Animal Crossing: New Leaf

 3DS
User Score
8.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 920 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 799 out of 920
  2. Mixed: 76 out of 920
  3. Negative: 45 out of 920
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  1. bobbyman46
    Jan 13, 2014
    9
    Incredible fun and super addictive. You'll find yourself playing this game all the time everyday because of its fun and easy to do game play. It's a nice game to sit and relax to.
  2. salamanca
    Aug 12, 2013
    9
    Animal Crossing is one of those games you keep coming back to over and over again with each iteration, and you never really know why. In its fourth installment since its Gamecube debut in 2002, it's still one of the freshest, most relaxing, and oddly enough, most addictive game franchises on the market. It's also yet another must-own for anyone who has a 3DS.

    The biggest difference    Animal Crossing is one of those games you keep coming back to over and over again with each iteration, and you never really know why. In its fourth installment since its Gamecube debut in 2002, it's still one of the freshest, most relaxing, and oddly enough, most addictive game franchises on the market. It's also yet another must-own for anyone who has a 3DS.

    The biggest difference between New Leaf and the prior Animal Crossing games is that this time, you are the mayor in your town, and as such, you have the ability to customize and improve your town like never before. If you have the money and you're willing to cough up the dough, you can buy various public works projects that add to the aesthetic of your town: things like streetlights, extra bridges, new shops, a night club, police stations, Resetti's headquarters, and more. In relation to previous installments, everything in New Leaf is much more streamlined. Most of the shops are bunched together in the area north of your town, while several staples from prior entries in the series, like the police station for example, are now public works projects that you can place anywhere in your actual town... after you pay for them of course. The depth of customizing your town will, needless to say, keep you coming back to the game, even after you've paid off the millions of "Bells" (the currency in Animal Crossing) it will take to expand your home to its biggest potential.

    I honestly can't even begin to explain how much furniture and clothing there is to collect in this game. After playing the game for two months, I still walk into the department store and see something new every time I go in. The sheer amount of items and collectibles will baffle you, and this is yet another aspect of the game that will bring you right back to it.

    Much of the New Leaf is business as usual, providing you with the same motivation to meet your neighbors, collect all of the bugs, fish, fossils, etc., and pay off that dang home loan that Tom Nook likes to harass you about. All of it is executed extremely smoothly and intricately, in typical Nintendo form. The visuals are delightful, the music is fairly relaxed, and the 3D effect is pretty good, but it really isn't needed for this kind of game anyway.

    Overall Animal Crossing: New Leaf is great fun. It's got a strange alluring quality to it that is unlike any other game out there. Considering all of the gritty and violent realism of many other video games on the market, Animal Crossing is a welcome and delightful detour. Without a doubt, it's a must-own for anyone who owns a 3DS, and is yet another great addition to the 3DS's already extremely impressive library of games.    … Expand
  3. MOHAMMAD0203
    Jul 14, 2013
    9
    This is the first Nintendo 3DS game I felt like it was 40$ well spent.This game adds so much to the animal crossing series from all the new shops, the new clothing items, the tropical island and the high level of customization.Do yourself a favor and go buy yourself this game.9/10
  4. Kelphy
    Nov 5, 2013
    9
    I personally did not have high expectations for this game, but this game exceeded the levels of greatness. The characters somewhat sometimes feel repetitive as far as dialogue is concerned.
    After dark the game can become quite boring, but this is what Animal Crossing is all about. A world where your little animals seem alive even when not playing.

    Superb.
  5. tech101
    Jul 2, 2013
    9
    What people need to understand when picking up this game is it needs to be played for an hour or 2 a day. This is the type of game that is rewarding more and more everyday. I love how you slowly unlock stuff day by day instead of just being able to buy whatever you want upfront. I play for hours some times i and i don't even know why but i have fun doing it! Give this game a chance andWhat people need to understand when picking up this game is it needs to be played for an hour or 2 a day. This is the type of game that is rewarding more and more everyday. I love how you slowly unlock stuff day by day instead of just being able to buy whatever you want upfront. I play for hours some times i and i don't even know why but i have fun doing it! Give this game a chance and it could be so rewarding.… Expand
  6. cheesum
    Jun 18, 2013
    9
    I didn't expect to enjoy this new installment to the AC series, but I tried it regardless. This game is wonderful, there is charm everywhere; from the lines your townies say, to the captions you get when you capture a bug or a fish. As you play the buildings will expand and begin to sell more items, and be open at different times of the day, you can also now enact "town ordinances" whichI didn't expect to enjoy this new installment to the AC series, but I tried it regardless. This game is wonderful, there is charm everywhere; from the lines your townies say, to the captions you get when you capture a bug or a fish. As you play the buildings will expand and begin to sell more items, and be open at different times of the day, you can also now enact "town ordinances" which can make your townies go to sleep later or earlier, make them pay more attention to keeping your town beautiful, and increase the selling/buying prices of all items in all of the shops. If you truly want to you could play this game all day, every day, but that might get a bit boring. I have had this game for a week and have been playing 3-4 hours every day, and cannot see myself stopping anytime soon. This is definitely one of the best 3DS games currently available.… Expand
  7. lolfactor100
    Jun 15, 2013
    9
    What a game! From the moment I have started playing till now I have truly enjoyed my time and felt that there was always something to do rather then pay off my loans. It is very refreshing to have animal crossing with just the right amount of new content added. The few thing that bug me personally are easily out weighed by the enjoyment i get from all the other content that has been added.What a game! From the moment I have started playing till now I have truly enjoyed my time and felt that there was always something to do rather then pay off my loans. It is very refreshing to have animal crossing with just the right amount of new content added. The few thing that bug me personally are easily out weighed by the enjoyment i get from all the other content that has been added. If you were a fan of the original animal crossing then you will love this new one.… Expand
  8. SuperstarVenom
    Jun 20, 2013
    9
    This is the first Animal Crossing I've played, had it for 5 days now and play it virtually every free minute I have. Simple to play and rewarding each day. Fun to play as a family as each profile you create, all live in the same town and contribute to the community. Highly recommended.
  9. TheMzingReview
    Jun 17, 2013
    9
    Great game and very addictive. My only gripe is that you cannot delete extra files on the card without erasing your entire memory. Other than that this is a must buy.
  10. asjklasjklas
    Jul 21, 2013
    9
    For any doubters and outsiders of the Animal Crossing fandom, there is nothing new that'll change your minds. However, for veterans of one of Nintendo's cutest franchises, it is the finest installment to date. In the creative department, while players are finally offered the ability to choose the layout of their town at the beginning of the game and given chances to build on to their townsFor any doubters and outsiders of the Animal Crossing fandom, there is nothing new that'll change your minds. However, for veterans of one of Nintendo's cutest franchises, it is the finest installment to date. In the creative department, while players are finally offered the ability to choose the layout of their town at the beginning of the game and given chances to build on to their towns with a slew of scenery and shops, the mayor role in the game is very underwhelming and you'll often grow irritated with having a puppy dog (spoiler: your secretary named Isabelle) tell you what to do 24/7. But outside of that minor struggles, New Leaf refines and adds beyond everything that made the game addictive in the first place, taking even more of the time of your day to simply grow plants, catch bugs and fish, go to the tropical island and play mini-games, play with your friends via Wi-Fi connection, etc. Truly one of the funnest games on the Nintendo 3DS at the moment.… Expand
  11. Carlsdil000
    Jun 29, 2013
    9
    I became a fan of the series in late 2004 when I played Animal Crossing on the Nintendo GameCube for the first time. I was fascinated that a game that includes weed picking and seashell hunting as part of the regular gameplay, and wondered how and why I found it to be so strangely addicting. Fast forward almost nine years later and here we have the fourth installment in the series. WhileI became a fan of the series in late 2004 when I played Animal Crossing on the Nintendo GameCube for the first time. I was fascinated that a game that includes weed picking and seashell hunting as part of the regular gameplay, and wondered how and why I found it to be so strangely addicting. Fast forward almost nine years later and here we have the fourth installment in the series. While it doesn't stray far from the Animal Crossing formula it does add that nostalgic feeling that I feel was lost in the second and third games. You're still in debt to Tom Nook, but it feels less forced. You're still doing chores such as killing and weed pulling, but now with projects and things to add to your town instead of it being the same forever. Your main street grows and adds on as you continue to play, and you can't help but feel satisfied as you watch your town flourish into something beautiful and completely your own.

    If I had to say something negative about this game (or rather something "less positive") it would have to be the placement of public works projects. You can almost never place them exactly where you want, and symmetry is very hard to create. That being said, I definitely recommend this game to anyone. It may not be everyone's cup of tea, and that's ok, but those who have liked the game for sure will fall in love with this one. This is the best one since the GameCube, and in many ways it's even better than that.    … Expand
  12. Prozilla
    Jul 3, 2013
    9
    fiancé loved it, I thought it was alright. She was a fan since the wii version. if you like the wii version you will more than likely love the 3DS version. its not really my cup of tea but I can see how some like it. I gave it a 9 because I feel the developers accomplished what they were going for and gave you more choices. still could use more changes especially if it takes a couple yearsfiancé loved it, I thought it was alright. She was a fan since the wii version. if you like the wii version you will more than likely love the 3DS version. its not really my cup of tea but I can see how some like it. I gave it a 9 because I feel the developers accomplished what they were going for and gave you more choices. still could use more changes especially if it takes a couple years to make… Expand
  13. ZeRo_Bahamut
    Jul 22, 2013
    9
    Animal's Crossing: New Leaf is a sort of life simulator game, where time flows just like it does in the real world.

    If you ever played an AC game before you know exactly what you're diving into, it's more of the same, only done better! For the newcomers, this is a game that you play day by day as the year goes by, partaking in events, meeting the locals, relax as you catch fish/bugs    Animal's Crossing: New Leaf is a sort of life simulator game, where time flows just like it does in the real world.

    If you ever played an AC game before you know exactly what you're diving into, it's more of the same, only done better!

