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. misselisa
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Absolutely incredible game that not only makes me feel a little less lonely, but also allow me to have genuine interactions, going back and forth between islands and helping each other out, with my best friend, who is two continents over, in these scary times. It's an incredible game and I have been adoring every second of it. It's a polished, smooth experience and it's pretty darned closeAbsolutely incredible game that not only makes me feel a little less lonely, but also allow me to have genuine interactions, going back and forth between islands and helping each other out, with my best friend, who is two continents over, in these scary times. It's an incredible game and I have been adoring every second of it. It's a polished, smooth experience and it's pretty darned close to perfect!… Expand
  2. Crackocroc
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    My family can’t even play the game to it’s fullest because they only give you one island for the entire switch and only one person can play the game to it’s fullest DO NOT BUY THIS GAME
  3. WhistlerSprings
    Mar 26, 2020
    9
    Great Animal Crossing game. Missing stat mechanics and little charms stains the experience but the game is now friendlier to all new players. Hopefully they add substantial DLC to this title as it needs it.
  4. jakeheez
    Mar 26, 2020
    2
    The game is okay for me, except for some frustrating mechanics and painfully slow menu screens and loading times. However, this game just shafts my gf, who I'm playing couch co-op with. She has no access to island advancements, and is missing all storyline diy recipes - which is a lot. It's a shame Nintendo came out with such an unfinished multiplayer - it seems like it was an afterthought.
  5. nieangel
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    The multiplayer limitation is absolutely unacceptable without clear warning.
  6. Lizhagen
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Each person in our family needs their own island. What a let down. We would happily buy an additional game, but a needing a second console is ridiculous.
  7. Yogi77
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    This game is great, I’d give it a 9/10. Gave it a 10 for the nonsensical people ever thinking this was a true multiplayer experience. It’s literally the only complaint about the game and people are giving it zero’s. One ridiculous comment I saw “Switch is a family-friendly console, this is not a family-friendly game. Instant zero.” The game doesn’t even let you name your characterThis game is great, I’d give it a 9/10. Gave it a 10 for the nonsensical people ever thinking this was a true multiplayer experience. It’s literally the only complaint about the game and people are giving it zero’s. One ridiculous comment I saw “Switch is a family-friendly console, this is not a family-friendly game. Instant zero.” The game doesn’t even let you name your character something obscene. You can report COMPUTER NPCs for being semi-inappropriate. How is it not family-friendly? Have y’all never played the game before? It’s a SINGLE-PLAYER LIFE SIM. It always has been and it always will be. The fact you can go visit others’ islands in itself is a huge victory. I’m really enjoying this game. The crafting is great, the tiered crafting is pretty cool too. The museum looks amazing compared to past games and I want to catch EVERYTHING! Nook miles are an interesting add, weird, but nothing too essential has been sold there thus far, and what has I’ve been easily able to get the miles for. Heck, I had over 10,000 miles within a few hours and I was playing leisurely (as it’s meant to be played).

    I forgot the thing runs in real time, so it forces you to take breaks unless gathering and crafting and selling are your cup o’ tea. Other games call in the meantime. Great experience thus far about 15-20 hours (play time) in. Again, if you bought this and expected it to be a full multiplayer experience, you clearly didn’t know enough about the game and shouldn’t have bought it. Your fault. End of story. I recommend everyone check this amazing game out. Hundreds of hours of entertainment.    … Expand
  8. KK_disappointed
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Made this account just to say the Nintendo overloads are greedy demons. Forcing players to buy another $300 SWITCH, just to share the game with loved ones is fking criminal. I highly advise NOT buying the game if you live with anyone else who's excited to play it.
  9. scilib
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I have never before had my children fight and cry over a blasted video game. Incredibly poor design with no consideration for multiple players/instances.
  10. Tspark
    Mar 26, 2020
    4
    Love the atmosphere and game-play, but I'm horribly disappointed that I cannot back-up or transfer my data to a different switch? What if the Switch gets broken? What if it is being used by a different family member? This makes no sense at all, please change this policy! If it was implemented to cut down on time cheaters, you already failed at that one.
  11. omgwtfkitteh
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    The one island per console has caused me to hate the game. I have no control over my girlfriend's island. What she says goes and I rarely to never get to pick villagers because she wants the perfect island. It has ruined my fun and I don't even want to play the damn game now. It's not review bombing if this is literally the way I feel. 'But they said it was one island in an article' GoodThe one island per console has caused me to hate the game. I have no control over my girlfriend's island. What she says goes and I rarely to never get to pick villagers because she wants the perfect island. It has ruined my fun and I don't even want to play the damn game now. It's not review bombing if this is literally the way I feel. 'But they said it was one island in an article' Good for them. I don't read articles constantly.… Expand
  12. Jutton1991
    Mar 26, 2020
    2
    I can't believe the hype of this game. I have never been so bored of repetitive stone hitting, tree chopping, fishing and bug catching. Also the fact you can only have one island is beyond a joke, Nintendo should be ashamed to release this at full price. You should also not need Nintendo online to visit friends islands. This game was made for social interaction, something it tries it'sI can't believe the hype of this game. I have never been so bored of repetitive stone hitting, tree chopping, fishing and bug catching. Also the fact you can only have one island is beyond a joke, Nintendo should be ashamed to release this at full price. You should also not need Nintendo online to visit friends islands. This game was made for social interaction, something it tries it's hardest to steer you away from. One other thing is the washed up character on the shores who keeps coming back and making you collect his communicator parts. I have had to do this 7 times in a week. Why on earth could they not think of any other tasks. Everything is mundane and dull and I would seriously avoid. No idea how this got a 91. What a joke.… Expand
  13. William8
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Only reviewing this now because I have not stopped playing this game. I will be playing this for YEARS. Im actually having more fun with this game then I did Pokemon and I played Pokemon A LOT. Not full of action like Astral Chain or Bayonetta but wow, it's just always brings a smile to my face to wake up every morning, explore my island, catch bugs, fish, gather, talk to villagers, visitOnly reviewing this now because I have not stopped playing this game. I will be playing this for YEARS. Im actually having more fun with this game then I did Pokemon and I played Pokemon A LOT. Not full of action like Astral Chain or Bayonetta but wow, it's just always brings a smile to my face to wake up every morning, explore my island, catch bugs, fish, gather, talk to villagers, visit friends online, etc. So much fun and perfect for quarantine time. Definitely get this if you have Switch.… Expand
  14. StephanieCoon
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Great game with a great pace and lots of new features to expand on its New Leaf success.
  15. CapivaraGamer18
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Awesome game!!!!! it is an infinite game with innumerable innovations and with an incredible gameplay
  16. Dundris
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    I love this game so much! Sad to see some sad person review bombing Animal Crossing: New Horizons because you can't have more than 1 island on your switch.
  17. Dinosauce
    Mar 26, 2020
    2
    Giving this a 2 until something is changed about some major aspects of the game. I love animal crossing, and bought New Horizons with the intention of playing it, and getting my fiancé into the game since she's never played. Soon after we discovered that she can't have her own island, make progress, or contribute to goals whatsoever since I launched the game first. She was excited to playGiving this a 2 until something is changed about some major aspects of the game. I love animal crossing, and bought New Horizons with the intention of playing it, and getting my fiancé into the game since she's never played. Soon after we discovered that she can't have her own island, make progress, or contribute to goals whatsoever since I launched the game first. She was excited to play the game, but now she's just sad and disappointed that she can't An option when starting the game on her profile should have come up. "Would you like to play your own save on your own island, or would you like to be a glorified visitor?" The other complaint that I have is that the online functionality requires you and everyone on your island to stop what you're doing and spend the next minute watching the person arrive or leave. You can't do anything while its going on and you have to watch it. Totally slows down and puts a massive break in the flow every time. Other than that I've mostly enjoyed the game. Just wish the multiplayer made more sense, and the multiple user profiles were individual.… Expand
  18. Fainspirit
    Mar 26, 2020
    8
    The game itself is very relaxing and fun to play, and has load of customization. if you plan to play solo, I highly recommend it.

