From CGV.com, according to the latest Edge magazine, the next game in the ever popular life simulation franchise “Animal Crossing” for the Nintendo Wii is now rumored, note the word, rumored to be an MMO - a massive multiplayer online game. Exerts from the magazine states :

“A Japanese source has confirmed to Edge that the upcoming Wii iteration of Animal Crossing is set to be a social networking MMO.”

Of course, Nintendo isn’t confirming or denying any rumours as usual (since when do companies ever do unless it hurts them?) so it’s still left to be determined. Considering the game itself lays the platform for an easy transition to an MMO, it would make perfect sense to do so. This is significant because it’ll be the very first Nintendo Wii game to support MMO technology - a feat that many considered not to really be possible. I’m actually wondering how this is going to turn out.

For those of you who haven’t played Animal Crossing before on the Game Cube, its one of the most unique game that you’ll ever lay eyes on. If you can look past the overtly cute straight out of Nick Jr graphics, you’ll find a game or rather simulation that similar to The Sims but takes it to another level by following real-time events. Meaning, the game world and all the events takes place in real time - our time, us people, human time (get it now?) using the Game Cube’s internal clock. Even holidays such as Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween and others are simulated correctly based on the date, as well as seasons. So if its the winter season when you’re playing Animal Crossing, expect it to either start snowing or something in the game. Yeah pretty cool eh?

But the main point of the actual game is a bit vague. Since there really is no direct purpose except to “live out your life”, all you do is perform your daily work and sort of grow your character among with others. The game itself is very direct and easy to play and can get quite addicting overtime. Nintendo Wii owners should give it a try when ever they get a chance. Just don’t forget that you have a real life to live also….