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. Alex212
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    Love this game, very smooth a lot of fun stuff to do and all round a great game. The cloud save issue is enough to not make it a 10/10 but it hardly effects my opinion. If you like chill gaming then definitely get this game.
  2. Cottontail
    Apr 28, 2020
    0
    We’re in the middle of a lockdown and family’s will want to play, and yet only one person gets to experience the full game. Honestly, I wouldn’t suggest that anyone buys the game until this is changed due to the lack of care for the customers; any other console wouldn’t force the users to purchase another one just so multiple people can play individually. This generation of animal crossingWe’re in the middle of a lockdown and family’s will want to play, and yet only one person gets to experience the full game. Honestly, I wouldn’t suggest that anyone buys the game until this is changed due to the lack of care for the customers; any other console wouldn’t force the users to purchase another one just so multiple people can play individually. This generation of animal crossing has really disappointed me.… Expand
  3. HallbjornHauk
    Apr 28, 2020
    3
    Bad controls, excessive dialogue, and encourages cheating! Not a good example for kids.

    This game is not family friendly. No one has their own game and they all get angry at any little thing others do. I’ve had to remove the game for both our systems. That’s what $800 for two games and systems for four kids! They aren’t allowed to use them handheld or the systems would be broken by now.    Bad controls, excessive dialogue, and encourages cheating! Not a good example for kids.

    This game is not family friendly. No one has their own game and they all get angry at any little thing others do. I’ve had to remove the game for both our systems. That’s what $800 for two games and systems for four kids! They aren’t allowed to use them handheld or the systems would be broken by now. I’ve played with them up to today and I loved it. But all the negativity and hate this game creates is insane. I’ve never seen anything like it. Personally I would love to get myself a system and transfer my first island to it as I was the creator and get some handles for the kids. But I can’t transfer at all. I really hope Nintendo doesn’t think sale numbers mean they made a good game.    … Expand
  4. DouglasFir
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    So much fun! I have played most of the animal crossing games and enjoyed them all, but this feels like the pinnacle of the series. So much to do, so many options, and the ability to play however you want! A very cute game that brings all the joy of what we expect from Animal Crossing plus a whole lot more.
  5. Boehnke_Josh
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    Great game. The review bombing is not a fair assessment of the quality of this game
  6. riskybuiseness
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    This game is fantastic, I’ve had a lot of fun playing it. It creates very joyful world for you to explore and develop. Only downside is the multiplayer. I know a lot of players were mad being limited to one island per switch console, but I’m actually happy they made it this way. Now I can develop my island with the help of my siblings. However, playing at the same time sucks. One player isThis game is fantastic, I’ve had a lot of fun playing it. It creates very joyful world for you to explore and develop. Only downside is the multiplayer. I know a lot of players were mad being limited to one island per switch console, but I’m actually happy they made it this way. Now I can develop my island with the help of my siblings. However, playing at the same time sucks. One player is the leader which the other players have to follow. I would greatly prefer split screen to this. Great to play solo though.… Expand
  7. Jolly9642
    Apr 28, 2020
    0
    I liked this game until I realized no one else in my household can create their own island... It's ruined the game.
  8. RayhaanAhmed
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    The game looks amazing and relaxing. You can do many creative things with it, I really enjoyed the game. But the one Island per switch and no backup data sucks. Initially, I thought to rate it 8 or 9 but these things can be easily fixed with an update. Other than that it is an awesome game.
  9. Jones9419
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    Man.......what is there not to like about this game? I literally can’t put the thing down. I would give it a 10 if it weren’t for the limitations on the switch when it comes to save file transferring and one island per console. But as far as the game itself.......Nintendo struck a home run.
  10. XxFlutterxX
    Apr 28, 2020
    10
    I love this game. You can spend hours doing relaxing things, decorating your house and island. It’s about all I play anymore lol
  11. Gamer223
    Apr 28, 2020
    0
    It’s ridiculous that they only allow one island per each Nintendo Switch. I got the game for myself and my two younger siblings and now only one of us can play as the others don’t want to be the secondary player. Nintendo can make an easy change to allow for a new island for each profile or even add a limit of 2 or 3 islands and plenty of people will be happy. Many people, myself included,It’s ridiculous that they only allow one island per each Nintendo Switch. I got the game for myself and my two younger siblings and now only one of us can play as the others don’t want to be the secondary player. Nintendo can make an easy change to allow for a new island for each profile or even add a limit of 2 or 3 islands and plenty of people will be happy. Many people, myself included, think it’s an amazing game but are forced to give it a bad review due to the 1 island limit.… Expand
  12. Swampster
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    Awesome and beautiful game. Some of the dialog can take a bit to get through, but that's nothing new from the game series. I think with a couple easy quality of life fixes, this game could be perfect.
  13. Pappie
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    This game is great for people who need a getaway or just need to be in their own world. There are a few gripes. 1, you can only have one island per console, 2, you have to wait a day before the airport opens, and 3, you can't access the majority of the island when you start and end up having to wait even longer. Other than that. This game has helped me through the COVID-19 pandemic. It'sThis game is great for people who need a getaway or just need to be in their own world. There are a few gripes. 1, you can only have one island per console, 2, you have to wait a day before the airport opens, and 3, you can't access the majority of the island when you start and end up having to wait even longer. Other than that. This game has helped me through the COVID-19 pandemic. It's given me a world where I can do what I want and make friends along the way. I can create my own neighborhood and get creative with it. This game is definitely worth the $60 price tag and you should pick it up as soon as possible.… Expand
  14. Marnelt
    Apr 28, 2020
    9
    Animal crossing is a well designed relaxing game, I have been a fan of the series for a while and find this new entry to be the best yet. The game is extremely well polished with the graphics being quite nice and no bugs that I've seen and the gameplay is immensely fun even if the game did start off quite slow to get into things