    My complaints arise when it comes to multiple people playing. I think that the decision to have one island per console, to build the community with those you play with would be understandable... IF other players had the same influence as the main player.    The game itself is very relaxing and fun to play, and has load of customization. if you plan to play solo, I highly recommend it.

    My complaints arise when it comes to multiple people playing. I think that the decision to have one island per console, to build the community with those you play with would be understandable... IF other players had the same influence as the main player.

    It is understandable to not want certain people to be able to modify the island, but it isn't an option to choose, extra players past the first are automatically restricted in what they can do. It seems like it should be simple to give the main player the choice of allowing others the same management privileges as they have.

    In addition, recipes obtained through the storyline have no reason to NOT be mailed to the other players. It's silly and needs to be changed. Crafting is shown as a big focus, and losing a LOT of customization options for absolutely no good reason is ridiculous.    … Expand
  19. Sbrocket
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    ACNH’s one island per Switch console local multiplayer is a total money grab.
  20. 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.
  21. URKarayan
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    "You can only create one island per Nintendo Switch system, even if you use multiple games. A different system is required to create a different island."

    IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY THAT PLAYS NINTENDO SWITCH THEN DON'T BUY ANIMAL CROSSING! We reserved the game hoping for a good experience but no, people should have a choice! One of us won't be able to play the game and for obvious reasons    "You can only create one island per Nintendo Switch system, even if you use multiple games. A different system is required to create a different island."

    IF YOU HAVE A FAMILY THAT PLAYS NINTENDO SWITCH THEN DON'T BUY ANIMAL CROSSING!

    We reserved the game hoping for a good experience but no, people should have a choice!
    One of us won't be able to play the game and for obvious reasons none of us would feel well deleting our save in order for the other to play!
    The game is cool, though not being able to live in your individual world ( and that's not the last of it, ) makes it impossible for others to play.
    So one of us will not be able to play the game, and NO! WE WONT BUY ANOTHER SWITCH!

    It's also of worth to mention that for me its a 0/10 cause i can't simply play it...    … Expand
  22. Rallye_Man340
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    The obvious very big thorn here is the very poor application of limiting more than one player on one Switch from playing the full game. I bought this for my wife and I to play and as the second player, I cannot advance the game and am limited to minute tasks that make no difference toward game progress. Nintendo really kicked themselves here. I have always had very high confidence andThe obvious very big thorn here is the very poor application of limiting more than one player on one Switch from playing the full game. I bought this for my wife and I to play and as the second player, I cannot advance the game and am limited to minute tasks that make no difference toward game progress. Nintendo really kicked themselves here. I have always had very high confidence and trust in Nintendo until this point. If this is the stuff they’re going to pull, I will be very very hesitant on purchasing any future titles, which is sad. This could be a great game, but for a family wanting to play, the limitations bombed this score for me. What a disappointment.… Expand
  23. GreedyNintendo1
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    The game is amazing and beautiful but just like a lot of others I am done with this Greedy mother@@@##!!!#@ s 1 island per switch yea f#@% you Nintendo
  24. Mpolirevat
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I will give the game a good note when Nintendo decides to let me play, as i am the second player and my sister left the game I literally can't play the game if i don't waste like 20 hours of gameplay, this game sucks and won't stop sucking unless nintendo patches the game and let you change the Resident Representative
  25. snotgirl
    Mar 26, 2020
    4
    i'm having fun so far but there are so many downsides to this game.... we essentially got an unfinished game that will be upgraded and fixed with future downloadable updates..
  26. shaun97
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I cannot believe Nintendo has people spending $60 on this game and not giving it more than 1 save file. People use this as a home console and many families will be restricted because of the save files as well as the fact that player 1 gets to choose everything.
  27. zyzolol
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    IGN's Review:

    *Animal Crossing is a SOCIAL Simulation Video Game.*
    *Multiplayer: "THERE'S NOT MUCH TO DO, Than get in each others way."*
    *IGN Verdict: 9 ... WHAT THE ACTUALLY **** SOMEONE SHOULD BE FIRED FROM HIS JOB.*¨

    NEVER TRUST CRITIQUES - THEY ALL LIE - FIRST WARCRAFT 3 REFORGED, NOW THIS ****
  28. praisethesun11
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Another money-grubbing time-wasting game from Nintendo. I'm sure the brain dead fans will still enjoy it somehow.
  29. Yeray101
    Mar 26, 2020
    3
    Game is relaxing and quite fun sometimes, but that "one island restriction" is just killing the fun of the game for me. I share my Switch with my 9-year-old sister and we both want to have different islands, different progression, different furniture but we simply can't because of Nintendo. We even had to restart the game completely because I let her start the game first (I am 24 yearsGame is relaxing and quite fun sometimes, but that "one island restriction" is just killing the fun of the game for me. I share my Switch with my 9-year-old sister and we both want to have different islands, different progression, different furniture but we simply can't because of Nintendo. We even had to restart the game completely because I let her start the game first (I am 24 years old, I could play some other thing in the meanwhile) but then we realized that only she could really make the game advance and complete missions while I just could watch, so she agreed to restart the game so I could be the major with her help, but this shouldn't be the way.

    She wanted to have her island so she could play whenever she wanted and I wanted to have mine too for the same reason. Now both have to share resources and we have to agree where and when to build important buildings such as the museum when what we wanted really was to have one island each other then visit the other one's island when we wanted to see what we were doing. I think that allowing to have different saves on a single console is not that difficult in 2020 so... c'mon Nintendo, don't be as always and let the players choose how they want to play instead of you enforcing things like this because I paid 60 freaking euros for the game and I want to play the way I want.    … Expand
  30. ElPsyCongroo
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I was really looking forward to this game.

    However, there is one terrible and well documented caveat: ONE ISLAND PER SWITCH. The year is 2020 AD, and Nintendo who claims to be the most family-friendly console in existence has made a terrible decision fueled by their corporate greed. I wanted my wife to play this game too--but she can't because she'll be a glorified second class    I was really looking forward to this game.

    However, there is one terrible and well documented caveat: ONE ISLAND PER SWITCH.

    The year is 2020 AD, and Nintendo who claims to be the most family-friendly console in existence has made a terrible decision fueled by their corporate greed. I wanted my wife to play this game too--but she can't because she'll be a glorified second class citizen of my personally created island and will be unable to make her own full progress and island creations unless we purchase another switch exclusively for her to play, plus another copy of the game.

    I continue to question how people are not as bothered by this as they should be. The level of greed in this company has officially reached EA levels. Imagine, being a parent and having 3 kids who share one switch--guess what? They're screwed because kids aren't known for being agreeable; messing with another kid's landscape, or building in places where another kid may not want structures, the list goes on and on.

    Nintendo fanboys will defend this decision (that was made in the interests of their corporate overlords; not for them, or you, or me) as "normal" in the animal crossing universe or as an overreaction by those affected by it. Guys, these are legitimate concerns and perfectly good reasons to be angry! I cannot think of another game that requires me to purchase another console if I want to share it with my household; because that's the reason console profiles are a thing since last gen consoles.

