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. toesnub
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    This game is fantastic, and the memory limitations don't even mater that much.
  2. coldered
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Animal Crossing is a fun and Relaxing game. My wife and I have enjoyed playinh it together and apart. It's always fun to meet quirky neighbors or to go and explore the world.
  3. CkRules
    Mar 24, 2020
    9
    I'm a long time fan of the Animal Crossing series and this is by far my favorite! The crafting system is awesome and the ability to have 8 players on a single island is awesome. It seems a lot of people don't get the community aspect of this series, and want to complain about the single island per console deal. I can understand why you would want the option to make a brand new save withoutI'm a long time fan of the Animal Crossing series and this is by far my favorite! The crafting system is awesome and the ability to have 8 players on a single island is awesome. It seems a lot of people don't get the community aspect of this series, and want to complain about the single island per console deal. I can understand why you would want the option to make a brand new save without loosing your original, but to complain that you and your wife cant have seperate islands, really misses the point of this long standing series. Why wouldnt you want to share an island with your wife or kids ...thats the point. Everyone gets to participate together, to create an awesome island that can be built over, literally, years. My wife and I work together to create a happy and healthy community. You can terraform the terrain, craft new items, work together to populate the museum, and more! This is a community building game. The only improvment I would have liked is for everyone in a multiplayer session to have imidiate access to their items without having to switch leaders. The fact you can only have one Island per system isnt a deal breaker, at all. People want to think that Nintendo did this solely for the purposes of selling more Switches, but the way I see it, this is more of a system built to prevent exploiting the game. As I recall, the only game that didnt limit the number of islands per console was the original, and that worked cuz the online capabilitiesof the game cube were very limited. Even the Ds games worked like this. And sure, it would have been cool if they could have solved this in a different way...but the switch doesnt save to the game cartridge, they are read only memory cards. So your island MUST be tied to your internal storage of the Switch. If everyone could make multiple islands, then the game would be very exploitable. I wish that Nintendo could have solved this problem while still allowing multiple islands, or at least one Island per account, but then anyone could make multiple accounts and create. But in New Leaf, i didnt see nearly as much hate for the fact that you had to buy the game twice to make a new file. And like I said, Switch carts are read only, so the game save has to be tied to the console. They could have done cloud storage, but that would mean any user without a subscription is locked out of the game. If Ni te di really wanted to milk their customers, they would ha e provided all the tools and recipies and exclusive tools and recipes, for purchase online. But no. You get the whole game and never have to pay another cent to enjoy it.… Expand
  4. RosemaryRally
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Uh oh looks like Nintendo forgot to put a game in their game.

