You could say "Animal Crossing: Wild World" is equal parts video game, design studio and chat program. But this quirky title for Nintendo DS often defies categorization.

"Wild World" (rated E, for everyone) takes the original GameCube version, a cult favorite from 2002, and delivers the same zany cast of critters to the portable dual screen system.

So, what exactly is the point? Well, there is none. You can pretty much do whatever you want within the confines of this digital world.

As the lone human, I spent a lot of time interacting with the town's many talkative residents and earning "Bells" (the in-game currency).

You'll need thousands of Bells to buy house upgrades, acquire fancy furnishings and create custom clothing.

But you can fish, harvest cherries or stroll the beach for sea shells if you'd prefer.

I spent hours at the Town Hall crafting my personalized theme music, which you'll hear intermittently between the relaxing background music. Days were lost in the observatory creating custom constellations.

The characters certainly have a gift for gab.

Tom Nook, owner of Nook's Cranny, is an enterprising raccoon with a firm grip on the town's real estate market. Blathers the owl is the sole operator of the town museum who's constantly complaining about being tired all day. And don't forget to visit fashionistas Mabel and Sable to design your own outfits.

I still find myself enjoying "Wild World" as the virtual days pass in real-time. I play just about every day, if only for a few minutes, just to see what new items are for sale and to check in with the myriad townsfolk.

The game makes good use of the system's touch screen, allowing you to guide your avatar, cast a fishing line, draw patterns and lay out your home. The three-dimensional graphics were suitably cartoonish.

Some of the best aspects of the original were lost in the translation. Most egregiously absent are the many classic Nintendo games you could collect and play in the GameCube version.

Online play felt overly restrictive. You can't simply meet strangers and explore their realm using the Wi-Fi mode. Instead, you must pre-arrange visits with friends and get their password before you can connect to their online town.

Despite the online shortcomings, there's an easy charm to "Wild World" that's hard to resist.