    It is highly unlikely Nintendo will remedy this ridiculous situation. However, it is 100% fair for people to express their disdain by using this platform to voice their reasons for giving the game a 0. Our complaints are just as legitimate as the "critic reviews" who gave this game a 10 (despite the obvious limitation at hand which seems suspect, maybe those reviews are paid, who knows?), as well as voting with their wallets--for some however, it is impossible to vote with their wallets if they've already purchased the game and have no recourse for a refund (which is pretty much everyone).

    That's okay, Nintendo is crying/laughing about this on their way to the bank and they know they can get away with this because you will gladly take Nintendo's virtual spit in the face and thank them for it.    … Expand
  31. Poochingus
    Mar 26, 2020
    5
    It is hard to give this game a lukewarm score, but that is what ended up happening with this game.

    From a gameplay standpoint, it is very surely animal crossing. It includes most of the features from past games, some which were lost including some bugs and fish. This is all nice. It is as expected. The good: -better graphics with dynamic lighting based on weather -customization of    It is hard to give this game a lukewarm score, but that is what ended up happening with this game.

    From a gameplay standpoint, it is very surely animal crossing. It includes most of the features from past games, some which were lost including some bugs and fish. This is all nice. It is as expected.

    The good:
    -better graphics with dynamic lighting based on weather
    -customization of your Island allows for making the exact town you want
    -putting furniture outside for the first time
    -nook miles gives daily and long term motivation to do many varied things in the game and allow for faster progress and reduce boredom
    -You now progress more than just your house and the store, which gives a better sense of growth
    -museum is way more pretty
    -custom items are an amazing addition, custom hats, shirts, pants, skirts, face art(think adding facial hair) , and even ground tiles can be added.

    The Bad:
    -Made multiplayer very poorly
    -multiple people in the same town cannot help add to growing the town, and can get soft locked by recipes that aren't given to them
    -Island tied to your console, not the game save on the cart or even your nintendo account/profile
    -you cannot transfer you Island(save data) to another console
    -Nintendo refuses to provide cloud saves for no good reason(claiming to prevent cheating and manipulation, even though time travel is still possible and used heavily).
    -Not enough new content. The game needed a new villager type or two. Needed way more new bugs, fish and fossils to keep me trawling the waters and carefully treading between trees. At that, different tree types would have been nice too.
    -crafting only 1 item at a time. It gets tedious and annoying to craft tons of items in a sitting. No idea why I can't craft 20 fish bait at once instead of one at a time, watching the animations over and over. That isn't gameplay, that isn't fun, that isn't relaxing.
    -Would have liked to see other static town NPCs make a return, especially bather's kin with the observatory and the cafe. The police dogs are also sorely missed.

    This had the chance to be the quintessential animal crossing, but it failed on all fronts and just became another iteration, a fun one, but nothing special. It isn't a Smash Ultimate, but if you want a relaxing game or just a return to the series, it is adequate. Just don't expect to enjoy any multiplayer, this is a very single player game, and be sure you have the switch console you want to have forever, don't settle for a console you don't want, because upgrading either means a new console, or losing ALL your game progress.    … Expand
  32. hrrrnnng
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Pretty good game, having a lot of fun personally, but I can't in good faith give a good review considering the hard limitations in this game, and some of the tediousness.

    It's extremely annoying that there's only One island per switch. And to top it all off, only the first player can actually even do anything on said island. I love this game, so much I wish I could make a second island    Pretty good game, having a lot of fun personally, but I can't in good faith give a good review considering the hard limitations in this game, and some of the tediousness.

    It's extremely annoying that there's only One island per switch. And to top it all off, only the first player can actually even do anything on said island. I love this game, so much I wish I could make a second island to make it completely different from my own! And besides my issues, there's a Ton of people out there who's switches are in households. Households with more than one person. Imagine a family with twins, or siblings, who get this game. Only one of them can play. And yeah, sorry but not everyone can **** afford two or more consoles.

    And to my second point: the tediousness. I don't generally mind games being grind-y. I playing monster hunter for god's sake. But having to craft each fish bait individually **** SUCKS ASS. I appreciate them at least giving a fast forward on the crafting cut-scene, but having to go through it + all 5 menus just to craft one item at a time is FLAT GARBAGE. Not to mention it's just time consuming in all the wrong ways. Want to make a good fishing rod? Well guess what bud, you don't have a recipe for 5 sticks and 1 iron, YOU HAVE to go through the cut-scene twice because for some dumb **** reason nothing is streamlined.

    It'd be such a better experience if you could A: Bulk Craft items like fish bait, and B: Have not just 'upgrade' recipes but also streamlined recipes where I could just make a fishing rod straight up with 5 sticks and 1 iron, the same amount it costs already, without the hassle.

    Anyways yeah don't buy this game if you have more than one AC fan in your house, or get prepared to buy new islands for $200 minimum LOL    … Expand
  33. hallak1
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    So you cant create more than 1 island per switch, and me and many other buyers of this game have to share their switch with someone, this limitation is ridiculous! The switch has the power to do so, and the only reason I see nintendo doing this is to increase the switch sales, this is just disgusting!
  34. The_Hamburglar
    Mar 26, 2020
    8
    The people giving the game 0 are just wrong, its a fantastic game with 1 poor thing about it, the limitations but don't let that put you off.
  35. weallgonnadie
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    Ninteno is 20 years behind in gameplay. 1 island per switch, no save transfer, even in local co-op only 1 person can help to make anything. I think they are just trying to force people to buy more copies and buy more switches. Unrelated... they unfairly copyright claim videos to make them unwatchable.
  36. Alturis88
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    I think the game actually seems to be a good game as far as animal crossing goes; however, with a family in which many people want to play it doesn’t work for us. Yes you can share 1 island, but that’s very difficult for children and while I would be willing to buy multiple copies of the game to have multiple islands it’s ridiculous to limit it to 1 per console.

    In modern times and on a    I think the game actually seems to be a good game as far as animal crossing goes; however, with a family in which many people want to play it doesn’t work for us. Yes you can share 1 island, but that’s very difficult for children and while I would be willing to buy multiple copies of the game to have multiple islands it’s ridiculous to limit it to 1 per console.

