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[Dash Kappei]

So, I want to finally get my hands on a AC game again.
My previous experience with the franchise, in its Gamecube iteration, wasn't that positive (sold the game a couple of hours later :lol ) but I've decided to give the franchise a second chance since I may be one of the few persons in thw whole world who maybe just didn't get the right way to play the game.

Looking back at Koomaster's lovely journals opened my eyes in terms of the amolunt of fun that could be had with these games if only played with the right attitude and such.

So hey, I've said to myself that maybe I could have that much fun too, right?
It's not like the AC world doesn't fascinate me, and cuteness is more often a plus than not for me (nope, I don't have a problem with Zack&Wiki either!) as long as the artstyle is consistent.

Now, I know a lovely new game in the series just came out for the Wii, and that is exactly what's been giving me the itch to dip in the AC experience, but I've also heard the game isn't that different from the DS "sku".

Which one should I buy?

Portability IS a big plus for me, I feel this kind of games (much like Pokemon or any other jrpg) could grab me by the ghoulies if on a stand alone console and yet give me an enjoyable time if I could mess up with it every other hour I feel like it without having to deal with disc/living room/taking stuff out and such.

That said, I don't want to miss out on a much better game because of that, no sir! I'd say that for these kind of games to grab my (short?) attention span they need a vast amount of npcs' interaction with many different possibile outcomes, stuff to do and the likes.

What would GAF Crossers (and NOT, opinions from gaffers that only occasionally play the games are appreciated all the same) suggest, where to spend my money on?

I will probably NEVER play the game (both for Wii or DS) in multiplayer, if that helps.

 

[Link]

So, I want to finally get my hands on a AC game again.
My previous experience with the franchise, in its Gamecube iteration, wasn't that positive (sold the game a couple of hours later :lol ) but I've decided to give the franchise a second chance since I may be one of the few persons in thw whole world who maybe just didn't get the right way to play the game.

My honest advice is to not bother with either. The gameplay isn't really any different from the GC version, and if you couldn't get into it then, you're not going to get into it now. The series isn't for everyone, and I think you're on the other side of the fence.

 

[jon bones]

WW is the way to go, in my opinion. Animal Crossing is the kind of game that really benefits from portability. It's not a game you sit down and play for hours, it's something you pick up for 15-20 minutes a day and clean your town up, dig the fossils, etc.


I'm also glad you made this thread, as I just goozex'd a copy of AC:WW again after selling my copy a year ago... So hyped to get my fruit trade on :lol

 

[Adam Prime]

I think AC is much better as a portable game, so I'd go with Wild World.

 

[Galactic Fork]

If you're never going to play online, I'd say Wild World then. I guess.

 

[Dash Kappei]

I'm also glad you made this thread, as I just goozex'd a copy of AC:WW again after selling my copy a year ago... So hyped to get my fruit trade on :lol

^__^

Keep 'em coming guys

My honest advice is to not bother with either. The gameplay isn't really any different from the GC version, and if you couldn't get into it then, you're not going to get into it now. The series isn't for everyone, and I think you're on the other side of the fence.

Uhmm.
But Koomaster's journal seems so fascinating, are you saying I have no soul? -__-

Bu I'll take your advice, is something I've thougth as well but really when I played the GC game I remeber thinking "what's the fucking point, this is retarded"... well, maybe I just didn't get it, it certainly didn't spark my imagination like it did with the above mentioned Koomaster and I'm starting to think he's onto something, that's why I'd gladly give the franchise a second chance.

 

[Dash Kappei]

I think AC is much better as a portable game, so I'd go with Wild World.

Well, I think that as well but then again I have no real experience with the game so my opinion doesn't hold a candle... to me (lol).

But how's the game different?
I imagine is missing a lot of stuff from the new game, right?
Maybe the kind of stuff that keeps AC engaging, I dunno.

I don't care if the game's missing a bunch of accessories or furniture series, what would be lame though is if the game lacks in npcs interaction, stuff to to and such.
I mean, if every time I interact or write a letter (yep, that I know a bit about these games) to a npc I happen to receive the same exact response, well that would be pretty dull.

