User Score
5.6

Mixed or average reviews- based on 6617 Ratings

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  1. Apr 6, 2020
    0
    I think I would like the game but I am unable to progress because my daughter has the primary character. So I am unable to get the full experience. It would be nice if there was a warning in the beginning. Then I would have set myself as the primary and then both of us would enjoy the game.
  2. Apr 7, 2020
    0
    1 island PER CONSOLE with 1 player and up to 7 slaves (aka other players that cannot progress in the game) is a joke!

    You can’t transfer data in any way to “prevent cheating”, which is as naive as it is harmful for anyone that found out the first paragraph the hard way or whose console may break. Multiplayer is a vast joke with one player being nothing more than a portable tool/slave
    1 island PER CONSOLE with 1 player and up to 7 slaves (aka other players that cannot progress in the game) is a joke!

    You can’t transfer data in any way to “prevent cheating”, which is as naive as it is harmful for anyone that found out the first paragraph the hard way or whose console may break.

    Multiplayer is a vast joke with one player being nothing more than a portable tool/slave

    Also be prepared for durability. Yes: tools break. A lot. Even the best ones break. This is by far the worst AC I’ve played so far and the worst offender is: I was eager to play it. So was a lot of people, and Nintendo will probably only look at the sales
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  3. Apr 29, 2020
    0
    Had fun for the first few days. When my girlfriend wanted to start playing, we realized that she could not have her own island. Since neither of us wants to be "player 2", which would severely limit what you can do, I lost all interest and won't play again until we can create separate islands on the same console.
  4. Apr 7, 2020
    1
    It’s a great game but the switch is shared between my partner and I. He created an account first and created the island. I’ve been more interested and put more hours in but can’t progress unless he progresses first. Wish multiplayer was better and everyone could get the same game experience.
  5. Apr 8, 2020
    1
    The limitations on anyone other than the initial player are absolutely ridiculous. This was a huge disappointment for me as my wife started the island (one island per switch) and I was left as an ancillary character when I joined in. The game play looked fun when she was playing, such a shame.
  6. Apr 27, 2020
    9
    Really chill game that lets you do whatever feels like it could relieve your stress. With a wonderful atmosphere and adorable aesthetics you can enjoy your own life on a deserted island. This was the first animal crossing game I bought and I honestly did not see the appeal before. After playing I can finally say that seeing your island life progress with new animal friends and your ownReally chill game that lets you do whatever feels like it could relieve your stress. With a wonderful atmosphere and adorable aesthetics you can enjoy your own life on a deserted island. This was the first animal crossing game I bought and I honestly did not see the appeal before. After playing I can finally say that seeing your island life progress with new animal friends and your own creativity shine to show for others or simply for yourself is a fun thing. I have not even started to play with friends yet but I can imagine that will make the game even more enjoyable. Expand
  7. May 3, 2020
    0
    Bought as an escape from the quarantine blues and being stuck inside.

    Saw my son placing his tent on my island. Googled to find out there’s only one island per console. So this is a game about living with people in a small space with limited resources due to that restriction. Because I haven’t lived that enough for the last two months. What an absolute letdown. Deleted my save so my son
    Bought as an escape from the quarantine blues and being stuck inside.

    Saw my son placing his tent on my island. Googled to find out there’s only one island per console.

    So this is a game about living with people in a small space with limited resources due to that restriction. Because I haven’t lived that enough for the last two months.

    What an absolute letdown. Deleted my save so my son could enjoy and I’ll just enjoy the day to day drudgery of quarantine.

    Thanks for nothing, Nintendo.
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  8. May 10, 2020
    2
    This game is a shameless cash grab by Nintendo to sell more consoles. To get the full experience, a second cartridge won't work, you need to buy a whole new console. The first player experiences the full game, additional players get to see what the first player chooses to do.

