4/15/2006

Hey, it’s been some time since I posted something that wasn’t “news-related” per se. I just wanted to ramble a bit about the wonders of Oideyo Dōbutsu no Mori, aka Animal Crossing: Wild World.

I am hooked on this game (if you own it, you probably are too!) even though I never played the original version, for the GameCube, I’ve heard that the DS game is just as great or better. According to Media Create, it sold 325,466 copies in Japan in its first week of availability, which makes it the best selling title for the DS.

The gist of the game is that you’re moving to a new town, and you have to furnish and pay off a house for yourself, interact with your neighbours - some of which are pretty crabby, but the dialogue is usually humourous - landscape the town, and participate in various festivals and contests. The seasons change along with the real world, and fun events and items are available for holidays. It is also compatible with the Nintendo WFC (the wi-fi), so you can go and visit the towns of your friends, steal their fruit, buy items at their store, etc. The game lets you program your own town flag, theme music, clothing, constellations and other fun things. You’d think it’d get boring waking up and tending to flowers and turnips every morning, but it’s been two months and I haven’t tired of it yet. (Though all my nice villagers have moved out, and been replaced by angry ones who call me names…)

Anyway, if you’re looking for a yea-or-nay recommendation regarding buying AC:WW…this is it. It’s a fabulous title and will keep you interested for a long time!

Official Site