    For the newcomers, this is a game that you play day by day as the year goes by, partaking in events, meeting the locals, relax as you catch fish/bugs and generally just do whatever you feel like, there are lots of goals to accomplish in-game, be it completing the museum with various collectibles or decorating your house to your liking, pay your loan to get expansions to your house or just casually play with friends, there's something for everyone here.

    AC: NL brings some major and a lot of minor additions to the game, which ultimately enriches the experience by quite a lot, the biggest major addition tho, is being the mayor of your own little virtual town.

    Being the mayor brings in all sorts of extra features, like being able to build town projects and putting ordinances into place. These projects range from building a new bridge over the river to an expansion of the town museum...

    A minor addition (but a good one at that) is the ability to play with more people on 1 cartridge/town, this means if you and a friend/girlfriend want to live in the same town this is completely possible, but if your friend/girlfriend does something, this will be reflected the next time you start up the game for your character.

    All in all, Animals Crossing: New Leaf has something for everyone and when you find time to invest in it, you can play for months to come, it's not for people looking for a fast and action paced game, it's something you need to do a few minutes/hours a day while relaxing and enjoying your ever growing/evolving town.    … Expand
  14. reviewmatt
    Jul 14, 2014
    9
    A Great game. You can make your town your little paradise, build an awesome house, go to an tropical island resort, play with friends and more. Fun is a thing that this is full of!
    Unfortunately, there is 1 flaw. That is that even though it's fun, it gets boring so you might be taking breaks from the game.
    9/10
  15. YeahYeahCool
    Aug 9, 2013
    9
    Animal Crossing New Leaf Review

    Originally Posted at http://www.yeahyeahcool.com/2013/08/09/animal-crossing-new-leaf-for-the-nintendo-3ds-review/ by: Carla Valdes @Karluccia Animal Crossing has been a staple of Nintendo’s games since it first debuted for the GameCube back in 2001. The newest offering Animal Crossing New Leaf delivers the same addicting gameplay with many new    Animal Crossing New Leaf Review

    Originally Posted at http://www.yeahyeahcool.com/2013/08/09/animal-crossing-new-leaf-for-the-nintendo-3ds-review/

    by: Carla Valdes @Karluccia

    Animal Crossing has been a staple of Nintendo’s games since it first debuted for the GameCube back in 2001. The newest offering Animal Crossing New Leaf delivers the same addicting gameplay with many new additions to keep you coming back for more.

    If you have never played Animal Crossing, the basic idea involves you living and interacting in a small town where the other residents are these adorable animals that want to be your friend. The home you live in is expandable and you can fill it with furniture collections and knickknacks. Your day is spent doing errands for your animal friends, catching bugs and fishing for bells. Because the game is in real time, as you go throughout your day so does the life in the town. Time and seasons change and occasionally there are town events like fishing tournaments or fireworks display.

    New Leaf has brought a more extensive and personal touch to the gameplay. Here is just a small list of the many new additions:

    The first player who moves into your town gets to be Mayor! Their duties include town ordinances and public works with the ability to spruce up the town with benches, flower clocks and other decorations.
    Expansion to the museum with a second floor that allows you to create your own showcase.
    New stores including shoes, a coffee shop where you can work part-time, and Club LOL that features nightly entertainment.
    Travel by boat to a cute island to play mini games and buy island or mermaid themed furniture.

    This is definitely a game for collectors, and as a collector of things, Animal Crossing New Leaf taps into my OCD with gusto! I do recommend checking out the Strategy Guide, either in book form or online, to keep track of your collections. As for the game play, I wish they had added more to the monthly events and happenings since they seem to be on the skimpy side. But even with that tiny complaint, I still find myself checking in daily with the animals to see if they need anything, going shopping to find out what’s on sale at Nooks and stopping by the Roost café for a cup of coffee made with care by Brewster the pigeon. He knows my preference too, Mocha blend with 2 sugars and a little cream. Aahhh..perfect every time.

    A-    … Expand
  16. Aozz101x
    Jan 29, 2014
    9
    Animal Crossing New Leaf is one of the best 3DS games that i enjoy playing

    the game has one best new thing on it and that public work project and being a mayor
    but making 2nd villger you woon't have be a mayor and just do sorts normal animal crossing fum
  17. CptThreepwood
    Nov 21, 2013
    9
    This is my first Animal Crossing game and I really enjoy playing it. As someone who usually likes to play storytelling adventures, I was a bit sceptical towards AC:NL, but it did only take minutes of playing to fall in love with it. Everything is well designed and it is really amusing to interact with all those little weird animals living in your small town. The minigames (especiallyThis is my first Animal Crossing game and I really enjoy playing it. As someone who usually likes to play storytelling adventures, I was a bit sceptical towards AC:NL, but it did only take minutes of playing to fall in love with it. Everything is well designed and it is really amusing to interact with all those little weird animals living in your small town. The minigames (especially while playing them with friends) are also really fun and don't take a lot of time. The only small minus point for me is, that you can reach a point each day where you just can't do any more stuff without "cheating" and changing the the time in the Nintendo 3DS setups. It takes hours to reach this point, but as a long time gamer that can be frustrating.… Expand
  18. Dragonitefan56
    Sep 6, 2013
    9
    This is my first Animal Crossing game and I have no regrets. This game was basically my summer, giving me lots of things to do everyday, growing my town, gaining the respect of my residents and developing my own house. If I have any issues with this game, is that the chatbox when talking to others is very short. Other than that, everything is so perfect that I don't even notice the littleThis is my first Animal Crossing game and I have no regrets. This game was basically my summer, giving me lots of things to do everyday, growing my town, gaining the respect of my residents and developing my own house. If I have any issues with this game, is that the chatbox when talking to others is very short. Other than that, everything is so perfect that I don't even notice the little flaws. This game is known to be the best in its series, and I'm not surprised.… Expand
  19. Doodahday66
    Mar 24, 2014
    9
    Animal crossing never fails to disappoint, the New Leaf for the 3DS is much smoother, graphically beautiful and diverse than Wild World was on the original DS. The gameplay mechanic of being the mayor has much to improve upon, but it has made a start none the less. I do feel this game could do better with exclusive events and DLC, as to me, the game does kind of get boring, slow and evenAnimal crossing never fails to disappoint, the New Leaf for the 3DS is much smoother, graphically beautiful and diverse than Wild World was on the original DS. The gameplay mechanic of being the mayor has much to improve upon, but it has made a start none the less. I do feel this game could do better with exclusive events and DLC, as to me, the game does kind of get boring, slow and even tedious as you start to expand your house to the point where it costs hundreds of thousands of bells...… Expand
  20. Pad_Lock
    Oct 15, 2013
    9
    Definitely the best Animal Crossing so far. It's really easy to enjoy and relaxing. All the features work how you want them to. A game you can pick up for a few minutes just to kill some time. Although, it would be nice if the shops opened earlier (without having to use Early-Bird Ordinance) and the mayor had more power.
  21. rhaynes7
    Feb 11, 2014
    9
    I went through the GC and the DS versions, and I was pretty sure I was never going to do it again. In fact, my brother got the Wii version, but I quickly lost interest. However, when I saw that you were now the mayor and ruler of your own city, my curiosity was piqued, and I decided to give Animal Crossing one last go.

    It's nice that they finally changed the initial set up of the    I went through the GC and the DS versions, and I was pretty sure I was never going to do it again. In fact, my brother got the Wii version, but I quickly lost interest. However, when I saw that you were now the mayor and ruler of your own city, my curiosity was piqued, and I decided to give Animal Crossing one last go.

    It's nice that they finally changed the initial set up of the game. You're starting place, is a tent, and your goal is a mansion. However, throwing in the concept of being town mayor affords you better control of personalizing your town. The graphics are much improved and the 3D allows things to pop. As with any good expansion, there's more of everything to do.

    StreetPass affords some excellent functionality. I love running through people's homes or dream town and laying waste to their city cause I can, knowing there's no consequences. Buying their furniture and seeing the incredible things people can do inspires you to come up with ideas for your own ultimate town.

    However, after awhile, I hit the rut again, and the realization comes that I've played this game twice before. Animal Crossing New Leaf is still essentially the same game. It's just as enjoyable, if not better with all the improvements, but I guess I had imagined that holding the position as mayor could afford me more power. Oh well. It's just sad to know that my town is running destitute with weeds now, and few games hold that attachment for me. I simply wish it would make it easier to pull away and to know my town isn't to falling apart. This game just shows me I have deep commitment issues. Until a few more installments down the road, I bid you adieu ACNL.    … Expand
  22. Dcoy
    Dec 21, 2013
    9
    I am willing to give this game a 10 because not only is it extremely relaxing it may look childish but it has hundreds of hours and things to do. I can safely say this game is a game you must buy if you own a 3ds in fact it was the first game I got when I bought it and I have not had doubts about it since. The music is very nice while being relaxing and there is stuff to do every day.
  23. PolisKanin
    Feb 7, 2014
    9
    Animal Crossing New Leaf takes the fun of the previous games in the series, and adds new and innovative features. In this instalment, you become the mayor of the town, which means there is a lot more freedom and activities to do in the game. The game is fun and relaxing, so it is not for everyone, but most people can get lost in the game and spend hours playing it.
  24. goopyGoop
    May 9, 2014
    9
    They have greatly improved this game since the Animal Crossing Wild World, it's much more complete and fun. You have much more freedom. It's very fun I would recommend buying it. :)
  25. Moooo
    Feb 21, 2014
    9
    This game improves upon the other games in the series in almost every way. You can do so much in this game, there is no way I could say everything you can do in this review. There is an absolute ton of stuff to do in this game. I've been playing for about 90 hours now, and I'm not even halfway done. You are the mayor of a town. You can add new buildings and maintain the town through townThis game improves upon the other games in the series in almost every way. You can do so much in this game, there is no way I could say everything you can do in this review. There is an absolute ton of stuff to do in this game. I've been playing for about 90 hours now, and I'm not even halfway done. You are the mayor of a town. You can add new buildings and maintain the town through town projects and ordinances, trying to get a perfect town rating. There are 60 things you can add in the town, ranging from a cafe to the Sphinx. All of this is new to the series. My only complaint is the villagers have to tell you about 40 town projects (you start out with about 20) before you can build them. That would be fine, if they would just tell you them about 2-4 times a week. Instead, you will be lucky to get 1 in a week. Overall, I think the tiny flaws in this game can easily be overlooked and this game could become one of your most played games ever due to the amount of content in it.… Expand
  26. amstans
    May 11, 2015
    9
    While I would never buy this game, I got it free from Club Nintendo as a reward. I am so glad I had the chance to play it and now I put aside some time everyday. I like how you can just pick it up and put it down. Everything about this game is simple and relaxing. I wouldn't give it a 10 just because the music gets a little annoying sometimes (always chipper and upbeat).
  27. klimcj1
    Mar 11, 2014
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Jump into a world where you are the mayor of your own town and the littlest of accomplishments make you feel most grand. Meet all of your new villagers with different personality types and still have time to customize your town, house, and clothing in anyway possible.

