Game Review: Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Animal Crossing New Horizons is a Nintendo Switch game that has sold 2.32 million copies since its debut on March 20, 2020. As a person who has only played the Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp on mobile for free, I was desperate to get my hands on the Switch game. Since the day I bought the game, I have been playing for a month and counting. I do not regret my purchase at all.

I believe the game is very simple to understand for beginners. If you played games like Minecraft or Stardew Valley, there isn’t a definite end in Animal Crossing New Horizons. The main goal set in stone for everyone is to reach a three-star rating for the famous singer K.K. Slider to visit your island. To do that, you start off by choosing your island to work with. Decorating your island is very important for you to earn stars which are rated by your villagers. You will start off with two villagers and you can later invite more villagers to your island. The big thing that is essential to this game is making money. You can’t proceed in the game unless you make enough bells (the currency in this game) to pay off your loans for your house. Therefore, in the early stages, your main focus is to get some cash by selling weed or fishing. From there, you will be able to reach the three-star rating on your island.

What else is there to do once you “beat” the game? Well, the game gives you the ability to change the terrain of your island. You can create waterfalls and pathways where ever you please. These additions spark the creativity of players who want to make their island special. There are millions of players who have constructed their islands to fit themes such as a Japanese style town or a city like New York. You can find more possible design ideas and themes online.

Lastly, if you are subscribed to the Nintendo Switch Online, you can play with other people using the Internet. You can fly to a friend’s island and play with them. You can talk to their villagers and collect resources on their island. In addition, Nintendo Switch Online lets you download other player’s custom designs that you can wear, paint, or hang in your home.

If you are someone who has never played any Animal Crossing game, I highly recommend buying Animal Crossing New Horizons for the Switch. I believe you are able to make great things with your island, allowing you to have full control over what you want, including the villagers. I feel that the game always has something for you to come back to. Whether it’s a big project you’re working on or a new event to craft seasonal recipes, it is very difficult to stop playing. Animal Crossing: New Horizons will definitely keep you entertained during the quarantine.

If you need a friend to play with, my friend code on the switch is SW-0911-7256-9024 :^ )