Animal Crossing: New Horizons

 Switch
User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6617 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3,370 out of 6617
  2. Mixed: 571 out of 6617
  3. Negative: 2,676 out of 6617
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  1. Fyle
    Apr 3, 2020
    0
    Incredible to see that you can't have more than one island. I bought this for my wife, my daughter and me. My wife began to play first, as you know, my daughter and me are unable to create our own island. Incredible to see this, Nintendo advertised their switch as a family friendly console. Seeing as this move goes in the COMPLETE opposite direction, it is just unforgivable. I wouldIncredible to see that you can't have more than one island. I bought this for my wife, my daughter and me. My wife began to play first, as you know, my daughter and me are unable to create our own island. Incredible to see this, Nintendo advertised their switch as a family friendly console. Seeing as this move goes in the COMPLETE opposite direction, it is just unforgivable. I would understand this for a specific solo game, but we're taking about animal crossing... Since my daughter really wanted to play the game throughfully, my wife had to just forget about the game and leave it to her. She played nearly every animal crossing games until now.… Expand
  2. Agjio2
    Mar 24, 2020
    3
    So the game is cute and fun, but I made the mistake of letting my 9 year old start the game and create an island. She’s been playing now since launch and I’ve decided to start a new island of my own. SORRY but apparently you can’t do that unless you own another switch! One island per game! Totally stupid and unnecessary of Nintendo to do this!
  3. Psychocid
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Same as the rest i assume. Being 2nd player is terrible. You get no story progression or advancements. 1st player gets all of the story recipes and rewards, while 2nd player just plays the basic casual backend.

    Its obviously a shameless money grab by Nintendo, who, already is known for their overpriced ridiculousness. Theyre attempting to get people to buy more switches on impulse and desire to experience the full package. The upsell.

    I wont be buying a second game or a second switch just for that. This is 2020, multiple console saves ARE a thing.

    Ex: Day 3 get to placing out the new home plots, Nook gives player 1 the plots to decide where they go. Not only that, it then gives player 1 ALL of the recipes required to build the materials for the 3 homes. Player 2 gets no recipes for anything or the option to even purchase them.

    TLDR: If youre player 2-8 for that island, you getting shafted.

    BTW, as follow-up, its obvious the reviews are mixed. You can tell who is the solo/single console players are here vs the family/multiple console people.    … Expand
  4. DontchaKnow
    Mar 24, 2020
    2
    My sister owns the switch and we both love Animal Crossing, but I'm not going to go buy a new switch to get the full experience of this game. Its a shame really.
  5. hoogie52
    Mar 24, 2020
    3
    I was extremely excited to play this game. Drove all over my city trying to find it. Finally got to play it, only to discover that since my kid had started the game, I was locked out of experiencing the majority of the game. I’m now forced to start over, after managing to unlock several things. I’m beyond frustrated with it, to say the least. Shame on you Nintendo for ruining this game.
  6. Tiffhrndz
    Mar 25, 2020
    1
    I bought a Nintendo Switch specifically for this game and was sooo excited to get into it. But it turns out you can only have one save file and on top of that, only one character has full freedom in the progress of the island. And since me and sister split the money it took to buy the switch and the game, we were planning to both play. But, little did we know, we can’t both playI bought a Nintendo Switch specifically for this game and was sooo excited to get into it. But it turns out you can only have one save file and on top of that, only one character has full freedom in the progress of the island. And since me and sister split the money it took to buy the switch and the game, we were planning to both play. But, little did we know, we can’t both play individually. What a waste of money for restricted gameplay.… Expand
  7. kayleehuls
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    It would be an awesome game if they fixed the multiplayer. There are two huge problems with this game that honestly breaks it for me. First: if you have more than one person on the console you all have to share the same island and all the resources. 4 people in my family have to share the same island and it feels so crowded. I wanted to be able to make my own island and customize it how IIt would be an awesome game if they fixed the multiplayer. There are two huge problems with this game that honestly breaks it for me. First: if you have more than one person on the console you all have to share the same island and all the resources. 4 people in my family have to share the same island and it feels so crowded. I wanted to be able to make my own island and customize it how I want but I cant... Second: player one gets to do all the main storyline things and you cant change it unless you reset the game.... Im player 3 and I want to to contribute but I cant. I am really disappointed which is sad because I was so excited about this game. I had new leaf on my DS and it was my favorite game. I hope this gets fixed but I doubt it will since its definitely a tactic to get people to buy entirely new consoles.… Expand
  8. FuddyDuddyJ
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    This game is extremely limited if you are not the 1st person to make a character on your switch. Whatever you do, be sure you are the first person or else you might as well not even play the game. I hope Nintendo decides to update the game to fix this issue by at least allowing players to switch who is the Resident Representative for an already existing island.
  9. Raaf7
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I hate this game for the local and online that you can play with 8 people together but they can't do anything, don't buy this for family members and think you can play together
  10. VoiceofZero
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    This game is amazing! One of the best this year but nintendo needs to stop with the BS and give us Cloud saves, multiple islands on 1 switch for users, and the ability to transfer data to another switch in general not just with cloud saves.
  11. oneislandsux
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    ONEISLANDSUX.... really? You have to be kidding... to not give the option is down right trashy... so glad the game experience is trash because I had to go to work and now don't get to play the game as intended... greed.... greedy.... trashy..... greedsters...
  12. lilgudo
    Mar 27, 2020
    0
    Bombing this review in the hopes that Nintendo release an update to change the issues with this game.

    Beautiful game, really fun and fleshed out with so much to do, for player ONE only. Greedy corporate business logic, trying to pressure people to buy a second switch. Its becoming a Nintendo trademark.
  13. Ah-choo
    Mar 28, 2020
    0
    Bought my wife the game for my switch. She’s 30 hours in. I wanted to start my own island from scratch but Nintendo expects me to spend $399 CAD more for a new switch and $80 CAD more for a game both of which I already own. This is beyond stupid and greedy from Nintendo. I’m extremely disappointed. Rated a zero cause I don’t get to play a game I already paid for on a console I already paidBought my wife the game for my switch. She’s 30 hours in. I wanted to start my own island from scratch but Nintendo expects me to spend $399 CAD more for a new switch and $80 CAD more for a game both of which I already own. This is beyond stupid and greedy from Nintendo. I’m extremely disappointed. Rated a zero cause I don’t get to play a game I already paid for on a console I already paid for.… Expand
  14. Dgifyu
    Mar 30, 2020
    0
    You already know the issue... LOCAL MULTIPLAYER IS THE WORST THING. My sis started it first and now it feels like she has way more power over me and it is clearly emphasized in the game
  15. jg93
    Mar 31, 2020
    0
    1. One island per switch 2. Local multilayer is terrible. Players must compete for limited resources, no split screen play, 2nd player locked from game progression.
    3. $20 subscription for online multiplayer, which is bound per account NOT PER SWITCH
    4. Constant tool breakage makes the flow of play feel annoying, not relaxing. Who wants to bet Ninendo will sell a solution to a problem they    1. One island per switch 2. Local multilayer is terrible. Players must compete for limited resources, no split screen play, 2nd player locked from game progression.
    3. $20 subscription for online multiplayer, which is bound per account NOT PER SWITCH
    4. Constant tool breakage makes the flow of play feel annoying, not relaxing. Who wants to bet Ninendo will sell a solution to a problem they made just like Pocket Camp?

