Animal Crossing Passes 2M, Hits Europe
Europeans spared another two-year wait while Japan celebrates the game going double-platinum.
The Animal Crossing games have not had the best relationship with Europe so far. The first instalment, for the GameCube, arrived in the region more than two years after its debut in Japan. Things have improved, though, and the European iteration of the DS successor is hitting today, barely four months after it made noise in Japan.
Much like the GameCube version, Animal Crossing: Wild World for the DS brings relaxed, real-time gameplay where gamers set up their own towns filled with furry creatures and set about eking out an existence.
The formula has been a hit in Japan, where it's been revealed the game has now sold more than 2 million copies, making it one of the most popular games on the DS.
Apart from the familiar experience, Animal Crossing: Wild World is notable for being one of the first games to make full use of Nintendo's Wi-Fi Connection service. You'll be able to take your experience online and visit other towns, trade items and more, all from the comfort of your own wireless setup at home or through any of the thousands of free hotspots Nintendo and its partners have setup around the world.
Animal Crossing: Wild World is out in Europe for the DS on Friday, 31 March. For more on the game, check out its official site.
Alex Wollenschlaeger
Editor, Kikizo Games
Satoru Iwata Video Interview - the late Nintendo president spoke with Kikizo in 2004 as 'Nintendo Revolution' loomed.
Kaz Hirai Video Interview - the first of Kikizo's interviews with the man who went on to become global head of Sony.
Ed Fries Video Interview - one of Xbox's founders discusses an epic journey from Excel to Xbox.
Yu Suzuki, the Kikizo Interview - we spend time with one of gaming's most revered creators.
Tetris - The Making of an Icon: Alexey Pajitnov and Henk Rogers reveal the fascinating story behind Tetris
Rare founders, Chris and Tim Stamper - their only interview? Genuinely 'rare' sit down with founders of the legendary studio.
The History of First-Person Shooters - a retrospective, from Maze War to Modern Warfare