 

[Adam Prime]

Well, I think that as well but then again I have no real experience with the game so my opinion doesn't hold a candle... to me (lol).

But how's the game different?
I imagine is missing a lot of stuff from the new game, right?
Maybe the kind of stuff that keeps AC engaging, I dunno.

I don't care if the game's missing a bunch of accessories or furniture series, what would be lame though is if the game lacks in npcs interaction, stuff to to and such.
I mean, if every time I interact or write a letter (yep, that I know a bit about these games) to a npc I happen to receive the same exact response, well that would be pretty dull.

I haven't played City Folk, but I had the original and WW. To me this was just the perfect game made for a portable since you could play in short bursts and take it anywhere with you to "check out your town" daily. I thought that the NPC interaction was always really good with different lines just about everytime I played. Honestly, I saw almost no difference aside from graphics from the original to WW. Actually, I can think of one... you couldn't play NES games in WW but you could in the original.

As far as what's different in the new game, I've only read in reviews that City Folk is VERY similar to WW with very few things added. I would check out GameRankings or GameFaqs to read up on the game, but apparently it's been said that City Folk is just a console version of WW. I don't know how valid that statement is however.

 

[Cheebs]

AC for Wii has more content so if you don't prefer playing on the go go with that.

 

[Taichu]

In many ways, Wild World is the best version. Portability really works well for the game, and Wild World is cheaper since you aren't sure if you'll enjoy it.

City Folk has some very bizzare design decisions. They took out the side rooms from the DS version for your house. Sahara is more annoying to get carpet from, and doesn't give you options. The controls are awkward (you can cycle through your menu and selection screens without using the pointer, but you cannot cycle through inventory without it). You can't see the bottom of the screen while walking along the beach, so ocean fishing isn't as easy. City Folk also has loading screens when you enter a store, house, etc., which weren't present in the DS version (or the GC version iirc). They also added a "feature" where the grass wears away into dirt the more you walk on it, which is a good idea on paper, but Nintendo didn't really test it and most people's towns have turned into grass-less deserts.

 

[Neo C.]

AC for Wii has more content so if you don't prefer playing on the go go with that.

It's really comfortable to play on the Wii, you can store way more things.

 

[Rollo Lawson]

if you didnt not like the gc version, dont bother. this game hasnt changed

 

[jibblypop]

I had wild world but I think on the small portable screen, it really doesnt capture the relaxing feeling that Animal Crossing gives me. I never could understand why I didn't like it better than the Gamecube version even though it was technically better in every way.. so I guess that was the reason.

However if playing on portables is your preferred way to play then of course get the DS version.

The wii one is a lot better though.

 

[Teknoman]

I'd say City Folk. Online community with other people (friend codes of course), free DLC, etc.

 

[hylian_pirate]

I hated how the inventory and stuff were designed for the touch controls in WW. I know I can use the buttons but it felt like it was built for touch controls.

 

[Dash Kappei]

In many ways, Wild World is the best version.
[..]
City Folk also has loading screens when you enter a store, house, etc., which weren't present in the DS version (or the GC version iirc). They also added a "feature" where the grass wears away into dirt the more you walk on it, which is a good idea on paper, but Nintendo didn't really test it and most people's towns have turned into grass-less deserts.

Wow, these two really SUCK.
Loadings? Wastelands? What the hell.

AC for Wii has more content so if you don't prefer playing on the go go with that.

Is is true you don't get any reward for npc interaction in City Folk while you did in Wild world?
If yes, how's this a good thing? Why would they change such a thing?

The wii one is a lot better though.

Decisions decisions


edit:

I'd say City Folk. Online community with other people (friend codes of course), free DLC, etc.

Not interested in online but I am for the DLC.
What kind of stuff is there? Special "events" or the occasional collectible item?

 

[Rollo Lawson]

yea if choosing, the wii version is the most complete. its pretty much an aggregate of all the previous ones

 

[M3wThr33]

if you didnt not like the gc version, dont bother. this game hasnt changed

Yeah it has.

