Japanese gaming giant Nintendo breaks records again with the long-awaited release of “Animal Crossing: New Horizons”—a virtual, peaceful respite from the real world and a perfect way to ride out the lockdown.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the fourth installment of the Animal Crossing franchise, is a Japanese life-simulator game that allows players the liberty of creating their own virtual paradise. Released for the Nintendo Switch last March 20, the game has sold more than 13 millions copies by April.

The game couldn’t have arrived at a better time, granting solace to millions of people in a pandemic-stricken world. The player’s character, a client of the Deserted Island Getaway Package, is sent off to an island in the middle of nowhere. From there, players can do tasks such as gathering materials and resources, fishing, crafting furniture and items, and many more that can be used to bedeck the island from the hidden beach to the highest waterfall.

Long-time players of the game will be familiar with its recurring, beloved characters like Tom Nook and Isabelle, who will guide the player with the construction and relocation of establishments like the shop and tailors, island evaluations, and home expansion.

The game is also filled with an array of unique, quirky characters that bring with them various items like clothes, wallpaper, flowers, and even art pieces for sale. These characters arrive on the island at different times, ensuring players there is always something new to look forward to the next day.

And with Nintendo’s online multiplayer service, people from around the world can visit other players’ islands at their leisure—either to trade or just enjoy each others’ company.

The staple of the game franchise, however, is the wide range of the ever-so charming and endearing animal villagers of the island. New Horizons features a great deal of villagers from its previous games, alongside new characters. Once invited, these animals settle on your island as residents to befriend, gift, or even write letters to.

A whimsical escape from the real world

New Horizons is a stark contrast from most video games, as its only overarching goal is to establish a community on the island. There is absolutely no pressure to achieve anything and players are encouraged to go at their own pace.

Also, like its predecessors, New Horizons is set in real time—a minute that passes by in real life is also a minute in the game. The whole concept may not be everyone’s cup of tea, but the game ensures players a variety of activities to do and look forward to each day.

However, it’s not all fun in paradise, as the game has its fair share of shortcomings and faulty mechanics that make gameplay tedious at times.

Whether it be the slow-moving crafting system, the unreliable character motions, the lack of cloud data, or the inconveniently long connection time during multiplayer sessions, it’s not all smooth sailing indeed.

Despite the grievances, the game successfully inspires a sense of community and creativity. It is fantastic at what it is—it offers an avenue for escape and comfort, especially during these troubling times. The grind yields a much more rewarding and pleasant experience, and it encourages players to use what is given to them to create their dream destinations.

Overall, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the best of its kind. Whether you be a veteran player or a newcomer to the series, you’re bound to have a good time.

Rating: 4.5/5