DESCRIPTION

Based on The Cartoon Network's animated series about the secret world of pet hamsters, Hamtaro: Ham-Hams Unite! makes its Game Boy Color debut in an adventure that finds the titular hamster on a quest to find his furry friends. Boss is planning a special surprise for the Ham-Hams and needs Hamtaro to gather up the group. In order to coax the critters back to the clubhouse where the surprise is to be unveiled, players will need to learn the distinctive language of the Ham-Hams. Words written on Ham-Notes are spread throughout each of the town's eight areas, allowing players to communicate with the rest of the Ham-Hams and persuade them to solve puzzles.

The eight locales include the Clubhouse, Acorn Shrine, Sunflower Park, Sunflower Elementary, Sunflower Market, Ruins, Sky Garden, and Crow's Pad. Each area features a specific number of Ham-Hams and Ham-Notes to find. As players improve their vocabulary, acquired words are automatically recorded to a Ham-Ham Notebook and become available in dialogue trees. Missing words appear as question marks while engaging in dialogue with fellow hamsters, letting players know they need to find more Ham-Notes to further the conversation.

As players explore their surroundings, they can search for delectable sunflower seeds by sniffing the ground. The seeds can then be traded in for a number of stylish outfits to wear while cavorting around town, or they can be used to bribe other hamsters into listening. Some characters will even participate in mini-games like hide-and-seek. Hamtaro: Ham-Hams Unite! also lets players cut a rug in the Ham-Jam, a dancing game where hamsters gyrate to various words selected by players. Each Ham-Jam can be saved, edited, and then traded to friends using the handheld's Infrared Port. ~ Scott Alan Marriott, All Game Guide