It was not that long ago that I had the pleasure of reviewing Animal Crossing: City Folk. However, I did second-guess my review a little, because as I said within it, it's a very difficult game to accurately rate after only a week or so of gameplay; it's a game meant to be played continuously to get the most enjoyment out of it, and without some sort of a guide to what's new, it can be very difficult to see the full scope of what the game offers, unless you know when to set the clock, where to go, and what to look for.

Within the limited experience I had before writing the review, I felt that not much had changed; this was basically a "best of" version of the past two Animal Crossing titles, with more added, a consensus shared by my contemporaries.

During a recent interview with two members of Nintendo's Treehouse localization group, they posed the very question of "What would you say to the Animal Crossing fan who isn't sure that there's enough new stuff to jump into City Folk?"

Rich Amtower: Um...that there is? I mean, seriously, there's all manner of new interactions with the NPCs, or have you not played hide-and-seek yet? And the multiplayer is much more robust than in previous Animal Crossing games. Have you noticed that the villagers don't all run and hide indoors when strangers are around? I'm so proud that they got over their stranger fear.

Reiko Ninomiya: Because there are so many small elements that come together to make Animal Crossing what it is, it's easy to think that this is the same game. But once people pick up the controller and experience life, they'll see how different it is.

The aspect of communication or interaction was really enhanced in this version -- not only when it comes to visiting friends over Nintendo WFC but also interacting with friends over WiiConnect24 by sending letters and photos and participating in the auction in the city.

In addition, the following tidbit wraps up the interview:

1UP: Can you reveal any secrets from the game that players might have initially missed?

RA: Depends on what you mean by "secrets," ya know? Animal Crossing has always been about the little touches. For example, if you run on one path for long enough, you'll wear away the grass and create a little footpath worn in the dirt. Over time, that path will grow back. But if you keep running on it on a regular basis as you make your rounds, it'll be there for your guests to see. I didn't even know that until, like, a week ago. I keep finding new little touches about this game that make me really appreciate the work the development team did on it. It's their attention to detail and their concern for the overall experience that really impresses me.

RN: The game is made up of small, charming details that really enhance the experience of the player. I'd encourage first-time players to sit back and walk around and interact with anyone and everything. A conversation with the right guard might fill your pockets with lost loot. Shaking a tree can land you a wad of Bells. There are treats around each and every corner and behind every doorway for you to discover. -- 1up

Of course, even with their words, I'm not sure that this is what people were expecting when they first thought of Animal Crossing for the Wii. It may be more than meets the eye (without the funky "wonka-wonka-wonka" transforming sound), but I would still say to research and ask others who have played the title before you grab a copy for yourself if you're unsure.