    I won't be buying another Nintendo game or console after this con.    … Expand
  16. TeaCupTeddyBear
    Apr 1, 2020
    0
    One island is not enough! Why would you make it to where I can only have one island when I have a full household of people wanting to play? Fix this NOW!
  17. GIVEMETWOMAPS
    Mar 21, 2020
    0
    This is the evolution of Ninendo making you buy two copies of pokemon. If this doesn't get fixed I'm ready for a class action lawsuit
  18. EldLiger
    Mar 26, 2020
    3
    Animal Crossing has always been a charming, simple game designed to be a relaxing sandbox. New Horizons definitely checks all those boxes, even if it does very little to actually improve on the game's age old formula.

    One thing I see as a big step back (or at least a completely stagnant characteristic on par with harvest moon's stubborn refusal to include same-gender relationships while    Animal Crossing has always been a charming, simple game designed to be a relaxing sandbox. New Horizons definitely checks all those boxes, even if it does very little to actually improve on the game's age old formula.

    One thing I see as a big step back (or at least a completely stagnant characteristic on par with harvest moon's stubborn refusal to include same-gender relationships while indie games like Stardew Valley do it so well) is the island sharing mechanic. I see a lot of people complaining that anyone who complains about this just wants to be ¨boosted¨, to stop whining and enjoy the game. The only logical reasoning is that those people are so entitled that they cannot imagine the game was not made for their sole enjoyment or so socially challenged that they cannot fathom how a family might want to share a console while still having a full gameplay experience for all players.

    While I will not rant on and on about how this is completely unacceptable, it does show that the developers either can't design a game that allows for separate and independent save files (a worrying prospect) or did not imagine that some people might like having their own, separate sandbox experience without either having to limit their own or other people's experience in order to do so, after multiple installments of a very family-friendly game (families usually have more than one people in them, and many will have more than one member interested in the game), which is brings me to believe that while Animal Crossing will always be able to deliver in charm, it will never grow to be better than what it is and will always be.

    This might be the last Animal Crossing game I will purchase, unless I see some effort on their part on actually creating an evolving experience with each game.

    TL,DR: Good and fun, buy if you have your own console, skip it if you have to share with someone else.    … Expand
  19. Hallux
    Mar 23, 2020
    0
    Completely ruined a social game. Got this to play with my girlfriend but Nintendo has locked it to one island per consul. This would be ok if the players could equally share an island but they can't. Anyone playing after the initial log in is essentially a glorified villager. They cant make major decisions, participate in village projects, or get story related crafting plans. AllCompletely ruined a social game. Got this to play with my girlfriend but Nintendo has locked it to one island per consul. This would be ok if the players could equally share an island but they can't. Anyone playing after the initial log in is essentially a glorified villager. They cant make major decisions, participate in village projects, or get story related crafting plans. All progress is gated by the first player. Essentially this is a $360 dollar game as the only way to play together is to have a separate copy and a second switch. Clear greed and money grab by Nintendo.… Expand
  20. Lostprophets4
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Like many of the reviewers I have run into the problem where any progress I have is gated by the first resident of the island. My wife played the game when it first came in the mail on Friday. Now over the weekend and into this week I have not been able to get the ladder to explore our island as she has not done the mandatory quests that she can only complete. I have lost any ability to progress in the game and lost complete interest in the game due to 0 progression or purpose in playing.… Expand
  21. bochkaRU
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    God, what is this? You can only have one island per Switch. I don't understand this choice, Nintendo. It's a deal breaker for me. Fix this immediately.
  22. pizzo
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I bought the game digitally but being the console shared with my girlfriend I discovered that we cannot play two saves with two different islands. All this is unacceptable, to play in two you must have two switches when instead with all the other games you can have two accounts. I hope they fix this otherwise it deserves 0, not having given me the opportunity to deepen the game.
  23. Iceman1511
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I bought this game to play specifically with my wife but apparently, Nintendo wants us to ALSO buy a second Switch to be able to make that happen . I'm done with it, just going to return it and say the game was defective. If more then one person uses your Switch, don't waste your time and money with this game.
  24. Katskywalker
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    The fact that only one player per household gets to go on the missions and collect the prizes while every other player is locked out of missions is rediculous. It seems like a ploy from Nintendo to get households to purchase multiple switch consoles.
  25. ottolotl
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    One island per switch should be changed. It is a terrible money hungry idea and it should be fixed in the next patch
  26. Kazaa916
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Nintendo made the greedy decision to only allow one island per a switch even if you have two copies of animal crossing. If more than one person in the house wants to play and have their own island you must own multiple switches.
  27. cakarot
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    As it is right now, I have to give it a 0 since you can only have 1 island per switch and my girlfriend is the primary player. Since I can not create my own island without paying $360 for a new switch and new game, it was a waste of money for me. There's absolutely no reason why in this day and age you should only be able to enjoy a game like this on a per console basis. If they changeAs it is right now, I have to give it a 0 since you can only have 1 island per switch and my girlfriend is the primary player. Since I can not create my own island without paying $360 for a new switch and new game, it was a waste of money for me. There's absolutely no reason why in this day and age you should only be able to enjoy a game like this on a per console basis. If they change that so I can also make a new game then I will change my score, but as it stands this seems borderline criminal, anti-consumer, and it appears to be a cash grab by Nintendo. I can only imagine the problems this causes in households with children trying to play.… Expand
  28. beantaco
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Terrible, one island per switch, greed of nintendo is displayed here. They have no care for their supporters if they are willing to rob them of their money. Please don’t buy until they fix this.
  29. Wimsey
    Mar 24, 2020
    2
    Only 1 islind for 1 console, are you serious? My wife started plaing AC, and i'm missing all the story. And we cant even move the save to different console. Thats pretty dumb limitations to force us for buing additional copy of the game.
  30. Timmer421
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I think it is ridiculous that Nintendo thought it would be acceptable to make it so you can only have one island per switch console. There are families that have shared consoles across their kids. So what, are they supposed to buy another two or three switches and games so that everyone can have their own island? Every other switch game can save on separate accounts for different people toI think it is ridiculous that Nintendo thought it would be acceptable to make it so you can only have one island per switch console. There are families that have shared consoles across their kids. So what, are they supposed to buy another two or three switches and games so that everyone can have their own island? Every other switch game can save on separate accounts for different people to play through, so I know that this wasn’t because they didn’t have the capability to allow people their own islands, it is 100% obvious it was a money grab opportunity for them. It’s really upsetting because it is a great game so far, it’s a shame that 2+ people can’t play it on their own accounts with their own islands. You had to take a bigger step from making people buy separate games to play different towns in New Leaf to making people buy their own switches plus another copy of New Horizons. Even a step further, you made it so that when someone else is playing on the creators island, they can do next to nothing to make their own kind of progress. I tried to put up with that form of multiplayer but it is extremely irritating and pointless to even play it at that point. Way to take the fun out of such a promising game Nintendo.… Expand
  31. Shcduffman
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    The game has become way to frustrating and really lame having to share an island. Just like every other game out there. A different user on the switch should be able to have their own island. Plain and simple. What a waste of $65
  32. FormerGlory89
    Mar 24, 2020
    1
    Why are holidays locked to being downloaded only. Why are we locked to one island per system. Why is Nintendo doing everything they can to make sure consumers don’t enjoy a game how they want. Selling the game how I did Luigis Mansion 3 and New Super Mario Bothers Deluxe if it’s not fixed.
  33. HagarDHorible
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Multiplayer is a joke. I bought it for my kids and only one gets the missions. Nintendo should know better.
  34. raular5
    Mar 24, 2020
    1
    Not enough innovation.
    The same repetitive experience but with some features missing like the island from the 3ds game.
  35. Gamerson
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    One island per console is a cheap and pointless cash grab showing Nintendo cares more about profit than fans...
  36. ghhfbdcs
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Multiplayer is crap, utter crap, completely crap, absolutely crap, couldn't be any more crap
  37. CryingMachine
    Sep 21, 2021
    3
    UPDATED REVIEW:
    Animal Crossing WAS a great game, we were promised so much and the initial release was great since there was so much to explore and everything was new.
    Sadly that initial state of the game stayed...even until today. AC:NH has not gotten any major update for a long long time. Even the major updates that happened last year wore off already. Nintendo really promised us 3    UPDATED REVIEW:
    Animal Crossing WAS a great game, we were promised so much and the initial release was great since there was so much to explore and everything was new.
    Sadly that initial state of the game stayed...even until today. AC:NH has not gotten any major update for a long long time. Even the major updates that happened last year wore off already.