    Nintendo did this knowing the game would be popular and could potentially boost console sales. They might not
    This game is a shameless cash grab by Nintendo to sell more consoles. To get the full experience, a second cartridge won't work, you need to buy a whole new console. The first player experiences the full game, additional players get to see what the first player chooses to do.

    Nintendo did this knowing the game would be popular and could potentially boost console sales. They might not care about one customer, but I will not be purchasing another thing by Nintendo unless this gets fixed.
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  9. May 14, 2020
    0
    Bought this game for my kids to play and I'm fuming that they can't each play on their own islands on their own account. Each subsequent player is extremely limited by the first player and they get a watered down experience. So dissappointed.
  10. May 14, 2020
    0
    Only one island per console????? That’s not going over well with my kids and I’m not about to buy each of them a switch simply so they can have their own islands to enjoy. Wish I could get a refund.
  11. May 30, 2020
    0
    TL;DR
    The game is not finished nor polished. it looks like a giant beta with lots of feature that Nintendo put in the game for testing, but are very limited. I'm convinced the team that developed AC:NH is not as skilled nor experienced in game design than the one who've done the previous games.
    This game is a deception: - One island per console. You want to play with your relatives?
    TL;DR
    The game is not finished nor polished. it looks like a giant beta with lots of feature that Nintendo put in the game for testing, but are very limited. I'm convinced the team that developed AC:NH is not as skilled nor experienced in game design than the one who've done the previous games.

    This game is a deception:
    - One island per console. You want to play with your relatives? Buy a new console you pigeon!

    - The local multiplayer is simply awful: the current player is considered "Master" and the second player a "Slave". As a slave, you can do absolutely nothing. NOT EVEN OPEN YOUR OWN INVENTORY. The local multiplayer is basically useless.

    - The UI design is bad, really bad. You need to pass 3 dialog boxes minimum before even reaching the feature you want. Characters talk to say nothing, really.

    - The famous "Characters are more intelligent now! They're aware with their environment" is completely **** They're no real upgrade of the dialogue system, villagers end-ups saying the same thing over and over again. The environmental awareness basically adds one dialogue out of the 20s they have.

    - You don't get to choose you villagers. If you fall with a villager you don't want, you're screwed, as the mechanism behind a villager moving out is strange; nobody knows exactly how it works. For me, I had to wait 2 months for a specific villager, out of the 6 I don't wanted in my island, to go.

    - If one of your villager move out, you have only a day to find another you want. Otherwise, the game will automatically give you a random one, too bad if you don't want him ¯_(ツ)_/¯.

    - It 's been 3 month since the release of the game. The only update we had were about "fixing stuff" and reducing some insects spawn because player could make a lot of money with it (But they let people sell their villager for an insane amount of money; see what happened to Raymond, it's just disgusting), and adding characters that should've been in the initial release of the game (Redd and Leif).

    - The craft system is very basic. You can't even craft multiple object at once, or use materials stocked in your house directly in the craft system.

    - It seems there's less insects and fishes to capture. Gyroids have been completely removed from the game. You read that right.

    - The game has a "story" that you can reach in about 1-2 weeks (because the game makes you wait one day each time you progress). When you finally reached that goal, the credits play, and it feels like there's nothing else to do in the game. Because there's nothing else to do in the game.

    - There's even less interactions with Nook and Isabelle than the last game. I thought it would be time for Nintendo to let players know Isabelle and Nook better, but no.

    - Speaking of them, they do the daily announcements every time you launch the game. After the completion of the main goal of the game, Isabelle will, EVERYDAY, says that there's nothing to say, unless you have someone move in/out, or a special event.
    Basically, this feature is useless after spending 1-2 weeks in the game.

    - The RNG behind the crafting recipes is broken. It's like the game doesn't want you to learn new items to craft. For weeks I stumble upon the same crafting recipes everyday. This is even more infuriating when the recipe you earn is composed of other recipe you don't have.

    - The whole Island Terraformation was a great idea, but badly executed. You can only terraformate one cell at the time. Your island is about 100*100 cells. It'll take you days before you reach your terraformation goal.

