Animal Crossing: City Folk

In Animal Crossing: City Folk, Nintendo uses the Wii's internet connection to enable even more players to visit each other's towns online. The addition of a city gives the player more stuff to do, but otherwise the game follows the series formula. Players have their own houses and can catch bugs, fish, and garden in real time as they immerse themselves in the simulation.

The game can be saved at most times by simply talking to the dancing statue outside of your avatar's home. However, because Animal Crossing accounts for the passage of time even while it's off, a player might be tempted to keep playing in order to wait for a special event.

Animal Crossing: City Folk isn't inherently difficult, nor is it meant to be. Young kids and adults alike can enjoy the game.

In Animal Crossing: City Folk, Nintendo uses the Wii's internet connection to enable even more players to visit each other's towns online. Using Wii Speak, players can verbally interact with other gamers online. This can be limited to a select group of friends in the parental controls, and there is a filter to prevent certain inappropriate words.

• What makes basic chores more satisfying in the virtual reality of the game than in real life?
• What are the pros and cons of hanging out with friends in your game instead of in person?
• In the game, you must earn money before you can go shopping. However, methods of earning money are not always realistic. Do you think this is a good lesson for kids?
• How do you feel when two of the in-game characters are having a disagreement?