    Nintendo really promised us 3 (or so) years of updates, sadly what they meant is 3 years of the same god-damn events every time. Gets quite sickening.

    The villagers are also getting tiring, same dialogue, same robotic interactions. Not fun anymore.

    I've spent 100hrs in this game and that's it to be honest, the game is stale and not fun anymore.
    Everything just feels really old and boring and there's nothing new to do.

    This is part of a bigger problem of Nintendo, over the years they started slacking more and more. Yes they do release amazing games every now and then (Mario Odyssey and Breath of the Wild) but a lot of their releases feel very "clean" with no life in them.

    OLD REVIEW 9/10 (Jun 28, 2020) :
    This game is amazing.

    Animal Crossing is a game in which you can just sit back and relax to. A perfect game to escape reality with. The control is in your hands as you land on a deserted island with nothing but tents, you can build a thriving community. I love it!

    With each new day you get access to new components of the game, yeah some might call it an unnecessary hindrance but this allows for a fresh dose of content each new day. Animal Crossing isn't about completing EVERYTHING in a day or two. You really do have to invest a lot of time and the game rewards you for doing so. Yeah not for everyone but for those who love games such as Stardew Valley this game is perfect.

    The villagers (or I suppose Islanders) are very charismatic and make the island that much more fun. Yeah not all of them are great but there are just so many villagers that you can easily pick out your favourites and invite them to your island.

    I love this game, I really do but I am also not a fan of the idea of singular saves per console. It really annoys me, I personally don't share my switch with my family as they don't care for Nintendo games but this is really spoiling the fun for others, also there is currently no CLOUD SAVING even though Nintendo brags about having that option for the NSO Subscribers. I hope Nintendo gets a grip and address this issue in the next update(s). Other than that I honestly have not major complaints.    … Expand
  38. cghaman
    Mar 25, 2020
    2
    I preordered this for my girlfriend—along with waiting in line just to get the limited edition console—and was excited to share a game that I had unexpectedly fallen in love with back on the Gamecube. Boy, have things taken a turn for the worse. Only one island per CONSOLE? That, combined with playing the same awful 3 minute guitar strumming on an endless loop (a bug that Nintendo hasI preordered this for my girlfriend—along with waiting in line just to get the limited edition console—and was excited to share a game that I had unexpectedly fallen in love with back on the Gamecube. Boy, have things taken a turn for the worse. Only one island per CONSOLE? That, combined with playing the same awful 3 minute guitar strumming on an endless loop (a bug that Nintendo has not even acknowledged, let alone fixed)...those in isolation would have dropped this from a 10 to a 5. What drops this all the way to a 2 is the fact that I cannot do anything at ALL to advance the game when she isn't playing. Okay, so I can add to the museum...but I couldn't get the museum to exist, and I cannot get anything else to happen. I am beyond peeved, and Nintendo's silence in response to criticism is deafening. I am furious about this, and would return this game IMMEDIATELY were it not a gift. What on Earth happened to Nintendo? I will NEVER buy another game or game system from Nintendo until they fix what they screwed up.… Expand
  39. carolynpal8
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Me and my boyfriend got in this huge fight because we went out, bought the switch and New Horizons. Just to find out only one of us can play, TRULY PLAY. It’s so frustrating, the POPULATION ARE NOT IDIOTS. We understand that this is a PLOY TO GET US TO BUY MORE NINTENDO SWITCHES. You think that this will get you more revenue? No, in fact it will hurt your game because there won’t be asMe and my boyfriend got in this huge fight because we went out, bought the switch and New Horizons. Just to find out only one of us can play, TRULY PLAY. It’s so frustrating, the POPULATION ARE NOT IDIOTS. We understand that this is a PLOY TO GET US TO BUY MORE NINTENDO SWITCHES. You think that this will get you more revenue? No, in fact it will hurt your game because there won’t be as much users playing at the same time. Why does anyone want to share an Island together? The beauty of the game is being able to create whatever you want and express yourself. Also the fact that the game is in real run time ABSOLUTELY KILLS IT. Are you kidding me you’re going to make it only one island, expecting the players to share because up to 8 of them can live on the island? And incorporate the fact that it is a deserted island so there’s going to be nothing there, A LACK OF RESOURCES already? Honestly, made the decisions to change this, this is a family fun oriented game and what keeps it interesting is seeing the other peoples towns that’s what created spark. Nobody wants to play on the same town, there’s a lack of quests lack of everything. Your customers are even trying to get refunded their money because of this, it’s absolutely disgusting.


