Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games

Once you get past all the rainbows and happiness, you'll find one of the best portable sports games around. And hey, those Ham-Hams ARE pretty cute.

Entertaining, addictive, and hard to put down. Next thing you know I'll be watching the sugary sweet anime on Cartoon Network. Just don't tell anyone I know that you heard me say that.

Only one thing will prevent this game from potential success, and that is its appeal. Many gamers are too concerned with their public appearance, and they cannot see themselves walking into the store to buy (what they think is) a cute and cuddly game –- they fear humiliation. But how can you resist such an amazing and fun game such as this one?

It is very cute and the humour is silly and childish but it is incredibly endearing and just plain good fun.

Despite its cutesy appearance, Ham-Ham Games is a clever evolution of the "Track & Field" design that fits the handheld market better than the rapid-fire buttonmasher ever could.

The majority of the games are fun and well-designed. However, having a multi-player option is needed for even more fun and replayability.

The graphics are bright and clear, even a little cutesy, and the mechanics for the minigames are, for the most part, simple and well thought out. If you like track and field games don't let the name on the box turn you off.

A solid effort that can be enjoyed by all ages. Even hamster-haters from way back will find something they like here.

The thing that sets Ham-Ham Games apart from other recent GBA releases is its dazzling colour. This game is refreshingly bright and cheerful, bucking the current trend in handheld games for darker, neutral colours.

7 / 8 / 8 / 7 - 30 silver [Vol 814; 23 July 2004]

Not to be confused with any old button-masher, Hamtaro: Ham-Ham Games requires a good deal of manual tact and the precision of a true gamer.