Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer

 3DS
User Score
6.9

Mixed or average reviews- based on 136 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 65 out of 136
  2. Mixed: 49 out of 136
  3. Negative: 22 out of 136
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  1. poppyisacat
    Nov 14, 2015
    6
    Disappointing. Designing houses (as the name implies) is basically all you can do. Oh yes, and design shops. The characters say the same things, day in, day out. There are a few things to discover (through the Happy Home Handbook or whatever it is called) etc. That is basically the only thing to keep the player motivated. I don't think it's worth the money.
    BUT, the requests do vary and    Disappointing. Designing houses (as the name implies) is basically all you can do. Oh yes, and design shops. The characters say the same things, day in, day out. There are a few things to discover (through the Happy Home Handbook or whatever it is called) etc. That is basically the only thing to keep the player motivated. I don't think it's worth the money.
    BUT, the requests do vary and there are TONS of new items to unlock. You can colour-code them, keep them in categories such as foods, tables, lamps, etc. and more! It would have been an amazing add-on to New Leaf. The amiibo cards - quite hard to get in the UK, I've found - make it a bit different occasionally. I think that they are the only way to obtain special characters (apart from Lottie and the like).
    This game gives you a lot of freedom but also horribly restricts you. It gets very repetitive. You can design the homes to your liking, provided you stick with the character request and/or the bits of furniture specially provided, and you can design all the shops and attractions within reason. Once your town is done, there isn't much to do. I can see people finishing all of the villager's houses and then being stuck, walking around town day after day. The shops are always interesting but as I have said, the villagers say the same things.
    In the previous games, the character can dig, fish, catch bugs, etcetera. However, in this game you cannot do any of these things. Sure, you can decorate houses with fish and bugs and fossils, but you cannot do much to get these things... apart from spend your Play Coins.
    In conclusion, you should wait until the games have been reduced before buying this game.    … Expand
  2. Prismacat
    Nov 11, 2015
    8
    While it's nothing groundbreaking, it does what it aims to do extremely well. It may not entertain typical Animal Crossing fans who actually play the games for their specific content such as bug catching or fishing, but for those of us who absolutely love decorating it is a gorgeous expansive game to decorate to our heart's content.

    I suppose my biggest gripe with the game is that you    While it's nothing groundbreaking, it does what it aims to do extremely well. It may not entertain typical Animal Crossing fans who actually play the games for their specific content such as bug catching or fishing, but for those of us who absolutely love decorating it is a gorgeous expansive game to decorate to our heart's content.

    I suppose my biggest gripe with the game is that you can design a room however you want and the villager will still like it, I feel like there should be at least some sort of grading scale or something to it. But as far as it aims to be a home decorating game? It aces it. This game is definitely great for kids; especially little girls who want to play house with their favorite Animal Crossing characters.

    PS: In regards to what someone said in one of the more 'helpful' rated reviews, you CAN change your clothes. You just can't change your shirt. You can change your accessory, your hat, your pants/skirt, socks, and shoes, but you have to wear the HHD shirt because well, you're at work and people have to be able to recognize you! c:    … Expand
  3. oathkeepings
    Oct 22, 2015
    9
    Let me first say, this game was NEVER intended to be the franchise's next step as their next major Animal Crossing game. Anyone with common sense would be able to read the title and understand it's a spin-off, and should gather that it's mostly just going to be about designing interiors. Just saying.

    Anywho, I'm a pretty big fan of Animal Crossing. I've loved interior decorating shows &    Let me first say, this game was NEVER intended to be the franchise's next step as their next major Animal Crossing game. Anyone with common sense would be able to read the title and understand it's a spin-off, and should gather that it's mostly just going to be about designing interiors. Just saying.

    Anywho, I'm a pretty big fan of Animal Crossing. I've loved interior decorating shows & computer games since I was really young. So when I heard about this concept, I got extremely excited. I always loved decorating my house in Animal Crossing, so I was extremely hyped when I heard the news they were releasing this. I also loved the idea of the NFC reader and Amiibo cards. I own all 100, and I think they're extremely charming, and a great idea. Just my personal opinion.

