Introduction:

With the constant release of very repetitive games out there, Nintendo finally got a good idea. Why not release a different title that gamers have never experienced before?  So in 2001 Animal Crossing graced our homes and the rest was history.

Story:

You start the game on a train, heading to a new town with little money and a lust for adventure.  You are approached by a rather friendly person who offers to hook you up with a house.  (The only catch is that you must work to pay back the cost of the house.) After stepping foot into your new town you are approached by a man name Tom Nook, owner of the town convenience store, and the previous owner of your house.  He tells you that in order for the house to be completely your is to work off the debt.  After paying the debt off he offers to upgrade your house with various bonus', including basements, and 2nd floors.  After nestling yourself into your town you establish a relationship with your neighbors, and can run errands for them whenever you please.  After you pay the debts, there really isn't much of a story.

Gameplay:

The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Animal Crossing is The Sims.  Animal Crossing is very similar to The Sims in many ways, but for the people out there who hate constantly caring for your person in The Sims (bladder, hygiene, fun, etc.) Nintendo has gotten rid of all of that.  You see your character in an overhead 3rd person view, and the map is NES Zelda-esq.

I give the gameplay: 10/10

Graphics:

To be honest here the graphics in Animal Crossing aren't that great.  The game does run smoothly, but the graphics seem a bit blocky at times.  Of course, the graphics don't make the game.

I give the graphics: 8/10

Sound:

90% of this game takes place outside, so there are many ambient sounds, such as the shuffling of your footsteps, and the sounds of insects.  There is no voice-overs though which do hurt the game a tad. 

I give the sound: 9/10

Replayability:

Replayability is what Animal Crossing is built off of, there is always a new item for you to find, or a new errand to run.  The addition of NES games in Animal Crossing also keep gamers hooked.  As well as the GameBoy connection.

I give the replayability: 10/10

Challenge:

There really is no challenge in Animal Crossing.  It may be challenging to collect every fish, insect, and fossil but nothing more than that.  Nothing in this game really tests your skills, and Animal Crossing isn't built off of challenge. 

I give the challenge: 5/10

Overall:

Either you love Animal Crossing or you hate it.  Overall it is a spectacular game and I would recommend this to any gamer who enjoys a nice long game.

I give Animal Crossing: 9/10

Conclusion:

Thanks for reading my review.

Written By: NonnerJonner
E-Mail Address: nonnerjonner@nintendocity.com
Date Written: June 5th, 2005

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