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E3 2005: Animal Crossing DS - DS

21st May 2005, 12:47am
Animal Crossing and the DS were made for each other. Seriously, it's a perfect match. There's been demos playing all through the E3 game, and people have been wandering the villages exploring.

The game has all the features you loved from the Gamecube version - digging holes, fishing, the axe, catching bugs, plus added and easier functionality. The console version made it irritating to write letters, but the DS stylus makes it so much deliciously easier. You control your character by touching the bottom screen - the further away from the character you touch, the faster he moves.

Touching plays a big part in the game - you'll design clothes (again, easier than on the GC), open doors and do practically everything with your stylus. Not only that, but three other friends can be wandering your village at the same time as you. Plus, you can hit them with shovels.

The game will be going online, with good ol' Copper returning to man a gate by the train station. He'll open it, allowing others to join you, and you to join them. There's no news on whether or not you'll purchase stuff from an online store, but Nook's department store now has two storeys.

The game looks similar to the N64/GC version, but a bit rough around the edges still. It utilises a 'rolling log' style world, with the world almost rolling beneath you like you're walking on a sphere. It's hard to explain, so check out a video. The top screen shows the clouds and stars at night, and will play a minimal role in the game - though it does reinforce the world - you can't see the sky on the bottom screen. You'll be able to draw constellations in the stars too!

You can also customize your character further, with hats, sunglasses and other clothing. Also, Revolution connectivity isn't, out of the picture, apparently - a relief for both Animal Crossing lovers and Revolution hopers. If you can't tell, I'm excited about the game. It looks like an awesome debut for the DS's online network, and one that will keep us interested for many, many hours.
by Nick Schaedel
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