    As for the game itself, I think it's adorable. People are complaining about the limited possibilities, but the game's title clearly states it's a home designing game. Not sure why people expected more than that. But with that being said, I'm totally content with that. There are tons of villagers to design for, so unless you're playing obsessively, it'll take a long time to design homes for all of them. My only real complaint is the animals always seem happy with your designs as long as their signature items are involved somehow. I wish there was a little more challenge involved, but, with that being said, I find this game a great go-to when I need to calm down or relieve some stress. It's a great creative outlet that can really put a mind at ease, especially if you love the cuteness of Animal Crossing villagers, and the concept of decorating exteriors and interiors for them.

    It really doesn't follow any kind of story line, but then again, no Animal Crossing game really does. If you want something cute, creative, and mindless, this is the game for you. But if you're looking for traditional Animal Crossing, this probably won't even come close to fulfilling you. You've gotta be open minded for this one, I believe.

    Also, if I've heard correctly, all the Amiibo cards are going to be compatible with the Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival game, so at least the cards will be used for more than just one purpose... For anyone wondering if they should invest.    … Expand
  4. MaxiRE123
    Mar 16, 2016
    7
    This would have been an excellent DLC for New Leaf ( wich uses ALOT of it's asset). There is not much more to it than just build and decore a few building and houses.The music is repetitive as well. There is no challenge, your customers will be happy whatever you do.The games offers you alot of possibilites of themes and items, but I am dissappoint that some get more care than others. TheThis would have been an excellent DLC for New Leaf ( wich uses ALOT of it's asset). There is not much more to it than just build and decore a few building and houses.The music is repetitive as well. There is no challenge, your customers will be happy whatever you do.The games offers you alot of possibilites of themes and items, but I am dissappoint that some get more care than others. The tactile gameplay make everything easier and faster, wich is pretty nice. Overall, it's a nice little game ( even if it's feel like a dlc) that you should get at a little price.… Expand
  5. SonicCam91
    Nov 22, 2015
    10
    I love This game!
    It is a real good change in the animal crossing series.
    instead of the regular game this time you are designing houses and places for your village. this is so cool. you start off with lots of items and then you can unlock more items. they say you need the amiibo cards to play the game but i discovered you don't really need them as characters just show up in front of    I love This game!
    It is a real good change in the animal crossing series.
    instead of the regular game this time you are designing houses and places for your village.
    this is so cool. you start off with lots of items and then you can unlock more items. they say you need the amiibo cards to play the game but i discovered you don't really need them as characters just show up in front of your door every time you play. you can also change seasons, and build buildings and objects for your town.
    I think this is a really good idea and every time I am playing this I am on it for at least an hour every time i am building a house. As you go you unlock more content,villagers, designs, etc......I'd recommend it if you are a hardcore animal crossing fan! -)    … Expand
  6. Sylveon
    Apr 3, 2016
    4
    Hardcore Animal Crossing fans WILL be disappointed if they play this game. The game is boring, even with the "Oh-So-Cool Amiibo feature". The game is extremely repetitive, and pointless. You don't even get rewards or anything after designing a house well. This game should have been cheaper.
  7. ashford
    Oct 1, 2015
    2
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I downloaded this game because it was Animal Crossing and because I have absolutely loved every game. I kind of figured that home decorating would be the focus here, and since I love that aspect of the AC games, I thought I would like this. I wasn't prepared for the disappointment. The game is not challenging. At all. If a client asked for a blue house and you gave them a pink house... you'd still get raving reviews. I would have liked to have seen some more challenge and thought put into the IN-GAME-rating system so that I could feel like I needed to put effort into playing. There's isn't a risk of getting a bad review and therefore there isn't any real reward. The collector in me feels no joy when new items appear to use. This is because I really don't have to do anything to "collect" items... I could just open up the characters' "must have items" and say "ok! I'm done!" I hate that there isn't a town. I can't walk around a town and see all the houses I've decorated lined up in the places I've put them. The only way to see them is if I drive there. It would have been amazing to decorate a complete town. Alas, no. After completing a home I just have this empty feeling that my work is sitting somewhere I will never really see because I can't see it in a town. You can't interact with the characters. Not really. The conversations all seem to be the same too. I paid the same price I would for a full AC game yet there isn't any player interaction but I have to pay MORE for these silly little cards? No. That doesn't even interest me. In fact it kind of irritates me because of the price thing. Speaking of player interaction... What is the big deal with collecting emotions? I will never see another live player... this just feels like a waste of game space. I could see this game being around $25-$30. It's something you could casually do when bored and the design aspect of it is amazing. I love how they've made decorating so easy. And I love you can decorate exteriors. I would love this idea to be implemented into the next full Animal Crossing game but I never want to see another AC dedicated to just one aspect if it will be this disjointed and un-challenging. In fact it would be very neat if each character you created could have a different job... One be the mayor... the other a designer... etc.

