Mowzle

I love the way the music changes every hour in Animal Crossing, and it also had some really lovely tunes that played in the wee small hours. Wild World is the only game I've played, but I love watching the YouTube videos of the GameCube version.
I may have to get out Wild World again - the 3DS version is SUCH a long time coming.
I must try this, thank you for the tip.
Edit:- The hourly tunes in Wild World were quite noticeably different during the night time hours, but maybe the daytime tunes had less variation.

Thanks for the amusing and informative review Mike.
It was difficult to tell whether this would be fun or a dud game, so I waited for the review. I'm quite amenable to kitties and I enjoy match three style games, so I'm off to get it now.
Cheers!

Thanks for the lovely review, Chicken. Sounds as though you drew a half decent straw this time
I liked the look of this game, and it sounded fun, right from first hearing about it, so I'm waiting fingers crossed for a European release. Any indicators of a release date?
Also, does it have replay value?
Shame about the music - just have to cope with it if I want to play the game, I guess.

@metafaniel No, the zip I downloaded only has .bmp files, and they're the same as the ones at the link you gave James. Sorry for the delay in my reply, feeding the ravening hoards and a pile of ironing interrupted me.

I've downloaded the screenshots to my PC, as I couldn't get access via the 3DS and it was a zipped file anyway.
Anybody tried uploading them to their 3DS yet?
How do they display?
I might try myself later this evening if I have time.

I think this is a lovely idea. However, many of us are not likely to get to the Louvre any time soon, and even if we do get there some day, it would be really useful to have a "guided tour" beforehand. I'm busy looking at the real art works when I go to a museum or gallery, and don't really use the portable audio guides when I'm there, though I accept many do like them. I also like to read about what I've seen afterwards, and this would be like taking a catalogue home.
What I'm saying is - it would be really cool to have this as an eShop 3DS downloadable application/game so that the less favored among us could have "a trip to the Louvre". I'm not suggesting it should be a freeby in those circumstances, I'd even pay for it as a retail game.
It wouldn't be to everyone's taste, but it would appeal to quite a number of 3DS owners and maybe draw in a few more. It could be a real winner with all the mini talks on the art works, and easier to browse than those heavy coffee table art books.
Edit:- Bummer! I took so long doing my response and get pipped at the post by a much more concise reply

I hoped to buy this today when I was in town. Game hadn't got it on the shelf, and unfortunately I had no time to get over to HMV. I'm off to Cornwall for a short spell soon. There is (or was last autumn) a great little independent game store in Truro. I'm hoping to find it there, otherwise I may need to resort to the internet retailers.

Well, I know it's GERMS, but it does look so pretty!

Thank you for the detailed review.
Off to try this one out now.

Sounds interesting. Thanks for the article James.
A bit off topic here, but talking about blades reminds me. Does anybody have any news about a likely release date for Sakura Samurai: Art of the Sword in the EU eShop?

@Red_Kinetic: I presume Iwata has arrived on your Mii Plaza by now, but if not, just make sure you've got your wi-fi switched on and can accept street pass visitors.
I completed the Streetpass Quest today with a bunch of cats led by Iwata. I noticed he was a Level 5 player and expected great things, but he was a bit of a damp squib in my game. Still I've got my crown now
I love my 3DS, and like Victoria at #9 I love the Swapnote/Letter Box application, but I'm waiting impatiently for Animal Crossing 3DS - just hope the wait will be justified with lots of wild world goodness.

P.S. Now I want to move on to the new Streetpass Quest (sorry to go off topic here). Does it just open up when I opt to play the game again?
Edit PS - Just realized I need to get all the hats in the first Quest before I can move onto the second one. Bummer!

Thanks for the nice review, Chicken.
I see you drew the short straw again

@#19 japzone
Thanks for that information. Really looking forward to this.

I really will throw a tantrum if this doesn't come to Europe shortly after the US release.
It was originally developed by Jens Andersson in Europe, though I believe he has since migrated to the US with his work.
Here's a link to the Danish website which gives additional details of Colors 3D:-
http://www.collectingsmiles.com/news/

Well, I'm really peeved the US is getting a personal message from Uggie!
I want one in the UK (throws self on floor and drums heels in tantrum)!