    UPDATE

    We tried playing the CO-OP on screen that they had an it was an ABSOLUTE FAILURE. They made one of us each be FOLLOWER AND LEADER. The FOLLOWER COULDN’T ACCESS INVENTORY, OR GO TO NOOKS & BUY STUFF IT WAS JUST THE TOOLS. SERIOUSLY NINTENDO! THE FOLLOWER COULDNT EVEN TALK TO THE RESIDENTS EITHER. SUCH A DISAPPOINTMENT.    … Expand
  40. DraceSylvanian
    Mar 26, 2020
    4
    As others have stated, I made an account just to give this game a bad review. It is tranquil and cute and seemingly fun, but for a game focused on multiplayer and community (seemingly) there is a starting lack of functionality.
  41. johnfrogvac
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    The fact i need a new switch so my gf and i can have seperate accounts is heart breaking. I can't afford a new switch. I would be fine if we both shared an island but had the same controls, but p2 can't do anything that makes the game worth playing. Love the game, but we need a fix please!
  42. Sethht
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. This a great game if you live alone. If you have anyone else in your household, it’s going to suck. You can only have one island per Switch and only the first player has full access to the game. I played and exhausted all the resources and my partner logged in and was unable to do anything. I think it’s greedy for a company to take this approach considering some families only have one switch and perhaps multiple children or individuals who would like to play the game. The solution shouldn’t be for each member of the family to have to buy a separate Switch and Animal Crossing game. If this game were to be updated to include one island per account then I would change my rating to 5 stars. I really hope something is done about this soon.… Expand
  43. raltorz
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    What a joke. What an absolute joke this is Nintendo. Let other users have their own island you greedy mongrels. I won't let this end. I won't let you guys get away with this.
  44. veox
    Mar 27, 2020
    1
    The game is wonderfully simple and nuanced with plenty to do and discover. It gives players a reason to put down the game at times, but you keep coming back. There is plenty to discover and do, but gives the player the opportunity to choose the goals they want to accomplish for their play style. Unfortunately I got this game to play with my partner for 1 console co-op play. There really isThe game is wonderfully simple and nuanced with plenty to do and discover. It gives players a reason to put down the game at times, but you keep coming back. There is plenty to discover and do, but gives the player the opportunity to choose the goals they want to accomplish for their play style. Unfortunately I got this game to play with my partner for 1 console co-op play. There really is no true way to play this way as was advertised. The second player is essentially an NPC. The UI and controls for single console multi-player are embarrassing for such a renowned title. I would give this game a 10 if they simply hadn't even included the feature at all; it's highly misleading. For it to work so well with online and multiple console multi-player, it seems like a regrettable attempt to force console purchasing. I would love input from the studio on why they failed to deliver a coherent single-console co-op. The UI and controls while in single console multi-player come across as if it was an afterthought It is both hard to use and cumbersome. The inventory or tool selection isn't even available for player 2. Is it really that hard to apply the same feature to all players? Seems like poor code architecture to me. Not to mention the second player can't participate in the game contents in any meaningful way. Player 2 gets a very lazy stream of "check with player 1" messages instead of having NPCs treat player 2 as a player rather than a tag along NPC. Overall, for my circumstances, this game has failed in the most important ways which is why I cannot recommend it for users like me.… Expand
  45. exycited
    Mar 28, 2020
    3
    I bought this game, bc I thought it would be relaxing and fun. It probably is for the first player but not for the second player on the island.

    My roommate started her playthrough first and I was excited to start mine too only to be extremely disappointed that I cannot make my own island and instead I have to be stuck on her island as a second player. The fact that the second player    I bought this game, bc I thought it would be relaxing and fun. It probably is for the first player but not for the second player on the island.

    My roommate started her playthrough first and I was excited to start mine too only to be extremely disappointed that I cannot make my own island and instead I have to be stuck on her island as a second player.
    The fact that the second player cannot progress through the story like the first one makes it a sad experience - as a second player I am missing the story, some dialogue options and interactions as well as creative control over the island and so the reception of the game changes a lot for me. Also, it's not only the story, the mechanics change too - I cannot even get the axe recipe without spending the money. The first player gets it through interactions with Tom Nook. And while the cost might be similar in both cases, the experience is very different - i really dislike it.

    The restriction of one island per switch is artificial and could easily be changed to one island per profile. I've already paid whole 60$ for this game - and because of the limit of one island per console it feels like the price is too high. Especially when we compare it to other Nintendo games at a similar price point like BOTW which can be played separately on different profiles.

    Animal Crossing has a family-friendly rating and so you would think it would be a family-friendly game, but if you want to play with your spouse or have more than one child you would have to buy a whole new Switch for both people to enjoy the game on their own instead of having to share an island because of some artificial restrictions.
    Also the fact that this cannot be remedied by buying a second game cartridge and only by buying a second Switch makes it feel like a cash grab on the side of Nintendo. I understand that the saves are stored on the console not the cartridge, but I am sure this could have been remedied in some way.

    I had very high expectations of this game and was looking forward to spending time on my island paradise with cute animal friends, but instead I feel like an NPC in my own game and I have to fight over resources with my friend...
    I wish I could give this game a higher score, bc it really is cute and sweet, but I don't feel like I can do that in this situation - thus the low score.

    I hope Nintendo rethinks this and patches the game, but I am not very hopeful that it will happen.    … Expand
  46. DMGVR
    Mar 28, 2020
    1
    Local co-op (a key component of the game) is effectively broken; though I'm sure only being able to progress with a single character at a time is a "feature" according to Nintendo...
  47. Foundation982
    Mar 29, 2020
    0
    I recently purchased this game and got pretty farby myself. My wife Wanted to play as well and start and island together. So I started my game over let her start the island.

    After hours of playing I could not figure out why on my account I could not build the museum how I did previously. My wife plays but not as much as I do, had I know. i’d be limited I would have set my character up    I recently purchased this game and got pretty farby myself. My wife Wanted to play as well and start and island together. So I started my game over let her start the island.

    After hours of playing I could not figure out why on my account I could not build the museum how I did previously. My wife plays but not as much as I do, had I know. i’d be limited I would have set my character up first. Regardless she’s annoyed that we both have to start over again after several hours of gameplay and after restarting she has no interest in the game and we’re both extremely annoyed that we can’t build an island together. Rather its one player building it and another person is just along for the ride.

    Pretty lame, after all of this starting over multiple times its getting difficult to find enjoyment in the game.    … Expand
  48. Pckljoos
    Mar 30, 2020
    0
    My personal experience of this game was very disappointing. I share a switch my boyfriend and he already started his island a few days before I was able to begin. I am not able to create my own island and I have to live on his. We had completely different experiences of the game right away because he’s in charge of the island and gets to decide everything. I was really looking forward toMy personal experience of this game was very disappointing. I share a switch my boyfriend and he already started his island a few days before I was able to begin. I am not able to create my own island and I have to live on his. We had completely different experiences of the game right away because he’s in charge of the island and gets to decide everything. I was really looking forward to making my own island but now I’m not even sure if I want to play. I don’t want to be forced to buying a whole new console and game just so I can have the same game play experience as someone else in my Jimenez. Bad design.… Expand
  49. Stupidboy0831
    Apr 3, 2020
    2
    At first I was having some fun but a little bored that’s because when I saw what the first player to log in can do I was disappointed this game is designed for families with multiple children interested in the game but have 1 switch it’s main purpose is for you to buy a whole new switch so everyone can experience the game fully.
  50. tombrgmn
    Apr 5, 2020
    0
    Been working hard this whole week with my fiance asking me constantly about when am I going to start my island. I finally found time to sit down and do it. Well, too bad. Apparently I can't, because of Nintendo greed. She had made her island first and neither of us realized that her making the island first would screw over my own ability to make an island. This along with the wholeBeen working hard this whole week with my fiance asking me constantly about when am I going to start my island. I finally found time to sit down and do it. Well, too bad. Apparently I can't, because of Nintendo greed. She had made her island first and neither of us realized that her making the island first would screw over my own ability to make an island. This along with the whole coronavirus quarantine lockdown and Nintendo's shortage on Switch consoles makes this whole thing an even harder pill to swallow. I guess I just won't be playing this one, Nintendo. Thanks for the betrayal Nintendo, didn't expect it to come from you, but I don't get fooled again.… Expand
  51. RydesaurusRex
    Apr 5, 2020
    0
    This is one of the worst games i have ever played. Not only that, but Nintendo's no refund policy should be illegal. I will never buy another Nintendo game again. Knew getting a Switch was a mistake. Ridiculous.
  52. PinkSpartan
    Apr 7, 2020
    2
    I bought this game knowing that it was one "shared" island per console, which to be honest, I was ok with. I am not ok with secondary accounts treated like second class citizens. I give this a 2 because I can only experience 20% of the game. I share a console with my brother and it was taking me days to figure out how to get a shop. Turns out only the first account can progress the game.I bought this game knowing that it was one "shared" island per console, which to be honest, I was ok with. I am not ok with secondary accounts treated like second class citizens. I give this a 2 because I can only experience 20% of the game. I share a console with my brother and it was taking me days to figure out how to get a shop. Turns out only the first account can progress the game. For Pete's sake I can't even build a bridge.

