Life is always better with a companion, and developer Christian Selig’s Pixel Pals Widget Pet Game knows it. Designed with customisation in mind, the app allows users to place adorable digital pets called Pixel Pals on their home and lock screen, making full use of newer iOS features like Live Activities and Dynamic Island — the black bar at the top of an iPhone display.
While the interactive pixel art creations don’t serve much of a purpose, they bring a fun touch to idle and time-wasting moments. The dog and cat, named Rupert and Hugo by default, are included for all, with the Premium version introducing other options, from more common types like a hedgehog, fox, and butterfly to rarer species such as an axolotl, platypus, and even a T-Rex. There’s also the ability to pin two animals at once for supported devices, delivering twice the dose of serotonin.
These virtual pets can be played with, renamed, and fed like their real-world counterparts, transforming into “Morphs” when showered with enough affection and love. Apart from camping, hiking, or growing food on a farm, Pixel Pals Widget Pet Game lets those harbouring a competitive spirit engage in battles with their friends, courtesy of a recent update that adds a socialising element into the mix.
Joining fully interactive games on the Home Screen are alternative standard photo and transparent widgets, on top of the game widgets, that seek to complete the experience.
Pixel Pals Widget Pet Game is available as a free app on the Apple App Store for the iPhone and iPad, but users can pay S$1.49 per month or US$14.99 yearly for a Premium subscription that offers access to more features.
Si Jia is a casual geek at heart – or as casual as someone with Sephiroth’s theme on her Spotify playlist can get. A fan of movies, games, and Japanese culture, Si Jia’s greatest weakness is the Steam Summer Sale. Or any Steam sale, really.
Natalie
