Nintendo has been around for well over 100 years, initially as a playing card manufacturer, then turning their focus in the late 1970s to the then new prospect of video games, which they are known for now. It is only recently that this century-old company has taken to the market of mobile apps, a market replete with mind-melting and time-wasting applications for smart phones. Their app, Miitomo, is no different, and I think that’s what makes it such stupid fun.
Back when it came out, everyone and their grandmother went out and bought a Wii. The new accessory and the motion controls had everyone all excited for the future of home gaming. Well, hindsight tells us that the Wii was a bit of a failure when it comes to actual games. But the customizable avatars known as Miis surely had an impact. The Miitomo app allows users to create their own Mii once more, whether by allowing the app to take your photo and make it for you, or allowing you to customize to your heart’s desire.
If that seems pointless, it is. But stay with me, it gets dumb. Next, you have to make friends, preferably by connecting to Facebook. Thankfully for me, connecting to Facebook does not automatically share my future posts in this app with my social media friends. "But what posts?" you, the reader, may be asking.
The app functions as a Q&A, where it asks you a question, and you answer it, as unfiltered as you please. As I said earlier, I was happy that Facebook does not see my answers because they can get pretty out there. A good majority of cannot be posted onto our dear Odyssey, due to their self professed “kooky” nature, so I’ve peppered some of my more… accessible… posts around the article.
The crazy unfiltered nature of the responses are what makes the app so fun, especially if you use it with friends. You can see their posts, and then either “heart” them or comment on them. It’s pointless, but it’s fun.
Miis are customizable, using the shop and in-app currency to buy more clothes. In order to get more money, you must answer questions, make friends, have people comment on your posts and even play games. My character is adorned in a tiara, leopard skin scarf, short shorts, fishnet stockings and metallic flats.
That’s the basic gist of the app. Answer questions, like “What’s your favorite type of bread?” and respond however you want. Customize your Mii to either look like you, or a version of you which happens to be a transvestite—like mine. Make your friends jealous of your answering skills or piss them off with your flippant comments! There is a veritable world of opportunities to be had. So if you want to use your phone for something more than a texting slab or a picture-taker, download this app and make some pals!