The GameCube was still the best version.

REAL holidays
Split-level villages
Displaying items infront of your house
The giant tree of life
Police station
NES Games
An Island
A logical way to get the golden shovel

A whole BUNCH of compromises were made for the DS version and the Wii version just added a few more features on top of that.

 

[Wii Will Rock U]

Yeah it has.

The GameCube was still the best version.

REAL holidays
Split-level villages
Displaying items infront of your house
The giant tree of life
Police station
NES Games
An Island
A logical way to get the golden shovel

A whole BUNCH of compromises were made for the DS version and the Wii version just added a few more features on top of that.

Yeah, I'd have to say if you were not try and hunt it down, AC for GC is still the best.

 

[Dash Kappei]

Yeah, I'd have to say if you were not try and hunt it down, AC for GC is still the best.

That's depressing.

And what you guys mean for "REAL holidays"

 

[Ysiadmihi]

If you want new content, Wii Speak support and all that, then City Folk.

Honestly though, it's hard to beat Wild World since it's portable and has barely any load times. If City Folk was a WiiWare title (which it easily could have been if the Wii had a hard drive) I'd say take it, but the loading times really hurt it.

 

[matmanx1]

My wife and I have been playing City Folk since Christmas and we are having a good time with it. She has a friend who lives on the other side of the state and they visit each others town a couple of times a week. It is in many ways the same game as the DS version but being able to see it on a large screen with bright, clean graphics makes a big difference for me in terms of enjoyment.

I also like the City area they added and the stuff in it even though I dont care for the new house upgrade path. I really liked all the side rooms in the DS version. Oh and the load times are very short. Sub 5 seconds and totally not an issue for me.

 

[HeadsUpSevenUp]

I think the NPC interactions are better in Wild World. If this is your favorite aspect, then Wild World is the way to go, because you get rewards for being friendly with the animals. For example, they will trust you more with their private letters, and if you're really good friends, give you a picture of themselves. I pretty much played the game to get all my favorite character's pictures, and I wouldn't let them move away until I got it.

The kind of limited the interactions in City Folk. Now you can only talk to them a very limited amount of time, and they'll start repeating themselves. I think they did this t encourage you to talk to more animals rather than the same one over and over. However, in Wild World there is much more variety even in talking to the same character over and over.

Another interaction I like is how they remember things about people who visit or people from the town they moved from. They will show you letters they sent, tell you about things they like to do, etc.

tl;dr get Wild World

 

[BobJustBob]

Wait, how can you sell Animal Crossing after a few hours? It takes days to even get all the tools.

 

[Wii Will Rock U]

That's depressing.

And what you guys mean for "REAL holidays"

I don't know if I can speak for Mew, but when I saw that, I thought about how alot of the holidays were cut out of Wild World and since City Folk is essentially Wild World with better graphics, voice chat, and on Wii, the GC version still wins holiday wise.

For example, a FULL set of furniture, the harvest set, was left out of the Wild World edition. Harvest fesitval was, of course, Thanksgiving and on the day you have to find a turkey named Franklin who is trying to escape from Tortimer who is going to cook him into dinner. He hires you to go to the Thanksgiving festival, steal the forks off all the tables and give them to Franklin. He'll then give you a piece of furniture set to the "Harvest" theme and you can repeat this throughout the day. :lol

The only holiday that is in City Folk that isn't in the others is "Bunny Day" (Easter). And even so, the holidays and events in the Gamecube version are more fleshed out.

 

[Rollo Lawson]

Yeah it has.

The GameCube was still the best version.

REAL holidays
Split-level villages
Displaying items infront of your house
The giant tree of life
Police station
NES Games
An Island
A logical way to get the golden shovel

A whole BUNCH of compromises were made for the DS version and the Wii version just added a few more features on top of that.

wow you're right. i completely forgot about the nes games. if only for that, i stand corrected.

 

[GaussTek]

I played the DS a lot of time and now I'm playing the Wii version (for almost two months now).

