Let’s not beat around the bush here, as of this writing, COVID-19 has us all hunkered down and maybe a little anxious. Our routines are all thrown off, some of us are out of work, and overall things are rough. a ever a good time to hop on a plane and spend some time on a deserted island, its NOW. So, perhaps its time let your problems melt away for a moment and take a “Stay-cation” with Animal Crossing New Horizons!
As a series, Animal Crossing has always been a very relaxed experience. And New Horizons is no different. New Horizons doesn’t deviate from the core gameplay of Animal Crossing much, if at all. It’s a low-pressure romp, familar to fans of the series but approachable to newcomers.
The game begins with you creating your character and booking a flight to a deserted island, named by you. You arrive with two other villagers who will act as your neighbors, along with the infamous tanooki Tom Nook and his children Timmy and Tommy. You are given the responsibility of plotting your neighbors’ tents on the island, as well as your own. From there, the famous gameplay loop of Animal Crossing begins: Tom Nook charges you a massive amount of Bells (Animal Crossing’s currency) which you have to pay off at a later date, fishing, catching bugs, digging up fossils, etc. But now, a new DIY crafting system has been introduced, which meshes very well with the deserted island aesthetic.
Over time you’ll be able to meet and recruit new villagers, build a shop, donate fossils to the museum, chat with your island friends, decorate your house, and so many other little activities. That’s where this game shines the brightest.
Animal Crossing New Horizons is just so unbelievably charming. A bright light during a dark time. In New Horizons, you’re totally free to fill the days however you want to. If you would prefer to plant trees and make a forested wonderland, you absolutely can. Maybe you prefer flowers and want to make the most beautiful garden this side of the Northern Hemisphere, go for it! If you want to channel your inner wildlife conservationist and donate to the local museum to develop an extensive arrangement of living exhibits, that’s also a fantastic option. Perhaps you want to make your house as pretty as visually delicious as you can, filling it with matching chocolate themed furniture and wallpaper? Wonderful choice! You’ll enjoy you’re time no matter how you decide to fill your days on your little island.
Animal Crossing New Horizons is a spectacular game and is an easy recommendation for anyone with a Nintendo Switch. It may even be just what you need right now.
I give Animal Crossing New Horizons a review score of 9/10
