Play E.t. The Extra Terrestrial : Digital Companion Online

I picked up E.T. The Extra Terrestrial: Digital Companion for the Game Boy Color back when it was new. It was published by NewKidCo, and it felt like a different kind of game for the handheld, more of a digital pet sim than an action platformer. This was during that era where developers were experimenting with all sorts of ideas on the Game Boy Color, trying to see what would stick with players.

You control E.T. himself, guiding him around a suburban neighborhood screen by screen. Your main goal is to help E.T. find the parts to build his communication device so he can phone home. The core mechanics involve exploring the environment, collecting candy to keep E.T.'s energy up, and finding the three scattered pieces of his machine. You also have to avoid government agents who will chase you; if they catch you, you lose a life. The pacing is slow and deliberate, focused on methodical searching rather than quick action. It can be a bit difficult to figure out where all the parts are hidden, leading to a lot of backtracking. Playing it feels like a quiet, sometimes frustrating, scavenger hunt.