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. imoses
    Jan 26, 2015
    10
    I have logged 440+ hours on Animal Crossing: New Leaf! It is AC at its best, I have played all AC games to date.

    Pros: + You're the mayor this time! + Animals and their personalities + Fish, fossil, furniture collecting OCD! + customize town + Real time = extension of own life + mini-games + visiting other towns + streetpass integration Cons: - friend codes still a thing -    I have logged 440+ hours on Animal Crossing: New Leaf! It is AC at its best, I have played all AC games to date.

    Pros:
    + You're the mayor this time!
    + Animals and their personalities
    + Fish, fossil, furniture collecting OCD!
    + customize town
    + Real time = extension of own life
    + mini-games
    + visiting other towns
    + streetpass integration

    Cons:
    - friend codes still a thing
    - repeating dialogue
    - flat terrain (compared to previous installments)    … Expand
  2. DBPirate1129
    Jan 11, 2015
    10
    I was expecting great things when I popped in my first ever Animal Crossing game into my 3DS for the first time! Was I disappointed? Of course not!

    The game's incredibly addictive and you'll find yourself playing it for months on end. There's just so much to see and do here. You can go to Main Street and buy some clothes or donate fossils, fish, and bugs to the museum or you can go to    I was expecting great things when I popped in my first ever Animal Crossing game into my 3DS for the first time! Was I disappointed? Of course not!

    The game's incredibly addictive and you'll find yourself playing it for months on end. There's just so much to see and do here. You can go to Main Street and buy some clothes or donate fossils, fish, and bugs to the museum or you can go to the Roost to get coffee (or make coffee for your villagers) and much more! I've never played a game where I've never got bored: this game is the first!

    The villagers/animals in the game make you feel much more engaged with the experience. They all have a unique personality (boys have four available personalities and girls have also have four available personalities), making it easy to connect with them. Of course, I do have my favorite (boy-smug, girl-normal) but the fact that you like some villagers more than others shows that each one is different.

    Tortimer Island is a fantastic addition to the game. Without it there'd probably be a lot less fish and bugs to collect. Therefore, Tortimer Island is one of the reasons the game has so much replayability. The tours (or minigames) featured at the island are very fun even if some of them are a bit more confusing than others. Tortimer Island probably would've been a lot more fun if I hadn't cut down all the trees there but that's my own fault...

    Your home plays a big part in the game. You can upgrade it via Nook's shop, get points on it via the Happy Home Academy, and get ideas for it via Happy Home Showcase. I personally was so busy with other things to worry about my house but it's a much needed addition. The Happy Home Showcase was really fun to look at, though, as you could buy furniture from other people's houses straight from it!

    New to the Animal Crossing series is your responsibility of being a mayor. Namely, you can make ordinances (make things lower priced, make the town look better, etc.) and make public works projects. These public works projects are a huge responsibility in the game. Without these, you can't add the Dream Suite (in which you can visit other players' towns via dream) or the Reset Center (Mr. Resetti, the boss of the Reset Center, will scold you for not saving). The whole mayor thing is like turning a new leaf! (pun intended)

    Holidays also play a big role in the game. While in the grand scope of things, there aren't much holidays, when they do come around they're a big deal: especially Toy Day (Animal Crossing equivalent of Christmas). You have to learn what every single villager wants for Toy Day as when the holiday occurs, you have to play the role of Santa! It's a big undertaking, but it's all worth it! Other holidays include Bunny Day (Easter), Festivale (made up for this), and Halloween.