    This virtual “real-life” game is similar to Sims and Minecraft. Animal Crossing New Leaf (ACNL) has creating, building, and finding your own path; this type of gameplay is popular among many players. If you are a Fable Fan and heard of Harvest Moon this game also has similar elements of gameplay as well. These other games mentioned show that much effort is needed for getting from completing mission “A” to mission “B”. Similar in all these games you control what you are going to do and have an unlimited amount of possibilities. Most Animal Crossing games grab players in like a sharp hook and three weeks later after, you are wondering, “Why am I still playing this game?” Yet, for some odd reason many players are hooked for quite awhile wanting to find the latest discovery and do as much as they can to improve one's town.

    Starting off the game, you are on a train talking to the conductor about your new life in this town (eventually you get to pick the town name). The conductor mentions you are the “freshman mayor” so it is now time to shine and make all the decisions. Unlike other Animal Crossing games before, you are either in a town cab or just randomly show up to a new city. The train setting is much more realistic and gives you a sense of “traveling” to a new city you are basically going to build from scratch.

    This newest and most anticipated feature from this game is becoming a Mayor of your own town. Some of the jobs of mayorship are definitely thrilling and empowering. If you have a type “A” personality and like to take control of all around you, this aspect is great to consider.

    Around your new town and community you can start building “Public Works Projects” which include fountains, benches, light posts, and even playgrounds. You can choose up to 156 “Public Works Projects” after a villager asks for that specific “project” to improve your town.These public works projects do not come all at once because you basically have to “unlock” them like a new level in a game. These “projects” become “special” depending on a villager.

    I found it irksome that most villagers only liked “fancier” projects that cost more to start and finish. Yet, after completing the project(s) there is definitely a sense of accomplishment of wanting to do more. One of the more exciting public work projects is building a campsite for possible new villagers to move; in the game a new “guest-villager” can visit about once a week.

    Other duties of a mayor include enacting an ordinance which simply controls the town in specific ways. Some ordinances include keeping the market and shops open earlier or later, earn money more quickly, or prevent weed overgrowth to keep the town clean and beautiful. I personally liked the ordinance called “Bell Bloom”.

    While mayorship is definitely fun in all aspects; mentioned earlier, ACNL gives you a great satisfaction when completing little tasks. Playing this game everyday might sound crazy but there is always something new to do. The anticipation of finding new fossils in the ground, catching fish, deep sea critters, and bugs to give to the museum is another aspect in itself. Finding the latest bug or fish in the season is another facet to look forward to as well.    … Expand
  28. CurlyFryGamer
    Mar 23, 2014
    9
    As I am new to the Animal Crossing series I probably haven't got much say in this debate but since I got it at Christmas 2013 I would say it's a must buy for the Nintendo 3DS with it's layed back nature and simplistic objectives it's a very nice game to kick back and relax to. My only complaint is that maybe they could have added more Mini Games other than the Island games and also it'sAs I am new to the Animal Crossing series I probably haven't got much say in this debate but since I got it at Christmas 2013 I would say it's a must buy for the Nintendo 3DS with it's layed back nature and simplistic objectives it's a very nice game to kick back and relax to. My only complaint is that maybe they could have added more Mini Games other than the Island games and also it's VERY addictive living your life just waiting for what wonders in the next day.… Expand
  29. DrewtheDude85
    Mar 28, 2014
    9
    Before playing New Leaf, the only experience I've had with Animal Crossing was the original on the GameCube and while I enjoyed the original, I was completely blown away from this game. I was addicted to this game since day one, there was lots to do and the game changes as time goes on which is both good and bad in a way. It's good because it gives you things to look forward to, but it wasBefore playing New Leaf, the only experience I've had with Animal Crossing was the original on the GameCube and while I enjoyed the original, I was completely blown away from this game. I was addicted to this game since day one, there was lots to do and the game changes as time goes on which is both good and bad in a way. It's good because it gives you things to look forward to, but it was also bad for me mainly because I would get a bit impatient to see what happens next to the point of where I would start playing early in the morning. But there was plenty of activity to do and I would strongly recommend this game to anyone who has a Nintendo 3ds or 2ds. If you are only going to buy one animal crossing game, then let it be Animal Crossing: New Leaf.… Expand
  30. Asheciel
    May 27, 2014
    9
    Story: N/A
    Gameplay: 9/10
    - Simple and easy to learn. Art: 9/10 - Cute and quite adorable. Characters: 8/10 - All the villagers seem to have a certain type of personality, all interesting in their own way. Sound: 9/10 - Pleasant sounds and music; DJ K.K. provides a variety of catchy songs. Enjoyment: 7/10 - It is fun to play from time to time, but it can get extremely repetitive.    Story: N/A
    Gameplay: 9/10
    - Simple and easy to learn.
    Art: 9/10
    - Cute and quite adorable.
    Characters: 8/10
    - All the villagers seem to have a certain type of personality, all interesting in their own way.
    Sound: 9/10
    - Pleasant sounds and music; DJ K.K. provides a variety of catchy songs.
    Enjoyment: 7/10
    - It is fun to play from time to time, but it can get extremely repetitive.
    I recommend people to play this with friends, since playing it by yourself can get boring really fast.    … Expand
  31. saxo27
    Nov 12, 2014
    9
    Animal Crossing is an example of a simple game that is simply enjoyable. The art style is quaint, bright and cheerful. The characters are fun and memorable. It is truely a quintessential Nintendo game and displays the creativity and uniqeness that Nintendo brings to the gaming industry. Yes, the game can be a bit slow and is not too enjoyable to play for hours at a time. However, for howAnimal Crossing is an example of a simple game that is simply enjoyable. The art style is quaint, bright and cheerful. The characters are fun and memorable. It is truely a quintessential Nintendo game and displays the creativity and uniqeness that Nintendo brings to the gaming industry. Yes, the game can be a bit slow and is not too enjoyable to play for hours at a time. However, for how simply the game is--it is quietly dynamic. Every day brings something new and fun to do. Every week brings a new surprise (like a lost sailor, an art dealer selling potential conterfits, a DJ, and more). Even every month can potentially bring a new surprise with new animals moving into your town, a holiday or a specifical event. Again, this game possess a quiet dynamism coupled with a cheerful art scheme and charming characters and charming activities to partake in. Enjoy.… Expand
  32. LaraR
    Nov 17, 2014
    9
    Now that I reflect on how much time I spent on this game, I'm surprised I haven't gotten all the badges yet. Besides that, I love this game! I have played less lately but I enjoyed the phase I had being addicted to this game. I will still cherish the time some random stranger at that island gave me a million bells. I highly recommend this game and who knows, you might just be as lucky as me!
  33. Jje261
    Nov 30, 2014
    9
    A wonderful game. From someone who hasn't played the other ones, makes me want to play them. This so far is one of my favorite 3DS game. Only thing I don't like is that In the begging, It makes you wait for a pretty long time for things to get "interesting". But If you can get over that, this game will keep you entertain for a LONG TIME
  34. EPICNANMAN
    Jan 3, 2015
    9
    this was my first AC game so i did not expect much i got it day one little did i know it was probably one of the best 3ds hits of all time your a mayor of a town the towns name you decide (i named mine hyrule) when you get off the train you decide where you wanna build your house er a tent but with patience it will become a lot better when you start off theres one shop in town going tothis was my first AC game so i did not expect much i got it day one little did i know it was probably one of the best 3ds hits of all time your a mayor of a town the towns name you decide (i named mine hyrule) when you get off the train you decide where you wanna build your house er a tent but with patience it will become a lot better when you start off theres one shop in town going to the shopping district theres only a few places to go like the bank the museum and 2 other shops but there will be more like Kicks run by...kicks a flower shop the t&t shop will expand and club lol and more later you'll see the original mayor who gives you boat rides for 1,000 bells theres multiplayer and even EASTER EGGS!… Expand
  35. kiwikelly
    Aug 2, 2015
    9
    The beginning is pretty long and you can get bored then because you barely have any fruit to sell, so I suggest planting new trees as soon as you get into the game. As it goes on, it becomes really fun.
    I love the Roost Café, such a fun addition, they should've added a bakery as well!
    Sometimes you run out of things to do but you can always earn bells by fishing, catching bugs and    The beginning is pretty long and you can get bored then because you barely have any fruit to sell, so I suggest planting new trees as soon as you get into the game. As it goes on, it becomes really fun.
    I love the Roost Café, such a fun addition, they should've added a bakery as well!
    Sometimes you run out of things to do but you can always earn bells by fishing, catching bugs and picking all of the fruits. Some villagers might ask you to deliver something.
    It's fun to get back to, I tend to be addicted, then quit for a while, then check up on it and find myself playing for hours again. I used to have Wild World and City Folk as well and the series only get better!    … Expand
  36. TSDG
    Apr 12, 2015
    9
    This is the best 3ds timewaster game ever, You can be playing every second a day, Portable, first time mayor and special way to invite your friends to your town and get other people's material by typing peoples Town code!
  37. geo333
    Oct 5, 2016
    9
    This game is a life simulation in that your free to do whatever you please to do. You can buy a house,built town projects, go to a different part of the island or participate in real life holidays(Christmas etc). This game is not designed to be beaten, its designed to entertain the gamer for a few hours every day. Furthermore. it's soundtrack makes the game relaxing to play as you fish,This game is a life simulation in that your free to do whatever you please to do. You can buy a house,built town projects, go to a different part of the island or participate in real life holidays(Christmas etc). This game is not designed to be beaten, its designed to entertain the gamer for a few hours every day. Furthermore. it's soundtrack makes the game relaxing to play as you fish, hunt for bugs,look for fossils among many other things. The only downside is some players might find it boring as it might get repetitive after hours of playing aside from that; its great game to play. Overall, as a first time player in the franchise i can say this game is worth the playing time and purchase.… Expand
  38. MaxiRE123
    Dec 11, 2016
    9
    This is a very addicting game! I have put over 130h into the game, and still havent discover or did everything the game has to offer! Beware It's be be pretty repetitive, as you'll have to do the same task for a couples of days to get enough money to do what you wanted, but since It's meant to be played by little session time, It's not a major problem. This game is very friendly, very easyThis is a very addicting game! I have put over 130h into the game, and still havent discover or did everything the game has to offer! Beware It's be be pretty repetitive, as you'll have to do the same task for a couples of days to get enough money to do what you wanted, but since It's meant to be played by little session time, It's not a major problem. This game is very friendly, very easy and let you do things your way. Must play for any 3DS owner! (PS: the game was just updated to add new feature, most notably the amiibo, which means that you can now have freaking Link in your village, and acouple of others! It's good and refreshing!)… Expand
  39. EpicLadySponge
    Jun 20, 2016
    9
    Getting this game is a must-do for all Nintendo 3DS owners even if you have terrible games on it. If they're still selling these, you're in luck because this one is a must-get. Do yourself a favor and get it on a store near you or get it on the Nintendo eShop if you set up an internet connection and your Nintendo Network ID on the 3DS.
  40. Tbonedabeasst
    Jan 4, 2016
    9
    This game is a great game to pick up for a few minutes and play while taking a break from games like fallout 4 and Fire emblem Awakening. This game offer new experiences not available in the previous installments. It doesn't deserve the hate it gets. It is a cute and relaxing game where your the mayor of your own town. you can build public works projects, dig up fossils, collect fruit, andThis game is a great game to pick up for a few minutes and play while taking a break from games like fallout 4 and Fire emblem Awakening. This game offer new experiences not available in the previous installments. It doesn't deserve the hate it gets. It is a cute and relaxing game where your the mayor of your own town. you can build public works projects, dig up fossils, collect fruit, and so much more.… Expand
  41. RSD4G
    Jun 22, 2016
    9
    As an early Animal Crossing gamer, I have seen the way the game has progressed since the Gamecube version. New Leaf really makes a difference, everything I always wanted takes pace in this game, almost.