    I hope Nintendo fixes this, as it really damages the playing experience.    … Expand
  53. rmscouto
    Apr 8, 2020
    0
    People saying that "you can only have one island per switch" are being too benevolent. In fact, you can only have one gameplay per switch! The first player/account to play will be the Resident Representative, meaning that he/she will have the full gameplay experience. Remaining player will not be able to: create an island, name an island, take part in the decisions (e.g. make buildings),People saying that "you can only have one island per switch" are being too benevolent. In fact, you can only have one gameplay per switch! The first player/account to play will be the Resident Representative, meaning that he/she will have the full gameplay experience. Remaining player will not be able to: create an island, name an island, take part in the decisions (e.g. make buildings), invite NPC (e.g. Bladders). Basically, you can have one player per console, remaining ones are "playable residents". Nice touch Nintendo, specially given the time of release (covid19)… Expand
  54. Scribblette
    Mar 23, 2020
    0
    One island per console for all local profiles. Progress locked to the first local profile to start the game. No warnings of any of this. Everyone else is a second class citizen who can't play independently whatsoever. Full price disappointment. Local co op totally gimped and basic features not available to second player. Reviewers should not have missed this. Shows how little video gameOne island per console for all local profiles. Progress locked to the first local profile to start the game. No warnings of any of this. Everyone else is a second class citizen who can't play independently whatsoever. Full price disappointment. Local co op totally gimped and basic features not available to second player. Reviewers should not have missed this. Shows how little video game journalists actually do their own research nowadays.… Expand
  55. joethebro
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    0 out of 10 because I feel the game deserves a 0 out of 10, not because I'm trying to drag the user score down.

    Only one person can fully play the game per switch, even if multiple people buy their own digital copies. Forcing people to share an island sucks but forcing everyone else to be effectively NPCs in the game is the most blatantly anti-consumer thing I've ever seen in a video    0 out of 10 because I feel the game deserves a 0 out of 10, not because I'm trying to drag the user score down.

    Only one person can fully play the game per switch, even if multiple people buy their own digital copies. Forcing people to share an island sucks but forcing everyone else to be effectively NPCs in the game is the most blatantly anti-consumer thing I've ever seen in a video game. Out of every single offline game that has released on PS4, Xbox One, and Switch, this is the only one that cannot be played by multiple people.    … Expand
  56. jahan
    Mar 21, 2020
    3
    The one island per switch is way of an issue than I'd thought it would be. Others not being able to progress since I haven't played it enough makes it less fun for both them and me.
  57. TomNook
    Mar 23, 2020
    0
    This game is AWFUL if you plan to share it. 2nd player is useless, they cannot progress the island, nor help build anything. It sucks. The reviewers never even tested this out, shoes how useless they truly are.
  58. actualgamer
    Mar 23, 2020
    0
    to start, this game is terrific. for a single person playing on a switch console, its amazing. the graphics are beautiful, its creative, wholesome, cute and so much more. however.... as a couple or a family that shares a switch, this game ends up being extremely disappointing. such a bummer, and it makes me sad !!! the first player to create the island is given the role of representative.to start, this game is terrific. for a single person playing on a switch console, its amazing. the graphics are beautiful, its creative, wholesome, cute and so much more. however.... as a couple or a family that shares a switch, this game ends up being extremely disappointing. such a bummer, and it makes me sad !!! the first player to create the island is given the role of representative. they can develop the island, place buildings, control the growth of the island, and overall have a meaningful contribution to the game. but everyone playing after the representative has been chosen, is forced to basically be an observer. they cant share in the same goals and fulfillment that the representative can. now theyre left out. you have one person the best game of the year, and the 2-4 extra players just watching the progression of the game without being able to contribute. this could be fixed by just letting multiple people be the representatives of the island, or just letting us create our own profiles with our own islands. either way this could be much more fair. but instead, its just disappointing.… Expand
  59. DaveNg
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    We were promised a game that let a family build an island together. That's a giant load. Truth is that only one player, and one player EVER is allowed to do anything on the island. Everyone else gets to watch with the chore of following them around the island. You can't build shops. You can't build museums. You can't build bridges. You can't build houses for new villagers.

    You    We were promised a game that let a family build an island together. That's a giant load. Truth is that only one player, and one player EVER is allowed to do anything on the island. Everyone else gets to watch with the chore of following them around the island. You can't build shops. You can't build museums. You can't build bridges. You can't build houses for new villagers.

    You can't even help player 1 do any of those things.

    I didn't get the game I was promised. Not even close.    … Expand
  60. barbiemancosu
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Bought the game to play it with my BF, he started to play first and now i can't play as a normal character. What happened is that the fact that i play it after him made me a secondary player. This means that i cannot follow the main questline, that i cannot have some base items (such as axe, for example) and that i can't participate in any of the changes that could be made if this was myBought the game to play it with my BF, he started to play first and now i can't play as a normal character. What happened is that the fact that i play it after him made me a secondary player. This means that i cannot follow the main questline, that i cannot have some base items (such as axe, for example) and that i can't participate in any of the changes that could be made if this was my own island. So, every other games lets you have your own savegame, so every account has a personal game, this is not the case; in animal crossing, if you want to have your own game (in an home console such as it is) you have to buy another switch (250 bucks). Thank you nintendo for not letting me play the game as a normal player. You have to fix this asap because we can't have to talk of this ridicolous design choice in 2020.… Expand
  61. Nyron45
    Mar 23, 2020
    0
    You can only have one island and you have to share it with other profiles on your switch
  62. Boottoloot
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    If anyone has multi people who want to play this game DO NOT BUY. You can only have one island per switch. First player has full access to the game anyone else is limited.
  63. sky_visitor
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    One island per Switch is an anti-consumerist decision made in an attempt to boost hardware sales. My girlfriend and I are forced to share the same island, which isn't terrible in and of itself. However, as the first person to start the game I am designated the "Resident Representative". As the second player, she cannot progress the tutorial. She cannot make any decisions that shape theOne island per Switch is an anti-consumerist decision made in an attempt to boost hardware sales. My girlfriend and I are forced to share the same island, which isn't terrible in and of itself. However, as the first person to start the game I am designated the "Resident Representative". As the second player, she cannot progress the tutorial. She cannot make any decisions that shape the island. This is a half-baked experience for anybody other than the first player on the island. If your Resident Representative isn't as active as you, or even decides to stop playing the game, good luck! You'll never, ever progress past wherever they left off.

