Palace Pets in Whisker Haven - Disney

This review of Palace Pets in Whisker Haven was completed by the Australian Council on Children and the Media (ACCM) on 9 May 2017.

About the app

This section contains details about the app provided by an ACCM Reviewer.

ACCM review

This review of Palace Pets in Whisker Haven contains the following information:

• The level to which the game was reviewed
• App description
• Reviewers comments
• In App purchasing
• Online information
• Gambling
• Advertising and product placement
• Gender stereotypes and sexual references
• Coarse language
• Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents
• Other

The level to which the game was reviewed

All available game features were reviewed.

App description

Palace Pets in Whisker Haven allows children to take care of virtual pets, including feeding, petting, bathing them, and playing games. Taking good care of the pet earns the player happiness hearts and diamonds, the in-app currency, unlocking some more features as the game progresses. The app also features a "Pet Theatre", containing a number of short video clips.

Reviewers comments

The app is suitable for young players due to its intuitive ease of play as well as helpful visual and spoken prompts. It gives children the opportunity to interact and play with a virtual pet, such as Ariel's kitten "Treasure", as well as to watch short video clips, containing some educational value and morals (e.g. helping friends). Fulfilling certain tasks, such as feeding or bathing the pet, lets the player progress through levels and is rewarded with in-app currency, unlocking some more game features. Although the app is free, parents need to know that most game features, such as additional pets and accessories, only become available through in-app purchases. Parental guidance is therefore recommended.

In App purchasing

• Additional pets for $4.49 each, 5 Pet Superpack for $14.99, or all pets (19 in total) vfor $38.99.
• Additional items such as fashion items and accessories for $2.99, Holiday Pack for $4.49, Halloween Costumes for $4.49, or All Dress-Up Packs for $10.99.
• To make a purchase, a four-digit code needs to be entered (e.g. one nine eight three) and the iTunes password is required.

Online information

The app does not require creating an account, providing any personal information or connecting to social media.

Gambling

At time of review, the reviewer found no simulated gambling content. If you discover simulated gambling content in this app, please contact us with the details so we can update our review.

Advertising and product placement

None. 

Gender stereotypes and sexual references

The app does not feature sexual references. The animation style / colour scheme and certain features (e.g. dressing pets up) are serving stereotypical girl preferences. 

Coarse language

The app does not feature coarse language.

Game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents

The game does not require or encourage any game playing behaviour which may be of concern to some parents.

Other

N/A.

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