More like pokemon with a kung-fu death grip....
I have to admit though, it does sound quite intriguing. Maybe you have to feed the creatures the food you grow, but you don't know which one is best for the animal so there's some experimenting invovled. Also, some creatures would have different tastes than others.
So there could be two factors present. The better you tend to your farm and grow your food, as well as the better you train your creature, could result in a really strong creature.
Online seems like it would fit nicely as well.