New Virtual Pet App 'Hatch' From 'Clear' Developers Hits the App Store

Impending and Realmac Software, the app studios behind popular to-do app Clear, have today released a new app called Hatch. First announced back in December of 2012, Hatch is an ambitious virtual pet app that has been in development for several months.

Reminiscent of the Tamagotchi pocket pets that were popular in the late 1990s, Hatch provides users with a virtual iPhone pet called a Fugu. Fugu, which come in an array of colors, are creatures that iPhone owners can interact with in a variety of ways. As with most virtual pet items and applications, Hatch requires users to feed, clean up after, and care for their Fugu.

Fugu in Hatch crave attention and express happiness when they are fed, pet, or otherwise interacted with by their owners. When neglected, the pets grow sad and may even run away. While Fugu do like attention and feedings at various times throughout the day, their energy is tied to the iPhone's battery and they will sleep when the phone is charging.

Fugu are fed with fruit, which grows on nearby trees. Fruit can also be exchanged for acorns and star coins, two currencies that are used to purchase accessories like a camera, a bag to store extra fruit, and a variety of collectable rugs and blankets Fugu sit on.

Along with feedings and cleanings, Fugu will react to several different stimuli, including pokes, pinches, swipes, and music. Shaking the iPhone will also cause a reaction, and additional interactions are unlocked as a Fugu's "Trust" level grows. There's an in-app camera that iPhone owners can use to take photographs that include their Fugu.

Hatch also features a colorful hand-animated environment that takes advantage of the parallax effect introduced in iOS 7 and it includes Game Center support, with occasional gifts being sent from Game Center friends.

Users that reserved a special pet via email back in December should have received an email with a clickable egg that will allow it to be inserted into the game after it is downloaded.

Hatch can be downloaded from the App Store for $1.99. [Direct Link]