SimAnimals Review for Nintendo Wii

System: Wii, DS	Review Rating Legend
Dev: EA	1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid	4.0 - 4.4 = Great
Pub: EA	2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
Release: Jan. 21, 2009	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	5.0 = The Best
Players: 1-4	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
ESRB Rating: Everyone	3.5 - 3.9 = Good

The sound in SimAnimals can best be described as sparse. Whenever you unlock a new stage or complete an objective, a little classical-inspired tune will play, which is enjoyable enough. However, level music is bland and animal sound effects are very generic and can wear on the nerves after a while.

SimAnimals screenshot

As for play value, SimAnimals' simplicity really hinders the immersion of the game, and it doesn't feel like a game you can really get lost in. Part of the allure of Sim titles is the complex relationships between different elements and weighing complex decisions. However, in SimAnimals, the biggest decision you will have to make is who to pet first and where to plant your clover, which is not exactly satisfying.

Also worth noting is the game's length. Although you can explore different landscapes and interact to your heart's content, if you stick to the game's different missions, you will be finished with this title in less than ten hours. The game's length may be perfect for the younger sect, but those who are looking for a long and immersive Sim experience will need to look elsewhere.

SimAnimals is by no means a bad game. For the most part, it's simplistic and lighthearted animal-based gameplay is fun and enjoyable. However, the gameplay is just too basic to make this title more than just that, which is a shame when titles like Viva Piñata and Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: My Life as a King for the Wii offer better managerial-style gameplay. Still, if you just have to pet a beaver or help two deer find love, SimAnimals fits the bill just fine.

By Amanda L. Kondolojy
CCC Staff Contributor

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

2.0

Graphics
Easily the worst part of the game. Environments are bland and framerate is never steady. Animal animations are clunky and repetitive.

3.7

Control
Controls work well, although the point-and-click system suffers from precision issues when there are lots of animals and plants on the screen.

3.4

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
Classical-style music is pleasant to listen to, but is a little bit too sparse. Animal sound effects are generic.

3.2

Play Value
There are plenty of stages and animals to unlock, but the overly generic feel of the game hinders it from being the next big Sim-branded game.

3.2

Overall Rating - Fair
Not an average. See Rating legend above for a final score breakdown.

Game Features:

Wild animals abound! You will meet a host of friendly wild animals including deer, squirrels, rabbits, hedgehogs and owls. And also some mischievous characters like foxes, raccoons, badgers, crows and bears who love to stir up trouble. Get in the middle of the action as they all come together in your very own forest setting for a wild time!

Solve challenges and achieve goals throughout the game, because the animals need you to help them thrive. Discover secrets, unlock forest areas and uncover one-of-a-kind objects and wild animals, some with special abilities, by successfully completing tasks.

It's survival of the fittest, as you find out who the troublemakers are and who the good guys are to make sure everyone gets along - or not!