    We are quite well off and could easily afford another Switch. We will never buy another Switch, because it is a CONSOLE and not a PERSONAL DEVICE like a cell phone.

    Change the game to allow each profile to have their own island.    … Expand
  64. missingno5
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I never write reviews. I absolutely love this game. It’s a blast. However, the collaborative aspect of the game is incredibly flawed. I bought this game with the intention of sharing an island with my girlfriend. However, only one of us has complete control of the island. The other villager is locked out of certain aspects of the game. This makes no sense to me. Surprisingly, the originalI never write reviews. I absolutely love this game. It’s a blast. However, the collaborative aspect of the game is incredibly flawed. I bought this game with the intention of sharing an island with my girlfriend. However, only one of us has complete control of the island. The other villager is locked out of certain aspects of the game. This makes no sense to me. Surprisingly, the original game well over a decade ago got this part of the game right: everyone had equal control. Why is this hard to do in 2020? The whole idea that there should be one leader and everyone else should be handicapped is insane.… Expand
  65. melkorsmaia
    Mar 21, 2020
    2
    Don't get if you plan on using the switch as it was intended, aka a portable console you can use while you travel, because surprise surprise nintendo is so overbearing that holidays will be released as updates that you need internet to install AND to play. Good job nintendo, you really got those evil time travelers that were SERIOUSLY cutting into your bank- oh wait, time traveling affectsDon't get if you plan on using the switch as it was intended, aka a portable console you can use while you travel, because surprise surprise nintendo is so overbearing that holidays will be released as updates that you need internet to install AND to play. Good job nintendo, you really got those evil time travelers that were SERIOUSLY cutting into your bank- oh wait, time traveling affects no one but the player who might otherwise not be able to play due to travel/work/school.
    Game feels unfinished, hundreds of items cut, many characters cut (so no point to the amiibo features to get your fave villagers unless you're lucky), swimming/gyroids/paintings/99% of special npcs cut, everywhere you look theres cut content that we get to hopefully wait for nintendo to drip feed us while a chorus of people repeat that "HEY. This next update in a week/a month/a year MIGHT be the one that gives us a few more basic features. MAYBE you should just stop complaining since now theres SO many new things like...oh wait, the furniture placement stuff is from hhd, and crafting furniture from harvested material to place outside is from pocket camp so. nothing new except this stick i can use to cross rivers i guess."
    -2 points for unfinished game at launch, -2 cut content over all, & -3 for nintendos controlling attitude & fans acting like just because they personally didn't LOVE a feature/got lucky the things they liked are in game means the cuts dont matter. 3 remaining are for graphics, which are a vast improvement from other installments.    … Expand
  66. ASlothGoneWild
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Doesn't let you play with multiple accounts like advertised. Let my boyfriend play for a bit before I got home because he was curious what the game was about only to find out I couldn't even then play the game I payed for! Absolutely disgracefully and deceitful. Sent in a ticket and it was closed saying that is how it is designed to be and to buy another console and game if we both wantDoesn't let you play with multiple accounts like advertised. Let my boyfriend play for a bit before I got home because he was curious what the game was about only to find out I couldn't even then play the game I payed for! Absolutely disgracefully and deceitful. Sent in a ticket and it was closed saying that is how it is designed to be and to buy another console and game if we both want to play.... Game is not worth almost $300!!! I regret spending even $60 on it!… Expand
  67. stejkenzie
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    The game should be called Animal Crossing: New Horizons For Player One As Any Other Player Is Gated From Any Progress And The Game Becomes Absolutely Pointless For Him After Day One Oh And Also You Can Have Only One Island Per Console So Buy More Consoles And Give Us Your Money Sincerely Yours Nintendo (P.S. We Don't Give A **** About Your Experience) but that would not attract so manyThe game should be called Animal Crossing: New Horizons For Player One As Any Other Player Is Gated From Any Progress And The Game Becomes Absolutely Pointless For Him After Day One Oh And Also You Can Have Only One Island Per Console So Buy More Consoles And Give Us Your Money Sincerely Yours Nintendo (P.S. We Don't Give A **** About Your Experience) but that would not attract so many players I think.

    Yes, this is a review-bomb, because the whole point of the game was to play it with my girlfriend and the one thing the game prevents you from doing is to play it with other person (except local coop, but that's not what I'm looking for).

    Besides that - the game is cute and addictive but comparing it to Stardew Valley which I just saw my girlfriend playing this lacks the depth and content of SV. Might be wrong though, I'm only day 4.    … Expand
  68. IggyZW
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Bought to ply with my girlfriend, we cannot have our own island, the first who starts play becomes the main character. Any other players that begins a new game will becom A SECONDARY CHARACTER, this means that he will gets a "lite" version of the game which don't let you to do the main questline, to build things, to have main recipes. Actually you can only catch bugs and fish. Any otherBought to ply with my girlfriend, we cannot have our own island, the first who starts play becomes the main character. Any other players that begins a new game will becom A SECONDARY CHARACTER, this means that he will gets a "lite" version of the game which don't let you to do the main questline, to build things, to have main recipes. Actually you can only catch bugs and fish. Any other game lets you have distinct save games for account (even Pokemon, and all of you know how this is strange), this is not the case of animal crossing that, if you want to play with your own island you have to BUY ANOTHER SWITCH.
    You have to fix this as soon as possible.    … Expand
  69. Intelligimus
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Limiting the number of accounts/island on a family game is appalling, if you want multiple people in your house to play you are required to have multiple switch’s even though Nintendo allow you to have multiple profiles on one switch this game and progress is locked to one profile.
  70. Filmmusictheory
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Game would be a 9/10 if it wasn’t for the single switch issue. New Leaf was still a better game and experience overall.
  71. raihidara
    Mar 29, 2020
    1
    My wife loved Animal Crossing back in the day, so I bought this for her. Our son wanted to play too, and we saw there was multiplayer so we figured this would be fun to play as a family.

    This is quite possibly the worst multiplayer videogame in existence. What's that, son? You want to play by yourself? Don't have too much fun now, because you will ruin the game for everyone else, leaving    My wife loved Animal Crossing back in the day, so I bought this for her. Our son wanted to play too, and we saw there was multiplayer so we figured this would be fun to play as a family.

    This is quite possibly the worst multiplayer videogame in existence. What's that, son? You want to play by yourself? Don't have too much fun now, because you will ruin the game for everyone else, leaving them with nothing to do and an empty shell of an experience. Oh yeah, also you don't get to play any further in the game until your mom logs in to advance the game, has one brief moment of enjoyment, and then you proceed to ruin the game all over again. It's not his fault that he wants to play a game to have fun. It's Nintendo's.

    The lack of multiple save files and a separate multiplayer mode is one of the worst decisions I've ever seen, and I believe they didn't even playtest it. Either that or they honestly, amd stupidly, thought most people had two Switch systems or would buy another. I'll change my review if this ever gets patched, but until then, this game is one of the least enjoyable of all time. No hyperbole.    … Expand
  72. marinara
    May 29, 2020
    0
    One Island per switch!!!! Glad I read the reviews before purchasing this. Game is fun to play, but no one should support this kind of greed. If the game ever updates to remove this limitation, ill buy it.
  73. Illuluminati
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Graphics like this in 2020? Not acceptable.
    Plus all the anti consumer stuff is just the icing on the cake, trash.
  74. KillerUnleashed
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    Ended up returning the game purely based off the fact that it locks all other users on the Switch out of progressing the game. We will repurchase it when this is changed but it is complete brainless game design. Also siting other games in the series as being the same is flawed because the original AC game on GameCube you could have separate towns per memory card.
  75. SgtBrett
    Mar 28, 2020
    0
    One island per Switch rather than one per game purchase.

