GiFTPiA (Japanese: ギフトピア) was developed by Skip 's division 24 and released in Japan in 2003 for the Nintendo GameCube. It has also been announced for release in North America.
Story
On the day of his coming of age ceremony, Pockle oversleeps and misses the whole thing. The mayor of the island is so incensed that he orders Pockle's arrest and fine for the 5 million Bell to pay for a new one.
Gameplay
At first, Pockle must cope with heavy restrictions: an early curfew, a ball & chain, having his face pixelated and a robot guard. If Pockle stays out too late, he will fall asleep and be robbed by ghosts. Later he will encounter an old man who will give him some mushroom soup & teach him about other paths to adulthood, via helping others. As the game progresses less restrictions will be placed on Pockle as he strives towards adulthood.
Comparing to Animal Crossing
GiFTPiA is similar to Nintendo's Animal Crossing in that both games are described as Communication Adventures , games with an emphasis on interacting with other characters as opposed to fighting, etc. That isn't to say there aren't quests or objectives. GiFTPiA could be considered more "linear" than AC because of its eventual goal: grow up.
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