    - Remember when you could invite villagers to your house? Forget that. It does not exist in this game.

    There's a lot of thing Nintendo could have done to polish the game. There's a lot of features that are missing from the previous games, a lot of characters that are missing too.
    The game doesn't seem finished, nor polished in any way. In 3 months, we had ONE update with 2 characters that should've have been in the initial release of the game.
    Nintendo doesn't seem to care. but since the game is one of the most sold game of all time on switch, I don't think they'll continue to update the game with new characters and upgraded features.
    The hype killed the game.
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  12. Jun 1, 2020
    0
    It’s absolutely appalling the design decisión from Nintendo not only making the one island per switch but also making only the first player the citizen representative. I was not the first player to start it up even though I bought it and now I’m stuck in the story. There are people that say this has always been the case, well that does not mean it’s right, it’s greedy from Nintendo forIt’s absolutely appalling the design decisión from Nintendo not only making the one island per switch but also making only the first player the citizen representative. I was not the first player to start it up even though I bought it and now I’m stuck in the story. There are people that say this has always been the case, well that does not mean it’s right, it’s greedy from Nintendo for trying to get me buy another switch for another familiar member. It’s a household console, already expensive in this time of crisis but also the game is expensive too, we do not live in a chocolate world. This feature has completely ruined the game for me, if animal crossing is a great game well then that’s a game that’s unplayable for me. Expand
  13. Mar 21, 2020
    9
    The game is almost perfect! I must say that the only flaw is really the fact that you can only have one island, (many review bomb confirm that) but other thant that, the game is perfect! Can't wait to put 100 more hours in it!
  14. Mar 23, 2020
    0
    This game has been marketed as a game for family amd friends where the multiplayer was encouraged, yet if you don’t get to start the islamd, you’re basically a roamer that aimlessly collects fruit. You give no contribution to the development of the island and are bound to the progress the first player decides to male, it feels like you don’t matter at all, you don’t even receive recipes orThis game has been marketed as a game for family amd friends where the multiplayer was encouraged, yet if you don’t get to start the islamd, you’re basically a roamer that aimlessly collects fruit. You give no contribution to the development of the island and are bound to the progress the first player decides to male, it feels like you don’t matter at all, you don’t even receive recipes or anything. Factor in the decision of one island per console and you can easily jump to the conclusion that nintendo wants every engaged player to own a console, and since the Nintendo switch sits on a price range that’s way higher than that of the Nintendo 3DS this is just absurd. If you’re alone the game is fine and perfect, if you share the console with other people the game will be cool just for the first player, and utterly boring and discriminating for the remaining players. Also, if the first player stops playing, everyone is stuck and the only option is to restart the game from zero. Expand
  15. Mar 21, 2020
    9
    So far of what I played, I don’t think it deserves all the hate it gets, however some of the problems especially early on can be a huge dealbreaker to some such as 1 island per user, co-op, and the fact that it starts off super slowly, which could turn off new fans. Also why do you get hourly music later in the game? Hearing the same track for the whole day gets really irritating. Also ISo far of what I played, I don’t think it deserves all the hate it gets, however some of the problems especially early on can be a huge dealbreaker to some such as 1 island per user, co-op, and the fact that it starts off super slowly, which could turn off new fans. Also why do you get hourly music later in the game? Hearing the same track for the whole day gets really irritating. Also I don’t really like the piece of music, but that is a me problem. Hopefully Nintendo listens and fixes some of these issues. Overall, I highly recommend this game. Gorgeous graphics, fun and addicting gameplay, and the amazing charm the series is best known for. Expand
  16. Mar 20, 2020
    9
    As a first timer to the animal crossing series, it was a bit hard to get into at first, but i really enjoy it now. The music, the graphics, the vibe, it's all so relaxing. The only downside i can think of now is the crazy amount of dialogue you can't skip. Great game! Can't wait to play in other seasons!
  17. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Don't buy this game if you have more people playing on one Switch. It is a good Game for the first Player that enters the game, but the next player that wants to start the game is strictly limited in his gameplay.
  18. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    My bf started playing before me. No option to create my own island and being the 2nd 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 if more than one person in your household wants to get the full game experience. That's unacceptable.
  19. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. So great game if you are the first player. However, if you are playing local multiplayer with your family the game is absolute trash. Everything in the game is progress locked behind the first player. Whoever came up with the Resident Representative idea has no idea what Animal Crossing should be.