    Unacceptable really.
  76. cesc_larenas
    Mar 25, 2020
    3
    The game is great. Kind of repetitive but you can overcome it anyway. I really liked the game BUT, my girlfriend liked it even more and there's the problem. I usually share my account with a sibling so my girlfriend, after seeing and playing the game with my account, decided to step up and buy the game for herself, even when I already had it just to play it with her profile. Indeed, toThe game is great. Kind of repetitive but you can overcome it anyway. I really liked the game BUT, my girlfriend liked it even more and there's the problem. I usually share my account with a sibling so my girlfriend, after seeing and playing the game with my account, decided to step up and buy the game for herself, even when I already had it just to play it with her profile. Indeed, to share the island was great to her since we could be neighbors and she got familiarized with the island. But... there's just too much difference between the treatment I receive from the game and the one she gets. She just doesn't have any event for herself, they're all directed to me. So... Even if you share, you actually share nothing and that's unpresentable, specially when we actually got two copies of the same game. So... While my original score was an 8/10, I just can't forfeit the awful sharing system… Expand
  77. dognus
    Mar 30, 2020
    1
    I bought this game to play with my daughter who is new to video games. She played first and then I was expecting to join with my own character and help her out. Not possible because the game only lets the person who plays first progress through the game. I can’t do anything useful to help her and I’m basically playing pared down “demo” of the game rather than having my own experiencesI bought this game to play with my daughter who is new to video games. She played first and then I was expecting to join with my own character and help her out. Not possible because the game only lets the person who plays first progress through the game. I can’t do anything useful to help her and I’m basically playing pared down “demo” of the game rather than having my own experiences progressing in the game. This should not have been sold as a “multiplayer” game because it’s only one person who plays all other accounts basically sit around and wait for the other player’s progression if they progress at all. I’m not going to delete my daughter’s island and start over. Really hoping an update balances the players’ abilities in the game. Very disappointed.… Expand
  78. SpinaXIV
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    One game per console **** Nintendo im not buying a second Switch just so I can have another save
  79. Nicklasos
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    The game is really great, enjoy it since release day, but one island is just unacceptable!
  80. samuellsilva
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Boring and a unique Islande to create. Quase nada por fazer na ilha. Enfim... Arrependido
  81. Persona2Anime
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    The game sucked. No interesting gameplay nor style, the game doesn't offer much at like with new leaf. You're better off just playing the original.
  82. Aramova
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    One island per system? Really? This is like owning a car and only one person can set the seats or radio.

    Also the cloud backup system is, well, it isn't there. So when you do play with a household on switch and something happens to it, everyone loses everything.
  83. Helix00
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Terrible experience if you have more than one player on your console the game is unplayable.
  84. Aldrost
    Mar 24, 2020
    3
    It's a fun game, arguably 10/10 if you are going to be the only one playing it in your household. If you plan on having more than one person play on the same console, don't even bother buying it. It's a shame they let greed get the better of them by trying to force you to purchase multiple consoles considering how great this game would be without this problem. Unfortunately, it's a hugeIt's a fun game, arguably 10/10 if you are going to be the only one playing it in your household. If you plan on having more than one person play on the same console, don't even bother buying it. It's a shame they let greed get the better of them by trying to force you to purchase multiple consoles considering how great this game would be without this problem. Unfortunately, it's a huge problem for many.… Expand
  85. Crakylalilulelo
    Mar 24, 2020
    3
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Despues de mas de 15 años sin jugarlo decidi regresar y tenia mucha emocion.. pero todo se fue cuando en dia 1 depuesde 20 minutos no tenia nada que hacer, el juego castiga al jugador que se pone a hacer todo, para todos los edificios tienes que esperar, 6 horas a lo mucho de espera estara bien pero hay edificios que tardan hasta 2 dias en quedar!… Expand
  86. subswitch
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    The limitation of one island per Switch (not per cartridge, per Switch) is nonsensical. It‘s obvious Nintendo is just trying to sell more Switch consoles. This means only one person in your family can enjoy the game to its fullest extent. Player 2 can barely do anything, and their progression is blocked until player 1 progresses further. Player 2 can’t make any administrative decisions.The limitation of one island per Switch (not per cartridge, per Switch) is nonsensical. It‘s obvious Nintendo is just trying to sell more Switch consoles. This means only one person in your family can enjoy the game to its fullest extent. Player 2 can barely do anything, and their progression is blocked until player 1 progresses further. Player 2 can’t make any administrative decisions. Players 1 and 2 have to share limited daily resources. I had to delete my save so my brother could enjoy the game.… Expand
  87. P000P
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    One island per console is ridiculous. Selling my cartridge. Nintendo, you guys are so backwards.
  88. Jensonliew
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    So looking forward to play this game with my wife but with the limited local multiplayer setup, it makes the game frustrating to play as only the main player gets to progress the story while the other player get to do nothing but sit there and wait. Nintendo even lock it so that only 1 switch can have only 1 island, wow you guys are more greddy then EA. Sorry Nintendo i will stop playingSo looking forward to play this game with my wife but with the limited local multiplayer setup, it makes the game frustrating to play as only the main player gets to progress the story while the other player get to do nothing but sit there and wait. Nintendo even lock it so that only 1 switch can have only 1 island, wow you guys are more greddy then EA. Sorry Nintendo i will stop playing your games now, im truly and deeply saddened by you people.… Expand
  89. Teacol
    Mar 24, 2020
    1
    I'll admit, I'm not the best person to ask for a review of this game, but that's only because I haven't gotten to play this game because of Nintendo forcing players to only have one island per console.

    For some quick context, my twin brother bought this game for our birthday and began playing immediately at launch. I watched him play here and there and became interested seeing as    I'll admit, I'm not the best person to ask for a review of this game, but that's only because I haven't gotten to play this game because of Nintendo forcing players to only have one island per console.

    For some quick context, my twin brother bought this game for our birthday and began playing immediately at launch. I watched him play here and there and became interested seeing as neither he or I had ever played an Animal Crossing game before but we both had only heard good things about the series. I decided to let my brother play for a few days on his own before starting up my own save. When I did, I gathered my parents and had them watch me as I figured they too would probably enjoy the game and I wanted to introduce it to them with me so we could have a new bonding experience. To my dismay however, I was able to create my own villager, but not my own island.

    My brother has done nothing but tell me how much fun the game is, with my friends and the Internet echoing his praises. And yet unless I decide to fork over an extra $360 to purchase a new switch and copy of the game, I will be locked out of this game's full experience.

    While this may seem like a bold claim to some, when you have a game centered around a small island, and then make players share that one island per console, you are essentially making them share a save file. Maybe I wouldn't be so upset about this fact if it wasn't common for every other game on the switch to allow multiple save files per console account.

