By Veronica Longo

Directed by Katsuya Eguchi of Super Mario World, Star Fox 2, Wave Race 64, and Yoshi's Story, “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” released on March 20, captivates players through an entertaining social experience with beautiful graphics. The game provides a wonderful, family-friendly outlet for players of all ages, along with online play features.

Since its initial release in 2001, Animal Crossing has always allowed players to create customizable content, from shirts to houses, as well as to recreate the world as they see fit. Using the Nintendo online features, dedicated players can create a variety of mini-games like hide and seek or maze racing, host events, and even swap meets to trade items on their island. While versions of the game have previously been released for the GameCube, Wii, DS, and 3DS, the franchise has seen unprecedented success on the Nintendo Switch console. 

The premise is very simple: the main character goes to a deserted island with two other animal neighbors to build a new life. To improve the island, villagers must complete goals such as finding fruit or other materials on the island to build items by asking ever-helpful raccoon Tom Nook, “What should I do next?” The game clock and calendar are in real-time.

Once the latest goal of having in-game performer K.K. Slider appeared, new features become available to the players. The newest update allows players to build rivers, cliffs, fences and roads for a total transformation of the desert island into a talk show, carnival, and even obstacle course or maze. This leads the player to an open world where players decide what can happen next.

The unique ability to transform the villager has consistently drawn players to this franchise. One day they can be an island princess and the next day, a ninja. Players can also purchase outfits using in-game currency and re-decorate their houses or use in-game items to turn them into classrooms, concert halls, or cafés; the possibilities are endless.

The game is wildly popular among celebrities and public figures who are fans.

Bronx native and U.S. House Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has been seen within the game, visiting another player’s island and saying how enjoyable it is. Gary Whitta, a screenwriter, is using the game to interview real celebrities, like Felicia Day, and even invited Ocasio-Cortez to participate.

Now, during a time when social distancing is the norm, the ability to play with friends is one of the game’s greatest selling points. Participants have even used the game to recreate virtual dates, as well as to conduct memorial services, graduations, and weddings for loved ones.

Through Nintendo Online, players can visit their friend’s islands. Up to eight players can visit at once, making it a fantastic way for friends to gather across distances. Frequent updates, such as the Earth Day event released by developers on April 23rd, patch errors and add new features.

These updates are often due to community feedback and reports.  The Reddit community for “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” has grown to over 1 million subscribers. This forum hosts wholesome activities such as the community meet-up, tips and tricks, and showing the ropes to newbies.

The game has outsold all other games released in North America during March, just in physical copies alone according to Venturebeat.com. Within Nintendo’s lineup, the game has also outdone debut sales of other popular titles, such as “Super Mario Bros.” and “Legend of Zelda,” coming in third place only behind the “Smash Bros.” series.

“Animal Crossing: New Horizons” is transforming the way people play video games and provides players with a way to reach out during the ongoing COVID-19 quarantine. Take a trip to Tom Nook’s getaway island and stay awhile; it is a great way to combat stress.