Petz is a series of virtual pet PC games that started in 1995
and ended in 2002. Each installment had a Catz version and Dogz
version, but from the 2nd game on installing both copies on the
same computer combined the two games into one. The 3rd game
introduced a breeding mechanic that allowed you to raise puppies or
kittens that carried their parents' genetic traits. This genetics
system was surprisingly complex for the time, determining color,
coat pattern, size, proportions, voice, and even personality!
One of the best parts of the games was (and still is) the
unofficial content. Fans found out how to modify game files to
create new "hexed" breeds, toys, clothes, environments, and even
programs that modified the game itself, posting them online to
share with other players.
I used to own discs for Petz 3, 4, and 5, but lost them all a
long time ago and wasn't aware any version of the game could even
still run on anything later than Windws XP, so I'm just now
getting back into it after over a decade. It's got the same
nostalgic charm I remember, though. I first played these games
over 20 years ago and they'll always be special to me.
