A truly unique title. One you can spend months with, and still see new things with on a regular basis.
User Rating: 9.5 | Animal Crossing GC
Animal Crossing is a very special title. A game without any specific goal, that allows you to do whatever you like with it. Instead of forcing you down a linear path of forcing you to reach a set number of goals, it simply gives you the freedom to do whatever you wish in the special virtual world that it creates for you. It's laid-back pace and incredible sense of freedom make it an easy game to recommend to almost anyone with an interest in gaming. As stated, the game stars you as... yourself. It starts when you move out into the world on your own for the first time ever. You soon end up in a village (which you are given the opportunity to name for yourself) and are given a mortgage by a local shop keeping raccoon by the name of Tom Nook. From there on out, you're free to do whatever you want with your life. You could try paying off your bills and adding to your material possessions many times over, or you could just be a lazy bum who sits around town all day and does nothing. It's your choice. Time in the game is set to the same time as the real world, assuming that the internal clock in your GameCube is set properly. Seasons will pass, and various holidays will be celebrated in your special village as they are celebrated in the real world. You'll spend much of your time in the game interacting with the various villagers that live around you. They'll all be very willing to talk to you, and are usually glad to have someone to speak with. Unfortunately, your conversations with them are limited to a few menu selections that you are permitted to make, meaning that repeated discussions can get a bit repetitive. Still, you're bound to become attached to many of your different neighbors as you spend time with them, which can make it a rather heart-wrenching experience when one of your favorite townspeople decides to pack up and leave. Speaking of which, at any time, you have the complete freedom to visit the town of another player thanks to the GameCube's ability to hold two memory cards at once. Visiting different towns is often the only way to get some items. However, when you do travel, sometimes your townspeople may move into your friend's village, or vice-versa, which may make going on a journey seem like a risky proposition to some. Finally, up to four people can inhabit a village at once, meaning that four different family members can all live in the same virtual village if they choose to. The game's visuals, sadly, are on par with most N64 games. Which actually makes sense since the game is an update of an N64 title from Japan. While the graphics do have a style of their own, it's still a bit offsetting just how behind-the-times they look. The game's sound is a bit of an improvement over the graphics, as you'll hear many different catchy tunes as you go about your daily routine. Most of the music is soft, laid-back stuff that will put you at ease and make you feel at home in your virtual world. The sound effects usually sound rather comical, and keep up with the game's light-hearted mood. Overall, Animal Crossing is a fun game that works incredibly well for anyone of any age. It's a unique title that almost anyone can become immersed in, and it has enough replay value to last literally for years. It's a special title, one that's not to be missed by anyone with a GameCube. It's a relaxing experience, yet it's one that draws you in and makes you want more of it. Anyone with a GameCube should give this title a shot, as it's one of the best experiences that the system has to offer. 
