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
Buy Now
Buy on

Review this game

  1. Your Score
    0 out of 10
    Rate this:
    • 10
    • 9
    • 8
    • 7
    • 6
    • 5
    • 4
    • 3
    • 2
    • 1
    • 0
    • 0
  1. Submit
  2. Check Spelling
view
per page
  1. Kabovo
    Apr 19, 2020
    1
    1, as in the number of islands you can have per console. Such a shame this is a thing.
  2. tailblazer
    Apr 19, 2020
    0
    The game only allows ONE ISLAND per switch console. This means I can't truly play the game, as my wife made an account first. Now I am just a side character, and whats more we have to split all the resources on the island. This was a terrible cash grab. We are not made of money and can't just afford to buy two switches for no reason. Nintendo is GREEDY. I don't think I'll be buying anyThe game only allows ONE ISLAND per switch console. This means I can't truly play the game, as my wife made an account first. Now I am just a side character, and whats more we have to split all the resources on the island. This was a terrible cash grab. We are not made of money and can't just afford to buy two switches for no reason. Nintendo is GREEDY. I don't think I'll be buying any Nintendo products anytime soon, seeing as they will likely have ridiculous cash grabs built into them as well.… Expand
  3. GodOfWar05
    Apr 19, 2020
    0
    Can only have one island per Switch. Bad multiplayer design on a Switch with multiple users.
  4. alecnichols
    Apr 19, 2020
    0
    NINTENDO! FIX THIS! This one island deal is an outrage. Can anyone tell me of another game that has ever done this? Sorry but I'm not buying a second switch so that my wife can play this game for like two months and then wait for the next bandwagon game to catch on.
  5. yhusi
    Apr 20, 2020
    0
    The policy of one island per Switch console is an inexcusable deal breaker for any family with more than one family member, or for that matter for any person wanting to re-play the game for a different experience at a later time without deleting old saves. Bad excuses of anti cheating or whatever are just red herrings, since such measures can be implemented in other ways without breakingThe policy of one island per Switch console is an inexcusable deal breaker for any family with more than one family member, or for that matter for any person wanting to re-play the game for a different experience at a later time without deleting old saves. Bad excuses of anti cheating or whatever are just red herrings, since such measures can be implemented in other ways without breaking the game. It is obvious this is just a cheap way of Nintendo forcing the players to buy more consoles.… Expand
  6. Ommug
    Apr 20, 2020
    0
    Nintendo games are really going down hill and the problem is the fact that people are buying there games due to nostalgia before there parents where divorced. Pocket camp is a better game then what i waited all these years for. The animals have no personality of their own and the online system is absolutely garbage. the only way you should see the plane is when its local play is being usedNintendo games are really going down hill and the problem is the fact that people are buying there games due to nostalgia before there parents where divorced. Pocket camp is a better game then what i waited all these years for. The animals have no personality of their own and the online system is absolutely garbage. the only way you should see the plane is when its local play is being used after that it is just bad coding like it was coded to be this bad. i give it a 5 because i did have a bit of fun but beyond that i think this is just Nintendo being lasy af and just riding us out on nostalgia.… Expand
  7. SirPigeon
    Apr 20, 2020
    5
    I don't understand why this game is so highly praised, after about a month of owning it I can say its 'just okay'.

    When you start the game, you're drawn in by the charm of the character designs and the laid back feeling. You aren't pressed for time and can do what you want. I spent my first two weeks catching a wide variety of creatures to fill the museum, creating my own house and    I don't understand why this game is so highly praised, after about a month of owning it I can say its 'just okay'.

    When you start the game, you're drawn in by the charm of the character designs and the laid back feeling. You aren't pressed for time and can do what you want. I spent my first two weeks catching a wide variety of creatures to fill the museum, creating my own house and trying to make money.

    However, I then spent the next two weeks doing the exact same thing.
    You need allot of money to progress in this game, so you're going to have to go catch creatures and craft items to sell. Once you upgrade your house you are then presented with another option to upgrade (progress in the game, essentially) so you'll have to go catch creatures and craft items to sell so you can get another upgrade and do the same thing again and again.

    This isn't just limited to the main game either, filling out the museum requires you to spend hours catching fish and bugs over and over and finding fossils (you have high chances to keep getting creatures and fossils you've found before).

