NBrid

What am Animal Crossing?

Many don't get it. What is the appeal of Animal Crossing? It can't be a compelling story since there really is none. It's not the N64 era graphics. And it certainly isn't the challenge level, "simplicity" is this game's middle name. So what is it? How can a game about nothing really be so popular?

I guess it comes down to the "Nintendo Difference." You really haven't played a game quite like Animal Crossing. It's a laid back life sim where you do what you want, when you want. People don't ask what makes The Sims so popular, but the reasons are similar. Just in this game you are a human who for some odd reason decides to go live in a town populated by animals. And animals so cute you'll want to keep a very violent game handy to maintain your sanity.

The widespread appeal comes down to the very fact it is so simple. Even non-gamers of all sexes and ages can pick this up instantly. Better yet there is sure to be something that you find fun to do. Don't like using the design feature to create your own umbrella? Maybe you would rather go fishing for new species you can sell for a profit. No? How about be philanthropic and go searching for rare fossils that you can then donate to the local museum's collection. Not your bag? Maybe you would rather use feng shui to decorate your room, write an old friend a letter, or go do your best Johnny Appleseed impression. There are so, so many things you can do. None are difficult or very 'deep', the game's AI is almost non-existent, but they all can be fun. It's really the sheer amount of activities that makes one take notice.

Just when you think you have seen and done it all, someone new comes to town. Maybe it's a new villager or maybe just someone passing through looking to make a few bucks by selling their wares. Still think there is nothing to do? Maybe you should go ask your friendly local police officer if there is any major upcoming event. Right now in fact is Mushroom Hunting season. Anyone who is anybody is getting up early to go 'shroom huntin'. This time element adds so much. From planning to visit your town on Halloween to racing to Nook's before it closes promptly at 10pm, your real life can be affected by this game!

There is the lure to come back again and again. You will want to visit your town everyday even if just for a few minutes to see what's new. You will want to see if you have gotten any interesting letters in the mail too. If that's not enough, you have your house to think about. Not only do you have to find a way to pay back Tom Nook, but you have to make it look good. One day everyone hopes to get a good grade from the Happy Room Academy. To do this you need rare items that few others have. A big house. Or maybe you should try and collect items of a certain theme. Better yet maybe add a few NES games that you can actually play. A good game of Pinball can cure what ails you. In all, there are a TON of items you can get for your house.

So you have that oriental rug you want complete with dancing Gyroids and a NES arcade? Maybe you should go bug your neighbor (or just go find some bugs). Pick up an item for a friend or take the Pokemon they borrowed back to its rightful owner. Maybe just 'shoot the breeze' with someone. Who knows, maybe they will give you a new shirt since they bought one too many. Better yet get a real friend to move in! What could be more fun then writing your buddy or brother a letter. Trading or selling them an item they need, or maybe bury it somewhere in town and torture them as they search high and low for it. If they can't leave their current house, go visit them! It's even more fun to check out a completely different town. Go talk to a few villagers there. Maybe they will show you a letter they got from your friend... you may learn a thing or two.

So you can be a jerk at times and have no friends? Well that's why the internet was invented (well the second reason it was invented...). Go to Nook's and get a password to trade with a friend over AIM. Maybe even exchange information on some message board or just talk about something crazy that happened to you lately in your little hick town.

Still cynical? Maybe you should just go catch a Red Snapper. It's a snap! Get it? Yeah that was bad, but get used to it. This game is ALL about bad puns. You will laugh, but more often you will just groan at how bad a given pun was. Some the kiddies just won't get, and that's a good thing for those crazy adults. Maybe you should just go catch a Barred Knifejaw. I'm cut up over how to make a pun on that one.

Wow, did I really write that much? By now you can see what makes Animal Crossing so popular on GameCube: there is just sooo much to see and do. And not just today, but events that will happen over the coming weeks and even months. There always seems to be something new coming up or something new you didn't know existed before. Think I've covered it all here? HA! For starters I didn't even mention how much a GBA could add if you happen to own one, or how to wisely invest in the volatile turnip stalk market (yes, another bad pun). Plus it's all the better if you have someone to share your 'life' with, but even without this life partner this game has plenty to do.

The fact Animal Crossing is really whatever you want it to be helps pull you into your own little world where you are that character. Like life, it is the little things that matter most. This is one game where you get out of it what you put in. It will be as little or as much fun as you let it. And it will keep you coming back again and again.

Seinfeld was about nothing, but it was the greatest non-animated TV show ever. And while Animal Crossing might not be the greatest game ever, it sure can be a lot of fun.

Hey! Check out the NBrid Boards for an Animal Crossing Trading Forum! Also be sure to visit www.animal-crossing.com. Learn a few things. Get a cool desktop (Nite Fishing is sweet). Even sign-up for a newsletter in which you might get a few presents!