Animal Crossing: New Leaf

$35, Nintendo 3DS

Teaches: logic

CTR Rating: 96%

CTR Review

This downloadable edition of Animal Crossing for the Nintendo 3DS (through the eShop) lets you become mayor for the first time. The previous mayor, Tortimer, will visit you to tell you about the tropical island he now lives on. According to our testers, who were familiar with past Animal Crossing titles, "this game does what the next edition of Animal Crossing should do." They like the new ability to swim and take control of the town. There's plenty of searching and mini-games. You can also participate with up to three other players in mini games, rent a wetsuit and dive into the ocean to catch underwater creatures or swim around for some virtual exercise. This version also features more customizable options, allowing you to personalize your town, your character's clothes and house. Other unique features include the ability to make QR Code patterns to be shared with others who also own a copy of the game via wireless broadband Internet connection. You can also tag players using the StreetPass feature. The game is played in real time, so even when the power is off on your 3DS system the town is constantly evolving and changing. Certain items can only be found at a certain times of day, and certain events can only be experienced during special in-game holidays on the calendar. Note that you'll want to have an SD card to store this game.