    In modern times and on a game in which no competitive benefit is gained its silly for AC to have become more and not less restricted.    … Expand
  37. 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.
  38. Cyberdemon93
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    This game is amazing and i am personally sick of this review bombing nonsense it is an incredible game and very relaxing for me personally I highly recommend you go out and buy it
  39. NinjaBiker
    Mar 26, 2020
    6
    Should have disclosed multiplayer limitations broadly. Having one player lead is bad, but not being upfront about it was the real issue. A few days in our primary player quit playing. I was stuck. I had to delete the island and start over in order to “fix it.” There is no way to change primaries apart from starting over which is dumb. We moved all our stuff to another island (we alreadyShould have disclosed multiplayer limitations broadly. Having one player lead is bad, but not being upfront about it was the real issue. A few days in our primary player quit playing. I was stuck. I had to delete the island and start over in order to “fix it.” There is no way to change primaries apart from starting over which is dumb. We moved all our stuff to another island (we already had two copies) before blowing away 3 people’s savegames. Wish journalists would ding the game for this. Again, it was a design choice just like the one island per Switch. I don’t like it.… Expand
  40. Vandyy
    Mar 26, 2020
    4
    Due to the one island limit and that the first player is the only one who can advance the story. Because of this it has made being a second player a second class villager. On top of that what was a storyline that you can do eventually a job as you are holding back your other players abilities. Making being the first player a job not fun.
  41. Ukcjd
    Mar 26, 2020
    4
    Good game but the one island per console is a joke. Was really looking forward to sharing this game but can no longer do it as there's the one island. The second person has no power to do anything as well which doesn't make sense either.
  42. Tonygrimlock
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    My 11 year old daughter was the first to play. Little did I realize that she would therefore be the owner of the island. She got to name it and no one can change anything about it. Nor can anyone else in the household have the same gameplay experience because you can only have one island per switch console. I’m was really looking forward to playing. Now I’m disappointed and upset thatMy 11 year old daughter was the first to play. Little did I realize that she would therefore be the owner of the island. She got to name it and no one can change anything about it. Nor can anyone else in the household have the same gameplay experience because you can only have one island per switch console. I’m was really looking forward to playing. Now I’m disappointed and upset that I wasted the money buying this game.… Expand
  43. Wmsoberanis
    Mar 26, 2020
    5
    I’m a huge fan of AC. This game is no exception. That being said, my biggest fault with this game is that I’m the 2nd player. I can not do anything unless player 1 progresses in the game or I just fork out $300 for another switch and I’m sorry but I’m not buying a 2nd switch just to be able to progress in the game. Not happening! I believe if they allow individual players to have their ownI’m a huge fan of AC. This game is no exception. That being said, my biggest fault with this game is that I’m the 2nd player. I can not do anything unless player 1 progresses in the game or I just fork out $300 for another switch and I’m sorry but I’m not buying a 2nd switch just to be able to progress in the game. Not happening! I believe if they allow individual players to have their own island, this would solve most negative reviews. You could allow all players to make choices, but then you run the risk of players unable to enjoy the full experience of the game as players would start arguing when someone places something in an area they didn’t want it to go. I get that this would open up the possibility for people to cheat and create multiple accounts and have multiple islands, which seems to be the likeliest of reasons when I searched why this wasn’t a feature already. The only issue with that is, people always find ways to cheat and if they do than that hinders their experience and it’s their choice so why alter our experience to keep them from doing something they are probably already doing anyway? Please fix this issue, I’d really like to enjoy all this game has to offer as I did so in the past with all your other games!!!!… Expand
  44. Kmzz
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Must play! This game is fun and addicting, a game that I can enjoy during quarantine!!
  45. Nareerat
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Poor game design
    Too many wasted conversation dialog
    Compare to dragon quest builder this game is very poor.
    Multiplayer on is very nightmare diffcult and wasted time
    So manything to be improved
  46. steven_pat16
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Well done Nintendo on such a greedy money-grabbing technique to force people to buy multiple devices/copies of the game in order to play within the same family. With current events, do you think people are made of money? Unbelievable!
  47. 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.
  48. KowalskiJan666
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    The game itself is ok. It is good animal crossing experience. But it is a game entire family wants to play and with save limitation nobody can play it because if one plays it he/she is showing middle finger to all the other family members. Game leads to fights between kids and disappointment among gamer adults. I am so down right now!
  49. Logan43000
    Mar 26, 2020
    3
    I love the look of this game and wish I were leaving a better review. Unfortunately my partner started playing it first and since we share a switch I can’t create my own island. I was really hoping to have my own area to customize and my own story to progress through. Love my boyfriend, not looking to do any more couples decorating than we already do.

    Not gonna give it a Zero, because    I love the look of this game and wish I were leaving a better review. Unfortunately my partner started playing it first and since we share a switch I can’t create my own island. I was really hoping to have my own area to customize and my own story to progress through. Love my boyfriend, not looking to do any more couples decorating than we already do.

    Not gonna give it a Zero, because that doesn’t reflect the large amount of work that went into this game. But I certainly won’t be that interested in seeing what it has to offer until I can start fresh.    … Expand
  50. Condor99
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Animal Crossing is one of the best franchises under Nintendo's belt, and New Horizons is no different. Plenty to do, and explore. Between crafting, island exploration, and just enjoying the scenery, this game is amazing. This is my first Animal Crossing game, and I'm enjoying everything about it.

    The only downside is 1 island per Switch, not a problem for me as I'm the only switch player    Animal Crossing is one of the best franchises under Nintendo's belt, and New Horizons is no different. Plenty to do, and explore. Between crafting, island exploration, and just enjoying the scenery, this game is amazing. This is my first Animal Crossing game, and I'm enjoying everything about it.

    The only downside is 1 island per Switch, not a problem for me as I'm the only switch player in my house, but it may be for others.    … Expand
  51. Rediamondragon
    Mar 26, 2020
    5
    Pretty underwhelming to be honest, I wouldn't recommend it if you don't plant to play it with friends or if you're new to the game and if that's the case I recommend that you play any of the other previous games and if you like it then wait some months and then buy it, because this game isn't worth 60 bucks.
  52. jiffyjiff
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    I love the game so far, it's a great experience and nice to have to relax to and just calm down after (in my case) really dumb homework. I'm the only one who uses my switch so I dont mind the crappy online, nintendo always has awful online/co op
  53. Ray99
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I'm not sure if this is pure Nintendo-style incompetence or unethical, malicious, money-hungry nastiness. I prefer the latter because I can't imagine Nintendo is this inept Here are the main issues which this otherwise great game which drag it down to the depths of cynical, corporate garbage.

    1. One island per switch? What? Completely and utterly destroys any hopes of playing with    I'm not sure if this is pure Nintendo-style incompetence or unethical, malicious, money-hungry nastiness. I prefer the latter because I can't imagine Nintendo is this inept Here are the main issues which this otherwise great game which drag it down to the depths of cynical, corporate garbage.

    1. One island per switch? What? Completely and utterly destroys any hopes of playing with others. If you're in a household with multiple people who want to play this GAME, think TWICE before buying. This will create problems and essentially force you to both buy a second switch (or more) if you want to have the experience. What are parents supposed to do with multiple kids who want to play? Nintendo's plan all along was to have multiple switches per household, and they are trying to implement it in the most disgusting way, with artificially installed limitations. There is NO technical limitation there can't be more than than one island per switch.

    2 - Is there a way around it through coop? NO. Local coop is bare bones, pathetic, and an embarassment. You have zero agency as the second partner, basically just following along like an idiot. You cannot progress in any meaningful way. So no, this is not an option for multiple people to enjoy this game.

    3 - Online multiplayer. Don't get me started. I've never seen such a poorly implemented online from Nintendo. This is WORSE THAN SMASH. And that's saying a lot. Firstly, you have to go to the airport, wade through seas of text, including the bird actually "connecting to the internet." Is this dial up? Then when you finally get to of a friend's island, and someone else wants to join, you will have to sit through a green message popping up forcing you to quit your menu, a FIVE STAGE flight screen for the plane to arrive (God knows why this is necessary, what is it loading??), a save screen, and a cutscene of the person walking in the airport. This happens EVERY TIME someone joints the island, and breaks up anything you're doing multiple times. Absolute lunacy. Again, not sure if this is incompetence or purposeful - Nintendo is known to hate online. This is their way of saying - Online is unplayable, don't do it, just buy more switches and play locally. Also, why are there no mini-games to play with friends like New Leaf? There is nothing to do with multiplayer online and things get boring fast. Would minigames have been so difficult to implement?

    4- No cloud saves at launch. Apparently something is being "worked on". Why not at launch? Is it so hard? Are they so concerned about cheating? People are time travelling like crazy as we speak. They could have easily imposed some limitation like one cloud save per day. This is just mean, honestly. Pure meanness. Creates unnecessary added stress about losing your save. Apparently a download will be allowed once, but who knows if this is true. Why??!

    These are just some of many issues. What is Nintendo thinking? They've been working on this since 2012!!!

    Don't expect a patch. Like Mario Part, Smash, etc. there has never been a patch that improves the fundamental problems of the game.

    Single player is good but I have to give 0/10 for this because it can't be comprehended other than through a lens of cynical exploitation.    … Expand
  54. dbrandts
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    This game is an excellent social simulator.

