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. Nachtetraume
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    New Horizons did just that, opened up new horizons for the Animal Crossing series. The new crafting aspect was something I originally wasn't sure I was going to like but I have taken to and really enjoy. Previous titles would just have you doing tasks for your villagers and just catching bugs and fish all day long. New Leaf turned a new leaf making you the mayor of a town and setting up aNew Horizons did just that, opened up new horizons for the Animal Crossing series. The new crafting aspect was something I originally wasn't sure I was going to like but I have taken to and really enjoy. Previous titles would just have you doing tasks for your villagers and just catching bugs and fish all day long. New Leaf turned a new leaf making you the mayor of a town and setting up a beautiful location. Now you've got the full reign of the island to make it whatever you want. Having the ability to place villager homes so they don't ruin your flower garden or paths? YES PLEASE! Being able to terraform the land/water scape to make it flow however you want and fill in weird gaps of the map? I'll take it! There's so much to this game that is absolutely amazing and a labor of love from Nintendo.

    Socially it does require Nintendo Online to visit your friends. That's pretty common at this point for most game titles for any platform. I find having one island per switch to be amazing. You can share your game cartridge and not worry about someone destroying your hard work when you get it back.

    My boyfriend and I do have our own switches so it makes playing easy but I would want to get another game so I don't have to wait for him when I think of a new task for myself. Overall, this is a much needed island vacation!    … Expand
  2. TheRealCrow
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Ok we're addicted to this game. The low average is from users putting in zeroes for it not allowing more than one island per switch. Which granted, sucks, but none the less this game is nearly perfect!
  3. NeonChicken
    Mar 24, 2020
    2
    Animal Crossing as a game is as wonderful as it ever has been. The new features IN THE GAMEPLAY are fun and welcome. However, I own two Nintendo Switches (OG and Lite) bought the game hoping for cloud saves, no dice. So I set up on the family OG switch, not knowing you may only have ONE ISLAND per console. This has locked my wife and son out of the game for pacing and my son who typicallyAnimal Crossing as a game is as wonderful as it ever has been. The new features IN THE GAMEPLAY are fun and welcome. However, I own two Nintendo Switches (OG and Lite) bought the game hoping for cloud saves, no dice. So I set up on the family OG switch, not knowing you may only have ONE ISLAND per console. This has locked my wife and son out of the game for pacing and my son who typically wakes up early to play consumes all the island resources. Ultimately I could just restart on the lite but that would lock me out of the TV side which I enjoy. So the solution would not be to buy another copy of the game it would be to buy a another full switch console. This makes my rating of the game go from a 9-10 to a 2. Another thing which I don't think many have addressed: If I (the first person to play) quits playing the island progression stops too for my son. So in effect I'm sticking with it for the child...… Expand
  4. Ramza6
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Cash grab tactics to get more console sales. The first player to play the game actually gets the full experience, but anyone else on that console gets a gimped version of the game with less content. Garbage.
  5. rickycarrillo
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    To say that co-op is terrible, or that the game isn't fair, simply means that you're not putting in the effort to enjoy the game. Player 2, if you are coming into the game expecting that you'll be able to do so so much, you wont. Just like player 1, they had to slowly and painstakingly put time into the game to get to the points you're complaining about.

    I understand the one island per    To say that co-op is terrible, or that the game isn't fair, simply means that you're not putting in the effort to enjoy the game. Player 2, if you are coming into the game expecting that you'll be able to do so so much, you wont. Just like player 1, they had to slowly and painstakingly put time into the game to get to the points you're complaining about.

    I understand the one island per switch, but there's two reasons for this.
    First, an island takes up a significant amount of space on your switch. With the addition of progression and adding items to your inventory, and your museum and encyclopedia, that all adds up. Then imagine every user on a switch, 8 users with their own individual islands, on top of that per user, 7 additional houses per shared island. That's a grand total of 8 unique islands, and 64 unique players. That amount of data adds up, quickly.

    Secondly, adding onto the data situation. The game allows 8 users total on an island. If you're playing online, the max is 8 on your island total. Given the switch has a total of 8 users, its the best choice to make. One island per switch, one player per user.

    To review bomb a game means you aren't taking time to understand and come to terms why the game is built like this.