    The character dialogue? repeating. You start to notice the same dialogue being used over and over after about a week or so of playing, and while that may be fine normally this is a game that's supposed to be some sort of long term investment and is praised for its supposed 'small details' and charm, which I found ran out after the first week as the game kept trying to repeat the same tricks over and over to try and impress and engage me. This game is essentially a one trick pony, after the initial 'wow' there's not much left to be impressed by.

    Its fun at first but everything about this game screams repetition, its more like a chore than a fun game.

    I can't really recommend this game, its not the worst game I've ever played, but its just dreadfully boring.    … Expand
  8. clovisleoncio
    Apr 20, 2020
    0
    Bought this game to play with my wife as it is supposed to support local coop. Not only the local coop is a joke as the player who is not the leader basically can't to anything but if you're not the first player to run the game and be the representative you won't get to actually play the game.
    Now I still don't have a game to play with my wife as she is the only one who can play it.
  9. HiShaun
    Apr 20, 2020
    0
    Can't actually play the game because I wasn't the first player to play it.
    Will need to spend another £300 on a switch to be able to do any of the story.
    Ridiculously greedy by Nintendo.
  10. poplawsr
    Apr 20, 2020
    3
    Bought this for my girlfriend who has really been enjoying it. However, recently we both thought it would be fun for me to make an island on my account too and were dismayed to find out that there is a one island limit per switch.

    This is a very questionable design choice and seems borderline predatory as an attempt to pressure families into buying multiple switch consoles.
  11. mikabuns
    Apr 20, 2020
    1
    Everyone seems to be complaining about the '1 island per console' problem, which is frustrating, but since I have no one to share my console with I don't have that problem. What I do have a problem with is the game itself, it's way too grindy and doesn't offer me a 'relaxing' experience like others claim. I find myself actually getting stressed more because I can't find the materials IEveryone seems to be complaining about the '1 island per console' problem, which is frustrating, but since I have no one to share my console with I don't have that problem. What I do have a problem with is the game itself, it's way too grindy and doesn't offer me a 'relaxing' experience like others claim. I find myself actually getting stressed more because I can't find the materials I need to proceed, for example, 30 iron nuggets to build the shop. There are 3 stones on my island and not 1 gave me an iron nugget, meaning I have to constantly spend Nook Miles to go to other islands so I can get them, it took me multiple days just to complete that task due to bad RNG. And don't get me started on the 3 plot stuff...6 items per plot, and some of the materials needed for said items I cannot get on my island at all, which means MORE grinding for Nook Miles to travel to other islands for them to potentially not even have the materials I need. I just want to be able to have villagers on my island without having to constantly grind.

    I'll give it to Nintendo that the animal residents are adorable. It's why I was dragged to the game in the first place, which looking back was a huge mistake. With all the content it has, I can see why it's being sold for £50, but the gameplay itself doesn't make up for it. If you want a game like Minecraft that has cute, interactive animal villagers and 10x more grinding for materials, then this game is absolutely for you. But sadly, it was not for me at all.    … Expand
  12. Froggie
    Apr 21, 2020
    3
    I’ve bought this game for playing solo, and seeing how pretty much everyone enjoys it that way, I thought I would too. And to my disappointment, it was such a chore that it became boring after two weeks of playing.
    Some of the aspects that killed the game for me:
    1. Grind. I initially expected the game to be kind of similar to Stardew Valley. There, you were always rewarded for    I’ve bought this game for playing solo, and seeing how pretty much everyone enjoys it that way, I thought I would too. And to my disappointment, it was such a chore that it became boring after two weeks of playing.
    Some of the aspects that killed the game for me:

    1. Grind. I initially expected the game to be kind of similar to Stardew Valley. There, you were always rewarded for everything: catching new species, donating items to the museum, talking and giving gifts to the villagers (aka getting cutscenes and gifts).
    What is the situation like in ACNH? Want to travel to mystery islands (actually a one very cool feature), want some cool hairstyles? You gotta get nook miles. And in order to get them, you’re given the most enjoyable tasks ever imaginable: chop 10 trees, catch 10 bugs, sell 20 weed. It was getting so tedious I wanted to CRY. People actually spend 60$ on this and enjoy it??

    Museum is actually really beautiful on the inside, I did not expect it at first. But the sensation wears off real quick, because essentially it’s all this game is about - looks. Nothing rewarding in terms of gameplay.

