Animal Crossing is a game series that was released in 2001 on the Nintendo GameCube. Since then, many games have been released in the series. The hype for the newest release in the series, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, has not calmed down since its release on March 20, 2020. There have been many updates, including seasonal events and new characters since its release. 

   The newest installment takes place on a deserted island on which you fix up and make your own home. Eventually, you can invite other villagers, called non-player characters (NPC), with whom your character can interact, and you can make houses for them. To sum up the gameplay: you build, craft, talk to other villagers and make yourself an island to call home. You can fish, collect bugs, plant flowers and fruit trees, and craft cute things to decorate your island with. The whole gimmick of the game is that there is no end. I really enjoy the personalization of the island and home because it’s a good way to express myself. The free feeling of walking around my own island makes the game feel unique.

   The game can be quite slow-paced at times. A lot of people bought the game during the pandemic and it was more of a pandemic hobby than anything. Some people play it more often, even continuing to play daily after the majority of the pandemic has ended. At times, I forget to play and the villagers tell me they want to move out. The game tracks real-time, which means it wants you to play often. I can’t always do that, so sometimes it makes it feel more like a chore than a fun way to pass the time. 

   On October 15th, 2021, a 20 minute Nintendo Direct, which is a presentation that shows off all the new things Nintendo is working on, talking about the new Animal Crossing update was released. This update will be free but there is also new downloadable content (DLC) called “Happy Home Paradise” for purchase for 25 dollars. I think this is kind of a high asking price because of how much the original game and accessories already cost. The free update will include new characters, new customizations, and new decorations, among other things, so there is some content for the people who don’t want to pay as much. The new update will be available for download starting November 5. This will be the final free update.

   Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a lot of fun for fans of the series, and people who are trying it out for the first time. I really enjoy the customization of your island and home and the freedom of being able to explore it. I totally think it’s worth checking out if you have the time to maintain your island. The future for the game looks bright, especially with the new update coming soon, and I can’t wait to try it out!