    So if you're looking for something mindless to do to pass the time... wait until this goes on clearance.    … Expand
  8. mushroom128
    Sep 27, 2015
    2
    This game is not worth 40$. its a terribly shallow game with no replayability. you can't even make your own house or do basic stuff like change your clothes. there is no rating system so no matter how you design the house the villager will compliment you. their banter is short and is really lazilly done. this doesn't feel like a Nintendo game at all.

    2/10
  9. nalukima
    Oct 1, 2015
    4
    Although I'm a huge fan of the Animal Crossing series, this game thoroughly disappointed me. There is no real motivation, as you can obtain no items, clothes, or money. It gets very repetitive, as well. After playing for only a few days, I already am finding myself bored with the game. The villager reactions (to your designs) are pretty much all the same. There's not much to do, as well.Although I'm a huge fan of the Animal Crossing series, this game thoroughly disappointed me. There is no real motivation, as you can obtain no items, clothes, or money. It gets very repetitive, as well. After playing for only a few days, I already am finding myself bored with the game. The villager reactions (to your designs) are pretty much all the same. There's not much to do, as well. In the regular animal crossing games, one can go fishing, dig fossils, swim, dive, garden, shop, talk to villagers (who actually have important things to say), etc. In this game, you can only design houses and visit places (where you can literally do nothing, but stare). It's just so boring. Also, it doesn't let you save until you finish up an entire day. So, basically, if you're in the middle of designing a house, you can't save. Which sucks. The only cool things in this game include: you can completely customize your character's facial features/change your skin color, you can add 'sound' (not music, but actual sound effects) to a room, and you can change the design of a store-including the interior and exterior (but you cannot shop there or really do anything with it). This game is not nearly as well done as most of the Animal Crossing games and I wouldn't recommend it.… Expand
  10. Maxx86
    Oct 29, 2015
    2
    Short review here:
    The game's idea is quite nice: you have a job, and your job is to design other people's house (or well.. animals, actually). As you progress with the game, you'll unlock more furniture and gain access to more prestigious projects, which can be further expanded if you choose to buy the amibo cards for it.
    Whether you like this kind of game is solely a matter of personal    Short review here:
    The game's idea is quite nice: you have a job, and your job is to design other people's house (or well.. animals, actually). As you progress with the game, you'll unlock more furniture and gain access to more prestigious projects, which can be further expanded if you choose to buy the amibo cards for it.
    Whether you like this kind of game is solely a matter of personal tastes, but there's an horrible element that makes me give this game a solid 2.
    In-game customers give you one or more criteria to follow, such as "I want my house to be stylish", etc etc, which is nice. The thing is that, whatever you put in their house is just... fine. It doesn't matter if you make their house an absolute disaster to live in, your customers will always be happy.
    So... what's the purpose of playing this game? Being a good and happy home designer? No, it really doesn't seem the case.
    I mean, i'm not judging the game on its difficulty level, because yeah, it doesn't have any, but that's also an aspect to boils down to personal tastes...
    The thing is that every game should reward a player's effort. It's the effort that matters, in any game. And Animal Crossing Happy Home Designer doesn't make any difference whether you choose to put a lot or absolutely no effort on it.
    Thanks for reading and sorry for my bad English    … Expand
  11. Alder613
    Jan 10, 2016
    9
    Without a doubt, this is my favorite 1st-party 3DS game of the year. While it's not my favorite 3DS game of 2015 (That honor goes to Shovel Knight), it's still a fun game.
  12. themostunclean
    Oct 12, 2015
    9
    Mushroom128- did you play this game for more than 10 minutes? Of course you can change clothes- go upstairs in the real estate office or drag your character icon from the lower design grid screen and a clothes rack will appear- drop the icon into that and you'll be able to wear anything from that room theme or any clothing you've used in other home designs.

    And to the other dolt who    Mushroom128- did you play this game for more than 10 minutes? Of course you can change clothes- go upstairs in the real estate office or drag your character icon from the lower design grid screen and a clothes rack will appear- drop the icon into that and you'll be able to wear anything from that room theme or any clothing you've used in other home designs.