    Hopefully at some point Nintendo removes this so that all players can play the game equally.
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  20. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    The multiplayer sucks on this one. They might as well say it's single player on the store page. And by the way: 1 island per switch. How on earth you people don't have 1 switch per family member at this point? /s
  21. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    The Game is great for one person per day as once one player has done something on the island the other player has no purpose for that whole day and cannot progress at all the perfect fix for the game would be one 'island' per switch but sub island's which are un editable by accounts who dont own that sub island, or better yet just an option for cloud saves or 2 islands.
  22. 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!
  23. 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!
  24. 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
  25. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    I created a metacritic account for the sole purpose of expressing my disappointment in this game. It'd be a 10 for the single player game, but the terrible way they handled multiplayer ruins it. I let my wife take the lead, only to find I can't progress. Plus, playing at the same time with local coop is a joke. I'd rather sit back and watch someone else play. Like others have pointed out,I created a metacritic account for the sole purpose of expressing my disappointment in this game. It'd be a 10 for the single player game, but the terrible way they handled multiplayer ruins it. I let my wife take the lead, only to find I can't progress. Plus, playing at the same time with local coop is a joke. I'd rather sit back and watch someone else play. Like others have pointed out, this is a blatant and disappointing money grab by Nintendo. Expand
  26. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Only one island per switch makes me mad. I wanted to play the game but Nintendo said "Naw fam".
  27. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Multiplayer:
    Claiming the game is "co-op" is basically a joke. If you aren't the first person to start the game you are essentially useless and every functionality is locked out. You have to wait for the original player to advance the story if you want anything to happen or change. Now if player one decides to take a break from the game or isn't able to play for a while you have no option
    Multiplayer:
    Claiming the game is "co-op" is basically a joke. If you aren't the first person to start the game you are essentially useless and every functionality is locked out. You have to wait for the original player to advance the story if you want anything to happen or change. Now if player one decides to take a break from the game or isn't able to play for a while you have no option but to wait for them. I hope you didn't buy this game for the sole purpose of playing multiplayer like I did.

    Game content:
    The island feels pretty small when you first start out. The island we chose had very little starting space. The tutorial is fairly long for how simple the mechanics are. Second player and up will progress through the opening a lot faster. The game is cute as always but fairly bland. Tldr: Multiplayer is horrible and there isn't really much to redeem the game.
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  28. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Pre-ordered, waited....got the game, let my son go first...finally got to play, only to find out I'm a glorified NPC. My son is enjoying the game and from what little I could actually do in the game it looks like it could be fun to play if you are the only one in your household. This is ridiculous, I have been a long time customer but this will be the last time I purchase Nintendo gamesPre-ordered, waited....got the game, let my son go first...finally got to play, only to find out I'm a glorified NPC. My son is enjoying the game and from what little I could actually do in the game it looks like it could be fun to play if you are the only one in your household. This is ridiculous, I have been a long time customer but this will be the last time I purchase Nintendo games unless they fix this issue. In this day and age and state of the world, no one needs to feel like a second class citizen while playing a GAME. PLEASE FIX THIS! Expand
  29. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Was so looking forward to starting my own island but you know I’m a secondary account so I don’t matter to Nintendo and the only way to matter is to buy another switch, yay.
  30. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    One island per switch, I have 2 kids that want to play, caused nothing but fighting so far..
  31. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Me and my wife are having to share an island. We cant even cart swap like you used to
  32. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Gameplay is completely broken having only one island per switch. It makes no sense at all. Multiple people on the same switch destroy the experience.
  33. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Absolutely ridiculous that they limit players so that only one person can play. We have a large family, and we can’t even buy additional copies to play because it’s locked per Nintendo Switch console. I hope they do something to address this.
  34. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    If you plan on playing this game across multiple accounts on one switch your progress will be gated based on the progress of the 1st account to play the game on your console. This is without warning and nothing in the game advises you of this.