At first I also thought the DS version was better. But after checking the DS version again, I couldn't stand the framerate and downgraded graphics.

Yeah, the DS is portable, but in my opinion, the Wii version it's a lot better.

 

[Visualante]

Wait, how can you sell Animal Crossing after a few hours? It takes days to even get all the tools.

I soon realised that I didn't want the tools.

 

[Dash Kappei]

Wait, how can you sell Animal Crossing after a few hours? It takes days to even get all the tools.

What do you mean?
I had the game for like 10 days, played not a lot more than a couple of hours total when I decided not to stick with it because I couldn't see the point or the fun in it and sold it on Ebay. Maybe it didn't help that I imported it from the US (I even preordered it, I had never tried Animal Forest and such on the N64) and sold it so quickly that there wasn't that big of a community to begin with even looking at you guys overseas, let alone in the EU... of course that changed shortly after.

Edit:
or, in other words

I soon realised that I didn't want the tools.

:lol :lol yeah, pretty much that

AC TRIVIA:
I've always been curious to know if when they released the GC one in EU, Nintendo had already started working on the DS iteration. Probably not, right?

For example, a FULL set of furniture, the harvest set, was left out of the Wild World edition. Harvest fesitval was, of course, Thanksgiving and on the day you have to find a turkey named Franklin who is trying to escape from Tortimer who is going to cook him into dinner. He hires you to go to the Thanksgiving festival, steal the forks off all the tables and give them to Franklin. He'll then give you a piece of furniture set to the "Harvest" theme and you can repeat this throughout the day. :lol

The only holiday that is in City Folk that isn't in the others is "Bunny Day" (Easter). And even so, the holidays and events in the Gamecube version are more fleshed out.

Damn.
Isn't that one of the main reasons to play the game for at least one year straight, so to witness all the quirks and the different holidays? Why would Nintendo do that...

Also: Wait, WW doesn't even have Easter?!
I mean, this kind of stuff here is what could attract me to the game, more than the collectibles.
It's not the item per se I'm interested in, as all the means involved to get it (that Franklin "quest" you've explained right there it's hilarious to me! I want that in the AC experience I'm looking for.

 

[jibblypop]

For example, they will trust you more with their private letters

Sorry to go off topic but is this confirmed that if you send a letter to an animal in city folk that they don't show it to other people?? i hadn't noticed it but i just assumed it was just a coincidence that I hadn't seen it yet.

 

[M3wThr33]

What's interesting is that the GC one loads into the memory. All of it. No loading.

Where did they fuck up loading in the Wii one? That's DEPRESSING if they did.

Sorry to go off topic but is this confirmed that if you send a letter to an animal in city folk that they don't show it to other people?? i hadn't noticed it but i just assumed it was just a coincidence that I hadn't seen it yet.

The hell? So City Folk is super-gimped, too?

 

[ThatObviousUser]

I like both console iterations more, but that could just be me.

 

[ThatObviousUser]

Sorry to go off topic but is this confirmed that if you send a letter to an animal in city folk that they don't show it to other people?? i hadn't noticed it but i just assumed it was just a coincidence that I hadn't seen it yet.

I can confirm they do show it to people, jeeze don't jump to conclusions. :lol I bet you think Egg Day was cut last minute because you haven't experienced it yet. :lol

Edit- Double post.

 

[jibblypop]

I can confirm they do show it to people, jeeze don't jump to conclusions. :lol I bet you think Egg Day was cut last minute because you haven't experienced it yet. :lol

You have trouble reading don't you? I didn't jump to that conclusion because I hadn't experienced it. I asked if that was the case because someone fucking said so. I even quoted them to show why I was asking. You miss that?

 

[Dash Kappei]

I think the NPC interactions are better in Wild World. If this is your favorite aspect, then Wild World is the way to go, because you get rewards for being friendly with the animals.
[..]
in City Folk. Now you can only talk to them a very limited amount of time, and they'll start repeating themselves.
[..] in Wild World there is much more variety even in talking to the same character over and over.