    It did release with a few features from previous games    Animal crossing is a well designed relaxing game, I have been a fan of the series for a while and find this new entry to be the best yet. The game is extremely well polished with the graphics being quite nice and no bugs that I've seen and the gameplay is immensely fun even if the game did start off quite slow to get into things

    It did release with a few features from previous games lacking, but Nintendo are showing they're adding in new content regularly and most of what I was missing is being added in. The issue people have with player 1 being in control and everyone locked behind their progression is a genuine concern but is being taken to an extreme level by people, no it's not a 1/10 game    … Expand
  15. Levolt10
    Apr 28, 2020
    0
    Nintendo needs to learn that they should allow their players the play the way you want (you know like the switches slogan) to play their games. With the recent patches and with the one island policy the person makes the second player or the third player have a worse experience. With the previous installments, it was fine but there are major FLAWS with the current system. You lose so muchNintendo needs to learn that they should allow their players the play the way you want (you know like the switches slogan) to play their games. With the recent patches and with the one island policy the person makes the second player or the third player have a worse experience. With the previous installments, it was fine but there are major FLAWS with the current system. You lose so much of the experience is the second player and are restricted in terms of progress if the first player doesn't play the game. I was actually sorry for my sister when I found out she couldn't do so much of what made the game fun. Also, the game got a patch to reduce the interest rate and reduce the spawn rate of rare bugs. They are patching the game to make you play the way THEY want you to play. But, in turn, the game is less fun in my opinion. There should be more quality of life updates rather than them taking away stuff like this because it's so fun to just do what you want and the mundane task of cutting wood is only made worse than the slow crafting system and many inconveniences in the game.… Expand
  16. Stormtherat
    Apr 29, 2020
    10
    I've had this game since launch and its been over a month now. Its super fun and addictive. It has alot nostalgic value if you played new leaf or older. But i think its so much better. There are some many more things you can do to customize your island. They have a few new characters that are super cute. So far they have not added some of my favorites like Brewster and Katrina. But sinceI've had this game since launch and its been over a month now. Its super fun and addictive. It has alot nostalgic value if you played new leaf or older. But i think its so much better. There are some many more things you can do to customize your island. They have a few new characters that are super cute. So far they have not added some of my favorites like Brewster and Katrina. But since they added Leif and redd in the last update, I believe they plan on adding the other missing npcs as time goes on.… Expand
  17. nookcrook
    Apr 29, 2020
    9
    This is the game we've been waiting for since New Leaf and while it undoubtedly has problems that could be easily fixed, it's still the shiniest Animal Crossing game that we needed.

