Animal Crossing: Wild World

Animal Crossing is back on the Nintendo DS handheld system. Many of your favorite animals are back for some light hearted fun. This entry into the Animal Crossing franchise features the same basic game play as the original. The storyline is also the same as the original: you move into a new town, buy a house, get in debt, collect shells, fruits, fish, and catch bugs to pay off your debt, so that you can get a bigger house, and so on. You can buy furniture, clothing for your character to wear, as well as plant flowers to make your town look attractive. Despite the game play being essentially the same, it is still fun. The game takes place in real time by using the Nintendo DS internal clock. The game also changes seasons in accordance to the date. The game features a weather system to add an element of change in the game play.

The graphics are on par for a Nintendo DS game. They don't stand out; however the rain, snow, day, and night effects are good. The character models are impressive, featuring full 3D modeling, as well as moderate 3D environment modeling. The ground has a slight curve to it which seems odd at first; however after a while you don't even notice it.

The soundtrack is calm and tranquil, which suits the game well, although it gets repetitive after a while. The animals in the game have a unique high pitched chatting sound, which suits the animals well. Every Saturday you can enter the pub and request a soundtrack to be played. After it is played, you get a copy of the soundtrack which can be played back in any of the radio players that can be purchased for your house. These soundtracks have impressive sound quality and really bring out what the Nintendo DS can produce.

Animal Crossing: Wild World makes good use of the wireless capabilities of the Nintendo DS. The game can connect to local DS systems and you can take turns playing in your friends' towns. By using the Nintendo Wireless Connection service, you can play with other people all over the world. The online game play is well thought out and lets you exchange items and play in other people's towns.

If you enjoyed the first Animal Crossing game, then you will definitely love the portable version. If you are new to the Animal Crossing series, then Wild Word will have you hooked.