    And to the other dolt who thinks you can only save at the end of the day- Did you ever try pushing the "start" button or, I don't know, reading the friggin' manual?!!?! You can save literally ANY TIME YOU WANT TO.

    I really wish you could post comments to reviews here- I hate it when idiots barely play a game and then rush on here to post bad reviews. Or don't bother even putting a little effort into finding solutions to the problems they have with a game. There's a ton more to this game than just the first 3 houses. And there is a rating system- it's done by actual real people using the game's online functions.

    I've never been a huge Animal Crossing fan but I got this game with a bundle (I'm in the US and really wanted the regular sized N3DS) and I'm having a lot of fun with it. A little more cutesy than I generally like but I give Nintendo a bit a leeway with that stud because their gameplay is usually so awesome.    … Expand
  13. bobbyman46
    Sep 29, 2015
    8
    If designing your home in Animal Crossing New Leaf was not your favorite part of the game, I would HIGHLY recommend NOT getting this game, because it's just that. Designing homes. It's for a small niche of Animal Crossing players who love designing, like me for example. I liked designing the interior of my house but hated dragging everything around, so this game was perfect for me with allIf designing your home in Animal Crossing New Leaf was not your favorite part of the game, I would HIGHLY recommend NOT getting this game, because it's just that. Designing homes. It's for a small niche of Animal Crossing players who love designing, like me for example. I liked designing the interior of my house but hated dragging everything around, so this game was perfect for me with all of it's decorating options, all of the animals to design houses for, and the bottom screen for much much easier designing. This game isn't for everyone, so I would seriously think your decision over before you decide to drop the money on it. For some, it wasn't worth it. But for me, it's money well spent.… Expand
  14. Nico85
    Oct 2, 2015
    8
    This is definitely not a game for everyone! I must say though that i am quite enjoying it, the designing aspect is really a lot of fun and i wish it were that simple and user friendly to design houses in new leaf. Actually, i must say that the ability to see your inventory all at once and try different options with such ease has made me want to re-design some of my houses in ACNL based onThis is definitely not a game for everyone! I must say though that i am quite enjoying it, the designing aspect is really a lot of fun and i wish it were that simple and user friendly to design houses in new leaf. Actually, i must say that the ability to see your inventory all at once and try different options with such ease has made me want to re-design some of my houses in ACNL based on what i accomplished in ACHHD. The game has no real goals and this will probably turn off many players, but i would suggest animal crossing fans to give it a go!… Expand
  15. GAMERGUY25
    Sep 25, 2015
    8
    Animal crossing, one of the most charming and immersive games ever. The first spin off game in the series, happy home designer sticks with the great formula and makes this one in the series another great one. Lots of little things have been changed in happy home designer, first you can actually fine tune your player unlike answering questions to make your character you can changeAnimal crossing, one of the most charming and immersive games ever. The first spin off game in the series, happy home designer sticks with the great formula and makes this one in the series another great one. Lots of little things have been changed in happy home designer, first you can actually fine tune your player unlike answering questions to make your character you can change everything from the start. You work for the happy home academy a place where people like you make dreams come true by building houses and other buildings to better the lives of the animals. Each animal has a theme to build around and you have to build it so they like it. This game stays pretty much true to the animal crossing formula in building but almost all of the items are available from the start, this takes away the times where you walk in the store and that one item you wanted is still not there. The game isn't perfect however, since all you do is build things it can get boring, to me it was always fun to tackle a new house or business but I can see how it can be boring. But after all of this happy home designer is still a fine game in the series not a necessity but a great one nonetheless.… Expand
  16. RadRoxxena
    Sep 30, 2015
    10
    I'm easily entertained. I'm loving this game and can't put it down! Already purchased 7 6-packs of Amiibo Cards... addicted. I LOVE IT and get lost in it every time I pick up and after can't put it down.
  17. Rtheom
    Oct 1, 2015
    7
    A fun little game. It does what it says and it does it well. I mean, it's Animal Crossing, first off, and it's called Happy Home Designer. What else did you expect to happen?

    I would have liked slightly better controls and options for selecting items. Having arrows to change panels would have been nice, and being able to select multiple items in a row without the entire catalog closing    A fun little game. It does what it says and it does it well. I mean, it's Animal Crossing, first off, and it's called Happy Home Designer. What else did you expect to happen?