    The game is beautiful. The water is s t u n n i n g. The attention to detail is amazing. It's everything. Game play is what you'd expect of an Animal Crossing game. Terraforming and crafting are intense.    This is the game we've been waiting for since New Leaf and while it undoubtedly has problems that could be easily fixed, it's still the shiniest Animal Crossing game that we needed.

    The game is beautiful. The water is s t u n n i n g. The attention to detail is amazing. It's everything.

    Game play is what you'd expect of an Animal Crossing game. Terraforming and crafting are intense. The control given to you literally makes you a god among animals.

    It is a little concerning that there are a lot less features than what we had in base game New Leaf, but the updates will happen and give us a lot more content. If you play this game the way it's intended to be played, it won't slow down. However, since we're all in corona time and going crazy, you might get tired.

    Nintendo has made some baffling choices that they're failing to fix that understandably can break this game for many. One island per console that is basically permanently tied to the console is a huge step back.

    Additionally, minor quality of life changes can also help tremendously, like bulk crafting, dropping multiple items at once, giving more pattern spaces, and cutting extra dialogue we've seen a hundred times (you have to press A on CJ like 40 times each run in the fishing tourney)    … Expand
  18. Snico
    Apr 29, 2020
    0
    Bought this game with my wife. Only found out the island is shared between the switch after payment. This essentially kills both of our ability to play the game. This is a just a blatant money grab by Nintendo. Dont buy it.
  19. Aimee0410
    Apr 29, 2020
    1
    Super annoyed and kinda angry! Just purchased this game for $80 and found out multiple people cannot have their own island! Only 1 island per switch not user! Massive downfall of the game THIS NEEDS TO BE FIXED!!
  20. Meiyi
    Apr 29, 2020
    1
    Yes the game is fun until you are blocked because you are the number 2 player on your switch and the first player don't have time to play and continue the story of the game. Why could I not build bridges, buildings... ?! Just because I started to play later ! If you share a switch, don't play this game, you can have fun for 1-2 wekks ubtil you are blocked and cannot do anything with theYes the game is fun until you are blocked because you are the number 2 player on your switch and the first player don't have time to play and continue the story of the game. Why could I not build bridges, buildings... ?! Just because I started to play later ! If you share a switch, don't play this game, you can have fun for 1-2 wekks ubtil you are blocked and cannot do anything with the island because you are not the first player.… Expand
  21. cryptolink
    Apr 29, 2020
    0
    One island per switch. Something else could've been done better. They want you to buy another console to play local multiplayer. Please nintendo. Do something about it!
  22. PotatoCake
    Apr 29, 2020
    0
    The one island limit is stupid. I can't even play the game, because my brother has his own island, while I don't! The only reason for this is to get people to buy more Nintendo switches, which may I mention cost about 500 dollars right now, which is ridiculous! This is something that Bethesda or EA would do, but I never expected Nintendo to do this. Please fix this Nintendo, I really wantThe one island limit is stupid. I can't even play the game, because my brother has his own island, while I don't! The only reason for this is to get people to buy more Nintendo switches, which may I mention cost about 500 dollars right now, which is ridiculous! This is something that Bethesda or EA would do, but I never expected Nintendo to do this. Please fix this Nintendo, I really want to enjoy this amazing in the fullest, without having to pay 500 dollars.… Expand
  23. thisiscritical
    Apr 29, 2020
    0
    We bought my son the game and he started playing it on the household switch. Well, it looked like a fun game, so I wanted to give it a try. I was super bummed to find out that you can only have one island per console and that, apparently, making an island is a huge part of the gameplay that would be lost if you don't have access to it. I think it is a ridiculous for nintendo to put onWe bought my son the game and he started playing it on the household switch. Well, it looked like a fun game, so I wanted to give it a try. I was super bummed to find out that you can only have one island per console and that, apparently, making an island is a huge part of the gameplay that would be lost if you don't have access to it. I think it is a ridiculous for nintendo to put on this game. I have the money to buy another console, but am refusing to do so on principal. I won't even buy a lite for this, though I would love to play. Fix this!… Expand