    To be fair, you can spend 4 years snorting coke and make the game in the last 6 weeks
    -Dunkey
  5. Indianascones82
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Y'all obviously Never played animal crossing it's always been one village per island..now you have an option to go to other islands to get supplies... this is one of the most polished of the series ...if every person got their way animal crossing would be like every other farming game...good job Nintendo ! Suck it y'all spoiled haters
  6. HagarDHorible
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Multiplayer is a joke. I bought it for my kids and only one gets the missions. Nintendo should know better.
  7. AyaMidoria
    Mar 24, 2020
    8
    I'm already addicted to the game.
    Pros:
    The graphics are gorgeous, the items keep me interested in collecting, but I don't feel the need to rush through everything in order to do so. I love the character interactions and the animations are very cute. Cons: The RNG could probably be more balanced? Some of the UI could have been more streamlined. I see why people are upset about the lack    I'm already addicted to the game.
    Pros:
    The graphics are gorgeous, the items keep me interested in collecting, but I don't feel the need to rush through everything in order to do so. I love the character interactions and the animations are very cute.
    Cons:
    The RNG could probably be more balanced? Some of the UI could have been more streamlined. I see why people are upset about the lack of content for a second islander, but to me, it feels the same as how New Leaf operated, one character making all the decisions while the others build up their own stuff. Though maybe I'm biased since I have no-one to share the island with except filler characters anyway. Definitely a bit short-sighted decision wise, but not as greedy as some other companies.    … Expand
  8. Timmer421
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I think it is ridiculous that Nintendo thought it would be acceptable to make it so you can only have one island per switch console. There are families that have shared consoles across their kids. So what, are they supposed to buy another two or three switches and games so that everyone can have their own island? Every other switch game can save on separate accounts for different people toI think it is ridiculous that Nintendo thought it would be acceptable to make it so you can only have one island per switch console. There are families that have shared consoles across their kids. So what, are they supposed to buy another two or three switches and games so that everyone can have their own island? Every other switch game can save on separate accounts for different people to play through, so I know that this wasn’t because they didn’t have the capability to allow people their own islands, it is 100% obvious it was a money grab opportunity for them. It’s really upsetting because it is a great game so far, it’s a shame that 2+ people can’t play it on their own accounts with their own islands. You had to take a bigger step from making people buy separate games to play different towns in New Leaf to making people buy their own switches plus another copy of New Horizons. Even a step further, you made it so that when someone else is playing on the creators island, they can do next to nothing to make their own kind of progress. I tried to put up with that form of multiplayer but it is extremely irritating and pointless to even play it at that point. Way to take the fun out of such a promising game Nintendo.… Expand
  9. FormerGlory89
    Mar 24, 2020
    1
    Why are holidays locked to being downloaded only. Why are we locked to one island per system. Why is Nintendo doing everything they can to make sure consumers don’t enjoy a game how they want. Selling the game how I did Luigis Mansion 3 and New Super Mario Bothers Deluxe if it’s not fixed.
  10. SuperCrab
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    This game is most likely the best game I’ve ever played. The amount of things to do is so amazing. However, I can see it not appealing to certain people. This game is a game with basically no action, so if you don’t like relaxing games without the rush a fighting/shooter game would give you, don’t play this. Anyways, 10/10
  11. PinkMagic
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    We love it! I would rate it 11. Super customizable, fun and challenging, gender expansive, visit friends and share messages and items. And it is only getting better as we play.
  12. Shcduffman
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    The game has become way to frustrating and really lame having to share an island. Just like every other game out there. A different user on the switch should be able to have their own island. Plain and simple. What a waste of $65
  13. Cassiel
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Couldn't have made a better sequel and decisions! There so much more to do compared to past entries! The multiplayer aspect is really good despite being dependent on the primary player for a lot of things. Looking forward to the seasonal events!
  14. pizzo
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I bought the game digitally but being the console shared with my girlfriend I discovered that we cannot play two saves with two different islands. All this is unacceptable, to play in two you must have two switches when instead with all the other games you can have two accounts. I hope they fix this otherwise it deserves 0, not having given me the opportunity to deepen the game.
  15. Lostprophets4
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Like many of the reviewers I have run into the problem where any progress I have is gated by the first resident of the island. My wife played the game when it first came in the mail on Friday. Now over the weekend and into this week I have not been able to get the ladder to explore our island as she has not done the mandatory quests that she can only complete. I have lost any ability to progress in the game and lost complete interest in the game due to 0 progression or purpose in playing.… Expand
  16. sneakycrown
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    This game is literally the best in the entire Animal Crossing series, ignore the review bombers. You have more control over the customization of your village than EVER before, and it does have a "deserted island" feel to the game until you give it your own spin and begin to find a comfortable spot in your island. My friends and I have had nothing but fun times on this game playing togetherThis game is literally the best in the entire Animal Crossing series, ignore the review bombers. You have more control over the customization of your village than EVER before, and it does have a "deserted island" feel to the game until you give it your own spin and begin to find a comfortable spot in your island. My friends and I have had nothing but fun times on this game playing together so far (even though it is admittedly young in its life) and its helping several through the quarantine. Ignore the people that are being whiny little babies, please, I implore you. Nintendo legitimately worked hard on this game and pumped out a game that is, in my mind, one of the greatest games on the switch so far. From crafting to being able to be knocked out by several more bugs to many of our special character favourites returning, this is a VERY good addition to the series, and I would almost say perhaps my favourite one yet.… Expand
  17. Wimsey
    Mar 24, 2020
    2
    Only 1 islind for 1 console, are you serious? My wife started plaing AC, and i'm missing all the story. And we cant even move the save to different console. Thats pretty dumb limitations to force us for buing additional copy of the game.
  18. JTShadow
    Mar 24, 2020
    9
    A near perfect implementation of a classic series! This is an early review but so far the game has everything you've come to love in the series with new features added to help keep you engaged in the game.

