Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2
Run twelve shops in Tama Town with your Tamagotchi partner.
Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2 is a Nintendo DS game from 2006 where players manage stores and help customers through touchscreen minigames. Developed by NanaOn-Sha and Dimps, it was published by Namco Bandai Games and Atari. A sequel to the first Corner Shop, it also includes a basic pet-care mode. By 2023, it had sold 1.09 million copies worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Developer
- NanaOn-Sha; Dimps
- Publisher
- Namco Bandai Games (WW); Atari (AU)
- Series
- Tamagotchi
- Released
- July 27, 2006 (JP)
- November 14, 2006 (NA)
- March 23, 2007 (EU)
- April 5, 2007 (AUS)
- Genre
- Life simulation game
- Modes
- Single-player; multiplayer
- Platforms
- Nintendo DS
- Producer
- Masaya Matsuura
Facts from the source article.
Gameplay
The gameplay of Corner Shop 2 remains similar to the original, with new minigames and quality-of-life improvements. Players choose a Tamagotchi partner and purchase one of four available shops in Tama Mall, then serve customers through shop-specific minigames played entirely on the DS touchscreen; the top screen shows instructions and dialogue. After serving customers, players receive Gotchi currency and a review. Gotchi can buy new shops and upgrade existing ones through four expansion levels: Putchi, Metchi, Gotchi, and Royal. Upgrading shops unlocks more Tamagotchi customers and increases minigame difficulty. Twelve shops are available in total. Three shops (florist, bakery, concert hall) return from the first game with added features; the concert hall also uses the DS microphone. New shops include a gas station, sushi restaurant, health clinic, and bowling alley. Two special combo shops combine elements: a sushi-bowling alley and a music clinic. An optional mode lets players care for their partner Tamagotchi by feeding snacks and dressing them. Gotchi can also purchase snacks, cosmetics, home decorations, and costumes for the partner. Tamagotchi Connection V4 toy passwords could be entered to unlock exclusive items.
Development
The first game's popularity meant work on a follow-up started quickly, even before Namco and Bandai joined forces in March 2006. NanaOn-Sha, the original developer, worked alongside Dimps, which helped build new minigames. For the US version, localization manager Brian Glazebrook said the humor required the most adjustment, since some jokes felt unfamiliar or didn't work culturally, so the team had to take creative liberties. The sequel was first shown at a Nintendo DS event in February 2006. On August 17, 2006, Namco Bandai Games America confirmed a worldwide launch, aiming for a US release in late 2006.
Release
Corner Shop 2 was showcased with a playable demo at events in Tokyo and Sapporo in June 2006, where it was reported as the most popular DS game at the event. It released in Japan on July 27, 2006, and was further shown at the Tokyo Game Show in September 2006. Bandai announced on November 3, 2006 that the game had gone gold, with a North American release on November 14, 2006 at an MSRP of $29.99. Atari announced a March 2007 release for Australia and New Zealand; the European release, originally scheduled for late 2006, was delayed to March 23, 2007, and the Australian release to April 5, 2007.
Reception
Tamagotchi Connection: Corner Shop 2 holds a Metacritic rating of 66/100, indicating mixed or average reviews. Critics often cited the minigames as overly repetitive and simplistic. Greg Mueller of GameSpot wrote that the game is designed for short play sessions but quickly loses interest. Some reviewers were disappointed by the lack of a virtual pet simulator, given the Tamagotchi name and the popularity of Nintendogs. Comparisons were made to WarioWare. Praise focused on the presentation: John Walker of Eurogamer described the art style as lovely pastel cartoons, and Michael Taylor of PGNx commended the catchy music and fitting sound design. Critics also appreciated the variety of minigames, though noting they do not simulate real-world operations. Retrospectives have described the Corner Shop series as wholesome or cozy games.
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