Virtual Families
SCORE: 85
Destineer has really blessed Family
Friendly Gaming recently. We were provided with three Nintendo DS games
way before they were released. In fact we were playing these games
before there was any official announcement. We kept our mouths shut
about what we were doing until the appropriate time. Virtual Families is
part Nintendogs, and part Sims. Well I make that statement from what I
have heard about the Sims. I have not personally played that franchise.
The graphics are small in Virtual Families, but there is a lot of detail
to most of them. I could tell the husband from the wife, the kitchen,
bedroom, bathroom, etc. The house looks great, and there are numerous
colors used in this game. The family members in Virtual Families looked
like they could have used additional details to me.
The music in Virtual Families is great. I really enjoyed listening to it
while I played this hand held title. Special effect
sounds come up
as certain tasks are performed and they assist with the game play. At
least I know something worked. Characters can also make cute sounds at
various points in the game.
Virtual Families include numerous items, and stats for each family
member. Players have to go grocery shopping to give them food. Players
can buy them medicine when they are sick, remodel the house, buy them
clothes, etc. There is a fair amount of things to be done in this
Nintendo DS video game. I looked around and did not see Virtual Families
for sale on the DS, but I expect it to sell for twenty dollars or less.
I did not realize it at first, but Virtual Families is actually a port
from the Personal Computer. There are good controls in Virtual Families,
and some things I wish were changed a bit. Looking around the house is
done with the stylus. This did not always work though, and the game
would reset me outside of the home. This was a frustration, but one I
hope is corrected in the final release of the game. I wish the D-pad had
been an option for looking around.
Virtual Families is one of those game that needs to be played everyday
or they get depressed, sick, hungry, etc. But there is little point in
playing Virtual Families for any lengthy time each day. At that point is
becomes a commitment, and it is one you better be prepared for. This can
teach how much work it takes to keep relationships healthy. I see a lot
of good stuff in Virtual Families, and hope this franchise continues in
the future.
- Paul
Graphics: 81%
Sound: 92%
Replay/Extras: 89%
Gameplay: 79%
Family Friendly Factor: 85%
System: Nintendo DS
Publisher: Destineer
ESRB Rating: 'E' for
Everyone
{Mild Suggestive Themes}
Want more info on this
product,
or the company that made this product?
Set web browser to:
Link
Got a question, comment,
or a concern regarding this
review?
Email them to:
pbury@familyfriendlygaming.com
