Startlingly large amount of polygons

Overall, Chibi-Robo DS has some great gameplay. Sure, there are a few bad design choices, and the overall theme and goal may not appeal to everyone, but the game is different. It's very relaxing and addicting. It is also the definition of pick-up-and-play since you can save almost anytime and you literally can't go thirty seconds without accomplishing something, no matter how small.

Graphically, Chibi-Robo DS can be a bit of a mess at times. The frame rate frequently dips, the textures are muddy, and there's hardly any texture-filtering. However, to its credit, the game pushes out a startlingly large amount of polygons for a DS game. There are few rough edges, and animation is excellent.

Characters will jump around with excitement, and move their lips to their speech. The physics are also quite good. A great example is Chibi's electric plug that will flop around in the air as he runs, and it will fall gently to the ground when he rests. Very impressive for a DS game.

Sound Effects

Chibi-Robo DS is actually a bit of an aural wonder. The music is calm, relaxing, and catchy. It will get you into the mood of growing flowers, and the sound is excellent. For instance, whenever Chibi does something--anything, a sound effect will be produced. When he walks along tiled paths, there will be a 'plink plonk' sound. But it's not actually a sound.

It sounds more like a one-second recording from a song. Everything does. When he waters flowers, it will sound as if someone is strumming on a guitar. When he rides his bicycle, someone will play a flute. Thanks to this, it's really as if you're creating your own soundtrack and it's one of the biggest contributors to the game's charm.

Relaxing and addictive

If you are the kind of person that bought Animal Crossing back in 2002 and still play it, then you will garner many hours from Chibi-Robo DS. Even after you've beaten the main game, there is still tons to do and see, and it's great fun to keep customizing your park and making it even prettier. One thing that's missing is online interactivity. I'd have loved it if fellow Chibi Robos could visit my park and run around in it. Unfortunately, that isn't in the game, but it would have been great if it was.

I'm not going to lie, here. Chibi-Robo DS is not going to appeal to everyone. I probably would not have even gotten the game if a review copy wasn't sent to me, but I'm glad I got one. The game is excellent, but if quirky Japanese games with a sense of humor and an unbearingbly cute atmosphere isn't your thing, you'd do well to skip the game. If you go into anaphylaxis if you don't go shooting someone every fourty-five seconds, skip it. But if you're looking for a cute game that's incredibly relaxing and addictive, Chibi-Robo DS is a must-have.