*SIGH* Look, this review is going to piss some people off and that’s OK. I really wanted to like the newest Animal Crossing game but, I hated it profusely. Through the ups and downs of life, gaming has been my go to, my escape. Gaming should be all about fun. I work hard enough as is; I don’t want to work after a long day. That’s exactly what Animal Crossing feels like; work. A series of chores disguised as interactivity.
I cut my teeth on Animal Crossing on the Gamecube. It was a fleeting diversion at the time, and my gaming standards were lower. In hinsight, even that game feel arduous.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons carries on the tradition of dropping players in a lush, colorful world to make a name for themselves. During your play time, you can expect to run across a cast of quirky animal pals with a smorgasbord of desires, hobbies and emotes.
Here’s the skinny: You, the player are called to a “free” island getaway via Dodo Airlines(which serves as the game’s online portal) by Tom Nook. Except, the getaway isn’t free. You basically get shuttled to an empty trash heap of an island, and “coerced” into doing work (it sure as hell isn’t fun) to build the island from the ground up. Worst of all, you’re not even provided with a house to start!
Throughout your island “adventure” , you can engage in various activities which include, but are not limited to: fishing, bug-catching, archaeology, crafting, shopping, building, talking to villagers-
I just told a lie. That’s basically all there is to it. I expected a bit more in a post Minecraft/Stardew Valley era. I do acknowledge that there is a necessity to fulfill fans’ expectations, but Animal Crossing as a series just feels moribund and ancient.
All is not bad though; New Horizons eschews a pleasant art style that compliments a strong original score(the noon theme is my &*%$). There is also a wealth of new, non-interactive furniture to customize, buy and sell.
New to the series is 8-player online. Like any new venture for Nintendo, it comes with a significant drawback; amateurish effort. Not only is the game lag infested, there are load screens aplenty. All players involved are severely limited in what activities they can participate in. A twist of the knife to be certain; because the game is already so limited.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
If you’re looking for a good time, look elsewhere. The myriad of chores drag down this one down. If you’re looking for something in the simulation genre, get Rune Factory 4 instead.
Purveyors Of Pixels 