Animal Crossing: New Leaf - 3DS

When Animal Crossing popped up on the Nintendo 64 and subsequently the GameCube in 2001, it was regarded as nothing more than yet another Japanese curio, and, as a result, few people expected it ever to appear on Western shores.

However, the GameCube version arrived in North America in 2002 and became something of a cult classic. European gamers weren't so lucky, however, and were forced to wait another two years for the game to be released here.

Since then, the series has grown and the ultra cute life simulation has blossomed into one of Nintendo's most popular and recognisable franchises.

Now, after what has been an agonising wait for UK gamers, it's finally time to dust off your shovel, watering can, bug net and fishing pole and get ready to give chunks of your life over to Animal Crossing: New Leaf.

The core of the Animal Crossing experience remains the same as it always has, with the player free to fish, dig for fossils, catch bugs, collect sea shells, plant flowers, gather fruit, interact with villagers, decorate homes and cram wardrobes full of fashionable - and not so fashionable - clothes, all while making an effort to pay off your spiralling mortgage.

But with this latest 3DS version, Nintendo has added a raft of new features to make New Leaf the definitive version of Animal Crossing.

Perhaps the most significant change is that your character is no longer just another local resident - you have been given the chains of office and start the game as mayor of your idyllic little patch of land.

With great power comes great responsibility and, as the big cheese in town, you are free to shape the village to your own design and give the locals something to smile about. You can now green light building projects - at a cost, of course - and the choice of constructions is vast. From simple objects such as fountains, bridges, benches and street lights through to large scale renovations, there is plenty of scope to put your unique stamp on your village.

Ordinances can also be implemented which have an impact on village life. There are various bills that can be chosen such as the Night Owl ordinance, which keeps the shops open late into the night, and these allow the player to tailor the game to their individual needs.

The game is still built around the real-world clock and it's this element which makes the Animal Crossing series so special. Shops - of which there are many, including some heart-warming new additions - keep their own hours of business and stock new items every day.

This central theme dangles a carrot in front of the player, giving them reason to check in regularly and makes flipping open your 3DS an essential part of your daily routine.

The village residents - who either scamper around enthusiastically with bug nets and fishing poles or mope about depending on their mood - are a wide and varied bunch. Each has their own personality and some of the dialogue is laugh-out-loud funny making it worthwhile seeking them out just to have a quick chat. They often make it worth your while, too, inviting you round to their house to gawp at their latest decor and they often send you letters and presents in the post.

The best of this ever changing ragtag bunch is undoubtedly the Kapp'n, who runs a boat service to a nearby tropical island - where unique items, bugs, fish, fruit and mini-games await. Every trip across the waves is met with a delightful sea shanty from this salty old soak and it's a genuine treat to hear him crooning away.

On top of the new features, Nintendo have streamlined many aspects which were unwieldy in previous versions. No longer do you have to donate museum pieces individually, Blathers now takes bunches of stuff for display in its grand halls, while fruit can now be collected and stored in stacks, saving you time and giving you more space to play around with in your inventory.

Another noteworthy change is the ability to scan QR codes from the Able Sister's adorable clothes shop. This gives the player access to thousands of player-made designs and even at this early stage of the game's life, there is a large selection of patterns available.

Japanese players have been enjoying New Leaf since November last year and they've been hard at work creating truly remarkable outfits and pictures and as QR code scanning isn't region locked, players picking the game up for the first time will soon have access to an instant collection of designs. Of course, you are also able to create your own outlandish and colourful designs and share them with New Leaf players across the world.

Another neat inclusion is the appearance of fortune cookies. These tasty treats are available to buy from the local store - which is run by the chirpy and ever so slightly annoying Tommy the raccoon. Once eaten, the player receives a prize ticket which can be redeemed for a range of Nintendo-themed items, such as the splendid Majora's Mask from The Legend of Zelda. The twist is that these cost Play Coins - and that means using the 3DS's pedometer to collect the glittering trinkets. It's a neat idea and one that will encourage even the laziest gamer to get active so they can scoop up these fantastic prizes.

Online play has long been a strength of Animal Crossing and New Leaf is no different. Friends can board a train to your village - you can also take a trip to their little hamlets - to swap fruit and items and also partake in some light-hearted activities. Friend codes must be swapped first but once that's out of the way, the system works flawlessly and adds another dimension to the fabulous main game.

StreetPass functionality has also been built in and this allows you to see what other players have in their homes without the need root around online. It rounds off what is an exceptionally generous package from Nintendo.

On the surface New Leaf might not seem radically different to what has gone before, but as you scuttle around town and the days and weeks roll leisurely by, you'll see the game evolve into something truly special and you will come to appreciate just what Nintendo have managed to cram on to the minuscule game cart.

Magnificent, heart-warming and utterly charming, New Leaf is a must for all 3DS owners.