Introduction: Animal Crossing (which was first released for the N64 in Japan and then the Gamecube in the U.S.) represents one of those rare games that really doesn't belong in any category or genre. Some may call it a sim, but when compared to a game like The Sims that description no longer seems accurate. Some may call it even call it a role-playing title, but the game possesses almost nothing in the way of RPG characteristics. Perhaps the best way to describe it is as a "fantasy virtual life simulator." Essentially, that's just what Animal Crossing is: a simulation of a life in a strange village among talking animals. As such, Animal Crossing: Wild World belongs in a niche all of its own. The game is utterly unique and profoundly open-ended, and must be experienced personally to fully understand.

GamePlay: Calling ACWW a "game" is a bit of a stretch, given that there is no definable goal for the whole thing and really no set challenges whatsoever. For that very reason, it's a marvelously entertaining little title. Animal Crossing is perhaps the most relaxing experience I have ever found from a video game system. This tiny little world is a mundane little place occupied by some of the most interesting characters around. Each person you meet (at least in your own town) will be a humorously disproportionate animal with a distinct personality. As I've said before, there's really no purpose to the game. When you first begin, you will be asked several questions by Kappa the Tortoise as he taxis you to your village. The answers you give to these questions will determine your name, gender, appearance, the title of your town, and the location of your house. Upon arriving, you almost immediately find yourself in massive debt to Tom Nook, the lovable yet sinister racooon moblord of the town who controls the lives of all its inhabitants through their obsession with material objects. Right away he sets you towards performing menial delivery tasks in order to begin paying off what you owe. It doesn't take him long to release you from his immediate service, but it's hardly the last time you'll be in his debt.
After temporarily freeing yourself from the bonds of servitude to ol' Nook, you'll be able to explore the town and do whatever you wish. Whether it be plucking fruits from the orchards, fishing upon the riverside or seashore, digging up fossils and mechanical warbloids, stocking the museum, catching butterflies and dragonflies, stirring up bees' nests, sampling the java at the coffee shop, listening to a concert performed by K.K. the singing dog, creating or viewing constellations, participating in a holiday party or special event, chatting with your neighbors, or just watching television from the couch in your home, you may do whatever you wish. Animal Crossing is truly what you make it.

Of course, all this doesn't mean you'll really enjoy the game without doing any work. Sooner or later, you'll start giving in to the local obsession with that oh-so-desirable stuff, and you'll want to begin decorating (and eventually expanding) your house and wearing fine clothing. And to do so, you're going to have to make some cash. You can earn bells, the local currency, through quite a few different means, whether it be by delivering packages from neighbor to neighbor, harvest fruit or fish and selling them to Tom, or any other ways you can cook up. Animal Crossing: Wild World possesses a few changes, both positive and negative, from its Gamecube counterpart. To my major disappointment, the collectible and playable Nintendo Entertainment System titles are nowhere to be found. To many, those were a major incentive to earn money throughout the game, offering a nice side experience and quite a bit of nostalgia. In addition, the town is much smaller than it was before, and there is no Gameboy Island to be found. Even worse, the holidays have strangely disappeared, replaced with comparatively boring local special events. On the other hand, AC:WW does add a few new features, most distinctly the multiplayer component. This is a major crux of the game's entertainment, as it really adds a lot of lasting value. Despite the utter lack of anything to do as far as gameplay goes, the multiplayer is solidly and genuinly fun. Whether you're playing a game of hide-and-seek with near-strangers from Japan or fishing with a friend from across town, the multiplayer component is truly a wonderful experience that makes Animal Crossing a charming social hangout.

All in all, Animal Crossing: Wild World is a wonderfully unique experience, but it's not for everyone. While some will adore these menial tasks and the mindlessly funny chats with their neighbors, others will simply be bored and frustrated. As entertaining as I find Animal Crossing to be, it was only a matter of weeks before I began to grow tired of the same day-to-day tasks with little change, and began to become frustrated with the sheer amount of time and effort I had to put into to making money and beautifying my town.


Graphics: The graphical level is only slightly superior to its N64/Gamecube counterpart. Character models are very simple and low-poly, but charming and endearing nonetheless, possessing a unique cartooning style that is hard not to fall in love with. The world is fully 3D, and environments are simple yet pretty.
Overall, the game's graphics are far from bad or even mediocre, but they aren't amazing either. It truly doesn't matter, since this isn't the sort of game anyone will play for the graphics anyway.

Sound & Music: The words "cute," "catchy," and "charming" can all be used once more to sum up the sound and musical affair of Animal Crossing. There are only a few distinct tunes, but each are equally catching and subtle all at once, providing a nice environment for your wonderful little town. The sound effects are surprisingly good, from the realistic crunching of your feet upon the snow to the warbling jibberish of your animalian neighbors.

Dual Screen Use: The dual/touch screen is put to fairly good use in Animal Crossing, providing a wonderful alternative control method to the unwieldy D-pad. The menu can be controlled with much greater ease and speed than before, thanks to the touch screen, and the upper screen is used for various purposes ranging from a display of the sky and constellations to multiplayer chat.

Final Comments: As I have stated, Animal Crossing is what you make of it. You may find it a thoroughly enjoyable game that will lasts you for months to come (and believe me, there are many people who do so), or you may find yourself a jaded critic. There's really only one way to find out. ACWW is truly a unique game that everyone should try at least once.


Pros: One of the most unique titles around. Unlimited playing time possibility due to open-ended nature. Simple, cute, and fun.
Cons: Not for everyone. May become tedious and stale rather quickly due to the low number of activities and the complete lack of challenge.
Final Score: 8.2


Reviewed by: Caleb