    Overall, in my opinion, the game is a 10. With future DLC, it'll bump it to an 11.    … Expand
  6. Antibomb
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Taking Animal Crossing to new heights. Yes, there are some limitations, like only having one island per switch. But the amazing gameplay offered here more than makes up for that. And let's be honest, this is not an evil Nintendo scheme to sell more consoles, it's a classic Nintendo limitation to make players play and have fun together. Which is actually working really well in my household.
  7. ChrisLinen
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    So they disabled cloud saves even though I'm paying $20/year for that. Next, you can't have more than one island per console, so if me and my sister wanted separate islands, we would have to spend $360 dollars to buy an entire new Switch just to have 2 islands. Oh and don't forget that certain features of the game are only available to the player who created the island, so single player isSo they disabled cloud saves even though I'm paying $20/year for that. Next, you can't have more than one island per console, so if me and my sister wanted separate islands, we would have to spend $360 dollars to buy an entire new Switch just to have 2 islands. Oh and don't forget that certain features of the game are only available to the player who created the island, so single player is broken for everyone except the island creator. Oh and they made it a lot harder to "time travel" in the game. On the 3ds animal crossing, I would set my game time 2 hours different because I like to play every morning at around 6:00 AM and my school starts at 8:00 AM. Everything important in the game happens at 8, so I just set the time so that when it's actually 6, the game thinks it's 8:00. Now it's harder to change the in-game time, so I literally cannot play the game because everything important happens while I am in school. Wow, Nintendo's first party games are getting so bad. The older ones like Smash, Mario Kart, BOTW, etc. were really good but Animal Crossing, Luigi's Mansion 3, and Mario Maker 2 are all really bad. Their online is absolutely screwed, I can't believe they make me pay $20 for a broken system. Don't buy this game.… Expand
  8. gamerdad83
    Mar 24, 2020
    2
    1 island per console is a fabricated limitation that destroys the experience.

    Even IF you wanted to buy multiple copies of the game (think OG Pokemon Games with a single save file per cart) you could have a copy of Red and a copy of Blue for each person in the family to have their own adventure. Which, while that model was worse than traditional game up to that time with 3 save slots    1 island per console is a fabricated limitation that destroys the experience.

    Even IF you wanted to buy multiple copies of the game (think OG Pokemon Games with a single save file per cart) you could have a copy of Red and a copy of Blue for each person in the family to have their own adventure.

    Which, while that model was worse than traditional game up to that time with 3 save slots per cartridge, it still allowed each person their own experience.

    Imagine if in Pokemon Sword/Shield, another user could start a game but couldn't get to the wild area because Play 1 stopped playing at the first Pokemon center. It would be ludicrous and unacceptable.

    Alas, this was an eShop purchase and I cannot return it.

    I would have liked this a lot more if all of the 8 accounts on a console had their own island and you could zoom out to see the whole area, think like the Hawaiian islands, so each switch could have its own archipelago.    … Expand
  9. nofx911
    Mar 24, 2020
    1
    Normally, I would give this game an 8 out of 10, but I can not believe Nintendo would allow a first person release that is so incredibly crippled. Against better judgement I decided to try the game knowing that there is only one island per switch (I have never played animal crossings games before so did not realize how annoying that would be). However, they made is worse since the personNormally, I would give this game an 8 out of 10, but I can not believe Nintendo would allow a first person release that is so incredibly crippled. Against better judgement I decided to try the game knowing that there is only one island per switch (I have never played animal crossings games before so did not realize how annoying that would be). However, they made is worse since the person that creates the island holds everyone else back. I do not have time to play right now, but my son is home and he is essential stuck since I do not have time to play. Maybe I missed something or did not understand when setting everything up, but that for all companies to be that anti consumer I would have never guessed Nintendo. Just seems like a cash grab from a company that has one of the hottest systems ruining a game that would be very good otherwise.… Expand
  10. Paul_Linenger
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    You can have 8 players to a town but only the first one is able to do everything. All other players are second-class residents
  11. RezzCritic
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Payed for a switch, Payed for an online subscription, payed for the game, can't even enjoy it fully because I'm player 2.

