System: DS
Dev: DK Games
Pub: DreamCatcher
Release: Sep. 18, 2007
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Review by Nathan Meunier

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Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

Interacting with nearby objects is far easier since you can use the stylus to tap an icon which will pop up at the bottom of the screen if a usable element is nearby, or you can select it directly if it's within view.

Keeping your Animate healthy and happy requires paying close attention to indicators on the top screen which tell you what your pet requires in terms of food, water, going to the bathroom, playtime, and bathing. If you let a particular area get too low then a small bubble will appear above your pet to let you know it's more pressing need. While food spots, places to play (swings, slides, rocks to climb, etc.), and drinking water spots are spread out in numerous locations across the large playing field, other necessities such as a bathroom and shower facility are scarce, forcing players to make their Animates travel long distances before they can relieve themselves.

When your Animate encounters another creature on its travels they mainly ignore one another, despite attempts to get them to play together. If left to its own devices, your pet will usually sit still, though it may sometimes run around in circles or randomly take off at a full-speed run around the map. Occasionally it will do cute little tricks. When appropriate, you can provide praise or discipline as needed. Other activities have been included to keep your pet busy in between basic care functions. You can train it in running, swimming, obedience, and climbing, as well as have it compete in a handful of mini-games to earn trophies. The mini-games themselves are overly simple one-touch activities such as tapping a flying fish to make your Animate catch them in a net, playing hopscotch by simply selecting your path, whacking moles as they pop their heads up, hunting for red birds around the map, and popping the right colored balloons. Each game has three difficulty settings and a time limit to beat to earn rewards. Though the games are not very engrossing past a minute or so, younger players should have fun watching their Animate complete the easy tasks. They're also rewarded with positive messages for doing a good job, which is a nice touch.

The game's mellow orchestral tracks and soothing nature sounds create a pleasant outdoor atmosphere. This goes well with the graphic style of muted, calm colors and soft edges. The virtual forest playground for your Animate has lots of green terrain to explore, though you'll run into trees, hills, pools of water, beaches, waterfalls, and other terrain as well. Your Animate also makes plenty of adorable noises, and often exclaims "wheeee! wheeee! wheeee!" as it runs around or frolics excitedly.

Animates provides a solid virtual pet experience for younger gamers who want to dabble in the cutesy natural world with their lovable fantasy creature. Most kids will probably be able to overlook the somewhat frustrating controls and find lots to enjoy. While snuggling up to a handheld video game system may still not be better than cuddling a real kitten, kids are a lot more likely to find success convincing their parents to let them take home a budget priced DS title like Animates over the real-deal.

By Nathan Meunier
CCC Freelance Writer

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