Jacques’s boat requires you to turn the wheel and adjust your throttle on the touch screen with the stylus. Additionally, you’ll be able to operate on animals in a Trauma Center-styled mini-game where you’ll have to use the stylus to “fix” a variety of ailments. In a nice move, you’ll have to keep checking up on the animal’s wound after the surgery, replacing bandages and so on.

Graphically, the game looks pretty good, with brightly colored character models and environments. The characters all have a great deal of personality, which carries the story elements a long ways. The music and sound effects are nothing new, however, largely recycled from its predecessor.

Petz Rescue: Ocean Patrol is a nice addition to the Petz franchise and one that stands above a good portion of the “virtual pet” games on the market. While not for everyone, kids will likely get a lot out of it.

Gameplay: 8.0
The gameplay is pretty varied, allowing you to perform tasks like driving a boat or swimming in the ocean and Trama Center-inspired mini-games, with plenty to keep you entertained and engaged throughout.

Graphics: 8.0
The character models are colorful and filled with personality, and the environments are very well done.

Sound: 7.0
Nothing new here, but the same music as pretty entries.

Difficulty: Medium

Concept: 7.5
While the Petz moniker may suggest otherwise, there’s a lot of fun to be had in this varied adventure.

Overall: 8.0
Petz Rescue: Ocean patrol is a surprisingly varied and fun approach to the virtual pet genre that kids should enjoy.