    Overall, Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a fantastic game and it's one of the best I've ever played. It's incredibly addictive and for good reason. The amount of replayability in the game is astounding!    … Expand
  3. 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
  4. Enchantedsloth
    Dec 7, 2014
    10
    This game is great! It's really improved itself from its Wii and DS counterparts. This game is vibrant and fun, and also quite relaxing. The addition to the new characters are wonderful, and also the addition of the House Renovation shop and the island. The whole game just leaves you feeling at peace, and it's just such a nice addition to the Animal Crossing series. I can't wait to seeThis game is great! It's really improved itself from its Wii and DS counterparts. This game is vibrant and fun, and also quite relaxing. The addition to the new characters are wonderful, and also the addition of the House Renovation shop and the island. The whole game just leaves you feeling at peace, and it's just such a nice addition to the Animal Crossing series. I can't wait to see what they do next.… Expand
  5. 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
  6. Megacritical
    Nov 30, 2014
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. One of the most beautiful 3DS games I have seen, by far. The game is such an immense improvement to previous games, even City Folk, (Which was incredibly well done, I believe.) In this game, there is the opportunity to design the town yourself, as the mayor.
    As in City Folk, there is an area to shop separate from the town, but not as built up; The shops are unlocked and upgraded as certain requirements are met.
    The characters are more realistic now, the presence of a neck, and longer limbs is welcoming, the look of characters in previous games seems comical now. However, the greatest addition to the game is, by far, The Island. The tropical island allows a person to catch more insects and fish, regardless of the date in their home town, and, go on tours, and collect furniture and clothes. When a certain pass, to Club Tortimer is purchased, a player has the ability to visit the Island with people across the world, or simply in their own country.
    A truly fantastic, beautiful game, that is well worth the price. However, there aren't events everyday, so boredom may occur. Therefore, the date and time setting at the loading screen allow a person to time travel, perhaps to a day where there is an event, (Say, Christmas or Thanksgiving) and continue the fun then.    … Expand
  7. aasecr14
    Nov 18, 2014
    10
    I played Animal Crossing: Wild World for the old DS, so I was pumped when I heard about the new one. The first thing I noticed when I popped the game in was that it was gorgeous. The second thing I noticed was that it was one of the most engaging games I've ever played. The way the game is set up forces you to care about your villagers and their problems. And the best/worst part about itI played Animal Crossing: Wild World for the old DS, so I was pumped when I heard about the new one. The first thing I noticed when I popped the game in was that it was gorgeous. The second thing I noticed was that it was one of the most engaging games I've ever played. The way the game is set up forces you to care about your villagers and their problems. And the best/worst part about it is that there is a limited amount of things to do each day, so it's almost impossible to play this game for more than 45 minutes a day. I have over 100 hours on this game and plan to restart my town and get 100 more. Amazing game.… Expand
  8. 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!
  9. 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
  10. Komrath
    Oct 22, 2014
    10
    It is my first Animal Crossing game and it's absolutely fantastic :-) It's like a "free to play" game, without the micro-transactions, really charming and heartwarming. You decide on how much you want to spend with the game, but I already scored over 70 hours in around a month, there's always something to do: take care of fruit trees, plant and water flowers, collect shells, visit otherIt is my first Animal Crossing game and it's absolutely fantastic :-) It's like a "free to play" game, without the micro-transactions, really charming and heartwarming. You decide on how much you want to spend with the game, but I already scored over 70 hours in around a month, there's always something to do: take care of fruit trees, plant and water flowers, collect shells, visit other gamers, have mini parties with your villagers, who are cute and silly and funny. It's a great game to play when you don't want to save the world another time, or you just want to do something positive, since you can never loose in this game, every villager tells you how awesome you are, and in general this game makes you feel great about life and yourself.… Expand
  11. 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
  12. Rainbowhusky
    Sep 18, 2014
    10
    This is one of my favourite games on my 3ds and I love it! Everything is perfect and it has a very cute charm to it! If your new to ACNL and love to customize things then this is a perfect game for you!
  13. 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
  14. 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.
  15. murdock6
    Jul 17, 2014
    10
    Just a simple, relaxing video game that will definitely keep you entertained for hours on end. A game that is meant to be enjoyed at your own pace. The best feature of this game of course is the massive amount of customization involved. You truly feel as though you are creating a town that you are personally invested in.
  16. 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
  17. daversss00
    Jul 6, 2014
    10
    This game is the gateway to your new life, and what a great life it is! This insanely addicting game is well worth any price you can find for it. This was my first version and I was still immediately sucked into the charm of my villagers even when I didn't know what to do. This is one of the few video games I can think of where I always smile or laugh at all the witty banter and puns thatThis game is the gateway to your new life, and what a great life it is! This insanely addicting game is well worth any price you can find for it. This was my first version and I was still immediately sucked into the charm of my villagers even when I didn't know what to do. This is one of the few video games I can think of where I always smile or laugh at all the witty banter and puns that they can come up with. This game has a completely INSANE amount of content, and is meant to be digested in little bursts daily, unlike others where you would want to spree for a week or two. Probably what I most like about New Leaf though is how it never ends, I got my copy for Christmas and I never want to stop playing. Another win for New Leaf is how it makes you care about all your villagers. Whenever I accidentally forgot about meeting them I felt bad for them and wanted to do something to make them feel better. I cannot recommend this game enough, it is a 3ds must have, and you won't regret picking it up.… Expand
  18. 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.
  19. 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
  20. 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
  21. 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. :)
  22. 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
  23. KCritic
    Apr 3, 2014
    10
    My girlfriend played this game, and I wasn't so sold on it. Though, as I watched her play it wasn't long until I fell in love with its charming world, characters, music and gameplay. New Leaf is a truly unique game which I not only now own myself, but have sunk almost 200 hours into. One of the most addictive games ever, be warned.
  24. 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
  25. 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
  26. 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
  27. 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
  28. 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
  29. 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
  30. 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
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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

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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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