Petz is a series of virtual pet PC games that started in 1995
and ended in *2002. The 3rd installment 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
programs that modified the game itself, posting it all online
to share with other players.
*The Petz games released after 2002 for DS, PS2, etc. are
an unrelated series.
I've loved these games since I first played them over 20 years
ago. I used to own discs for Petz 3, 4, and 5, but lost them
all a long time ago and didn't know any version of the game
could still run on anything later than Windows XP, so I'm just
now getting back into it in '24.