    I would have liked slightly better controls and options for selecting items. Having arrows to change panels would have been nice, and being able to select multiple items in a row without the entire catalog closing on you would have helped a lot, but these are minor gripes overall, but enough to keep me from saying its perfect. It really is about what you'd expect overall and if you don't want to design silly animal houses for $40, you shouldn't spend the money. Otherwise, if that is what you want to do, you will be more than satisfied.    … Expand
  18. friedchicken
    Oct 4, 2015
    8
    This game is more of a creative outlet like Art Academy rather than an actual game. Think of Happy Home Designer as more of an expansion to New Leaf.
    There's no story, no incentive other than unlocking everything and no replayability and frankly, that's fine.
    The game was made for the fans that enjoyed the house design aspect of the previous Animal Crossing games and it adds a lot more    This game is more of a creative outlet like Art Academy rather than an actual game. Think of Happy Home Designer as more of an expansion to New Leaf.
    There's no story, no incentive other than unlocking everything and no replayability and frankly, that's fine.

    The game was made for the fans that enjoyed the house design aspect of the previous Animal Crossing games and it adds a lot more furniture interactions, unique furniture for facilities and customization options that weren't available in past games and, while you don't get interaction on the same level as New Leaf, is still a lot of fun in my opinion.
    I would have loved if there was the option to have my own little house and a money system to buy furniture/accessories from your catalog. It sounds kind of pointless but it would have given me a little more incentive to play more.
    If you're on the fence about this game, maybe wait until it goes down in price a little.
    The amiibo cards are a cute addition, but not necessary to the game. They're high quality cards that I wouldn't mind collecting.    … Expand
  19. commoonist
    Oct 18, 2015
    9
    HHD is a pretty good game, imo. It has a much improved building system over New Leaf, and has a large variety of different home themes to create, and types of buildings to make (like shops, cafes, hospitals, etc). The unlocking system for furniture and skills works well, and starts you off with enough to be able to make nice designs straight from the get-go. The game also features aHHD is a pretty good game, imo. It has a much improved building system over New Leaf, and has a large variety of different home themes to create, and types of buildings to make (like shops, cafes, hospitals, etc). The unlocking system for furniture and skills works well, and starts you off with enough to be able to make nice designs straight from the get-go. The game also features a character creation system, which is something that was missing in the past games, and allows you to customize your character's skin tone, eyes and hair. You can also change your clothes, which is a plus (although not your shirt, which is a little weird, but I guess the idea is that you work for a company and have a uniform or something). The game has some problems, namely a lack of features outside creating homes, which I personally don't have an issue with, but if you aren't into the idea of designing homes and shops and things like that for villagers, then you may not be all that into this. The game also has an online feature which allows you to go on the internet and check out and explore as well as rate other peoples designs (which is something I do a lot because it's a good source for inspiration. The game advertises itself as being built around designing homes, and it does that really well.… Expand
  20. midipon
    Dec 26, 2015
    9
    I spent hours and hours on this game. There's so many ways to do things, it's not a matter of easy or hard, it's a matter of designing rooms to the best of your ability and keeping it fresh by changing how you think. I always loved doing my house in Animal Crossing and Happy Home Designer is everything I loved about doing that and more.
  21. MrTacoBob
    Sep 6, 2017
    9
    Different from the other Animal Crossing games but is still fun. You can make houses for your favorite Animal Crossing villagers! That's fun! But it gets a little boring but Animal Crossing IS a life simulator...
  22. SaltyNoodles
    Apr 4, 2016
    9
    It's a fun creative outlet, and I love how you can interact with more characters than you would ever be allowed to have in a single village in a main series game, and there are a lot of features that make it good for taking Miiverse photos if you are into that sorta thing. Overall, it's a fun game, but it does lack a lot of the features that the main series of Animal Crossing games have,It's a fun creative outlet, and I love how you can interact with more characters than you would ever be allowed to have in a single village in a main series game, and there are a lot of features that make it good for taking Miiverse photos if you are into that sorta thing. Overall, it's a fun game, but it does lack a lot of the features that the main series of Animal Crossing games have, because it's not supposed to be a main AC game. If that's gonna bother you, this may not be recommended, but if you go in for interior design and cute animals, you shouldn't be disappointed.… Expand
  23. Aozz101x
    Sep 11, 2018
    8
    The Animal Crossing Series has always been the best games on any consoles from Nintendo.
    after years we finally got a spin off. before you decided to play the game, it is different then any past AC titles.
    the Design aspect is what make this game so different then any Animal Crossing Games, see in New Leaf and Past Animal Crossing titles you had abilty to have you're Own House, and this    The Animal Crossing Series has always been the best games on any consoles from Nintendo.
    after years we finally got a spin off. before you decided to play the game, it is different then any past AC titles.
    the Design aspect is what make this game so different then any Animal Crossing Games, see in New Leaf and Past Animal Crossing titles you had abilty to have you're Own House, and this one you don't, there no fishing, catching bugs or using a shovel, not mention you can design the villager's House, and Facility's and orther stuff in the game you can pretty much give a Villager you're own customize shirt, you can change your Character skin color,
    at the End this is pretty good spin-off, the game may not be you're thing.    … Expand
  24. NMFreed
    Feb 7, 2016
    7
    Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is not a game you’d expect to be worth $40, until you play it.
    This problem-solving, interior design romp came out for the Nintendo 3DS late last month, to many players’ surprise and fairly favorable reviews.
    Sure, it’s not your typical AC title where you plant trees and go fishing, but it’s an extension of that, and it works wonderfully. The game    Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer is not a game you’d expect to be worth $40, until you play it.
    This problem-solving, interior design romp came out for the Nintendo 3DS late last month, to many players’ surprise and fairly favorable reviews.