    For all of you complaining about the single-console multiplayer experience, I have some rhetorical questions below. For the complaints about one villager making all the story driven decisions: If you play this game as a family, does everyone in the family make all the real-life decisions or is it just the adults? Does everyone pay for the    This game is an excellent social simulator.

    For all of you complaining about the single-console multiplayer experience, I have some rhetorical questions below.

    For the complaints about one villager making all the story driven decisions: If you play this game as a family, does everyone in the family make all the real-life decisions or is it just the adults? Does everyone pay for the bills, mortgage, decide where the kids go to school? This game is a social simulator.

    For those complaining that you have to wait for the main villager to progress so you can enjoy the island as the second player: Do you not play together? Do you all not enjoy real life together and usually make decisions together? if you are an adult with kids, does the adult make most of the decisions or do the kids? This game is a social simulator.

    I understand the Nintendo Switch is very popular and there are many more new players to the Animal Crossing franchise. These complaints are mostly from new players to the series because previous installments of Animal Crossing are similar, i.e., New Leaf. If you played New Leaf and have complained on this site, not sure what you were thinking, and I can't help you.

    In conclusion, If you want an adventure game where you share one console but have separate experiences, I recommend The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. Because that's what you all are complaining about, Animal crossing is not Breath of the Wild. All together now, this is a SOCIAL SIMULATOR!    … Expand
  55. Icodia
    Mar 26, 2020
    3
    Do not buy this game if more than one person wants to play on the same Nintendo Switch. The first person (1P) to start the game is the only person who can advance and actually play the story. Anyone else playing is a limited resident, they can’t even help out with the main story objectives. If you’re not the 1P, you won’t get as much access to getting Nook Miles, opportunities, or DIYs andDo not buy this game if more than one person wants to play on the same Nintendo Switch. The first person (1P) to start the game is the only person who can advance and actually play the story. Anyone else playing is a limited resident, they can’t even help out with the main story objectives. If you’re not the 1P, you won’t get as much access to getting Nook Miles, opportunities, or DIYs and you lack a lot of experience/fun that the 1P gets. Having to share a island is kinda fun, but when other people can’t contribute near as much as the 1P it’s unfair. The multiplayer mode is awful too. It’s a leader/follower style so if you’re the follower, you can’t access your inventory, collect things to your inventory, or travel together. I don’t understand the point of multiplayer when the other players can’t do much.Both players should equally get to play normally on multiplayer. Also, if you happen to lose or damage your switch, your game is gone for good because there’s no backup save or ability to transfer data.… Expand
  56. Gabe4Gaming
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    As a long time animal crossing fan, going all the way back to the Gamecube game, I've been having a lot of fun with this game. There are a lot of quality of life changes and the customization is amazing, the best it's ever been.

    But my opinion with this game would be drastically different if I had someone to share the game with, and I can't overlook this fault even if I don't have to    As a long time animal crossing fan, going all the way back to the Gamecube game, I've been having a lot of fun with this game. There are a lot of quality of life changes and the customization is amazing, the best it's ever been.

    But my opinion with this game would be drastically different if I had someone to share the game with, and I can't overlook this fault even if I don't have to deal with it. Forcing each player to be a part of the first players town and then giving said players less abilities than the first is nothing but downright atrocious. This is made even worse when the very first entry didn't have this issue, allowing players to make towns based on the memory card used. Why was this drastic change made to the latest CONSOLE animal crossing when there was no issue to begin with? Is nintendo really that afraid that some people might try to cheat their completely cooperative $80 game? Who cares. Fix this issue, and I'd easily give this game an 8 or 9    … Expand
  57. dungeonboii
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Pretty upset that my wife played first so now I can't even have my own island to play on and work on myself. I can only go and help out hers now. Such an old and upsetting way to handle game saves, Nintendo. Let's see if you do the right thing and fix it
  58. SeekNplay
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I wish this game was more of a proper multiplayer game. I can't enjoy AC:NH with my sister because of how restrictive it is. Playing this as single-player is not what I bought the game for.
  59. HULK9362
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I am not a fan that their can only be one island per switch. I hope they fix this soon.
  60. Carvalhaes
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    One island per Switch, I wanted to play the game with my girlfriend, but as the second player she doesn't have the same rights I do, which is just a poor decision by Nintendo
  61. 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
  62. Clampo502
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    While the game is beautiful and the game play is well designed I cannot over look Nintendo's greed. The fact that there is only one island per switch is disappointing. it wouldn't be so bad if every player after the first was not restricted from doing in game story content. With out these story missions the 2and player misses out on most DIY recipes and cannot contribute to buildingWhile the game is beautiful and the game play is well designed I cannot over look Nintendo's greed. The fact that there is only one island per switch is disappointing. it wouldn't be so bad if every player after the first was not restricted from doing in game story content. With out these story missions the 2and player misses out on most DIY recipes and cannot contribute to building the town. Seeing as this is the entire point of the game its frustrating that I bought this for my wife. And she cant enjoy the game because of the limitations. This was very frustrating and demotivating to her and almost made her not wanting to play. This shameless attempt by Nintendo Nintendo to make families by multiple consoles is unacceptable. Animal crossing is supposed to be about build and community. Only the first layer has that ability Unless this is patch ed I would avoid this game unless you are a single person with out family members that will want to play a FAMILY GAME . I give this a 1… Expand
  63. Lastimosa94
    Mar 26, 2020
    3
    fiquei bem chateado de nao poder criar 2 ilhas diferentes no AC mas oque me deixou mais p da vida ainda é o fato de que só o criador da ilha que tem progressao no jogo o resto que quiser jogar tbm, tem q ser refem disso...
    por favor nintendo arruma isso
  64. andrewasshol
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    The fact that they restrict multiplayer options so much is just sad, hopefully Nintendo notices the review bombing and actually updates the game to have fewer restrictions
  65. DudeLove
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I'd like to get into the meat of the game, but I can't get past the extremely stupid decision to limit one island per Switch. PER SWITCH. I haven't gotten into an Animal Crossing game since the GameCube version, which didn't have this limitation. It's typical Nintendo; for anything they do right, they have to do something wrong to balance it out.

    If you plan on only playing one-player,    I'd like to get into the meat of the game, but I can't get past the extremely stupid decision to limit one island per Switch. PER SWITCH. I haven't gotten into an Animal Crossing game since the GameCube version, which didn't have this limitation. It's typical Nintendo; for anything they do right, they have to do something wrong to balance it out.

