I should start by noting that this is a complete game- no microtransactions, and really no DLC at all as of writing this review. There isn't even an in-game platform for it. I was afraid it would simply be a platform to sell clothing packs, it certainly is not. You can use amiibo with it, but you can use any amiibo and all you get for it as an emblem which kinda looks out of place in theI should start by noting that this is a complete game- no microtransactions, and really no DLC at all as of writing this review. There isn't even an in-game platform for it. I was afraid it would simply be a platform to sell clothing packs, it certainly is not. You can use amiibo with it, but you can use any amiibo and all you get for it as an emblem which kinda looks out of place in the rest of the game. It is a Nintendo product, and I have to give them props for not being slimy about it.
Secondly, this is NOT just a virtual dollhouse. It's shop management game and a rather long virtual novel-style game with a truly massive amount of content for the dress-up portions. Along with 8000 styles for women's clothing and accessories, there is also a huge number of men's style in-game as well. Quite simply, it's a must-have if you're looking for an engaging dress-up game appropriate for most ages. Play the demo if you're interested, and you can see whether you get hooked on it like I did.
Most of the game revolves around you managing a boutique and recommending clothing to customers- offering endless chances for dressing up the many characters in the game. In order to run it well, however, you have to stock up on clothing styles. Fans of shop management games will feel at home, as you can customize the way your shop looks, outfit your employee, and customize what you want to put on your mannequin in the shop window. It's not terribly deep- you're not managing rent expenses or payroll and can't even change the price of the items, but the game excels at keeping the fun parts of management without getting bogged down into micromanagement. Especially for a younger player, it might be a fun way to learn some money management and some basic commerce along with the dress up.
The clothes themselves come in a truly impressive amount of variety of style. There are 14 different (fictional) brands you can buy from, and it covers a very broad range of styles. You get a small number of brands in the beginning and unlock more as you level up. Everything from very colorful and vibrant clothes to the highest-end chic styles. Fans of lolita fashion will also be at home, as there is a broad range of lolita fashion items (even if they prefer the term 'baby-doll'), from sweet to gothic and most things in between. The game communicates the very positive message that there is no right or wrong fashion style or sense, and that it should be a way to communicate one's personality and personal style. I wouldn't expect to see many people actually dressing in many of those styles outside of a cosplay convention, but there you go.
What may not be obvious from simply looking at the eShop is how story and character-rich this game is. Every character- yes EVERY single person who comes into the shop is a unique character with their own name, preferences, and personality. A number of major characters come into the game near the start and have what turn out to be very long story arcs, mostly involving becoming idols. Yes, the game is Japanese and is very much on the idol bandwagon. Even if their goals are the same, they have very different personalities and personal conflicts which get them there. It's not a masterpiece of storytelling or anything, but it's more than enough to keep your interest and give a sense of progression as you level up. There's many many words in this game. For a younger player, it may be a good way to get them to read more, but it could be TOO much, and some of story elements or jokes may go above a younger player's head.
There are few true negatives about the game. There is virtually no variation in body type- more or less a necessity so they can add as many styles as possible without having to change every one for body type. The act of actually stocking up can be considered quite tedious at times- there are easier ways to manage it's probably the least fun thing about the game, but not so horrible as to take away from the fun things.
On some technical notes, the game LOOKS fantastic- there is very little of the 3DS' signature aliasing issues, and the textures look about as good as they can for the 3DS and it never looks bad. The animations can look silly or exaggerated at times but it's mostly in service of looking adorable. There's also a lot of different animations, including fully animated dance numbers to go along with the songs in the game. On an unrelated note- it is a very British localization, not a bad thing necessarily but American players may find themselves scratching their heads at some of the words and expressions used, along with your normal color/colour differences.… Expand
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