    Quality of life improvements were implemented such as icons notifying you if an item has been donated to the museum already though I do wish that feature was extended to all items in    A near perfect implementation of a classic series! This is an early review but so far the game has everything you've come to love in the series with new features added to help keep you engaged in the game.

    Quality of life improvements were implemented such as icons notifying you if an item has been donated to the museum already though I do wish that feature was extended to all items in general to make it easier to determine what you already have in your catalog. One common complaint I hear echoed is the fact that you can only have one island per system/cartridge but that is only a minor issue, especially with the lower cost of a Switch Lite. One wouldn't expect to share one cartridge and one 3ds and have multiple towns with New Leaf, so this expectation for the Nintendo Switch is pretty entitled. My wife and I as well as our two children play happily on our own consoles and enjoy the multiplayer aspect of the game, though I do hope to be surprised eventually to find minigames like Tortimer Island had.    … Expand
  19. EmperorAzir
    Mar 24, 2020
    9
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So I made this post cause I felt this is a worthy sequel to new leaf and has added and built off previous ideas. That being said I dont care for the tools breaking but I understand it and have even learn the system more. I don't hold issues with the one island per console as it makes sense as the house can have their own singular Island.

    The new temp 1 off islands make for a fresh way to find new critters as Well as find some villagers. There is also new ways to trade and buy items as Well as new ways to build stuff you want.    … Expand
  20. Aivi
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    I dont think that one switch for one island is bad or good. I played the original games and hated them because it was boring to me. Now I get to go on and drop gifts off for my boyfriend in front of his house, hop over to my roommates island and hang out with either one and and drop gifts for them too. I think it's fun to see what's different when I wake up and discussing what to do orI dont think that one switch for one island is bad or good. I played the original games and hated them because it was boring to me. Now I get to go on and drop gifts off for my boyfriend in front of his house, hop over to my roommates island and hang out with either one and and drop gifts for them too. I think it's fun to see what's different when I wake up and discussing what to do or where to out things. It makes it more of a community game.… Expand
  21. RuMona
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Love this game. It is pretty different from the previous titles but I think it is quite refreshing.
  22. Peachplum
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I had such high hopes for this game, and I was immensely let down. Only being able to have one island is ridiculous. We have to have two separate NSO accounts, but can't have two saves? Nintendo, you are showing your EA colors.
  23. Hdogg
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    In addition to the absolutely ridiculous stunt Nintendo pulled by forcing you to have to buy AN ENTIRE NEW CONSOLE IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON WANTS TO PLAY THE GAME, the game is boring and not rewarding at all. It feels like a mobile game because you can barely do anything before running out of things to do. At least in mobile games they give you the option to pay money to progress. HarvestIn addition to the absolutely ridiculous stunt Nintendo pulled by forcing you to have to buy AN ENTIRE NEW CONSOLE IF MORE THAN ONE PERSON WANTS TO PLAY THE GAME, the game is boring and not rewarding at all. It feels like a mobile game because you can barely do anything before running out of things to do. At least in mobile games they give you the option to pay money to progress. Harvest Moon: AWL is way better than this game and it came out over a decade ago. Animal Crossing has to be one of the most overrated games of all time.… Expand
  24. Emily1
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I made this account just to say how horrifically greedy Nintendo are for making users share a game save across the console. I don't know if any other game that force you to do this.

    The game pace is set my the initial character. You share the same destination and cannot progress past the initial players position. If you have multiple kids or anyone wanting to play this seperately, too    I made this account just to say how horrifically greedy Nintendo are for making users share a game save across the console. I don't know if any other game that force you to do this.

