GAME REVIEW: Animal Crossing

Animal Crossing is all about paying off your home loan.

System: Nintendo 3DS

Price: R390

Age Restriction: All Ages

In Friends of New Leaf, the latest addition to the long- standing series, the story begins with the player being mistaken for the new mayor.

Apparently being age 10 isn't a barrier to political success in this universe, and you get to run your own town. The ability to compose a town tune is nice, and hearing how it is included in the game in different ways and at different times is a special touch.

But this is not where the biggest fun lies: how it feeds your desire to collect things is. There is a museum to stock with fish, bugs, fossils and art while you compulsively hunt for a perfect lounge suit.

The game has a public works programme which helps you change the town.

While the characters contribute to making these projects happen, you end up providing the bulk of funds to speed them up a bit.

It would not be Animal Crossing without the sleepy- eyed debt-pusher Tom Nook and his insidious home loans. Every time you pay off a loan, Nook suggests extending your property, which lands you deeper in debt as each extension is expensive.

There are shops where you spend your money. Timmy and Tommy Nook sell equipment, and there is a clothing shop where you can personalise designs and clothing for your game avatar.

While the character models can be a bit creepy, the overall aesthetic is bright and pretty.

THE GOOD

The dialogue is solid, and collecting things to decorate your home or fill the museum becomes compulsive.

THE BAD

The character design is, odd.

RATING: 8/10