Nice post, thanks buddy.
You've pretty much sold me on WW with those lines, shame about the missing holidays though.
Maybe I should track down a copy of AC GC and give it a second chance, the game's dirty cheap I hope? On a second though, less of a hassle going for WW.
Also, City Folk bundle are kinda pricey aren't they?

In the end, these games are crapped on because they're so similiar to each other... and yet so different.

I like both console iterations more, but that could just be me.

Ok, why is that? Just the "relaxing feeling" someone mentioned before?

 

[Apenheul]

I asked the exact same question in the City Folk thread a month ago, the impression I got was that if portability is a big deal (which you said in the OP) then the DS version is the better pick. Overall it seems that the Wii version offers a slightly more robust experience but since I haven't played the DS version I just ook GAF's word for it.

 

[Dash Kappei]

I asked the exact same question in the City Folk thread a month ago, the impression I got was that if portability is a big deal (which you said in the OP) then the DS version is the better pick. Overall it seems that the Wii version offers a slightly more robust experience but since I haven't played the DS version I just ook GAF's word for it.

Is it your first AC game?

 

[Apenheul]

Is it your first AC game?

I've played the GC and DS version only very briefly so I wasn't really new to the concept, the Wii version is the first AC I bought myself and I've been playing it since early december now.

 

[BobJustBob]

I had the game for like 10 days, played not a lot more than a couple of hours total

Oh, I thought you meant a couple of real life hours. I imagined you sitting down, naming your character, picking out your house, planting some flowers for Nook, and then saying FUCK THIS and taking it back to the store.

I bet people have done that. Actually it sounds like my experience with God of War.

 

[JennyTablina]

Quick comparison of both games

Animal Crossing: Wild World

Pros

• Portablity - Play whenever you want and wherever
• Touch screen is perfect for designing shirts/flags/pavement slots
• Character interaction may be slightly better (though personally I dont see much difference)
• Insurance - makes being cursed and stung by bees more profitable

Cons

• No Holidays - just made up "Holidays" such as "Pay-a-Complement" day and "Change the Town Tune day" and no special items
• Hairdressing isnt available till later in the game and businesses in the Wii City only arrive on certain days in WW and/or randomly show up
• If you have a friend who wants to play also, you have to share the house

Animal Crossing: Lets go to the City/City Folk

Pros

• City provides access to various businesses that are hard to come by on DS
• Any additional players have their own homes
• ACTUAL holidays and gifts for certain occasions from the mayor
• Looks lovely
• Downloadable content (hopefully will come out of Japan at some point)

Cons

• Not portable
• Making designs is kind of fiddly with the wiimote
• Still virtually the same game (though theres plenty tweaks to appreciate)

Personally I prefer Wii, the Holidays break things up and it feels more relaxed and fun

 

[flamesofchaos]

Wii version is the best version of Animal Crossing.

 

[abstract alien]

My honest advice is to not bother with either. The gameplay isn't really any different from the GC version, and if you couldn't get into it then, you're not going to get into it now. The series isn't for everyone, and I think you're on the other side of the fence.

I completely agree. Although Im a big fan of the series, it hasnt underwent enough changes to really bring in anyone who hasnt enjoyed it before. The evolution of it has really been in the addition of fine details, not drastic gameplay changes.

Id always tell someone to give it a shot if they have the opportunity, but in this case, listen to Link if it means putting down the cash...especially if you wont be playing with anyone.

 

[Dash Kappei]

Thanks for the lovely breakdown JennyTablina.

Damn guys, now I'm torn again because of the holidays thing, though being able to do your own designs on the touch screen sounds lovely.

Let's see, from a NON gamer perspective, likesay my mom who can play stuff like TV Kings/Big Brain Academy IF I explain to her stuff like "in that instance the remote is like a scratcher/torchlight" and AT BEST can manage alone (after going through that with me) to navigate the Wii Sports' menus and play tennis/bowling, would she be able to play the Wii game by herself without having me to explain every new little thing happen?
I can't be at my parents my whole time and the only wat she would enjoy playing is if she doesn't feel crippled or inadeguate trying to play the game and failing because stuff are too complicate either by a gameplay perspective and, more so, because of precise waggle/menus/lots of buttons to remeber.