Leaving aside all the pros and cons of shop VS internet purchase of games, I just feel very sad about this. If Game closes, there will not be anyone coming along to take it's place. It will just be one more nail in the High Street retail coffin, resulting in another cascade of unemployment and an even more mediocre shopping experience in all but the biggest towns.

Aww!
I don't think it's plug ugly. I'm not usually into logos and fancy stuff, but I love the black and gold effect.
Each to his own, I guess.

Shaun was promised at the 3DS video application launch, and he's pretty much an international figure, so I would have hoped Nintendo would release this series worldwide.
It's not as though they need to do much in the way of translation or localization

Thanks for the nice review CB.
I think I'll go find me some boxes to shift

Still no news of Animal Crossing 3DS??
I don't want a half cooked game, but some indication of ETA would be really welcome

I don't want any retailer to fail. High Street shops play a big role in the financial health and general employment levels of any town, and I do believe that has an effect on it's citizen's quality of life. Even before the present financial slump in the West, High Street shops were facing problems due to the availability of cheaper goods sold on-line. Grossly overpriced games aside, I am prepared to pay a few extra coins for the privilege of buying it from a "human bean" in a shop. I buy a lot of items on-line, including games, because I can't even get them by ordering in a shop. That perpetuates a vicious cycle of supply and demand, and more and more jobs are lost, in particular to the big on-line traders, and our communities get poorer and poorer. I don't know what the answer is. Sorry if I'm way off topic....

@ OldBoy :- I agree 100% with everything you say about Game. They sell half a dozen new DS titles in store, and their assistants haven't even heard of any other titles coming along. They have to check in their catalogue to tell you "no we won't be stocking that or selling it online", and they're not interested. No wonder they lose business to online retailers.
PS I love your avatar btw.

Well, surely Nintendo knows we ALL want to see these. Lets keep our fingers crossed.
@ThumperUK :- I don't think they'd let us keep or buy them. I'm sure it'll be like that Oscar's Oasis series last year - one a week and then it expires

This looks really interesting.
I hope it does get the brain cells ticking - I could do with some memory jogging.
Once upon a time I could do quadratic equations - not exactly sure what they are now

I'm amazed that folk apparently utilized the flags in a negative way
To me they embodied that feeling of a unified community that I love here - I never felt they were divisive - but if you say so...
With regard to the adds - they are what make the site affordable, and as such should be embraced - it's not as though the front page is littered with flashing scammy pop-ups.

Gotta add my comments along with everybody else!
I like the bigger text, I don't mind vetted adds as they are essential to the site's running costs, and the minimalist look doesn't affect Nintendolife's basic ethos.
However, along with a lot of other folk - can I put in a special plea for the return of nationality flags, assuming this is technically possible? Yes, I know one can find out by clicking on the commentator's avatar, but it was always part of the fun of things to see at a glance from which direction most opinions were coming and of course just how wide Nintendolife's popularity ranged.
Please?

@20.Mardt
Have you tried logging into your Club Nintendo Account page? You should find a message on the right hand side, but if not then log out and then back in again, at which point you may find what you seek. I noted this tip from elsewhere on NL, and it has been useful for others. My code arrived by email several days after I obtained the game by using the above method.

Thanks for the thorough review James, this one has been on my horizon.
......Now, can I find it on the High Street, or will I have to seek it online?

@15. 3DsLover
Me Too! But let's live in hope

Your reward for coping with this review CB, is the knowledge that you provided us with considerable amusement by writing it.
Many thanks

Wow! How sad.
However, at 800 points, I'm really glad I held out for a review.
It looks great: what a shame a little more care hasn't been taken with everything else.
Thanks for the thorough review Mike.

Well, blow me down!!
Didn't think this was the remotest possibility, but that's great.
Not into the horror genre myself, and am unlikely to buy Cooking Mama, but I'll give it a whirl, and it will be great to try out some of the others before handing over my credit card.
The 3DS is proving to be a really interesting little amusement centre.

Huh!?
I don't recall getting an email saying I would get a code sent, though I was told on the website at the time of game registration that I qualified to download the free game, and would be informed nearer the time. Not always consistent are they? Never mind, I'm sure things will happen eventually.

@5.mariofanatic128
Why are you not a member of Club Nintendo?
It's free. It has perks - obviously.
Go to it!