    I have heard the argument that this has always been a feature in the animal crossing series, to which I say, look at Pokemon. When Pokemon transitioned to the switch, they dropped having only one save per device, and people are now able to experience the newest Pokemon games with multiple saves. I don't see any logical reason why Animal Crossing is unable to make the same transition.

    I'd also like to bring up the argument of target demographics. While it is true that the Animal Crossing series has always been able to connect with a wide audience and demographic, which is what makes the series so great I'm told, I still imagine that the target audience of this game series is children, seeing as the game contains a cute cartoony art style and is rated E for Everyone by the ESRB, allowing children to also experience the game. I can't imagine the arguments going on in households that contain multiple children right now over who gets to play on the island and who gets to do what on the island.

    The bottom line here is that Nintendo is shooting themselves in the foot by not including multiple islands as this both angers old fans and limits the amount of new players able to experience the game. The hardware is clearly there, seeing as every other game on the Switch allows multiple saves across Switch accounts, including old games that didn't before moving to the Switch like Pokemon.

    At the beginning of this review I said I'm not the best reviewer of this game seeing as I've been unable to play it. But for that reason alone, I'm rating this game 1 out of 10. I can see no logic in this choice of only allowing one island per console. I was really excited to try this series out for the first time, only to have that excitement squashed due to Nintendo limiting it's player base for this new game. I don't doubt the game is good, I just wish I could play it along with everyone else.    … Expand
  90. Missjessicasage
    Mar 25, 2020
    3
    Only ONE island per switch? Are you guys crazy? Already having a hard enough time finding room for new villagers. I've been busily working my island, filling every quadrant with farms, crafting areas with laid out, organized supplies, surplus of fish and shells, furniture arranged in cute little areas, grottos and meadows, decorative flowers as well as areas devoted to crossbreeding, I'veOnly ONE island per switch? Are you guys crazy? Already having a hard enough time finding room for new villagers. I've been busily working my island, filling every quadrant with farms, crafting areas with laid out, organized supplies, surplus of fish and shells, furniture arranged in cute little areas, grottos and meadows, decorative flowers as well as areas devoted to crossbreeding, I've carefully placed every single tree... And then my brother wants to play. I'd love for him to. Well, can't bc I've set my whole island. Also crappy that another player can come in and just put their house wherever, with the option of deleting whatever is in that area. Also a dumb choice with the nook mile quests. Chip down a tree. Plant a tree. Plant flowers. Etc. I want my island to be my own. At least in previous games you had the choice of swapping memory cards or cartridges. Huge disappointment and just looks money grubby on Nintendo part. Want your own island? Buy another switch! Yeah right/enjoy the negative reviews from angry consumers, Nintendo.… Expand
  91. LexGear
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    I spent days ignoring negative feedback and wondering why I couldnt make progress in the game. Turns out anyone aside from the first person to arrive at the island can't do jack. All I can do is collect sticks and bugs. This is a massively disappointing experience. No game here.
  92. fknintendo
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    **** this greedy, piece of **** corporate bull**** company. The one island per switch is the most blatantly greedy move ever. Their argument was to have multiple players work together to build the island, which sounds great on paper, but the second player literally cannot do jack **** to contribute to the island. So not only did they not allow multiple islands, they also did not follow up**** this greedy, piece of **** corporate bull**** company. The one island per switch is the most blatantly greedy move ever. Their argument was to have multiple players work together to build the island, which sounds great on paper, but the second player literally cannot do jack **** to contribute to the island. So not only did they not allow multiple islands, they also did not follow up on a viable alternative. What a bunch of scumbags.They are using EA as a role model and only thinking about profits rather than user experience. I will not be purchasing a single switch game anymore from now on. Good thing PS5 is coming out soon.… Expand
  93. hhhhhhhh0
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    it's painfully slow and boring, it's not fun at all and personally does not win me over with their "cute" character designs. maybe I'm not the right deomgraphic
  94. dfoote2010
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    Only one island per console? Way to capitalize Nintendo...definately not worth it.
  95. Daddyzgirl
    Mar 25, 2020
    1
    Being restricted to one island per system is absolutely infuriating for a game like this. The island is too small/resources scarce to add other players and progress is tied to the first person who made the account. Now only one member of my household can play the game and ever and it’s really terrible. I understand that this was a feature of the older games, but it is one of the worstBeing restricted to one island per system is absolutely infuriating for a game like this. The island is too small/resources scarce to add other players and progress is tied to the first person who made the account. Now only one member of my household can play the game and ever and it’s really terrible. I understand that this was a feature of the older games, but it is one of the worst features I have ever experienced with any game for this particular one.… Expand
  96. Gravydog
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    This game was an utter let down. I’ve been playing games all my life but never had the chance to play any games in the animal crossing series. My girlfriend was overtly excited about this new game and I figured I would purchase this for her and I could enjoy something refreshing and new. She plays all day when I bought it and I tried to start my own island the following day. One island perThis game was an utter let down. I’ve been playing games all my life but never had the chance to play any games in the animal crossing series. My girlfriend was overtly excited about this new game and I figured I would purchase this for her and I could enjoy something refreshing and new. She plays all day when I bought it and I tried to start my own island the following day. One island per switch is crap and I’m not even going to try and play this game. You lost a potential player. I made an account on Metacritic strictly to relay my disgust.… Expand
  97. realPhali
    Mar 25, 2020
    1
    I'm sure this is a great game if you live on your own or have a Switch all to yourself. If you don't; well, bad news - this is basically a one player per console kinda deal. If you have kids or share a console with a loved one - don't waste your money on this.
  98. CheatNasty
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    If more than one person wants to play this game on the same switch you are out of luck. The game limits you to one island per switch and if you are not the first person to join then you are a side character who cant make any decisions or progress the game in any way.
  99. smurfeater
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    Seriously? My wife started the game and I came on as second player. I can't do squat to push the game forward and must wait for her to play to do anything. Absolute failure on Nintendo's part. Complete bs I can't get my money back...
  100. Cmicale
    Mar 25, 2020
    0
    My boyfriend bought this game for us to play together but since there's only one island per console we ended up competing for resources/accomplishments until he gave up because he wanted me to have fun playing it rather than him.
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Awards & Rankings

3
#3 Best Switch Game of 2020
1
#1 Most Discussed Switch Game of 2020

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 111 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 111
  3. Negative: 0 out of 111
  1. Universo Nintendo
    Dec 19, 2020
    95
    Animal Crossing New Horizons is basically perfect. Full of wholesome content that helped us cope with the COVID-19 pandemics, the game keeps the heart of its predecessors while innovating enough to make it unique. It may not have won Game of the Year but it'll be the game we all remember from 2020, for sure.
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  2. The Digital Fix
    Jun 22, 2020
    80
    Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a stunning new instalment in the Animal Crossing franchise, hindered only by its lack of immediate content, quality of life issues and missing returning characters and features While future updates will give the game long-term playability, for those already sipping vacation juice on their five-star islands, island life feels pretty mundane right now.
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  3. CD-Action
    May 12, 2020
    95
    It’s full of detail, pretty small things, and surprisingly well working simulations and systems – everything polished in such a way that the player really does care about everything that’s going on. [06/2020, p.40]
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