Animal Crossing

Genre: Simulation
Developer: Nintendo
Platform: Gamecube
Release: 2002
Rating: E

- Graphics -

I understand that this is a remake of a Japan-only title for the N64, but the lack of any sort of upgrade to the graphics aside from anti-aliasing is a bit disheartening. The gamecube is capable of so much more-- They could have at least smoothed out the textures a bit! Definitely not a shining point as a gamecube graphics example.

I do admit that the cel-shading and cartoon-proportions work great for the game... though why not have the cel-shading be done by the renderer, not the textures? The gamecube was proven capable of this in the same year with Wind Waker, so it's certainly not impossible.

Graphics: 1/10


- Story -

N/A

Story: --/10


- Gameplay -

Addictions galore! A bit disappointing that it's impossible to share your town online, but I was able to play with a friend by passing the game back and forth each week. It was actually really fun living in the same town, and that was certainly a huge bonus. So much to do, and yet the game pretty much forces you to stop playing and rest. An ingenious way to get players hooked, but make them still rest: make the shops close at a certain time. Once that happens, not much left to do for the day... now I'll go to bed and log in again tomorrow to reap my rewards!

Gameplay: 8/10


- Music -

A bit repetitive, but catchy, and a huge variety considering the 50-something KK-tunes, and the 24 different town themes--Wait! Make that 72, because each theme varies depending on rain, sun, or snow! Then of course there are the different shop themes and event music-- I can't even count it all!

Music: 7/10


Total Score: 5/10

Also available for Nintendo 64 (Japan only)