My Chance to Just Get Away

On the morning of March the 20th this year, I was relishing the opportunity to get stuck into slaying demons, performing glory kills and just enjoying the gunplay that I was expecting with Doom: Eternal. Then, Animal Crossing: New Horizon dropped through the postbox and changed everything. It was meant to be a present for my girlfriend, but I just wanted to see what all the fuss was about. Surely it wasn't that good of a game? So I popped it into my Switch. source: Imgur/ Titmouseman Right from the get-go, I was hooked. I was not expecting to enjoy this sedentary pace of life quite as much as I did. Arriving onto my chosen island I got to meet the master and commander of the island, Tom Nook, and his two twin cubs Tommy and Timmy. They talked me through the basics of how to get set up and where to go to begin collecting my bugs and fish. So off I went... These last few weeks since purchasing Animal Crossing have really shown me how important games like this really are. When I need a pick-me-up or a game that will place a smile on my face, it's this game. I merrily wander around my own (semi) deserted island, gathering materials and crafting whatever items I've needed to decorate and expand my little home away from home. I have no need to wander around outside, I can do that on this idyllic retreat I have created myself. There are certain aspects of the game that I'm not overly keen on, but they are few and far between when compared with the things I love about it. For example, not being able to do things in bulk, such as crafting multiple items. Having the same species shown over and over to me when I collect them, and I don't like how much it is to move things around on the island. When I began this game I was a total and utter noob in the Animal Crossing series and had no idea that I would be building houses all over the place, putting down fountains, statues, pavements and even museums; so I had just thrown them down. This is very likely an oversight on my behalf, but I genuinely had no idea what the game entailed. Here she comes, showing off her summer dress and about to decimate my island for resources. Another frustration was not being able to allow my girlfriend (yes, we bought two copies in the end!) to visit my island whenever she wanted. Instead, I have to go to the airport and fling the gates open for her. Then when she arrives, much like she does in real life, she stops me being able to do things (jokes, she's very good to me!). If I try to perform Actions such as crafting or selling then I am greeted with a message that I have to wait for my visitor to leave. But to be honest, that's where my criticism of the game ends. Yes, this game contains a lot of repetitive actions. Gather resources, break tools, build items, sell items, build tools, gather resources... But this is the beauty of the game in my eyes, you create a cycle of chores that instead of becoming a detractor from the game actually instils a sense of calm. I know that when I pick the game up each day, I'm going to have to do the same things as I did yesterday. It's no bother. Though basic, I love being able to customise my property. So far, I've upgraded my property a number of times to give me more space to decorate. Then I've invited a load of new buddy animal creatures to come and stay on my island and helped Mr Nook out on a number of projects. I'm enjoying it. Every damn day I log in to keep up with my nook miles through the ATM machine. Every day I go and catch myself some fishies and bugs. Every day I check turnip prices and hot items. This cycle is similar to a cookie clicker game, and it has me hooked. I'm determined to make my island a thriving metropolis, even if it takes me a lot longer than everyone else. I want to see it develop and grow. I want to create and nurture these in-game friendships and I want to use Animal Crossing as my escape from the craziness that is the reality at the moment. ##Pros • Quick to up into and get up to speed with the mechanics • Unbelievable amount of items to collect, craft or find • Very satisfying when you find a new species or complete a fossil • Very appropriate graphics, that although basic, truly convey happiness ##Cons • Can get repetitive and samey after periods of play • Wish there was a way to skip all the dialogue • Would love to be able to bulk do actions, such as eating or buying. • The amount of Bass in the sea! ——— Original ratings: • Visual Design: 9/10 • Sound Design: 7/10 • Gameplay: 8/10 • Longevity: 9/10 • Fun: 10/10