    I love the new neighbors, how easy it is to visit somebody, the design options, and the freedom to build anything you want wherever you want. The only thing I do not like in this game    As an early Animal Crossing gamer, I have seen the way the game has progressed since the Gamecube version. New Leaf really makes a difference, everything I always wanted takes pace in this game, almost.

    I love the new neighbors, how easy it is to visit somebody, the design options, and the freedom to build anything you want wherever you want.

    The only thing I do not like in this game is that the characters in general don't have much to say like in previous games. In previous games, they would speak more lines to you, there was more depth in the conversation, and now you get many two lines dialog. And there are not as many different conversations, 4 different villagers could say the exact same thing to you. I hated that.

    I loved the things animals said in previous games, how they spoke about lots of things, but now they don't have much to say.

    Ahead from that, it's an amazing game. You can play it forever.    … Expand
  42. dibdom
    Mar 14, 2017
    9
    Graphics - 9
    Music - 10
    Gameplay - 9
    Content - 10
    Personal Fun - 10
    Difficulty - 1 .
  43. Kallenovsky
    Sep 15, 2017
    9
    Animal Crossing: New Leaf is an excellent fourth outing for the cutesy Nintendo life simulator series. Traditionally, Animal Crossing games draw you in with a basic premise: create a character, move in to a new village, make some animal friends, and live your life. While the series has moved on from some of the more vulgar conversations that one could have with animals on the originalAnimal Crossing: New Leaf is an excellent fourth outing for the cutesy Nintendo life simulator series. Traditionally, Animal Crossing games draw you in with a basic premise: create a character, move in to a new village, make some animal friends, and live your life. While the series has moved on from some of the more vulgar conversations that one could have with animals on the original Gamecube title, New Leaf does offer so much more that blows every other AC game in the series out of the water.

    Basically, there's just so much to do. You've still got fishing, bug catching, and everything else you should be familiar with if you've ever played an AC game. The difference in New Leaf is that now your villager is the mayor. You decide what projects to take on and fund. Essentially, the entire village's appearance is now at your fingertips. Clothing design at the Abel Sisters has improved, having added a QR code reader to download user-created content online. There's also compatibility with another AC game on the 3DS, Happy Home Designer.

    Nothing is perfect however as you will have to wait a long time to unlock all of the shops and building materials. Simply put, you will need to put in more work than ever before to get things to look exactly how you want them to. Unfortunately, by the time you actually have everything that you want at your disposal, you may have already lost interest in the game. There's also the issue of Amiibos and Amiibo cards. They are all ridiculously expensive and there are a lot to collect. All this aside, I highly recommend Animal Crossing: New Leaf to fans of the series and newcomers alike. I suppose the best praise I could give to this game and the series in general to sell it to anyone is very simple: this is the best game to just sit down and relax with. Play it.    … Expand
  44. Kevexception
    Aug 15, 2017
    9
    The magic in this game is hidden. New Leaf offers various activities that can last 2 hours per day. The idea of the game is more large scale in terms of time because it is a game that uses real time for events. Never mess with this feature and you will develop bonds with villagers and spend countless hours doing "nothing" which is actually not a bad thing in this game. Just play it, you'llThe magic in this game is hidden. New Leaf offers various activities that can last 2 hours per day. The idea of the game is more large scale in terms of time because it is a game that uses real time for events. Never mess with this feature and you will develop bonds with villagers and spend countless hours doing "nothing" which is actually not a bad thing in this game. Just play it, you'll love it.… Expand
  45. md5fungi
    Apr 1, 2020
    9
    Animal Crossing: New Leaf may very well be the king of casual gaming.

    Having arrived in your new town by train, the local residents mistake you for the mayor. Despite your pleas to the contrary, they are completely convinced, and you hilariously end up taking upon the role. The quirky, humorous charm of the game starts here and pervades every facet of the adorable world you’ll be a part    Animal Crossing: New Leaf may very well be the king of casual gaming.

    Having arrived in your new town by train, the local residents mistake you for the mayor. Despite your pleas to the contrary, they are completely convinced, and you hilariously end up taking upon the role. The quirky, humorous charm of the game starts here and pervades every facet of the adorable world you’ll be a part of.

    The goal of the game is simple but open-ended: expand your town and furnish your house. If the game has one shortcoming, it’s that the various activities you can take part in gradually unlock as you progress through the game. The first few days in particular give you very little to do besides catching bugs and fishing, but after that, there is a massive amount of content that awaits.

    Massive is no understatement: yes, the main activities include fishing, catching bugs, planting and harvesting fruit, buying and selling items and furniture, and doing favors for residents, but there’s so much more here. You can inflate prices of items and convince residents to buy them on the flea market, shake beehives out of trees and carefully swipe the bees for a generous profit (this can be tricky at first to do without getting stung), acquire a golden shovel that allows you to literally plant money trees, open a coffee shop that you can work at, and even travel to a tropical island that has extremely valuable bugs, fish, and a slew of mini-games that provide you with medals to buy special items (not to mention exotic fruit you can swipe mid-game).

    Making money (or “bells” in this series) is a central part of Animal Crossing: New Leaf. You’ll take out loans to expand your house, which you’ll pay back with large sums of bells. Public works projects (e.g. bridges, police station, coffee shop) cost bells, as well as items, tools, and furniture. The great thing about the game is that most activities are very viable for making bells. There are extremely valuable fish and bugs, as well as fossils that sell for very good prices. Shaking trees often results in items and bells falling out, not to mention the aforementioned valuable bees. Even hitting rocks with your shovel will occasionally result in valuable ore or again, a ton of bells. There’s even a sort of stock market with turnips in the game that can yield incredible profits.

    Even more impressive is the fact that the game world is constantly changing without you even doing anything. The game plays out in real time, so if you are playing at night, it’s night in the game, which means you can do certain things like attend nightclub shows that you couldn’t do during the day. As the seasons change in real life, the seasons change in Animal Crossing, which affects the availability of bugs and fish, the look of the town, and what events take place.

    Special events keep the game exciting. On April Fool’s day, a character will show up in your town and impersonate villagers, and you are tasked with figuring out who the impostor is. Every so often, fishing tournaments are held. A fun spin on trick-or-treating takes place every Halloween.

