Almost every Nintendo Switch user (and soon-to-be-user) of every age and background can’t help love this game. But why did the game become so popular to the point that even the most hardcore gamers pick such a slow-paced game?
Getaway Package on Your Hands
Animal Crossing: New Horizons arrived in a very untimely event. Almost every country in the world is currently on quarantine or staying at home to keep away from the coronavirus outbreak. Such an event is a demoralizing, stressful, and even boring experience. And while people around were doing their best to keep themselves occupied in their homes, Animal Crossing provided a perfect environment for gamers. The game is literally a “getaway adventure” under your fingertips. From exploring, camping, fishing, building, to just a simple stroll, the game provides a perfect relaxing experience. One can spend countless of hours doing “work” in the game with a sense of accomplishment in the end. While most people can’t physically hang out with their friends because of the quarantine, Animal Crossing lets me virtually meet with my friends by visiting each other’s islands. Though it may seem silly, when I am building, working, and playing with them, I can’t help but feel like I am truly spending time with them.
Daily Life with Animal Crossing
I always hear that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a marathon, not a sprint. I agree with this because the game is not meant to be speed-run in two days. Instead, the game integrates your gaming experience with your daily activities in real life. The game has a ton of activities that you can do—fishing, gardening, catching bugs, crafting, house design, and much more, but the game cleverly limits your ability to sprint through everything and makes you wait another day just to see the “fruits” of your labor. (Unless you ‘time travel’ by editing your Switch’s date and time. *boos*) The game is strategically made not to make you binge through it, but rather include its activities as a part of your daily routine. Animal Crossing also has an online feature that enables you to work together with other people such as trading materials and helping craft new items. In short, the game fuses your gaming experience with daily life.
I can talk all day about how Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of the most amazing games at the moment, but I highly suggest that you just pick a copy of the game and experience for yourself why it’s the perfect game to have at home. You’ll see why this game could be one of the remedies against quarantine boredom and stress.
gif credits: Nintendo, LePerchoirAC,
The Animated Scholar 