    Sure, it’s not your typical AC title where you plant trees and go fishing, but it’s an extension of that, and it works wonderfully. The game puts you in the shoes of the game’s aptly-named Villager, allowing you to customize gender, appearance, clothing and more. For the first time ever, your Villager can shave the sides of their head. This is what modern-day Nintendo looks like, people.

    Anyway, you take a series of quests in the form of designing rooms, and you gain the trust of your clients while working as a commissioned employee of Nook’s Homes. For players of the original series, Nook needs no introduction. For those unaware, he is a very, very annoying anthropomorphic raccoon who demands way too much from you.

    In HHD, the Villager goes from designing small bedrooms and living areas to classrooms and larger spaces. There is an unbelievable amount of furniture and accessories to choose from, and it’s admittedly fun to mix and match different elements.

    In one situation, a client named Goldie wants a room that could be seen as “a forest of books.” The game drops in a couple of necessary-for-completion items and in this case a bookshelf (go figure), a phonograph and a stack of books.

    Another situation has the Villager designing a classroom, complete with desks, a blackboard and computers. You can then add anything from the furniture catalog. This includes rugs, lamps, showers, fridges, plants and, you guessed it, more. In keeping with tradition, most of the series’ mainstay characters make an appearance. Nook is obviously here, along with Isabella, the puppy-turned-secretary from Animal Crossing: New Leaf.

    The game also makes use of the New Nintendo 3DS’ amiibo functionality, in the form of trading cards. The cards are sold in six-packs and are available (if you can find them) for $5.99 a set.

    Each card has a character on it and when placed on the New 3DS’ bottom screen (or the addition NFC reader for older 3DS systems) that character shows up in the room you’re in. It’s pretty neat.
    For what it is, the game is deep, engaging and frustratingly organized.

    But maybe it would have been better as an expansion for the already superb New Leaf.
    Either way, if you’re looking for a digestible way to pass an hour at a time or if you’re already a fan of the Animal Crossing series, be sure to give this one a chance.

    - Nicholas Friedman, Denton Record-Chronicle    … Expand
  25. wegie125
    Nov 15, 2017
    6
    I actually spent over fourty hours on this game and as much as I want to give it a high score, it just misses out on some minor details that kill the game. Like why don't they add some sort of score system. Like at least something to work towards, without that making houses just starts to feel dull because there really isn't a purpose. The parts where I actually cared about the buildingsI actually spent over fourty hours on this game and as much as I want to give it a high score, it just misses out on some minor details that kill the game. Like why don't they add some sort of score system. Like at least something to work towards, without that making houses just starts to feel dull because there really isn't a purpose. The parts where I actually cared about the buildings just happened to be when isabelle asked you for certain types of places. Overall it was a fun game and I don't feel like I wasted my money but I feel they missed out on a huge opportunity here… Expand
  26. harryjc
    Mar 10, 2017
    6
    First question, what is this game? It's a game where you do interior design with cute little animals, and various other creatures. You have to choose furniture, and decorations for them to get their customer satisfaction. This is not like The Sims whatsoever. You're not truly designing homes, and you're not doing much of interacting with anyone. It's extremely bare bones, and seems likeFirst question, what is this game? It's a game where you do interior design with cute little animals, and various other creatures. You have to choose furniture, and decorations for them to get their customer satisfaction. This is not like The Sims whatsoever. You're not truly designing homes, and you're not doing much of interacting with anyone. It's extremely bare bones, and seems like only half a game.