    If you plan on only playing one-player, you're probably fine. But for anyone in a household with one Switch and multiple players, you're in for a bad time.    … Expand
  66. Grimzer
    Mar 26, 2020
    4
    After hearing that you can only have one island per console, as well as the co-op experience being completely neutered, I won't be picking up the game unless it ever gets fixed.
  67. capthavic
    Mar 26, 2020
    9
    Fantastic game that does everything a sequel should do, i.e. take everything great from the previous games and then add even more to it. A wonderfully chill game that anyone can enjoy at their own pace. My only complaints are the one save per switch, and you have to pay for the online service just to scan and use QR codes. Not a big deal for me personally but still disappointing. OtherwiseFantastic game that does everything a sequel should do, i.e. take everything great from the previous games and then add even more to it. A wonderfully chill game that anyone can enjoy at their own pace. My only complaints are the one save per switch, and you have to pay for the online service just to scan and use QR codes. Not a big deal for me personally but still disappointing. Otherwise it would be a perfect 10 in my book.… Expand
  68. Tharanox
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I can't stop playing the game which is the most unfortunate part about it. I purchased the game and immediately fell in love, so much so that I spent the absurd amount of money on the New Horizons switch only to find out that I can't transfer my game data to my new console. Now I am left with a brand new switch collecting dust in the closet until Nintendo decides to get it together andI can't stop playing the game which is the most unfortunate part about it. I purchased the game and immediately fell in love, so much so that I spent the absurd amount of money on the New Horizons switch only to find out that I can't transfer my game data to my new console. Now I am left with a brand new switch collecting dust in the closet until Nintendo decides to get it together and allow save data transfers.… Expand
  69. Digisplicer
    Mar 26, 2020
    2
    Really fun and relaxing game if you're the only one playing it on the Nintendo Switch. DO NOT BUY IF YOU HAVE OTHERS WHO WANT TO PLAY THE GAME WITHOUT THEIR OWN SWITCH. Anybody else besides the first person to play the game on a single console is going to have a bad time. It's a single player game disguised as a multiplayer game. Each console shares an island so if the first player doesReally fun and relaxing game if you're the only one playing it on the Nintendo Switch. DO NOT BUY IF YOU HAVE OTHERS WHO WANT TO PLAY THE GAME WITHOUT THEIR OWN SWITCH. Anybody else besides the first person to play the game on a single console is going to have a bad time. It's a single player game disguised as a multiplayer game. Each console shares an island so if the first player does all the things, there's nothing left for the other players to do and they cannot start their own island, there is only one.

    Shame on the designers or whomever decided that this was a good restriction to have. It's supposedly to curb cheating... CHEATING, in a non-competitive game. Instead it just harms the others who would like to have their own island and make their own choices. it also makes Nintendo look greedy because the only way to get your own experience in a family is to have multiple Switch consoles and multiple copies of the game.

    I hope they get the message that people are really unhappy with this and feel swindled. Fix it please Nintendo.    … Expand
  70. Mbizzle
    Mar 26, 2020
    4
    I don’t even care that the same console players must stay on the same island. My daughter is the primary resident and I take over after bed time, thinking I would advance through the games stages for the both of us. After paying of home loans, banking more than 100k in bells, and finding more that 25 species in less than a week; I was stumped as to why I couldn’t get the recipe for an axI don’t even care that the same console players must stay on the same island. My daughter is the primary resident and I take over after bed time, thinking I would advance through the games stages for the both of us. After paying of home loans, banking more than 100k in bells, and finding more that 25 species in less than a week; I was stumped as to why I couldn’t get the recipe for an ax or shovel. I even banked up additional miles to buy the DIY recipe pack in the miles store, only to find out that I still need those original flimsy DIY recipes to even access them. After much frustration and research , I realized what the problem was. So now I have to what ? Go into my daughters account, get her through the stages so we BOTH have access to new things. So what is the point of having multiple players ? Who would ever think this was a good idea ? I’m sure as hell not buying another console just to have my own island in the middle of a GLOBAL PANDEMIC. Bad form.… Expand
  71. Ziphoroc
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Normally Nintendo releases games in great condition with minimal issues on release. However with New Horizons I am frustrated with how rushed the game’s multiplayer functions. It truly feels as if the game was designed for only one player in mind, with the split screen added last second. The first player to play the game being the ONLY person able to make any progress to the island makesNormally Nintendo releases games in great condition with minimal issues on release. However with New Horizons I am frustrated with how rushed the game’s multiplayer functions. It truly feels as if the game was designed for only one player in mind, with the split screen added last second. The first player to play the game being the ONLY person able to make any progress to the island makes zero sense. Until you realize that it’s one island per Switch console, making it obvious that Nintendo is doing it for the money. Being the second player to play the game absolutely sucks. You can’t even pick up items off the ground and have them go to your own inventory. You have to pass leader back and forth and if you accidentally pick up something while not being the leader, you have to go retrieve it from a recycle bin. The second player cannot even open their own inventory to equip items, they have to cycle through their favorites with X, and if you pass what you want you have to cycle through them all again. It just feels completely clunky when you aren’t playing as leader. I don’t understand why they didn’t simply allow the second player to also have inventory access, even if it’s one player at a time. It also makes no sense at all why each account can’t make their own island. Even if you buy 2 copies of the game, the second copy is essentially scrap because its all tied to the console itself. Bottom line is in order to let more than one person have the full game experience, they also must purchase an additional Switch console for their self, which is extremely greedy of Nintendo to do.… Expand
  72. 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!
  73. 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
  74. Joenathanishere
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    As someone who bought this game expecting to share it with the family, I am disappointed that everyone besides the first player gets to make the essential decisions for the island. There was not even a warning about this. Clearly this is a greedy ploy from Nintendo to get more people to buy their own consoles.
  75. kthemetalhead
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    I love this game, it's so relaxing and distracting which is great, especially in times like these.
  76. ffguru86
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I am the second player, which is horrible. I’ve found out, four days in, why I have not been progressing. Player 1 has all of the power. Player 2 just gets to sit back and watch things happen. I don’t mind sharing an island — I think it’s a great idea, but human villagers should have equal rights. I’m done playing this. I hope Player 1 enjoys the experience alone.
  77. ascendedfish
    Mar 26, 2020
    2
    It's a good game, but the first player getting to do all the fun stuff makes it unplayable for my wife and me. Nintendo please fix your game :(
  78. MrRenner
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    Horrible decisions for multiple players. I bought this game because it's the only thing my wife will play. I let her play first and now, as soon as she gets bored of it, the game will stop progressing. I can't restart the island because I want her to have the "player 1 experience" in the only game she has ever shown interest in. This would be fine for a 20-30 dollar title. But for a fullHorrible decisions for multiple players. I bought this game because it's the only thing my wife will play. I let her play first and now, as soon as she gets bored of it, the game will stop progressing. I can't restart the island because I want her to have the "player 1 experience" in the only game she has ever shown interest in. This would be fine for a 20-30 dollar title. But for a full 60 it is unacceptable.

    It completely overshadows any charm this game has. And all the people saying "its fine" are people that aren't affected by the issue. I feel as if I was sold an experience tthat was not advertised as what it really is. It is a single player game. Players 2-8 might as welll be NPCs. Nintendo laid an egg. But it could definitely be fixed. But I wouldn't count on it.    … Expand
  79. KingJoffrey
    Mar 26, 2020
    10
    Fantastic game. Daily grind is super addicting and the game is as charming as can be. Love this game
  80. A_Mighty_Pleb
    Mar 26, 2020
    5
    A huge disappointment and let down because of a bizarre decision to have one island per switch with all important progress and gameplay mechanics tied to the first account that plays it.

    Context is important here as people seem to be dismissing this issue as not important. Co-op and multiplayer is not the issue, as some people might want to play the way it is implemented. The issue is    A huge disappointment and let down because of a bizarre decision to have one island per switch with all important progress and gameplay mechanics tied to the first account that plays it.

    Context is important here as people seem to be dismissing this issue as not important. Co-op and multiplayer is not the issue, as some people might want to play the way it is implemented. The issue is that any other account on the system that plays AFTER the first person to open the game is FORCED to play a lesser experience that happens to be shackled to the multiplayer experience. It is then not an equapl, stand alone playthrough with all the features of one.

    A lot of reviews are fair in their scores because they played the full game with no problems on one account. That is fine. But a lot of people have more than one account on their Switch. To say that the opinions on the game by people affected by this are unfounded is frankly ignorant and it doesn't address the core problem.

    It's 2020 and we can't have multiple accounts play their own instance of a game? Yes we can, Nintendo has just chosen not to here. For a game that is trying to be a calming community experience, It has only made me feel conned and frustrated and left out because of this.