  24. Gebbbe
    Apr 29, 2020
    0
    One island per console for a whole family. This is a big shame for Nintendo.
  25. CodyCulp
    Apr 29, 2020
    0
    The game is fun and i have enjoyed my time playing the game so far. However, not being able to transfer my island to a new switch is ludicrous. Hacking will always be an issue and there is no need need to punish the fans for it. I can live with the cash grab of one island per switch but locking my island to one switch only is ridiculous.
  26. Fritoe
    Apr 29, 2020
    9
    I'm going to start this review by saying Animal Crossing New Horizons is the best entry in the series. There is no doubt in my mind. The creativity and attention to detail that was put in by the developers is nothing short than inspiring. There is a part of me that is genuinely concerned for the future of the series, not for anything bad for the game, but for how much it has to offer.I'm going to start this review by saying Animal Crossing New Horizons is the best entry in the series. There is no doubt in my mind. The creativity and attention to detail that was put in by the developers is nothing short than inspiring. There is a part of me that is genuinely concerned for the future of the series, not for anything bad for the game, but for how much it has to offer. Where else can they go? The next installment is going to be something I'm afraid of. They might not even come out with one and just update this gem of creativity. I'm afraid I'm not explaining enough, but what I mean is that from each iteration we gain a new customizable feature. From being from a standard town, then to a bigger place with friends being able to visit, then to an even bigger place that has a city element, to being a mayor able to change layouts and buildings and now to a "god" as the community jokes about being able to shift the land itself. Hopefully, that explains my concern about the future of this game, where next? This definitely is, in my eyes, the ultimate animal crossing game and has provided millions of people including myself, hours upon hours of relaxing release. As I cross the 350-hour mark, I think its time for me to explain how I felt about the game. As the beginning is slow and may take a lot of time to start feeling like the traditional animal crossing everyone knows, you start understanding how the game is trying to teach you the fundamentals of the new mechanics introduced. It can be frustrating at first if you're the impatient type, but it is well understood the more you play. That's what makes all these negative comments so surprising to read for me. I never have written a review to anything other than amazon products and maybe a youtube comment if you consider that a review of some sorts. I even made an account to just write about this topic. Yes, the game is limited to one island per person. Do not go into this game expecting to have the experience of a maximum of 8 islands on your system. This is apparently is a reason for people to be giving the game a 0 on this site and others as well. Not about the gameplay, or what a good/bad game it is, or even how slow it takes to start as I thought the negative reviews would be about. No, it's about how f you have more than one account on your switch, the others won't be allowed to terraform the island. I cannot think of anyone who would od this other than children or people who are playing Animal crossing for the first time. I don't mean any of those remarks as insults, and I will explain. New leaf, the last game in the series before New Horizons. One player was the mayor, and that's it. Anyone else playing on your 3DS won't have access to those features. If the reasons for that aren't apparent to you, then you don't understand how basic computing and video games work and that's okay. It's okay to not understand something, that's why you should seek the information that you don't understand. Just think about how much memory it would take for the switch to have a maximum of 8 islands with all unique layouts, villagers, and all the other features that make this game the masterpiece that it is. That's not possible to fit on the system itself, therefore it's not a reality. It wasn't for the 3DS, so why is it a problem all a sudden? That's when kids come into the picture. Parents will usually buy one system for the house and each kid wants to have their own island which I completely understand as I would as well as a child. However, does that inherently make it a bad game? Of course not. I have another family member on my island who