    Overall, New Leaf is pretty close to being the ultimate casual video game. There’s an astounding amount of content here, and one could easily spend hundreds of hours exploring all of it.    … Expand
  46. dorffy
    Dec 4, 2018
    9
    This game is everything an animal crossing game should be, Its fun simplistic and addicting. You can play this game for days to months without ever feeling old. However the end game takes way too long, like I've been playing for years and I'm still no closing to beating it than the day i first bought it. Besides that its one of my favorite games on the 3ds.
  47. TJ_of_Carolina
    Jan 10, 2019
    9
    The best life simulation out there so far. Makes significant improvements from previous games including seemingly small quality of life changes like donating multiple things to the museum, switching tools with the D pad instead of bringing up your inventory constantly, Being able to stack items like fruits in your inventory, etc. One of the biggest additions are Public Works Projects whichThe best life simulation out there so far. Makes significant improvements from previous games including seemingly small quality of life changes like donating multiple things to the museum, switching tools with the D pad instead of bringing up your inventory constantly, Being able to stack items like fruits in your inventory, etc. One of the biggest additions are Public Works Projects which can be used to improve your town, these are mostly aesthetic but some Projects have their own uses. You will find yourself grinding for money even more than in other games due to the works projects giving you another thing to pay off. The dialogue is not as interesting as the GameCube original but that's the one thing the original has over this game. The Welcome Amiibo update also adds Happy Home Designer style touchscreen furniture moving which is very convenient.… Expand
  48. r4igamer
    Jun 16, 2019
    9
    Animal Crossing: New Leaf isn’t just a game – it’s a whole new world full of lovable characters and insurmountable charm. A world where you'll sometimes find a Metroid or a Triforce in a fortune cookie, where you can arrange your surroundings to perfectly suit your tastes, and where the Mayor still chips in at the local coffee joint. Every day feels different from the last, like you’reAnimal Crossing: New Leaf isn’t just a game – it’s a whole new world full of lovable characters and insurmountable charm. A world where you'll sometimes find a Metroid or a Triforce in a fortune cookie, where you can arrange your surroundings to perfectly suit your tastes, and where the Mayor still chips in at the local coffee joint. Every day feels different from the last, like you’re living out a separate (and wonderful) life with your wacky villagers. There’s always something to work toward, something to look forward to, something to be proud of or to remember fondly. New Leaf is a truly magical game, one that you can easily expect to invest hundreds of hours in over the course of years. Anyone with access to a 3DS should absolutely give this game a try - just be prepared to kiss your “real” life goodbye.… Expand
  49. new2dsxl
    Sep 6, 2019
    9
    New Leaf is designed to be played in small chunks, every day, over a very long period of time, and stresses this fact by slowly unwinding events in real-time. Yet it is apparent from only a comparably short time — as opposed to months and years — spent with the game that Nintendo has done a great deal to address the complaints of its Wii predecessor, and provided plenty of exciting newNew Leaf is designed to be played in small chunks, every day, over a very long period of time, and stresses this fact by slowly unwinding events in real-time. Yet it is apparent from only a comparably short time — as opposed to months and years — spent with the game that Nintendo has done a great deal to address the complaints of its Wii predecessor, and provided plenty of exciting new features and buildings to enjoy. Taking on the role of Mayor is a great innovation to the series, finally giving the player a real reason to keep coming back time and time again.

    It's a shame that powers of the Mayor are slightly limited to installing benches, instating pre-designated laws and occasionally building bigger venues, however the vibrant visuals and delightful gameplay of New Leaf stop this from ever becoming too much of a problem, making New Leaf the latest essential member of your 3DS collection.    … Expand
  50. ourendlesseason
    Dec 14, 2019
    9
    Grazie Nintendo per averci regalato questa perla. Veniamo catapultati in questa cittadina abitata da dolci e carini animali con cui poter fare tante belle chiacchiere, dove possiamo anche pescare, raccogliere frutti e decorare la nostra casa. Un gioco tranquillo e rilassante che ti mette il sorriso sulle labbra.

    Sicuramente non un gioco per gli amanti dell'avventura e dell'horror.
  51. twinklyten
    Jan 25, 2020
    9
    I love this game. Such a huge stepup from the previous games while retaining that animal crossing charm.
  52. GameBoy66
    Feb 11, 2020
    9
    This game is super good, even when it's over 6 years old. The game is super adorable, it's super addictive, and is one of the most engaging Animal Crossing games. Even though it is super addictive, you can't play for more than 2 hours a day because there are only some things you can do. But this doesn't impact the rating because the pros overpower the cons by 5 times.
  53. Hizubiki25
    Mar 28, 2020
    9
    This game is very innovative and fresh due to the role of the mayor and new features and content they added. Must play.
  54. Big_Ravioli
    May 23, 2020
    9
    Thank you, loyal citizens of my town, for donating a combined total of 5 bells towards a new trash can while I spend hundreds of thousands of bells in order to complete it. Truly, if it weren't for your help, we'd never be able to throw away our garbage.
  55. Kefero
    May 7, 2021
    9
    Animal Crossing: New Leaf kept me interested until the end. It's a very good and interesting game. If you want engaging material, then look no further. With Animal Crossing: New Leaf, you become a mayor of a town. I would recommend Animal Crossing: New Leaf to any fan of the genre.
  56. Hedaki
    May 12, 2021
    9
    Amazing! Amazing! And Amazing! The only thing is that the music in the OG GCN game is better, but in place, it puts you as mayor on a town.
  57. MunhozMCM
    Nov 4, 2021
    9
    My Score:

    (9) - Great!

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  58. albegres
    Feb 5, 2022
    9
    89/100
    This game has so much charm and is so incredibly relaxing. Animal Crossing is unique in the gaming industry and you need to play it to understand it. At the beginning you might not understand it, but the more you play it the more you enjoy it
  59. varkaromlu
    Jun 13, 2022
    9
    The game was very addicting. I played it for two hours or more a day, everyday, for months. After a while, it gets really repetitive, so I dropped it. But the time I spent on the island was magical, a really great experience.
  60. MythicallyLegen
    Apr 8, 2023
    9
    I think to this day it’s the best animal crossing game there is. Much was added compared to the previous versions, town was lively and interesting, multiplayer was casual and fun. Only downsides are it can get quite repetitive but thats kinda animal crossing in a nutshell.
  61. Rtheom
    Jun 28, 2013
    8
    This is a good one to fall asleep to or to play with your kids/significant other when you have a little bit of free time at the end of the day. It's charming, quirky, and fun in a mini-sims sort of way. There's not much to do that takes any sort of mental capacity, but that's not why you play Animal Crossing. You play because it's a nice little vacation from the stupid of the rest of theThis is a good one to fall asleep to or to play with your kids/significant other when you have a little bit of free time at the end of the day. It's charming, quirky, and fun in a mini-sims sort of way. There's not much to do that takes any sort of mental capacity, but that's not why you play Animal Crossing. You play because it's a nice little vacation from the stupid of the rest of the world.

    I do agree that it's a shame you can't play for much more than an hour without completely running out of things to do, and it's reliance on real time rather than some sort of an in-game sleep system is kinda annoying, but like I said, it's not really meant to be something you take up an entire day with. It's a light snack of a game to help wind you down. Keep that in mind if you try it. You'll get your money's worth after many weeks of play, not in a handful of sittings.    … Expand
  62. LilD
    Nov 1, 2013
    8
    If you've never played an Animal Crossing game, this game will absolutely blow your mind. I have had just about every Animal Crossing, so I wasn't as impressed. My overall sentiment is that there is just "more" than there being any radical additions. While becoming the mayor is a drastic change, the ways to make money are almost identical to the previous versions. The iterations of thisIf you've never played an Animal Crossing game, this game will absolutely blow your mind. I have had just about every Animal Crossing, so I wasn't as impressed. My overall sentiment is that there is just "more" than there being any radical additions. While becoming the mayor is a drastic change, the ways to make money are almost identical to the previous versions. The iterations of this game have incrementally added things, but New Leaf has been the series' biggest jump. It is what City Folk should have been. One gripe I've had with the series is that it still caters to the morning crowd; if I want to play late at night, I still have to time travel to another day because there just isn't much to do in the late hours. I had played Wild World on the original DS to death, which is probably why this entry is not as amazing as it could have been. I am glad that this series is back on track and heading in a solid direction.… Expand
  63. SwitSwat
    Sep 3, 2014
    8
    I will come out and say it straight that the Animal Crossing series is pretty pointless... WAIT, DON'T KILL ME. Let me explain. Admit it, there is no real goal to this game which makes the whole thing pretty pointless... BUT, it doesn't mean that it isn't enjoyable. The game has plenty to offer and plays smoother than previous titles in the series. Fishing and decorating houses has neverI will come out and say it straight that the Animal Crossing series is pretty pointless... WAIT, DON'T KILL ME. Let me explain. Admit it, there is no real goal to this game which makes the whole thing pretty pointless... BUT, it doesn't mean that it isn't enjoyable. The game has plenty to offer and plays smoother than previous titles in the series. Fishing and decorating houses has never been more fun! - But in all seriousness, it's a well made 4th installment. My one complaint? Only one person can be mayor. I mean, why couldn't they have made it where you can have multiple towns with multiple mayors? Still, it's a great casual title and it makes for a very attractive 3DS game for many. 8/10… Expand
  64. RyanA
    Jun 19, 2013
    8
    This is one of the best 3DS games out there right now, maybe even the best (I personally disliked immorality of having to kill everyone in most of the levels in FE:A). I guess it's true that it is quite similar to the Wii version, but who says this game is worse than the one on the Wii. If this was the first game in the series, my opinion may differ, but overall, it wasn't a bad game.This is one of the best 3DS games out there right now, maybe even the best (I personally disliked immorality of having to kill everyone in most of the levels in FE:A). I guess it's true that it is quite similar to the Wii version, but who says this game is worse than the one on the Wii. If this was the first game in the series, my opinion may differ, but overall, it wasn't a bad game. Overall, 8.3/10… Expand
  65. LostAnkh
    Jun 11, 2013
    8
    Animal Crossing presents a whole new element in this new title, a new idea or in this case, a new role for players to fulfill in their own town, becoming Mayor of "insert name of your town here".

    In your new role as Mayor, you can manage the town and work on projects that will make your town stand out among others, making this a brand new experience that previous titles have not given.    Animal Crossing presents a whole new element in this new title, a new idea or in this case, a new role for players to fulfill in their own town, becoming Mayor of "insert name of your town here".

    In your new role as Mayor, you can manage the town and work on projects that will make your town stand out among others, making this a brand new experience that previous titles have not given. Instead of worrying about Tom Nook's constant loans with the past 3 titles, this game steers it's head to everything else that isn't about bells, the town and the animals that live there. Making the player the Mayor, provides a new role that players can play to further appreciate their hard work by seeing how they helped shape their town, instead of a mere house upgrade.