    As someone who is sharing the game with someone in my household, however being the second account to play, I am forced to be an observer to someone elses enjoyment of the game. If you are not the first person to play this game on your Switch you might as well not play it at all as you do not get the full experience. That is unless you buy another switch to have the privilege.

    This is a frankly disgusting and pointless choice that only serves to ruin the experience for many people who buy the game and line the pockets of Nintendo. Even the person who played it first feels guilty for playing it, even though they had no control other it.

    Be wary before buying this game; unless you play on your own switch, first, on your account from the outset, you will not have the full experience you expected when you bought it. I will be extremely hesitant to buy any future Nintendo games because of this.

    On a positive note, the person who first started playing on their account on my Switch says it's a lovely game. Shame I can't play what they're playing.    … Expand
  81. Boatmant
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    It is extremely disappointing that essentially only one user is able to enjoy the full game. Why in the world am I (2nd user) not able to create my own island in any way? I would pay for my own Nintendo online account if it would let me, but instead I get to essentially just be support to my wife’s island. It’s a shame that Nintendo is doing this because I will NEVER buy a Nintendo productIt is extremely disappointing that essentially only one user is able to enjoy the full game. Why in the world am I (2nd user) not able to create my own island in any way? I would pay for my own Nintendo online account if it would let me, but instead I get to essentially just be support to my wife’s island. It’s a shame that Nintendo is doing this because I will NEVER buy a Nintendo product again.… Expand
  82. blueraysunshine
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I was so excited to get this game for me and my kids. We all have enjoyed the AC games for years now. Imagine my and my youngest child's disappointment when we realized that the game my oldest created was now the ONLY iteration of the game we can play on.

    The early Nintendo games packed tons of story and gameplay on tiny cartridges, but now with gigabytes of data available Nintendo made    I was so excited to get this game for me and my kids. We all have enjoyed the AC games for years now. Imagine my and my youngest child's disappointment when we realized that the game my oldest created was now the ONLY iteration of the game we can play on.

    The early Nintendo games packed tons of story and gameplay on tiny cartridges, but now with gigabytes of data available Nintendo made the decision to lock an entire console to one saved game. If they don't update the game to allow multiple saves--an easy fix with today's technology--I'll stop buying from them. The used cartridge market is alive and well if we really want a Switch game. Besides, there are tons of indie computer games available. I'm tired of supporting greedy gaming giants.    … Expand
  83. LordGreenPotato
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I was very disappointed with this game. I love the animal crossing series, but I am not a fan of new horizons. The game itself is amazing, but I can't play it. The fact that only the first resident can make changes and progress the island is infuriating, my little sister demanded to play first and now she has no idea what she's doing, and I can't play the game I paid $60 for. Unbelievable.
  84. Benthefry
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    It is such a shame that you don't get an island per account. I mean, we get along fine, and our first reaction was that it was a shame not to be able to fill each our museum, or to just fully control our characters when we both play at the same time.
    Not having two islands unless you buy two consoles is greedy and is a big let down!
  85. avonkorff
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    This game is marketed as being multiplayer friendly, and an experience all can enjoy and share together. It is not designed as such. Unless you are a single person, or are the ONLY person playing on the Nintendo Switch you download/install this game on, this game is currently in a criminally unplayable state. Currently, whichever Switch user account launches Animal Crossing first, is theThis game is marketed as being multiplayer friendly, and an experience all can enjoy and share together. It is not designed as such. Unless you are a single person, or are the ONLY person playing on the Nintendo Switch you download/install this game on, this game is currently in a criminally unplayable state. Currently, whichever Switch user account launches Animal Crossing first, is the ONLY account that gets the full retail game experience. All subsequent accounts have to play a miserable shadow of the game the customer paid for.

    This design oversight is so heinous, it's causing many people, including myself, to wonder if this is actually a ploy by Nintendo to get people to buy more Switch/Switch Lite consoles. As a life long fan of the company it would be pretty devastating to watch them go the way of EA, Zenimax, and so many other fallen titans in the industry.

    Extended Review:
    The whole world is on lockdown right now, and a fun, relaxing, life sim type game such as this sounded like a great way for my wife and I to enjoy some decompression time together. Not the case. I spent $60 dollars on the Nintendo store only to find that we had to share one island (not a problem) but that only ONE of the profiles on the switch was able to progress the story, and advance our island's progress.

    My wife was the first to launch the game. I made my character and started building my only little house on the island a few hours after she had some time with the game. Fast forward 3 days, and now I find that I cannot help settle new villagers, I cannot be given tasks by varying NPCs, I cannot contribute/have a say to the layout of new buildings and terraforming on the island, and a result, I've paid $60 for the pleasure of farming materials to trade to my wife's account for use as she deems fit.

    This is a wholly unacceptable state of the game and legitimately needs to be patched. I will be following up with my credit card provider tethered to my Nintendo Online account (bought the game on Switch store) and asking for refunds on the same basis that hundreds of thousands of Fallout 76 players got their refunds for: consumer ethics breach.

    Nowhere in any advertising or marketing material was I given the impression that only one person in my household would be able to fully play the game. I'm not talking about a subjective "enjoyment" of the game...I am referencing the clear and simple fact that only one account per Switch has access to the entirety of the game that was sold for $60 USD. Secondary, tertiary, and all subsequent accounts will have a miserable, gated experience and have 0 agency over the ONLY island the entirety of the household is allotted.

    Without a clear disclaimer being present prior to purchase, this is unethical and either needs to be patched or customers need to be refunded. Until either happens, this is a 0/10, awful, regrettable purchase for anyone not living/playing alone on their Switch.    … Expand
  86. TheeDannyB
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    If you want to share your new game with someone else in your household you have to buy another switch, and this particular moment due to horrible pandemic we are all going through a new switch can set you back upwards of £500.
  87. clarth2
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    DO NOT BUY THIS GAME IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD THAT WANT TO PLAY THIS GAME. I dont even care, and even expected there to be only one island. The only issue I see with a 1 island limitation is that it is tiny with no room to expand. The big issue is that Nintendo gives one user per switch a completely different experience than anyone else who wants to play the game. IDO NOT BUY THIS GAME IF YOU HAVE MULTIPLE PEOPLE IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD THAT WANT TO PLAY THIS GAME. I dont even care, and even expected there to be only one island. The only issue I see with a 1 island limitation is that it is tiny with no room to expand. The big issue is that Nintendo gives one user per switch a completely different experience than anyone else who wants to play the game. I would say the new features and aesthetics are great , but they don't even matter when you have a game that is fundamentally broken at its very core. For example, I am the second player to start the game and decided to help player 1 with getting furniture for new houses. I didnt get any DIY recipes for the items needed, and when I went to check the boxes for what was needed to create houses, there was zero info. Tom Nook just told me to talk to player 1. What is wrong with the developers to make a decision to encourage collaboration, but only allow 1 player to have the resources to contribute?
    I love Animal Crosssing games and have played from Gamecube to DS to Wii. This game was clearly designed to push families to purchase multiple Switch Lites, and gives the middle finger for anyone that wants to fully experience a flagship game on their flagship console. There is even a great irony and an, "F you," when they actually give you a Switch console furniture piece for you starting your life on the island.
    Congratulations Nintendo, You have successfully ruined a beloved title. I wont review bomb and rate this at zero because everything else seems like it is good...for player 1. Otherwise, I will think twice about buying a game with Nintendo's seal of approval.    … Expand
  88. hectorp86
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    FIX THE ONLY ONE ISLAND PER CONSOLE. I honestly wouldn’t even care if I had to buy another game, but really you’ve got to be kidding me. Ridiculous. There is no player 2 in this game, you don’t get to play. You’re living off someone else’s game, totally missing your mark. Losing fans, losing customers, losing the people that made this 3x larger in sales than your other games. Honestly,FIX THE ONLY ONE ISLAND PER CONSOLE. I honestly wouldn’t even care if I had to buy another game, but really you’ve got to be kidding me. Ridiculous. There is no player 2 in this game, you don’t get to play. You’re living off someone else’s game, totally missing your mark. Losing fans, losing customers, losing the people that made this 3x larger in sales than your other games. Honestly, where do you get off I doubt people will come back next time for Animal Crossing if this isn’t fixed.… Expand
  89. Danny7179
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Really the only score being so far behind in game play. One island not good enough.
  90. firey_illusions
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    For all I know it may be an amazing game. However, after playing it for an hour, I was bored to tears. Even new leaf wasn't as boring in the first hour and I disliked that animal crossing too. I've played every animal crossing game and have to say that this one just didn't interest me. The most important role for any media is to hook the players, and this game failed miserably in that regard.
  91. Aeolianmode
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    After playing for a week, I realized I have more fun with New Leaf. New Horizons has bafflingly removed core features that were present in New Leaf, and the pacing of progression feels artificially slowed down to hide the lack content. This is coming from an AC veteran who knows what's missing and also knows what a more fun pacing for this type of game feels like. The customization isAfter playing for a week, I realized I have more fun with New Leaf. New Horizons has bafflingly removed core features that were present in New Leaf, and the pacing of progression feels artificially slowed down to hide the lack content. This is coming from an AC veteran who knows what's missing and also knows what a more fun pacing for this type of game feels like. The customization is deeper and far more fleshed out, but this feels like it was at the expense of some gameplay features. While relaxing and charming, if you want the purest core AC experience, dig up a 3DS and get New Leaf.