    Never again
  12. Bhrawn
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    We have 3 daughters that play this game and I've got to say, TERRIBLE decision to only allow 1 island per Switch! Really leaves a bad taste in my mouth towards Nintendo. I can't imagine they didn't see these issues as being a problem before release, which, I think, makes them terrible, greedy people. Here I thought they were a family-priority company. Disgraceful!
  13. javotin
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Brilliant game, true to the Animal Crossing series while trying out some fresh and effective mechanics such as crafting and terraforming. Don’t listen to people who are giving this game 0 stars— they’re just salty that you can only have one island per Switch?
  14. matt2211
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    One of the best games i’ve ever played, it’s so relaxing and because of being home full-time it’s extremely comforting being able to sit and play with all of my friends
  15. Zcross505
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    An amazing game from the graphics to the gameplay. Found myself addicted within a day.
  16. ALb7XjrpdgruRkD
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    It is so ridiculous that only one player has access to all of the features of the game. I allowed my younger sister to play the game before me, and now as player two I won't be able to do everything! Shame on you Nintendo for your greed and laziness!
  17. vgriscom
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Soo much fun!! People arent rating the game fairly at all. Bombing a great game for one piece you don't like is childish. In a time where there isn't much to bring the mood up Animal Crossing is the best.
  18. SupaDupaMario
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    One of my favorite series but I’m overall very disappointed with how the second player is limited to what they can do compared to the first player. Overall ruining my enjoyment, since I let my girlfriend play first.
  19. Odande
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Nintendo did a really cool thing where the first player to make their character on your Switch is the ONLY player who actually has access to the entire game. I cannot give resources to Tom Nook for building upgrades or progress my town in any meaningful way. I cannot for the life of me understand why Nintendo thought that only 1/8 people should be the one to have access to all of the gameNintendo did a really cool thing where the first player to make their character on your Switch is the ONLY player who actually has access to the entire game. I cannot give resources to Tom Nook for building upgrades or progress my town in any meaningful way. I cannot for the life of me understand why Nintendo thought that only 1/8 people should be the one to have access to all of the game leaving 7 other players with a demo version.

    I was about to buy a freaking Switch Lite and ANOTHER copy of AC:NH until I realized I can't transfer saves!!! Good moves Nintendo. Game is essentially unplayable unless the primary player is giving you a play by play update of EVERYTHING that's happening on their end and even then secondary players can't even give those resources to the NPC's that need them. This is basically like how in Sonic and Knuckles the person who plays Tails is just aimlessly flying around the level where as Sonic is the actual one who's really in control.    … Expand
  20. Hypercharge
    Mar 24, 2020
    1
    This is not a multiplayer game. It will likely become one when Nintendo figures out how to charge people another $60 for the functionality.
  21. AlwayzB
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this game in good faith. I don't want this to be a shallow "review bomb", but it is the only way, I feel, to get Nintendo's attention and get a genuine fix pushed forward.

    An absolutely brilliant game with 1 unbelievable fatal flaw: Having multiple players on the same Switch gates features, progress, and quests from all but the 1st player to play. Not    Unfortunately, I cannot recommend this game in good faith. I don't want this to be a shallow "review bomb", but it is the only way, I feel, to get Nintendo's attention and get a genuine fix pushed forward.

    An absolutely brilliant game with 1 unbelievable fatal flaw: Having multiple players on the same Switch gates features, progress, and quests from all but the 1st player to play. Not only is there only 1 island per console (a design feature that should have been abandoned in the industry back in 1996), but only the 1st player to start the save file is designated as "Island Representative". Only they may talk to Tom Nook every day for quests, get various crafting recipes that, as far as I can tell, are exclusive to them, only they can place the housing for new residents, start building the museum, and on and on.

    It's such an unfathomable misstep in an otherwise brilliant game. It's an easy 10/10 if they fix this, and fix it right. First and foremost, allow every player to make island progress and decisions, designating each player as the Island Representative role. Secondly, please, allow for multiple Islands per console; 1 for each player account. The *only* reasonable explanation for this decision is to pressure consumers into buying not only multiple copies of the game, but multiple Switches entirely. This is unacceptable and downright predatory. If they're concerned of people cheating and having multiple islands to farm, people already Time Travel, so who cares?