    2. Villagers. Again, can be pretty, but they all have the same cookie cutter cutter cute and lovely personality. Maybe it’s me who’s got so unlucky, i don’t know. But you can develop even characters like this, but all I got is some copy paste bs monologue about how that one likes to sleep and eat, and that other one likes to lift weights. Amazing.

    3. The time you have to spend to do such routine like buying or selling. Like honestly, do I REALLY need to stop to read greetings every time I walk into the shop, followed by ANOTHER line when I try to talk to them?? To then watch how my character hands them the goods, and they talk pointlessly??
    Optimize the menus for god’s sake and stop making everything so slow. You can make immersive game without trying to artificially drag out things like selling, buying and crafting, especially when you’re doing it so frequently...

    4. It was actually partially my fault for not reading about the game enough, but real time synchronization is stupid. You want to build a home, a bridge, or literally anything? Wait for one day. Want to see new clothes? Wait one day. Want to have fun right now? Unlucky for you, wait one day.
    I could get behind this idea if it wouldn’t have hindered me from doing what I want when I want. Why can’t I move quickly with the game if I want to? Why is this game forcing one play style on everyone?

    I know you can time travel, which I usually do, even though it kinda feels like cheating. And you know why? Because if you do that, it’s extremely apparent that the game relies on that real time gimmick to be interesting. It severely lacks any real content.
    I believe you will enjoy the ACNH if you like customizing stuff, because it’s one thing the game is objectively good at.

    All in all, I really, REALLY tried to like this game. But you can only catch bugs for so long.    … Expand
  13. asiantuntija
    Apr 22, 2020
    0
    I spent 60 e on the game and also had to buy a memory card to be able to download it. Now it turned out that only one profile can own an island and others are just guests. So now I have one happy kid and one sad. I’m very disappointed at Nintendo. They better fix it. It’s 2020 – there surely aren’t any technical restrictions preventing each profile from having an own island.
  14. Killerkirin
    Apr 22, 2020
    3
    This is a review that comes from a secondary user of the game.

    While the game in itself is fantastic, peaceful and brilliant. I have never been more disappointed by a game. This probably comes as my partner and I were excited for this game to come out for a long time. The unfortunate truth is that you cannot create multiple island for multiple users. This is absolutely disappointing as    This is a review that comes from a secondary user of the game.

