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Tomodachi Life

SCORE: 61

I do not understand this Nintendo 3DS video game Tomodachi Life. We do not play a character like in Animal Crossing. Instead we watch them, feed them, and give them advice when they want it from us. I felt like a stalker or a peeping tom in this hand held video game.

Like most modern Nintendo video games, things unlock slowly in Tomodachi Life. You can click on a building to see what you need to unlock it. The more you watch these Miis live their lives the more you will be able to do, and unlock. News flashes announce the new unlocked content.

The goal in Tomodachi Life is to keep the Miis happy. So the ultimate lesson I got from Tomodachi Life is to make everyone happy all of the time. Which is not really possible. Since in the real world different people want different things. None of us can provide everything for everyone. Can't make all of the people happy all of the time.

A variety of different food, furnishings, and clothing are available in Tomodachi Life. Make the Miis happy and you get money. Money that is reinvested in more objects that make them happy. Tomodachi Life can get boring in the early going when there can be nothing to do. Watching Miis act crazy can only keep my attention for so long.

I felt like I was outside the social activity in Tomodachi Life. If I had my own character to control in the game it would have been different. I kept feeling like I was spying on them too. They will tell you when you stare at them too long they are uncomfortable with it.

Miis can get into fights in Tomodachi Life. They can also romance and get married just like in real life. I found no attempts to redefine marriage in Tomodachi Life which is a good thing. This hand held game does not come out and blatantly support traditional marriage either.

Personalities of the Miis can be what helps the drama unfold. If you are like me, you do not want them conflicting. No need to have these fictional characters conflict with one another. The voices are interesting, and you can even assign phrases. Things like: "God is love," and "Jesus saves," were allowed in Tomodachi Life. I wanted to put in Bible verses but there is not enough room.

Nintendo is constantly broadening the horizon of what a video game is. Tomodachi Life stretches the standard definitions we have of a video game. There is mild interaction with the characters. It just feels creepy. Ultimately I do not understand this game, and realize it is not for me. I prefer doing over watching.
- Yolanda

Graphics: 60%
Sound: 75%
Replay/Extras: 70%
Gameplay: 40%
Family Friendly Factor: 60%

System: Nintendo 3DS
Publisher: Nintendo
Developer: Nintendo
Rating: ‘E' - Everyone
{Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence}
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