    Please, please, please. Do the right thing, fix these incredibly broken parts of your game, and let me love this game as it deserves to be loved.    … Expand
  22. ComradeUb3r
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    This is an incredible game and the problems people are review-bombing this with won't be problems after a week of play.
  23. flamingo92
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Only one user per console is completely unjustifiable and it ruins the experience entirely. Fix this Nintendo.
  24. mangamike
    Mar 24, 2020
    4
    Really need to fix multiple people on one console, i have 3 grils and each one wants to play this game, i cannot afford to buy them each their own switch, there is no option to create a new island and being the 2nd player or 3rd player to start on a console SUCKS!!!! You miss out on so much that only the 1st player gets in terms of activities, resources, etc. It's absolutely terrible. YouReally need to fix multiple people on one console, i have 3 grils and each one wants to play this game, i cannot afford to buy them each their own switch, there is no option to create a new island and being the 2nd player or 3rd player to start on a console SUCKS!!!! You miss out on so much that only the 1st player gets in terms of activities, resources, etc. It's absolutely terrible. You have to buy a 2nd console (or 3rd in my case) if more than one person in your household wants to get the full game experience. That's unacceptable.… Expand
  25. Racelle
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    The game has been great so far!! The pacing is really nice and I love all of the cute villagers. This is the first Animal Crossing game I've played and have been immediately hooked to it. The character customization features are nice too.
  26. Cadam
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    New Horizons is a refreshing take on the animal crossing series of games. It has new elements to keep animal crossing veterans happy, and it is simple enough for new players to enjoy.
  27. MaeBeaInTheWood
    Mar 24, 2020
    5
    This new Animal Crossing shows everyone can make mistakes, or just decide they want to be EA. This is very much just a mix of Pocket Camp, Wild World, and New Leaf. The game has an overly-long tutorial before letting you do what you want. There is also the fact that parts of your island are completely locked because you don't have any bridges built at the start unlike other games, and it'sThis new Animal Crossing shows everyone can make mistakes, or just decide they want to be EA. This is very much just a mix of Pocket Camp, Wild World, and New Leaf. The game has an overly-long tutorial before letting you do what you want. There is also the fact that parts of your island are completely locked because you don't have any bridges built at the start unlike other games, and it's a while before you build bridges or unlock the vaulting pole. Nintendo also shows their greed in wanting you to buy more Switch consoles, as it is not 1 island per Nintendo Switch user, it's 1 island per Nintendo Switch console. And the only way to get a new or second island is to delete your first. This game also excludes the character of the fan favorite and my personal favorite, Rover. He does not appear on the plane to the island to help you (instead that role is filled by Nook's little scouts), and he doesn't appear in the game at all. My only things to say in defense of this game is that for once the game lets you decide what your villager's appearance is instead of generating it with cryptic questions like the other games (and usually no matter what you answered for the questions, you didn't like how your villager looked). The other thing is that Tom Nook appears to be less greedy and more friendly. He has general interactions the way a peppy villager, or Isabelle, or one of the Ables would instead of constant badgering and pressuring you about money like he does in other games.… Expand
  28. jbc1995
    Mar 24, 2020
    9
    Bought the game to play with my wife. First video game she's ever been stoked to play (she's pretty new to video games). I understand people's complaints about one island per Switch console and only the first player to register being in full control, but I've actually really liked it. It allows us to better work together on our objectives and communicate what we want to do. The ease ofBought the game to play with my wife. First video game she's ever been stoked to play (she's pretty new to video games). I understand people's complaints about one island per Switch console and only the first player to register being in full control, but I've actually really liked it. It allows us to better work together on our objectives and communicate what we want to do. The ease of swapping who is the leader in less than 5 seconds makes it extremely easy to work together on many tasks and split resources evenly. Sure, improvements could be made on the system, but considering how incredible the rest of the game is, it's a minor inconvenience for us. Note that this is my own personal opinion and other people may strongly disagree, but I for one, absolutely love the game, and so does my wife!… Expand
  29. breichart
    Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I had my wife set up her account first as it was a surprise gift for her, not entirely sure if she would like it. Well, now I am locked out of progressing on my own and we are forced to share materials on a daily basis. I can only progress up to wherever she currently is and if she progresses when I'm not home, then I don't get to see it at all. There's no reason to have to buy anotherI had my wife set up her account first as it was a surprise gift for her, not entirely sure if she would like it. Well, now I am locked out of progressing on my own and we are forced to share materials on a daily basis. I can only progress up to wherever she currently is and if she progresses when I'm not home, then I don't get to see it at all. There's no reason to have to buy another Switch and game just to be able to do my own things. The single-player experience is ruined for me since I'm basically backseat riding her account. This either needs fixed or spammed with bad reviews as this is unacceptable in modern gaming.… Expand
  30. Dizzydes
    Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Good stuff, no idea why it's currently at a 6.5 y'all stay mad. Anyways chillie
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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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