    That would be my 7 star review. But here's the kicker. Reviewers haven't discussed this because they tend to not share their consoles with a family. As a single player I am having a good time with the game, but the inability to allow multiple users their own islands is moronic, greedy, and especially cruel to low income households.

    As such I have put my score at 0 to help send a message to Nintendo. Be kind to families. Especially during a time like this, while a worldwide pandemic threatens everyone's normal life. Fix this, Nintendo, and I'll adjust my score.    … Expand
  92. Gamer1989
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Looks cool, my husband has a great time playing, but unfortunately, they only allow 1 island save PER SWITCH. So I will never know what it's like to play how I want to. Got super excited to start and was dropped on to his already populated island. A real let down. Shame in you Nintendo, you know this is a greedy tactic.
  93. Dtrixtreme
    Mar 26, 2020
    1
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I made an account just to review this game. Because of my disappointment

    I am a solo player who was entering this franchise for the first time. So the single island per console thing doesn't effect me, but in an era where other games can have as many procedural generated worlds as people can fit on their console hard drive...that makes absolutely no sense. And these islands are tiny.

    My first impression of this game is that it forces you to play it how IT wants you to. I have repeatedly changed my in game clock on my switch just so I can progress the game, and when you consider that you can hit the first time gate in 40 minutes, it puts you in an awkward position where your first day of the game is just shaking tree's and catching bugs and fish while trapped in the starting area. I felt like I was playing an early access title.

    What's worse is you are punished for your progression initially. You get locked out of content because the game decides you've done enough of it and then doesn't let you back into that system for 48 real world hours. At one stage you are not allowed to buy key items used in repeatable achievements because you are playing the game at the wrong REAL WORLD time. And this makes no sense when you consider the first version of the shop is available 24-7.

    The control mapping is bizarre, the tool system, which is arguably the most important system in the game is bound to the D-pad instead of the back buttons, which is annoying when you consider that fast moving insects exist in this game and you have to stop moving to swap to your net. Also the phone being bound to ZL instead of + symbol makes no sense..The + symbol is only used to access a specific menu in the phone...The central buttons on a controllers are universally used for key menus in most modern games so why was this an exception?

    To further add to the clunky issues with the game, the shop system puts filler dialog in everything, and only allows you to buy items in 1's or 5's, while some repeatable achievements require 3 of the item, so you either buy 5 to save time, or buy 3 increments of 1 just to save money. I don't know if future upgrades to the island make this simpler, but if that's the case, why on earth would game designs make players have to unlock intuitive design?

    If not for the returns policy of the retailer I bought this at, I would already have returned it. I will continue to play my $69AUD investment to the endgame and may change my review depending on how the mid-late game is.    … Expand
  94. 3nd3r02
    Mar 26, 2020
    2
    Even though the game itself is great and as gorgeous and fun as any of its predecessors, I can't think of any reason why Nintendo could have thought that ruining the experience of any other player except the 1st one was a great idea. I would love to give it a much higher score but the fact that the 2nd player becomes so dependable of the 1st one and misses out so much makes this animalEven though the game itself is great and as gorgeous and fun as any of its predecessors, I can't think of any reason why Nintendo could have thought that ruining the experience of any other player except the 1st one was a great idea. I would love to give it a much higher score but the fact that the 2nd player becomes so dependable of the 1st one and misses out so much makes this animal crossing worth much less.… Expand
  95. NateWheeler
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    My sister bought this game not knowing that we couldn’t have separate islands. This was a problem because I was the first one in my family to play the game, and I even got pretty far. The fact that I had progressed up to the construction of the museum ended up being a problem because as my sister found out she could not register new creatures with Tom Nook and so she was stuck using aMy sister bought this game not knowing that we couldn’t have separate islands. This was a problem because I was the first one in my family to play the game, and I even got pretty far. The fact that I had progressed up to the construction of the museum ended up being a problem because as my sister found out she could not register new creatures with Tom Nook and so she was stuck using a flimsy rod and net on half of the island. This mad my sister very upset seeing as she had just payed $90 to play this game and now she was stuck on 2% of it. After searching many websites I found that there was no way for her to get a new island or even tools so I made the decision to delete the file I had spent hours on so that my sister could play. Come on Nintendo stop being petty and forcing people to buy a new switch just make it so people can have multiple islands on your family console.… Expand
  96. ygthomas
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I have nothing to say...
    I expected better...
    The game itself - GREAT.
    BUT... the GIANT DOWNFALL is....

    1 ISLAND PER CONSOLE???? :(

    I thought the nintendo switch was a shared console....plz fix this with an update...only if this was fixed I would need nothing else and would give the score straight up a 10...
  97. Heyden31
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Not being able to have multiple islands is a joke and giving one person all the control is worse. For my family to enjoy it besides just one of us I’d have to buy another switch? What a joke Nintendo needs to fix this
  98. bjoern5jahre
    Mar 26, 2020
    4
    I like the game. Would rate it a lot higher, if it weren't for the shared island or one mayor of the island thing. My GF started our Island. And I wouldn't have a problem with her being the mayor and all. I even like the fact that we share the island.
    But I can't even contribute to building the houses for the new residents which made my interest in the game drop immensely. Feels like the    I like the game. Would rate it a lot higher, if it weren't for the shared island or one mayor of the island thing. My GF started our Island. And I wouldn't have a problem with her being the mayor and all. I even like the fact that we share the island.
    But I can't even contribute to building the houses for the new residents which made my interest in the game drop immensely. Feels like the first player is getting a lot more out of the game which sucks in my opinion. At least make it optional so everyone can contribute and everyone gets the same furniture and all...    … Expand
  99. Aquameche
    Mar 26, 2020
    0
    A fun game that I really wanted to play but what a **** multiplayer mode. Having only one island wouldn't be that much of a problem if all players could contribute to quests. But here, the game is just for one person. There is absolutely no interest for the other players.
  100. 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.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

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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.
    Read full review
  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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