    Of course, more items and furniture have been added, to make the game more personal as previous titles have done. Accessories, hats, glasses, pants (WHOA), shoes, and more clothing truly add to the experience to tailor your character to your liking. With the addition of home exterior decorating, the personalization presented in this game is ever vast.

    A very good element in the game, is your secretary, Isabelle. She helps you with your mayor duties and really helps explain the game to newcomers. Talk to her enough, and she'll provide you with necessary information that will help your experience with this game. Plus, she's incredibly adorable (as with many things in this game).

    Other improvements are more finishing touches to this finely crafted game in this North American release, adding much needed flexible controls that make the game easier to play. And with Twitter and Tumblr, you can share in-game screenshots of your life in Animal Crossing and keep those memories stamped on social media.

    Now, to the things didn't appeal to me, and it may just be the fact that I'm more critical in my current age. The game holds you back from experiencing everything the game has to offer, by only letting you do certain things when you done this or that. While that may add a feeling of progression with rewards, the series has always kept open doors to you. Aside from that, when all the necessities are done and you can move on to the next task, it feels as if the game has nothing for you to do but wander around aimlessly in the night, waiting eagerly for the next day. While you can get certain fish/bugs and talk to your neighbors, those are things you can already do during daytime, and they really needed to populate the night life with things that don't need to be unlocked.

    New Leaf is a fantastic entry in this fun and adorable franchise, adding more of what you love about these games, teaching the player more about what she/he can do in this game, improvements to already existing elements, and while the game does hold you back from experiencing everything you can do, there is no doubt that this is an enriching game that you can leisurely play everyday.    … Expand
  66. camilosanchez16
    Aug 7, 2013
    8
    Hasta el momento, es el juego del año en Nintendo 3DS, el mejor calificado y el mas vendido (Solo detrás de TLOU). Este juego se merece la popularidad y notas que esta teniendo, ademas de ser la mejor entrega de toda la serie.
  67. ldypebsaby
    Jun 14, 2013
    8
    If you played the original game on the GameCube or played the DS version a few years back and enjoyed them, you'll have a ball with this game. If you don't like the first games you won't like this game. Game play is still very similar and not many things are new, but it's fun.
  68. danech10
    Oct 14, 2014
    8
    This is, by far, the best Animal Crossing in terms of gameplay refinement, features, and design. There's more stuff to do in your town, more ways to customize it, more stuff on main street, and it's all easier and more fluid thanks to a lot of thoughtful streamlining that removes so much of the tedium present in earlier entries of the series.

    My biggest problem with the game, really my    This is, by far, the best Animal Crossing in terms of gameplay refinement, features, and design. There's more stuff to do in your town, more ways to customize it, more stuff on main street, and it's all easier and more fluid thanks to a lot of thoughtful streamlining that removes so much of the tedium present in earlier entries of the series.

    My biggest problem with the game, really my only problem, and ultimately the reason why I stopped playing so soon, was that so much of the charm that made this series unique is gone. The characters all just feel so bland and samey, with none of that zany sharpness or bite in their dialogue that made you care about them in earlier games.

    I definitely think the gameplay improvements and innovations are necessary to keep a series like this relevant and to allow it to grow into potentially something bigger, I just hope that if/when that does happen, it doesn't lose touch with what made it so special in the first place: charm.    … Expand
  69. asfj
    Dec 9, 2013
    8
    I admit this game is a First-Class, but corresponding to real-time destroyed the game for me.
    I don't want to play a game as daily routine. I just want to enjoy a game several weeks in a holiday. Ok, you say using Time-Traveling, but I just feel utterly annoyed when I have to quit game frequently to reset system time.
    If there is a machnism within the game for player to adjust time, I    I admit this game is a First-Class, but corresponding to real-time destroyed the game for me.
    I don't want to play a game as daily routine. I just want to enjoy a game several weeks in a holiday. Ok, you say using Time-Traveling, but I just feel utterly annoyed when I have to quit game frequently to reset system time.
    If there is a machnism within the game for player to adjust time, I will give the game a 9..with no doubt.    … Expand
  70. Ferdinel
    Apr 6, 2014
    8
    So, I start the game on a train with a guy trying to interrogate me in order to let the game figure out how things should be set up at the start. Ok, nothing too weird there, but then I get off the train and everybody tells me I am their mayor now and will not take no for an answer. Even better, they are all furries so I am apparently in the wrong world. Why did it have to beSo, I start the game on a train with a guy trying to interrogate me in order to let the game figure out how things should be set up at the start. Ok, nothing too weird there, but then I get off the train and everybody tells me I am their mayor now and will not take no for an answer. Even better, they are all furries so I am apparently in the wrong world. Why did it have to be furries?...I keep telling them I never agreed to this but they acted like they can not understand me and begged me to lead them so I eventually said Sod It and went to some tree planting ceremony to take the role as mayor after all. I am told I need to scrounge up $10000 for a down payment on a house by pawning off whatever I find laying around the area to stores that make a good living off our hard work harnessing the natural resources of this area and this is the only way the unemployed majority are allowed to make money, I keep being told to do a bunch of mundane things at the mayor's office at first and then finally after a couple of days and receiving a letter saying "I am too busy doing things so you are the new mayor now -Keep it a secret" the secretary gets around to telling me I actually have duties, the people have a very low opinion of me, people think the town sucks and I have to earn the approval of people while pawning off random stuff to try to save the money for the home down payment. I also am immediately told the area is not green enough. The area is a forest with a few cottages for crissakes, how can it get any greener than that? And it gets weirder from there. A duck said "Fishing for ducks? You are gonna need some exquisite bait" (was that a penis reference?), an obviously male reptilian asked me to give him a makeup kit (wtf?) and a flower suddenly gave birth to another fully grown flower with a plopping sound (which I assume is anatomically impossible), then I find out nobody maintains the area and I am expected to water small plants and do the weeding on top of everything else. Boy, if this were real life I would be getting the hell out of town.

    Hilarious review aside, this is a good sandbox game and the occasional weirdness that can occur only adds to it.. You can follow recommendations or set your own goals, it starts out ok but as time goes on and you interact with characters and meet certain conditions more things to see and do become available and you can eventually make the town your own. According to what I read there are also seasonal events and after you reach a certain criteria a few dozen mini games become available for you to enjoy. This game is definitely worth getting if you are a fan of the Animal Crossing series.    … Expand
  71. theecakee
    Jun 6, 2014
    8
    First Animal Crossing I played, I'd really give this a 7.5 because I can't decide between a 7 or an 8. Game was pretty fun, but I did not find it as addicting as everyone claims. It was fun for a week or two, then it just got a little more like a hassle with no real direction and dull.
  72. sonicheroes123
    Aug 23, 2014
    8
    This game is fun you should pick it up for your 3DS 2DS or 3DS XL. Teh game starts up with u choosing the name for your town and when u enter your town and there are randomly picked people in teh town.
  73. dislexicpotato
    Dec 18, 2018
    8
    With impressive visuals, tons of fresh ideas and a relaxing sensation that no other game can provide, Animal Crossing New Leaf is a fantastic game for some casual fun and short gameplay sessions.
  74. AsrielDreemur
    Mar 16, 2017
    8
    I had played this game for over a month now and decided i would write a review on this game. This is my first ever animal crossing game so i don't have any knowledge on any pass animal crossing game. But what i can tell you it's that AC is a really relaxing and enjoyable game, there is no purpose in this game but managing your village and your villager. There are tons of activities you canI had played this game for over a month now and decided i would write a review on this game. This is my first ever animal crossing game so i don't have any knowledge on any pass animal crossing game. But what i can tell you it's that AC is a really relaxing and enjoyable game, there is no purpose in this game but managing your village and your villager. There are tons of activities you can do in AC such as bug catching, fishing, building new facilities and so on and forth. How fast you progress in the game depend on the player play style, you could either take it slow and steady like me or you can grind by catching bugs and fishing to earn bells in order to improve your village. ACNL is just a game that makes you get addicted to it and you would keep coming back wanting for more. Overall it's one of the better life stimulation game out there and if you're into life stimulation games or had been wanting to play a more lay back game, ACNL is just the game for you.… Expand
  75. Sressiv
    Mar 5, 2018
    8
    I think this is the best game in the series so far. Great visuals, a great soundtrack and very calming gameplay. The whole island setting is pretty awesome. Even better than the DS version which was my favourite before this one. It's so relaxing just walking through your little village doing whatever you like. Amazing game, the online is great too. The fact that you can be the mayor givesI think this is the best game in the series so far. Great visuals, a great soundtrack and very calming gameplay. The whole island setting is pretty awesome. Even better than the DS version which was my favourite before this one. It's so relaxing just walking through your little village doing whatever you like. Amazing game, the online is great too. The fact that you can be the mayor gives you lots of freedom and opens new possibilities.… Expand
  76. Sausage22
    Nov 7, 2017
    8
    Really fun game that requires from you daily visits. If not characters will get mad at you and your city will be in ruin. There'a a lot of suprises waiting for the player if you are patient with it.
  77. What_A_nerd
    Mar 8, 2018
    8
    As an old Animal Crossing fan I was exited of the release of Animal Crossing New Leaf, when I first played the game I was struck with the pure joy of this game. The music was great and every time i hear the title screen I just want to smile! But I have to lower the score a little bit because the game could get repetitive at times, but overall I would recommend any parent to give theirAs an old Animal Crossing fan I was exited of the release of Animal Crossing New Leaf, when I first played the game I was struck with the pure joy of this game. The music was great and every time i hear the title screen I just want to smile! But I have to lower the score a little bit because the game could get repetitive at times, but overall I would recommend any parent to give their child this amazing game.… Expand
  78. Bbplayer
    Jan 3, 2019
    8
    It's a good relaxing time, and fun to keep up with. For about 5 months, which is a long time for a videogame. Nothing that will wow you, but still a great game.
  79. AskAtlas
    May 5, 2020
    8
    About eight years ago, Nintendo released this beautiful masterpiece with very few flaws to criticize over. There are native fruits and island fruits, which seems the island fruits have disappeared from the next title: New Horizons. I have enjoyed the role of mayor and because I just got the game a month ago, I decided to time travel backwards to its release date to experience everything,About eight years ago, Nintendo released this beautiful masterpiece with very few flaws to criticize over. There are native fruits and island fruits, which seems the island fruits have disappeared from the next title: New Horizons. I have enjoyed the role of mayor and because I just got the game a month ago, I decided to time travel backwards to its release date to experience everything, event for event.