    While the game in itself is fantastic, peaceful and brilliant. I have never been more disappointed by a game. This probably comes as my partner and I were excited for this game to come out for a long time. The unfortunate truth is that you cannot create multiple island for multiple users. This is absolutely disappointing as it shows how much Nintendo wants people to buy more of its products. I have never given a review before and I am extremely sadden by the fact the developers completely ruined the game for me as I cannot have my own story, my own adventure. It only leaves a bitter feeling in your mouse...    … Expand
  15. Skip2MyLu1986
    Apr 22, 2020
    1
    I really liked the overall game but I just can't get past the game only having one island per console. I'd be totally fine with sharing the island with my kid if both of us could complete main story quests but only the first player to establish the island gets to progress the story. So even though I created my own character on the same island, all I can do is collect things and wait forI really liked the overall game but I just can't get past the game only having one island per console. I'd be totally fine with sharing the island with my kid if both of us could complete main story quests but only the first player to establish the island gets to progress the story. So even though I created my own character on the same island, all I can do is collect things and wait for the first player to eventually progress the island. It makes it where I don't even want to play anymore because what is the point? Just a terribly stupid choice from Nintendo that will probable turn me off these games for good.… Expand
  16. Kbenz
    Apr 22, 2020
    5
    PLEASE please please add more custom design slots. This limitation is MAJORLY affecting my enjoyment of the game, and will be the reason I stop playing. I can't continue to customize my island without a LOT more design slots. They fill up so fast and if i delete one to add another, the design changes in the game. I have stalled out on game play and the only enjoyable part left isPLEASE please please add more custom design slots. This limitation is MAJORLY affecting my enjoyment of the game, and will be the reason I stop playing. I can't continue to customize my island without a LOT more design slots. They fill up so fast and if i delete one to add another, the design changes in the game. I have stalled out on game play and the only enjoyable part left is customization and now I can't continue that either.… Expand
  17. Sophiexxx73
    Apr 22, 2020
    5
    This review would basically be the same as the other negative review on here, so just read the majority of them. To put my on review though I would say this game is good, I've so far enjoyed my experience and that's as a solo player even then I'm disappointed in the solo save feature, I've seen that apparently having 8 people on one island is "multiple saves" but that isn't true, that'sThis review would basically be the same as the other negative review on here, so just read the majority of them. To put my on review though I would say this game is good, I've so far enjoyed my experience and that's as a solo player even then I'm disappointed in the solo save feature, I've seen that apparently having 8 people on one island is "multiple saves" but that isn't true, that's one save for multiple people. I can see that critic reviews are positive and I can only imagine that they won't actually play this game like most intend or like family with one console for the family. Silly idea for a brilliant game, and all for the money. Very sad.… Expand
  18. Canine
    Apr 22, 2020
    0
    This game har AMAZING potential but the experience is absolutely 100% ruined for a couple who shares one switch, solely because of the 1 island per console combined with the RIDICULOUS second resident restrictions. I would accept the fact that we have to share one island together but not the fact that 2nd player doesnt get to play the game. Either we should be able to have seperateThis game har AMAZING potential but the experience is absolutely 100% ruined for a couple who shares one switch, solely because of the 1 island per console combined with the RIDICULOUS second resident restrictions. I would accept the fact that we have to share one island together but not the fact that 2nd player doesnt get to play the game. Either we should be able to have seperate islands for each user or let all residents have full access to the shared island!… Expand
  19. daveccrit
    Apr 22, 2020
    0
    So, I bought this game specifically because it stated it was 1 - 2 players on the box. To my disappointment, it is NOT 2 players. It is 1 Player with a helper. I really like the game, but that was a clear case of false advertising, and the company should be sued. The first player to start the game chooses the island that everyone local will be "playing" on. The first player is the ONLYSo, I bought this game specifically because it stated it was 1 - 2 players on the box. To my disappointment, it is NOT 2 players. It is 1 Player with a helper. I really like the game, but that was a clear case of false advertising, and the company should be sued. The first player to start the game chooses the island that everyone local will be "playing" on. The first player is the ONLY player who gets to choose where the new residents go. They are the only player that can trigger main events to progress the story. Only one player can visit other islands at a time, you can't go together. All of the main events can only be triggered by the first player. The first player is the only one who can choose where bridges and ramps get placed. On top of this, other accounts on the switch can NOT create their own island, they are stuck being helpers on this one island, so forget buying this game for the family, it was a waste of money. Multiplayer games are not new, split screen is not new, so do the decision makers for this game have their heads in the sand? Next time hire people who know what they're doing when making multiplayer games.… Expand
  20. benacious
    Apr 23, 2020
    0
    Being limited to a single island ruins this game. I shouldn't ever even have to wonder if a game can be played with different accounts. It's common sense. I just bought a switch, which was a horrible experience with the current stock shortage, specifically so my wife and I can each play this game, have our own islands, and share our individual experiences. My jaw is still laying on theBeing limited to a single island ruins this game. I shouldn't ever even have to wonder if a game can be played with different accounts. It's common sense. I just bought a switch, which was a horrible experience with the current stock shortage, specifically so my wife and I can each play this game, have our own islands, and share our individual experiences. My jaw is still laying on the floor after learning that you are stuck with a single island that all users must share. I'm not even given the (bad) option of buying a second copy of the game to open up the option for a 2nd island. This is an awful, awful design decision. If the motivation is to stop cheating, first of all, why would the devs care if somebody is cheating at a single player life simulator? Ruining the experience for multiple players within the household only creates a bigger problem. Until this game is patched with a reasonable option for individual players on the same console to have their own individual experiences, this game is worthless to me and many others. The entire premise of this game is having YOUR own island and making it YOURS. This is a horrible, horrible move that needs fixed immediately.… Expand
  21. Batmanishguy
    Apr 23, 2020
    5
    I really like this game, and personally for myself alone it's a 10/10. But the fact that my roomate can't play the game at all mean's it's a very valid 0. I've read people saying that a 0 is non nonsensical, However, this is a game play rating, and this setup allows for literally 0 game for him to play. How is that not a 0? Roaming around my island with nothing to do is not a game, it's anI really like this game, and personally for myself alone it's a 10/10. But the fact that my roomate can't play the game at all mean's it's a very valid 0. I've read people saying that a 0 is non nonsensical, However, this is a game play rating, and this setup allows for literally 0 game for him to play. How is that not a 0? Roaming around my island with nothing to do is not a game, it's an interactive museum at best (coincidentally, this game has an amazing museum set up!).

