Here is a concise summary of the provided text:
**Title:** Retro Review of Tamagotchi (1996)
**Summary:**
* The author reminisces about the brief but intense popularity of Tamagotchi in the 90s.
* They review the Tamagotchi video game, describing its simple yet frustrating gameplay.
* Key features include caring for a virtual pet, playing mini-games (which can be random or frustratingly hard), and evolving the creature.
* The game's objective is to evolve the Tamagotchi through proper care, but the evolution process is unclear.
* Additional game modes, like competitions, are also largely based on chance.
* The review ends with the author's Tamagotchi dying from starvation after being left unattended, ironically finding the death mechanic to be "strangely realistic".
Here are the key facts extracted from the text, without opinions, with each fact numbered and in short sentences:
1. The Tamagotchi was released in 1996.
2. The Tamagotchi craze lasted approximately six months.
3. The Tamagotchi is a type of virtual pet.
4. The Tamagotchi was released a few months before Pokémon in France.
5. Following its success, a Tamagotchi cartoon and video game were created.
6. The Tamagotchi video game was released after the craze had passed.
7. The Tamagotchi game involves caring for a virtual creature.
8. Players can feed, play with, clean, and scold their Tamagotchi.
9. The Tamagotchi has needs, including hunger, sleep, and hygiene.
10. The creature can evolve based on how well it is cared for.
11. Evolution outcomes can vary, resulting in different forms (e.g., ball, weights, bird).
12. The game features mini-games to evolve the creature's intelligence and strength.
13. One mini-game involves guessing the Tamagotchi's thoughts (direction).
14. Another mini-game requires catching falling balls at different spots.
15. The creature can participate in daily competitions (e.g., calculation, beauty contests).
16. Some game aspects, like competitions, appear to be based on chance rather than player control.
17. If neglected, the Tamagotchi can die (e.g., from starvation).