I'd like then to gift her the game, then if I like it I'd eventually get a copy myself.
I'm sure if given the opportunity to play she would LOVE it but remember she's a total gaming/technology illiterate, for instance she could never program a vcr/dvd recorder by herself if you know what I mean.

 

[Haruspex]

I think City Folk is a nice blend of the previous two games.

If portability is such a big factor for you then Wild World it is, but if you get involved in the community aspect of City Folk, especially here on GAF, then the experience will be much more rewarding.

I've always prefered AC on a big screen, its more relaxing as people have said, I find myself playing longer instead of going through the routine of pulling weeds, watering flowers and digging up fossils.

 

[TJ Spyke]

Thanks for the lovely breakdown JennyTablina.

Damn guys, now I'm torn again because of the holidays thing, though being able to do your own designs on the touch screen sounds lovely.

Let's see, from a NON gamer perspective, likesay my mom who can play stuff like TV Kings/Big Brain Academy IF I explain to her stuff like "in that instance the remote is like a scratcher/torchlight" and AT BEST can manage alone (after going through that with me) to navigate the Wii Sports' menus and play tennis/bowling, would she be able to play the Wii game by herself without having me to explain every new little thing happen?
I can't be at my parents my whole time and the only wat she would enjoy playing is if she doesn't feel crippled or inadeguate trying to play the game and failing because stuff are too complicate either by a gameplay perspective and, more so, because of precise waggle/menus/lots of buttons to remeber.

Yes, she will have no problem. Everything is explained the first time you do it (when you first start the game, Nook even has you do several basic things like delivering items, planting flowers, writing a letter, etc.). When you buy tools, Nook offers to explain how to use it.

Controls are pretty simple. All you really need is the analog stick and A button (plus B button to run). Nintendo even designed it so you can use just the Wii Remote by itself if you want. Nintendo clearly designed the game so that anyone can easily play it.

I haven't played WW, but I am really enjoying CF. It's not a huge leap over the GCN version, but it is better. Having online play is a huge benefit too, I have loved visiting other people's villages and having them visit mine. There are even two characters, a mother and daughter cat pair, who will sometimes show up after you visit someones village or they visit yours. The daughter will be wandering around looking for her mother, and the person who lives in that village will have to escort her back to the other village (but you get a reward mailed to you).

 

[Deleted member 22576]

I just got Animal Crossing WW yesterday!
We need to visit eachother's towns!

 

[ThatObviousUser]

Ok, why is that? Just the "relaxing feeling" someone mentioned before?

I suppose so. I suppose it may be because it brought me back to playing the first AC on the Cube, which has some of my best gaming memories. It's definitely a different feeling game from playing at sub-30fps, play-anywhere (buses, classes, cars) to playing at a constant 60 and being rooted in roughly the same spot every time you play.

 

[Dash Kappei]

Uhmm, thanks TJ, unless other people think my mom will not be able to play with AC, I'll go for that.
Even if I hate buying a gimped game so to speak, and it's very pricey.
Maybe I should ditch the WiiSpeak bundle?
Can you still have the community aspect without it? With messages or something? Or every other AC:CF player has Wii Speak as well?

 

[TJ Spyke]

You can type messages on the in-game keyboard (I don't know if it supports USB keyboards), so you don't need the Wii Speak mic if you don't want it. It also has a lot of pre-loaded messages (like "Goodbye", "Hello", "Come here", etc.).

 

[Dash Kappei]

I suppose so. I suppose it may be because it brought me back to playing the first AC on the Cube, which has some of my best gaming memories. It's definitely a different feeling game from playing at sub-30fps, play-anywhere (buses, classes, cars) to playing at a constant 60 and being rooted in roughly the same spot every time you play.

Wow, strange, the game doesn't seem that demanding and a lot of DS games run a 60fps.