    I have enjoyed minigames, decorating my town with every fruit (some I got from Harvest Day), and using features like Dream Suites.

    This game however, is not perfect and some things did bother me, such as why an putdoor bench could not be placed outside after buying it from Nook Emporium? However, this added charm to the house interior because no longer did I see a house as a house, but each room for its own story. I was sad when I realized island minigames, island fruits, Gracie, Brewster did not make it to our island adventure practically foretold by tortimer island. I saw there was also a campsite where I vould buy stuff, a flea market where I could put stuff for sale for any villager to consider...this was a charm in New Leaf that sadly never moved forward. How does pocket camp, a mobile game, have more fruits than a Switch title (not that all fruit and vegetables came to New Leaf either)?

    Nintendo should consider making New Horizons a superior title, combing all of what Animal Vrossing games have and could offer. I am thankful for this experience, and I wish New Leaf wasn't superior to New Horizons in my experience, but until all of this could be incorporated there, I prefer my town compared to my island.    … Expand
  80. Nico49
    Jun 13, 2020
    8
    I had a lot of fun with this game. The chracters have charm, the gameplay will never be boring, the grafic is nice and the soundtrack too.
  81. Luccio
    Oct 20, 2020
    8
    New Leaf brought animal crossing to a whole new generation with marvelous splendor and arguably perfected the gameplay loop. Incredible game anyone can enjoy, however derivative it is of its previous entries.
  82. KNX2501
    Jul 17, 2021
    8
    Es un buen juego sobre todo si disfrutas de realizar pequeñas tareas para pasar el tiempo. Lo recomiendo para jugadores casuales o para aquellos que quieran algo mas relajante.
  83. VidsRule
    Jun 11, 2013
    7
    I can see this will become addictive. If played for an hour a day it could be played for years. But it still feels pretty barren. It has charm but there still isn't enough stuff to do. I don't want to run out after an hour and wait till the next day to play. Fun though.
  84. padako
    Sep 19, 2013
    7
    A charming and sometimes fun game that ultimately left me wanting more. I mean, there's a lot to do in this game but you can really only play for a couple of hours a day before you run out of fun activities. You can always farm more bells while waiting for the next day but this gets old fast. It's a solid time waster but a little overrated imo and not as memorable as I had hoped. BeingA charming and sometimes fun game that ultimately left me wanting more. I mean, there's a lot to do in this game but you can really only play for a couple of hours a day before you run out of fun activities. You can always farm more bells while waiting for the next day but this gets old fast. It's a solid time waster but a little overrated imo and not as memorable as I had hoped. Being mayor puts you in charge of all the cities building projects and the island tours add some variety but they also get boring pretty quickly. I love Nintendo games but this one just didn't grab me like most do.… Expand
  85. ThePatronGamer
    Nov 5, 2013
    7
    This game is just AC: Wild World with a few more features and 3D capabilities. I was struck by nostalgia, but it was not enough for me to have total enjoyment of this game. I felt like it did not offer a sustained amount of game play, just 20 minute increments a day. You need an active friend group to fully enjoy this game.
  86. Ernste
    May 13, 2014
    7
    A good game for sure even without a proper story line.
    Reason to buy this game.
    -When you saving money to buy something -When you saving money to build something -When you play online -When you play with your friends and do stupid things together -When you decorate your house Boring when playing the game. -When you try to save your money (you have to repeat the same progress)    A good game for sure even without a proper story line.
    Reason to buy this game.
    -When you saving money to buy something
    -When you saving money to build something
    -When you play online
    -When you play with your friends and do stupid things together
    -When you decorate your house

    Boring when playing the game.
    -When you try to save your money (you have to repeat the same progress) like training level in pokemon game
    -When you completed everything (even you can play online , but you will get bored eventually)
    -When none of your friend can play this game together with you
    -When playing with someone you don't know make you feel troublesome
    -When you are a boy but see a beautiful girl dress/ you are a girl but see a cool boy clothe (using female character may better for me ~.0 ,because man clothe is suitable for girl character too)
    -When someone keep calling you to open your gate when you in the middle of saving money(especially early game)

    OVERALL
    -Great game +
    -no story -
    -I WOULD RECOMMEND THE GAME FOR YOU (especially your friend own a 3ds)    … Expand
  87. RCruey
    Aug 17, 2017
    7
    Where do I even begin?

    Animal Crossing New Leaf is an entertaining game about you living your life as mayor. But if you think you are going to have to make an assortment of complex choices like taxes and such you’re insane. This game is designed for kids who probably don’t give a hoot about no taxes. But if you want to play a game where you do a bunch of pointless chores for your    Where do I even begin?

    Animal Crossing New Leaf is an entertaining game about you living your life as mayor. But if you think you are going to have to make an assortment of complex choices like taxes and such you’re insane. This game is designed for kids who probably don’t give a hoot about no taxes. But if you want to play a game where you do a bunch of pointless chores for your neighbors who rank from ugly to downright adorable then you’re in luck. This game will offer you just that.

    Your job as mayor is simple. Spend your hard earned money on pointless attractions for the village. Then you can unlock certain buildings that will get you certain tools and such. The music is catchy, and the visuals are bright and colorful. Talking to the neighbors can be delightful or a horrifying experience. Just like real life, I know. You’re not exactly in debt from the get go, but you do have to buy a house just like any of the other animal crossing games. The controls aren’t awful, but can be annoying on how precise you have to be when digging a hole. Fishing is simple, catching bugs is simple. Having to be in town at the right moments for special holiday events does add a replay value. Being able to visit your friend’s towns and work together on planting, digging, fishing, etc can be an fun little piece. But honestly this game is just one big chore.

    It’s the Sims with a lot less choices and more adorable talking animals. 7/10

    Happy Gaming.    … Expand
  88. MarcSeriesX
    Mar 25, 2020
    7
    I love the game, but I think the graphic quality is improvable and more things could have been added to the video game. But if you want it for a small console, honestly it's fine!
  89. omniface
    Mar 8, 2021
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. already rated the other three animal crossing game
    but only one open so this is my second new horizons review
    since animal crossing is in the same series

    not my review but completely agree with this except i dont want to change my current
    review

    here it is https://www.ign.com/articles/animal-crossing-new-horizons-good-bad-opinion    … Expand
  90. AlexMakesToast
    Nov 23, 2022
    7
    New leaf = 7/10
    ...........................................................
  91. koyukon
    Jun 17, 2020
    6
    It's a great relaxing game with few faults on its own. It could be better in a lot of ways however. Music, ambiance, exploration, better dialogue. They took a lot of the challenge out of the series with this game and I think it would have been better if people had to work harder for bells and rare items. Getting rare valuable bugs and fish on the island should was game breaking and removedIt's a great relaxing game with few faults on its own. It could be better in a lot of ways however. Music, ambiance, exploration, better dialogue. They took a lot of the challenge out of the series with this game and I think it would have been better if people had to work harder for bells and rare items. Getting rare valuable bugs and fish on the island should was game breaking and removed the need for every other bell making method in the game. Animal behavior was too repetitive and should be more like the previous titles or better.… Expand
  92. Falcus
    Nov 17, 2013
    6
    Okay, first of all this game was much too hyped about. This I'm going to keep short.

    This game is great for a fan of the series, since it's not too much different than the other Animal Crossing games. Unless you're someone who likes spending hours on end collecting stuff to build your virtual town, not given any specific goal really, then this game eventually becomes rather pointless    Okay, first of all this game was much too hyped about. This I'm going to keep short.

    This game is great for a fan of the series, since it's not too much different than the other Animal Crossing games. Unless you're someone who likes spending hours on end collecting stuff to build your virtual town, not given any specific goal really, then this game eventually becomes rather pointless and boring.

    Starting your virtual town is fun there's lots to do, and everything happens at your own pace. But once you've played for a while, you tire of the repetitive cycle that you go through every day, and everything seems mundane. It doesn't help that everything's in real time, so unless you want to constantly switch your time and date, you have to wait real time for new seasons, new events. And I don't know about you, but changing the time takes any bit of fun away for me.

    The game's visuals are alright, definitely nice for an Animal Crossing game. The characters never develop...AT ALL, so if you like RPGs then you probably won't like this game. Not to mention the citizens that live in your town are ANNOYING. The game is quite slow to load and save, and even though you're the mayor, your power is very limited. The interface is nice, but doing anything requires a lot of time, and it's in this time that you start to wonder "why am I even doing this?"

    In short, the game will hook you, but you'll eventually break out of the cycle and just stop... until the next big event comes along. So it's not exactly a game I'd call "fun." I can't say much against it, other than my own opinion, because it's been well received. I guess I'm just the odd one out who doesn't understand the core concepts of the series well enough. New Leaf is as cute as games get, but ultimately repetitive and futile.

