“Animal Crossing” is a timeless game that is loved by many yet not known as well as it should be. The original “Animal Crossing” was for the Nintendo Gamecube, released in 2001, and was called “Animal Crossing: Population: Growing!” Being a small video game lover at the age of 6, I got the game when it first came out. It taught me how to read and I have been a fan of the “Animal Crossing” series ever since. There have been new games from the series since, including “Animal Crossing: Wild World” for the Nintendo DS, and “Animal Crossing: City Folk” for the Nintendo Wii. With every new game came better gameplay, more activities, and an overall better gaming experience.
Nintendo recently released “Animal Crossing: New Leaf” for the Nintendo 3DS. I personally believe that they have really outdone themselves. The game revolves itself around customization and free roaming. “Animal Crossing” continues to play even though you aren’t playing it, because it runs on real time; there are events based on the calendar. Everyday is a different adventure, you never know what will happen. From random events to meeting new citizens, there are new experiences to be had every time you turn on your Nintendo 3DS.
The game starts out with you moving to a new town, which you get to name. Questions pop up which determines the outcome of what your character looks like. Once you arrive you find that you are the new mayor of your destination, your duty to “raise” the town. You move into your own house and meet the citizens, which all happen to be animals. You are the only human in a town of animals, and it’s your job to run the town. Once you play through the game a bit more, you get to organize “Public Works Projects.” These projects improve and expand your town, allowing for more exciting experiences that help you progress through the game. The game is both thrilling and laid back, depending on what you choose to do. You can go fishing, bug hunting, deep sea fishing, digging for fossils, and even visit the island resort full of games and activities. You can change your outfit, the layout and look of the inside and outside of your house, your hairstyle and eye color, and many more. You can even design your own clothes and customize your furniture.
There are many opportunities for multiplayer gameplay in the game as well, from “Island Games” to just visiting others towns. You can play with others nearby or connect with friends over wifi connection. If you play enough “Island Games,” you will be able to get a membership in the game towards playing with others around the world. You can chat live with your friends as you do activities together, exchange gifts, and explore the world of “Animal Crossing: New Leaf” with your friends. When it comes to enticing and engrossing gameplay, this game truly fits to nearly everyone’s interests.
If you are searching for a fun game to occupy your time, I highly suggest “Animal Crossing: New Leaf.” Whether you plan to progress through the game and achieve all you can, or simply relax and enjoy a nice laid back gaming experience, this game offers it all. You won’t regret buying the game, it will become an instant favorite. I personally rate the game an outstanding 10 out of 10.
