Spaceworld: Animal Forest GameCube / GBA connectivity

[08.23.01] » No separate GBA game coming, but the handheld unlocks new features and areas.

   During its press conference this morning in Japan, Nintendo revealed exactly how Animal Forest Plus will employ the much-hyped GBA-GC connectivity. Contrary to our previous report, there is not, in fact, a separate version of Animal Forest coming to the GBA. Instead, connecting the handheld to the GameCube will allow players to access new areas and features in the original game.

   Once connected, the GBA will unlock a special area, only accessible by using a handheld. In addition, if two GBAs are connected both players will be able to visit this small island together. Players can then exchange items or even visit each others' houses.

   In the normal GameCube version of the game, players can customize their character's wallpaper, house design, and clothing in the normal GameCube version of the game. Connecting to the GBA, however, will allow players to downloaded these designs onto the GBA and edit them on the go.

   Finally, while not strictly related to the Game Boy Advance, a new museum - not seen in the Nintendo 64 release - has been added to the GameCube version. This building lets the player buy and trade items with the animal villagers.

   Due to the N64 versions success with women in Japan, Nintendo is aiming the "Communication RPG" at a female audience in its homeland. Hopefully, the unique gameplay of Animal Forest will find success with both sexes when its released in America sometime next year. Meanwhile, Nintendo has released two images of the game running through GBA-GC link.