    For example, most of the places you decorate have a maximum of two rooms, and one level. It's like a game about micro apartments!

    While I didn't find this game to be bad it isn't good either. I would say that the price I paid wasn't worth it. This seems like a $10 game that you pick up from a bargain bin. There just isn't much to do. You're just placing down furniture, and rearranging rooms. You can't even interact with objects, or build relationships, or do any of the things you can do in some popular life simulation games.

    There are few challenges in Happy Home Designer. The only real positives I saw in game were the controls, and the cute designs of the characters, and world. Visually, yes, it's appealing. But this title really, really lacks depth.

    If they ever want to make a sequel they need to take a page out of their landmark titles. It should be open world. You should be able to interact with objects, and people, and form relationships. You should be able to make homes, and do much more than interior designing. There should be mini games, and side quests, and an overarching goal.    … Expand
  27. Datamari
    Oct 28, 2015
    6
    Wait, I can use the touch pad to move furniture?! IT"S A MIRACLE!!!

    I'm a big fan of Animal Crossing, I've been with the series since the very first on the Gamecube, and it's one of my favorite gaming franchises ever. Happy Home Designer was an attempt at a cutesy-spin off of the series, and... it didn't work out as well as you'd expect. There isn't really a reward for anything you    Wait, I can use the touch pad to move furniture?! IT"S A MIRACLE!!!

    I'm a big fan of Animal Crossing, I've been with the series since the very first on the Gamecube, and it's one of my favorite gaming franchises ever. Happy Home Designer was an attempt at a cutesy-spin off of the series, and... it didn't work out as well as you'd expect. There isn't really a reward for anything you do, you don't get any new clothes, items, money, anything that would make it more interesting. In a normal Animal Crossing game, you can go fishing, dig for fossils, talk to villagers, shop, catch bugs, so many things to do! What does Happy Home Designer have? Design houses and visit other houses; ISN'T THAT FUN?!?!?!? I didn't think so. This game DOES have some redeeming qualities, however. The freedom to be creative comes back, and the decorating system is a LOT better than any other AC game, and the ability to view what other people have made.. doesn't suck. But that's about it, in my personal opinion, this isn't a terrible game at all, but it's by far the most disappointing Animal Crossing game in the franchise.

    Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer gets a 6/10    … Expand
  28. obthegeek
    Nov 22, 2020
    6
    a fun little time waster with basically no replay value, nowhere near as good as the likes of new leaf
  29. SparkzCritic
    Nov 18, 2015
    7
    I liked the designing and office worker aspect of it, as well as the animals eat real food, go to school, go to hospitals because they're sick and go shopping instead of walking aimlessly around Timmy and Tommy's.
    But I really can't help feeling trapped in the city, and I can't even change my shirt!
    Enjoyable, but repetitive at times.
  30. ericwithcheese
    Nov 10, 2015
    6
    As the first spinoff of the popular Animal Crossing series, Happy Home Designer is a mixed bag. In theory, it feels like an Animal Crossing game, stripped down to the interior decorating aspect - which is actually my favorite part of the franchise. But the fatal flaw is the complete lack of challenge in the grading system... no matter what you do as long as there is one item to matchAs the first spinoff of the popular Animal Crossing series, Happy Home Designer is a mixed bag. In theory, it feels like an Animal Crossing game, stripped down to the interior decorating aspect - which is actually my favorite part of the franchise. But the fatal flaw is the complete lack of challenge in the grading system... no matter what you do as long as there is one item to match their desired theme, they will compliment you. The use of amiibo cards, though, is pretty neat, and the music is outstanding. Worth it in small doses but won't have the lasting appeal of New Leaf.… Expand
  31. EpicLadySponge
    Jan 28, 2016
    7
    It takes the name of it and designs it to be like it. Happy Home Designer isn't anywhere from it being a Animal Crossing game, but it is just an average game though.
  32. Silverzapper
    Jan 30, 2016
    4
    Just to get this out of the way i'm a huge Animal Crossing fan. I would say it's my favourite series. Unfortunately this game lacks what makes the others so addicting. I am aware this game is a spinoff but it failed to grab my attention for more than a few days since designing rooms is ALL you do. I have a lot of fun designing houses in the main series but it is FAR from the only thing youJust to get this out of the way i'm a huge Animal Crossing fan. I would say it's my favourite series. Unfortunately this game lacks what makes the others so addicting. I am aware this game is a spinoff but it failed to grab my attention for more than a few days since designing rooms is ALL you do. I have a lot of fun designing houses in the main series but it is FAR from the only thing you do. I would say this game is more like an art program than an actual game. But hey at least it's better than Amiibo Festival.… Expand
  33. Robloxiancritic
    May 21, 2016
    6
    Well I played this game and I have a weird way of looking at it. Welll the first part with making buildings was fun the other part got boring with before me doing like over 10 in game days of this and then less than 5 days.
  34. GamecubeLover
    Jul 3, 2016
    8
    This game is very creative with it's new story. And designing homes for villagers is fun. Sure it can get boring and repetitive at a lot of points but if your me I love this game almost every second of this game. The graphics are like new leaf so they are good but it doesn't seem to have that animal crossing charm that much. I wouldn't really skip this game. I guess if your an animalThis game is very creative with it's new story. And designing homes for villagers is fun. Sure it can get boring and repetitive at a lot of points but if your me I love this game almost every second of this game. The graphics are like new leaf so they are good but it doesn't seem to have that animal crossing charm that much. I wouldn't really skip this game. I guess if your an animal crossing fan you should play this game.… Expand
  35. MonkiReviews
    May 10, 2017
    8
    This is actually very fun! The game is easy and fast. I like making houses and buildings, it is actually easy and worth it. It comes with a amiibo card also.
  36. TJ_of_Carolina
    Jan 9, 2019
    4
    Disappointing. After completing the facilities of the main town, which likely won't take long, all there is left to do is make houses for the oodles of random villagers. There is no grading your performance so you can just put down the 3 or 4 required items and your villager will still love it. It's very open ended but not in the usual good animal crossing way where you have the choice ofDisappointing. After completing the facilities of the main town, which likely won't take long, all there is left to do is make houses for the oodles of random villagers. There is no grading your performance so you can just put down the 3 or 4 required items and your villager will still love it. It's very open ended but not in the usual good animal crossing way where you have the choice of many activities and can set your own goals. You don't have your own house, which would have been nice, instead after logging your work for the day, night automatically goes to day. There are villagers in town and you can visit past villagers you've designed homes for but there is much less dialogue than in the main games and they repeat themselves more often. You can upgrade your equipment and unlock new mechanics for home design with the Happy Home Handbook, but just like the facilities this can be finished pretty quickly and after that there isn't much to keep the player motivated… Expand
  37. Big_Ravioli
    May 23, 2020
    5
    "What if we take one aspect of the other Animal Crossings, and make it the entire game, and then sell the game at full price?"
    -Probably some dude from Nintendo
  38. omniface
    Mar 11, 2021
    9
    fourth and likely final review for new horizons
    converted from a wrongful 0 rating

    pros
    amazing graphics
    amazing music
    amazing pumpkin farming
    good custom design
    decent roof color choices

    cons
    savings progress is too slow

    in conclusion an amazing game for specifically this world

Awards & Rankings

32
#32 Best 3DS Game of 2015
9
#9 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2015
13
#13 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
66

Mixed or average reviews - based on 60 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 60
  2. Mixed: 41 out of 60
  3. Negative: 1 out of 60
  1. CD-Action
    Dec 16, 2015
    65
    Despite vast content and high level of polish I actually can’t find any convincing reasons to play it. [12/2015, p.72]
  2. Nintendo Enthusiast
    Nov 17, 2015
    50
    Overall, Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer proves to be a substantial disappointment for the franchise. Yes, the game does make large strides in the designing element of Animal Crossing, but it fails to create any sort of experience that is even remotely engaging or captivating.
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  3. games(TM)
    Nov 7, 2015
    50
    Ultimately, Happy Home Designer feels more like a mini-game from a main Animal Crossing title, albeit one that controls like a dream. As a cheaper eShop release designed to spark interest in collecting the cards it would have been fine, but as a full price game its one-trick-pony style is far too repetitive for some.
    Read full review
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