doesn't have terraforming access as they are the second player to move in. When they want to change something about the island they do one of the possible two things. They either ask me to change it for them, or they log in as me and do it themselves. Oh yeah, did I mention the ability to switch accounts on the switch is Minimalistically seamless? It takes less than 5 seconds to change profiles and start a game. It's fine to criticize a game, but it's downright insane to mass bad review a game for system limitations when the problem has nothing to do with the gameplay its self. If I'm the wrong one for feeling this way then so be it, I'll stand alone. Is Nintendo just doing this to sell more consoles? Most definitely not, however, I don't think they are complaining that this is an "issue". Then that gets into the problem of how the bad reviews may affect Nintendo, but it hurts the animal crossing franchise more. People will see the negative source for consumers and assume it's just another game that critics love and the public didn't, further greatening the divide between creators and fans. I really don't know what to say at this point other than how disappointing it is to see the gaming culture turn into this immaturity and not appreciate the art that countless artists spent years creating.… Expand
  27. ekixbrass
    Apr 29, 2020
    8
    This is my first time playing Animal Crossing, and it is very addicting! Very fun to play and there is always something to do. I understand why people are upset about the one island per console, but they shouldn't give this game a low rating because of it. The graphics are amazing and the animations are cute, but something I hate is that the tools always break.. it ruins the fun and I haveThis is my first time playing Animal Crossing, and it is very addicting! Very fun to play and there is always something to do. I understand why people are upset about the one island per console, but they shouldn't give this game a low rating because of it. The graphics are amazing and the animations are cute, but something I hate is that the tools always break.. it ruins the fun and I have to go build new tools which isn't relaxing at all. But overall, the game is amazing to play especially during this pandemic, it takes your mind off of things. If you're not sure whether or not to get this game, I was once in your shoes, and I bought the game because all of my friends had it. Now I absolutely love the game.… Expand
  28. Nixav
    Apr 29, 2020
    10
    It’s an adorable experience that constantly surprises, euphoric in the satisfaction it provides with each mechanic, no matter how big or small.
  29. nightstroller
    Apr 30, 2020
    7
    To be super honest without even considering the one-character restriction, this game is overhyped. Yes the atmosphere is relaxing and the graphics are cute, but this game for some reason doesn't really make me want to binge play it. Maybe it was designed like that on purpose, with rocks and resources spawning daily once tapped. But overall, this isn't a game I would stay up playing. Not toTo be super honest without even considering the one-character restriction, this game is overhyped. Yes the atmosphere is relaxing and the graphics are cute, but this game for some reason doesn't really make me want to binge play it. Maybe it was designed like that on purpose, with rocks and resources spawning daily once tapped. But overall, this isn't a game I would stay up playing. Not to say it's bad or boring, just not so great in my eyes.

    Animal Crossing New Horizons
    Gameplay Enjoyability (0 - worst, 10 - best)

    Story - 6
    Lore - 3
    Character Creation - 5
    Looting/resource gathering - 6
    Questing/variety - 3
    Side quests/activities - 6
    Music/soundtrack - 9
    Visuals - 9    … Expand
  30. Whatnoww
    Apr 30, 2020
    8
    Pretty good game with some limitations in single islands and locked out of progress multiple users which is a downer. And no cloud saves yet. Great game otherwise.
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Awards & Rankings

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

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 111 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 110 out of 111
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 111
  3. Negative: 0 out of 111
  1. Universo Nintendo
    Dec 19, 2020
    95
    Animal Crossing New Horizons is basically perfect. Full of wholesome content that helped us cope with the COVID-19 pandemics, the game keeps the heart of its predecessors while innovating enough to make it unique. It may not have won Game of the Year but it'll be the game we all remember from 2020, for sure.
    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 »