    The game pace is set my the initial character. You share the same destination and cannot progress past the initial players position. If you have multiple kids or anyone wanting to play this seperately, too bad. You don't just have to buy a seperate game cartridge you need a WHOLE NEW CONSOLE meaning if you want your own saved game, you have to pay literally HUNDREDS just for the pleasure of doing so. Nintendo can take their console, lube it up with the tears of their disappointed customers and shove it up their money hungry nook hole.

    We've been waiting 7 years and this is what you do. Thanks I'm SO glad I waited for this game.    … Expand
  25. Addikins
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    A wonderful opportunity ruined by progression locked without any form of warning. If you’re the main player but let your spouse or family member play first then it ruins the experience for all secondary players including yourself.

    I’m having to delete my save that I’ve put an enormous amount of time into after 5 days in-game just because of this oversight. No way to switch the island    A wonderful opportunity ruined by progression locked without any form of warning. If you’re the main player but let your spouse or family member play first then it ruins the experience for all secondary players including yourself.

    I’m having to delete my save that I’ve put an enormous amount of time into after 5 days in-game just because of this oversight. No way to switch the island representative or delete the main player without remaking the entire island. It is heartbreaking.    … Expand
  26. Ghilreath
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Very good game, I've never played an animal crossing Game before, but this title
  27. Ashleyola
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Some of you have never played an Animal Crossing game and it shows. This game is great. It improves upon almost every aspect of the game. So sad that some of you feel the need to throw an online tantrum because you didn’t research the game before buying. To everyone else, buy this game! You’ll have loads of fun!
  28. eugenioanez
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Step in and stop review bombing, Metacritic! It’s unfair for developers and gamers.
  29. Denvers
    Mar 24, 2020
    8
    Firstly, i would like to say, this is a game I would totally give a 9 or a 10 if it weren't for some HUGE issues. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a FANTASTIC single player experience and is the best game in the installment by far. The game is charming as always and the new crafting mechanic adds so much to the game as a whole. Now, instead of catching bugs, fishing, and gathering fruit toFirstly, i would like to say, this is a game I would totally give a 9 or a 10 if it weren't for some HUGE issues. Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a FANTASTIC single player experience and is the best game in the installment by far. The game is charming as always and the new crafting mechanic adds so much to the game as a whole. Now, instead of catching bugs, fishing, and gathering fruit to sell to buy items, you can make your own tools and furniture. Another great addition this game has is the deserted islands you can visit. You are allowed to visit small, deserted islands and gather as many resources there as you can hold to bring back to your island. This helps lower the time it takes to gather enough resources to build a new building or upgrade an old one. Nook Miles is a new addition as well - a currency that you get just by doing things like catching bugs, chopping down trees, and selling items for bells! This makes doing simple little things rewarded. Nook Miles Plus allows you to do simple tasks like catch 5 bugs and then adds a new one right away for you to complete. Here's the main issue with the game - for each copy of Animal Crossing you own, you can only have ONE ISLAND. This would be fine if it were just yourself playing, but other players can't have their own experience AND can't do a lot of things in the game if they don't own the island. Even if you have 2 Nintendo Switches, you can only have one island per copy of Animal Crossing you own. This makes the game so much less enjoyable for other players for no reason - Nintendo could have EASILY allowed for multiple saves. In addition to that, islands can't bew recovered via Nintendo Switch Online which was a major selling point of NSO - backups. Nintendo will recover your island up to one time if you get a new system or break your old one, but after that, you are on your own. I wish Nintendo would fix these issues, because if they did, this game would be nearly perfect. Still, if you don't plan on breaking your Switch and aren't playing with anyone else, I can't reccomend this game enough.… Expand
  30. Robbyiss
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    People have valid concerns with the oversight of a single island on each switch, however I don't believe that makes the game a 0/10. There is truly some trash games on the eShop and New Horizons is not one of them. Since everyone is basing their review on this one flaw, I'll base mine with the fact that I don't share the game with anyone so the game has been perfect for me.
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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.
    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]
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