Nikki has just joined my Miis, and is busy organizing their work load. She thinks they've been lazing around doing very little for too long!
Thanks Thomas

Whilst I don't see myself playing this, I think it's an absolutely brilliant innovation. It's just the sort of thing that should be happening with a handheld like the 3DS. I can't see any reason why Nintendo would object, but I hope they do appreciate this type of development and use of their software, rather than trying to squash it.

@battLeToadD: Maybe he means he resents using valuable play coins to unlock stationery. I do wish Nintendo would allow 20 play coins daily. It is easy to rack that up with steps. At the moment I'm having to decide whether to use my 10 coins to purchase Swapnote/Letterbox perks OR use them to play the games in Mii Plaza. The number of StreetPasses I get don't contribute much usefulness to Mii Plaza games.
I agree with all the comments about needing some way of sorting and identifying the Notes, but it's a lovely way of being able to contact folks on the Friend List. Great review James, and a great little App for the 3DS.
Thanks Nintendo

@battLeToaD: I only have handheld consoles, so I regret I've completely missed out on A Boy and His Blob. I was really disappointed when Way Forward said they were not after all working on a version for the 3DS .

@9. battLeToaD
Don't underestimate your command of the English language, you use it better than some English natives .
With WordJong you just have to use letters presented on the tiles to compose random words in English. However, with a crossword you have to understand a clue to guess a related word, which I think would be a lot more difficult if English is not your first language.

@7.LEGEND_MARIOID
I also have the PC version - I think the DS game is a port of that. It's certainly just as addictive, but it's pretty low powered and needs to be played in a window. It looks real fuzzy played full screen

I've checked a few details out, and if anyone based in the UK is after the retail cart WordJong DS, it is available at present through a few online retailers at about £12 - see the usual search engine

Thanks for the review Zach.

I've got the cart version of WordJong which I love (and went to tremendous efforts to obtain - it took ages to come out on UK release), but this looks a different variation. I'd go for it to add to the mix, if it comes to Europe. Please Nintendo, are you listening?

Thanks for that Joe!

Merry Christmas to staff and all participants on Nintendo Life.
You are guaranteed to add sparkle to the day.
Have a wonderful festive season.

Grrreat!

Many thanks for a great revue Jacob (re-vamped or not).
I just love to read about a game I'm about to play, whether or not it's already on my console. A revue isn't a walkthrough, but it tells me a bit about what to expect and maybe how to start out. Keep 'em coming folks!

@5. Sorry, Chicken Brutus. I didn't make myself clear. I had realized Nintendo didn't make this game, but was questioning their ethos in releasing it as DSiWare at a premium price. I should have waited for the review before purchase, of course. Got carried away with seasonal goodwill - regrettably not the liquid type!
@7. ThomasBW84
Thanks for the review, by the way. I do find your comments on the probable grounds for approval to release games interesting. I have never actually considered the matter before, but I can see now more clearly how some games manage to get into the marketplace.

@10 Flowerlark
Agree, I love the graphic style!

I hate to pile on the agony for a game that hasn't transferred well to the handheld screen...However, I have downloaded this game, and apart from agreeing with everything Thomas says in the review, I should like to add that on my 3DS at least, I find the non response to tapping on the correct "hidden" object is abysmal, almost to the point of screaming frustration. If I could demand my money back, I would. Does anybody play these games at Nintendo HQ before deciding on a price tag? For goodness sake, 800 points? 200 points might be more appropriate.
I'm sorry Nintendo, I love you for the Ambassador games, but surely you can do better than this when offering a pricey seasonal download?

I love Wild World too. I think it kept me sane through 18 months of major home renovation (in the real world). We washed dishes in the bathroom sink upstairs for 6 weeks, camped in the living room, and got back problems deconstructing and re-building wardrobes, but my Wild World home continued to upgrade neatly as I paid off my mortgages and I could move the furniture around by squashing it into my pocket. How, I wished I could do that in real life!
I can't wait for the 3DS version. I've seen a lot of the GC version in YouTube clips and it looks great. I'm hoping the new version has that sort of variety. I'm ready for something new.

Colors for me as soon as it's out.
@6. cammy
You can get a Colors App for an iPhone and iPod Touch
http://colorslive.com/downloads_iphone.php