    I digress, assuming you're actually able to play it, it's a very good game. Super fun to build up an island, collecting artifacts is surprisingly fun! I'm in the end game and having the ability to terraform is amazing! I love creating things, and hunting for bugs and fish! I also love visiting friends (outside my own household) islands and snagging fruits I don't have.

    Any who, if there is a 1:1:1 ratio between people who are going to be playing, game cartridges owned, and game consoles owned. I HIGHLY suggest it, especially if you have friends who play it. If that ratio is off, there's no way I can suggest it. It's too good to not be able to share fully.    … Expand
  22. CaptainOfTgeSky
    Apr 23, 2020
    3
    I (mostly) thoroughly enjoy this game but am getting increasingly frustrated with some of the mechanics. The biggest ones are of course the 1 island rule which is honestly INSANE to me. But I also find the design downloader quite annoying. Why can't I edit designs I download? Even if I copy then? Makes no sense. The crafting gets really monotonous because you have to do it one at a timeI (mostly) thoroughly enjoy this game but am getting increasingly frustrated with some of the mechanics. The biggest ones are of course the 1 island rule which is honestly INSANE to me. But I also find the design downloader quite annoying. Why can't I edit designs I download? Even if I copy then? Makes no sense. The crafting gets really monotonous because you have to do it one at a time and I would love to see you be able to craft using your storage inventory… Expand
  23. SpookyFoxx
    Apr 23, 2020
    0
    Pretty short sighted and money hungry to force households to have 1 island per console. Every other game on the Switch allows multiple saves except this one. Just shows Nintendo is no better than the rest of the shady AAA gaming industry.
  24. DaneDad17
    Apr 23, 2020
    0
    Locked to a single island per console in a disgusting money grabbing attempt from Nintendo. Also a stupid game in general- who likes doing chores to get out of debt from a raccoon? Plebians.
  25. surajdave
    Apr 23, 2020
    3
    This game would be a 10 but there is one huge flaw. Nintendo refuses to let you have a different island per user. And will require you to purchase another console. This, paired with the lack of cloud saves is a very scummy choice by Nintendo. Other than that good game but the anticonsumerist approach to this release, especially when consoles are incredibly difficult to get ahold of, leavesThis game would be a 10 but there is one huge flaw. Nintendo refuses to let you have a different island per user. And will require you to purchase another console. This, paired with the lack of cloud saves is a very scummy choice by Nintendo. Other than that good game but the anticonsumerist approach to this release, especially when consoles are incredibly difficult to get ahold of, leaves a bitter taste in my mouth and I cant recommend for those reasons alone… Expand
  26. SteveWonder8890
    Apr 23, 2020
    0
    If you have more than 1 person in your house, don't bother buying this game. You can only have 1 island per switch. Very, very hard to enjoy the game at the beginning. Not being able to skip cut-scenes and skip dialogue kills me. If you do have to share an island, the person who didn't make the island doesn't have control over anything. You pretty much just gather resources. VeryIf you have more than 1 person in your house, don't bother buying this game. You can only have 1 island per switch. Very, very hard to enjoy the game at the beginning. Not being able to skip cut-scenes and skip dialogue kills me. If you do have to share an island, the person who didn't make the island doesn't have control over anything. You pretty much just gather resources. Very disappointed that such a promising game was ruined by Nintendo being petty and greedy. Will never play again.… Expand
  27. Antisanta
    Apr 24, 2020
    2
    The local co-op is an absolute joke. Also, if you're not the first player to create a character on the island, you're pretty much shafted. You will have NO way of progressing through the story or make changes to the island. There's not even a way to make multiple islands on the same switch. Basically, if you aren't player one, this game is completely unplayable
  28. Icarium
    Apr 25, 2020
    1
    The one island per switch, rather than one island per profile is a terrible, terrible design decision from Nintendo. I cannot see how it is anything more than a poorly disguised attempt to force people to buy a second switch console.
  29. Robaganoush
    Apr 27, 2020
    1
    Game is sort of fun if you don't plan on sharing. One island per console is ridiculous. Goals get old and seem mundane. Other than making your house bigger and earning money, there's no clear direction. Seems exactly like all other AC games that came before, no real improvements or anything game changing.
  30. RogerPT32
    Apr 27, 2020
    1
    The limitation to one island per Switch breaks completely the game if there is more than one player, the second player is too limited and will not enjoy the game in most cases.
Page:

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.
    Read full review
  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]
See all critic reviews »