    CORE GAME: 6/10
    VISUALS: 7/10
    SOUND: 6/10
    GAMEPLAY: 7/10
    LASTING APPEAL: 5/10    … Expand
  93. ReviewScope
    Mar 13, 2014
    6
    Animal Crossing: New Leaf does show some promise, but it can fade away after a while

    Pros: Full of charm The experience can be relaxing Cons: Most parts of the game can be tedious If you are a huge animal crossing fan, try this out, but if you are a newcomer, only play this if its what you strongly desire. It can last a reasonable amount of time, but it may start to fade away    Animal Crossing: New Leaf does show some promise, but it can fade away after a while

    Pros:
    Full of charm
    The experience can be relaxing

    Cons:
    Most parts of the game can be tedious

    If you are a huge animal crossing fan, try this out, but if you are a newcomer, only play this if its what you strongly desire. It can last a reasonable amount of time, but it may start to fade away after a while    … Expand
  94. Jciam3
    Feb 15, 2020
    6
    I wanted to love this game. Its pretty, the characters are... nice, the music is amazing, and it had a lot of effort put into it. I love this game for these reasons, and i think it is a good game, but its just not for me. I dont find much of what you do entertaining, as it can get repetitive, the characters are all the same and quite bland, and, for me at least, there's not much to do.
  95. Mxdem
    Jul 28, 2013
    5
    This is one of the funnest and cutest games you'll ever get to play, collecting it's always interesting, furniture list is huge. Why the 5 then? Well, if you ask me, they forgot to fix some of the major issues on this franchise. First of all, collecting furniture in ferns is nice, but you SHOULD be able to see what you got right from the inventory, also changing anything for your houseThis is one of the funnest and cutest games you'll ever get to play, collecting it's always interesting, furniture list is huge. Why the 5 then? Well, if you ask me, they forgot to fix some of the major issues on this franchise. First of all, collecting furniture in ferns is nice, but you SHOULD be able to see what you got right from the inventory, also changing anything for your house should have a "preview" feature, like buying clothes. Some other details would include having to save your tool before talking or entering a building, you could just walk in with in. Other than that, great game.… Expand
  96. brendo214
    Aug 9, 2019
    5
    I think that the Animal Crossing games just might not be for me. I find the gameplay kind of boring and a little bit pointless seeing as there is no end to the game.
  97. gamerz4life
    Oct 12, 2020
    5
    What can be said about this game? On paper, the game sounds like it should be fun. You become a mayor of a town in which you move in, you get control of designing the inside of your house and eventually the outside, and you are in charge of beefing up the town and bringing in new residents. It seems almost like it should be a Sims or SimCity type game. But then you start playing.

    First,    What can be said about this game? On paper, the game sounds like it should be fun. You become a mayor of a town in which you move in, you get control of designing the inside of your house and eventually the outside, and you are in charge of beefing up the town and bringing in new residents. It seems almost like it should be a Sims or SimCity type game. But then you start playing.

    First, you’re provided with a tent as you’re told you need to have a down payment of 10,000 bells for them to get you a one-room shack as though you just moved out west. Then once you finally get your house, Tom frickin’ Nook has the nerve to say you now owe 39,800 bells for the place and you can’t upgrade the house at all until you pay it off. Oh and don’t worry those expansions will be even more exorbitant fees. It would be okay if in like the Sims you had real ways of making money but oh wait, you don’t. You have to shake trees for fruit, go digging for fossils, pick up shells, some of the most mundane tasks imaginable and then the shop offers you a couple hundred bells if you’re lucky. And don’t forget that while you’re collecting things you have limited inventory! So after you pick up a couple items (your required tools count as pocket space) you have to run over to immediately sell or plant your items, hopefully it’s the right time of day and they’re open!

    As for upgrading the town itself, your assistant tells you a few Public Works Projects you can set in motion, but oh wait those cost hundreds of thousands of bells, that you’re pretty much expected to come up with out of your own pocket. You can set up a fund for the community to pitch in but they either don’t even notice that this is going on or they’ll give you 2 bells. Wow am I on my way now!

    The villagers are pretty annoying, many of them, especially the people at the stores that you have to interact with constantly, will say the same few lines over and over again, and you can’t speed through the lines of text! And sometimes you’re tasked with finding certain villagers but they’re not always at home, they’re busy wandering around the place at the same time you are so you’re most likely going to go through town several times before coming across them. Oh and then the real question. Why are you the only human in this town? And you’re not even given the option to be a different creature, you can just choose human boy/human girl.

    Time in-game is real time, there is no speeding up. You want nighttime? Well you better be playing at night. You have a contest during the day? Too bad if you’re not home to play. Time and day randomize the store items for you to buy as well. So if you want that fishing pole or butterfly net you have to check the store each day, crossing your fingers that it’s in stock today. And then there’s hardly anything to ever buy in store. What is the point?! Not to mention the awful clothing choices, where if you’re playing as a boy you can still be offered skirts and dresses?, where you can tell the only real reason those are still being sold is to cover up their lack of choices in that department. And not only that but you can also use your wallpaper colors and patterns to change your clothing patterns, like what?!

    At the beginning, you think this game is kinda fun until you get several hours in and realize that you’re expected to do the same thing day in and day out, it never changes. And you realize that you don’t have any real power in this town as mayor. The loan-shark Tom Nook has more power in this town than you. This game is just a major time-waster where you can do real world chores digitally. I don’t see the appeal of this series and I’d rather spend my time playing a game that has meaning, a story, and is FUN! (Or doing my chores in the real world, thank you very much.) This is more a game for little kids, people who don’t want anything out of a game, or hardcore Nintendo fans.    … Expand
  98. MrTheMan
    Feb 20, 2021
    5
    I understand why so many people love this game, but to me, it feels like an app I have to check on every day for an hour and do nothing gameplay.
  99. Lokathor
    Dec 17, 2013
    4
    For being the fourth entry in the series, the game hasn't advanced much since the first one. You're the mayor of town in this one, which lets you setup Public Works Projects. They're decorations for your town, and they let you customize how your town is. Except you can only make 30 of them, even though there's space for tons and tons of them. Also, the selection of public projects isFor being the fourth entry in the series, the game hasn't advanced much since the first one. You're the mayor of town in this one, which lets you setup Public Works Projects. They're decorations for your town, and they let you customize how your town is. Except you can only make 30 of them, even though there's space for tons and tons of them. Also, the selection of public projects is mostly limited to things like lamps and benches and statues. You can build up to three bridges across your town's river, but you can't divert the river, you can't add a pond or fill in a pond, you can't add or remove a ramp down to the beach. When villagers move in, they just move in any old place that fits, you can't declare where house lots should go. What I'm saying is that, for a game that tries to sell you on the point of being able to customize your town, you don't get access to a lot of very obvious customization options.

    Houses are about the same as before. You can change the outside of your house some, and you can get several rooms inside of your house. All rooms start off at 4x4, then have a 6x6 and 8x8 upgrade you can buy. Always a central room, a room left, back, and right, and an upstairs and downstairs. You can't re-arrange the orientation of your house's rooms, like having it be a long ranch-style house or a tower house where you just stack it five floors high. Even if the exterior didn't change to match it, it would have been nice for your house's rooms to be arrangable.

    Of course there's a ton of goodies to put inside of your house, wallpapers, floors, beds, chairs, etc, etc. Once you've picked up an item once, it goes into your catalog, so you can buy it again from Nook's if you sell or lose it. Except some items are "special event" items, so you can't re-purcahse them from your catalog. It'll show the item, and then not let you buy it. Not being able to just buy anything in your catalog is pretty poop.

    There's a "Mall" section, behind your main town, and you can upgrade it a bit. Re-Tail is in the main area, but all the rest of the stores, and the Museum and Post Office, are in the Mall area. Behind the Mall is the Happy Home section, where the houses of people you Street Pass are displayed, and you can order items that you see in their home. It follows the same rules as the catalog though, so if they have a limited item then you can't order it. Which is, again, poop.

    The villagers in town are kinda alright, some of them are fun characters that I really like (Ken and Bruce). Except they're a little shallow. You interact with them or not, and based on that they'll usually stay in town. If they decide to move, you can tell them to stay, and they'll stay if you've interacted with them a lot. I say "interact" instead of "be nice to" because it doesn't matter what your interaction is. You can talk to them, send them letters, hit them with a net, push them into pit-falls, whatever. It's all the same to them.

    They each start off with a house customized to them when they move into town, but they don't have any sort of style as to what things get replaced with what, so they'll just use anything you give them and anything they see in Re-Tail. Their houses end up looking like weird mish-mashes of all sorts of styles at once. The villagers aren't very distinct in how they act in general. Internally, the game itself has like 6 general personality types, and it kinda shows through even without knowing that. There's apparently 110 or so villagers in the game, but you can only have up to 10 in your town at once. It'd probably have been better for them to make fewer villagers that are each more distinct.

    I guess what I'm getting at in general is that the game has stuff in it, but most of the options are kinda shallow or surface or whatever you wanna call it. There's not many systems driven interactions going on, and the game regularly feels like a disappointment and an "if only they had" sort of a game.    … Expand
  100. BulldogReviews
    Oct 20, 2013
    4
    If your a classic traditional Animal Crossing Fan like me. You may find the game wanders away from the original game. You become the mayor of your chosen town which strays away from staring from the bottom as in other Animal Crossing titles such as City Life and Wild World. I felt disappointed with the game and felt the 3D in the game felt as if it was a gimmick.
    4/10 Poor Check    If your a classic traditional Animal Crossing Fan like me. You may find the game wanders away from the original game. You become the mayor of your chosen town which strays away from staring from the bottom as in other Animal Crossing titles such as City Life and Wild World. I felt disappointed with the game and felt the 3D in the game felt as if it was a gimmick.
    4/10 Poor Check Out My other reviews    … Expand
Page:

Awards & Rankings

4
#4 Best 3DS Game of 2013
4
#4 Most Discussed 3DS Game of 2013
4
#4 Most Shared 3DS Game of 2013

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
88

Generally favorable reviews - based on 70 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 70
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 70
  3. Negative: 0 out of 70
  1. Pelit (Finland)
    Oct 7, 2013
    91
    Animal Crossing: New Leaf is excellent for meditation, coffee breaks, grinding, goofing around, self-expression and, naturally, having loads of fun. [Aug 2013]
  2. Level7.nu
    Sep 10, 2013
    70
    It is not too shabby to be a major. Animal Crossing New Leaf continues the series tradition of being as charming as it is relaxing. The repetitive nature of the tasks in the game has an allure that somehow never gets old. Fans will of course feel right at home and welcome the occasional tweaks and news the game has to offer. It’s just too bad that New Leaf while being a game with lots of content still offers very few surprises.
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  3. Universo Nintendo
    Aug 26, 2013
    100
    Animal Crossing: New Leaf represents not only the pinnacle of the series, but also the ingenuity of the life simulation genre.
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