    This killed all hype I have for this game as I've wasted so much time trying to craft an axe when I can't even unlock the recipe. I refuse to
    If you plan on playing this game across multiple accounts on one switch your progress will be gated based on the progress of the 1st account to play the game on your console. This is without warning and nothing in the game advises you of this.

    This killed all hype I have for this game as I've wasted so much time trying to craft an axe when I can't even unlock the recipe. I refuse to restart this game unless island reps can be appointed dynamically or so.e other workaround/fix is implemented.
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  35. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Only one island per console is scummy, but not deal breaking on its own. You can't even buy a second copy of the game, you literally have to buy a second Switch. That is more scummy than pretty much anything I've seen in gaming before.

    However, despite the scummy decision, I wasn't planning on having more than one island anyways, so it's not a deal-breaker. What is a deal-breaker for me
    Only one island per console is scummy, but not deal breaking on its own. You can't even buy a second copy of the game, you literally have to buy a second Switch. That is more scummy than pretty much anything I've seen in gaming before.

    However, despite the scummy decision, I wasn't planning on having more than one island anyways, so it's not a deal-breaker. What is a deal-breaker for me is that there's only one First Resident per island, and pretty much everything is locked off for anyone who isn't a First Resident. This, in combination the SCUMMY practice I mentioned before, is why the game deserves a 0 in its current state. I've never felt so betrayed by a company before and I bought Fallout 76.
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  36. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Ive been excited about New horizons for a long time. I was equally excited to share the island with my wife and enjoy what content was offered. Then I realized the limitations of being "player 2". While my wife gets to enjoy unlocking all the content, getting all the resources and recipes, and learning about the game from a very nice tutorial, im left to only mess with what littleIve been excited about New horizons for a long time. I was equally excited to share the island with my wife and enjoy what content was offered. Then I realized the limitations of being "player 2". While my wife gets to enjoy unlocking all the content, getting all the resources and recipes, and learning about the game from a very nice tutorial, im left to only mess with what little repeatable content there is to do.

    The only meaningful things i can do is gather resources and give them to the person who is the main character to progress their story.Im no longer involved in the gameplay, and pretty much cast out to do nothing other than work on my house. This is not animal crossing to me, even if i share a console with another player i shouldnt be relegated to playing a gimped minecraft.

    Forcing me to pay for another switch CONSOLE to get my own island to play is not acceptable in the least and should addressed as the most important issue IMMEDIATELY. Until then i give a score for what its like to be player 2. There is nothing to do so its a 0
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  37. Mar 24, 2020
    1
    Cooperative play becomes competitive. People either have to fight to get to the console first in order to play in a manner that pushes the story forward, or you have to manipulate the time/date to be able to have the resources available to you. Poor choices; bad call, Nintendo
  38. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Really wanted to enjoy this game with my family but the one island per console is extremely limiting. The real spoiler is that only the first person to play (the island leader) is the only one who can advance the game for everyone else. If you live alone or are the only one who plans to play on the switch this is a non-issue. For those who plan to play with family or friends on the sameReally wanted to enjoy this game with my family but the one island per console is extremely limiting. The real spoiler is that only the first person to play (the island leader) is the only one who can advance the game for everyone else. If you live alone or are the only one who plans to play on the switch this is a non-issue. For those who plan to play with family or friends on the same switch it is extremely limiting factor and makes progress dependent on the first one who played. Expand
  39. Mar 24, 2020
    1
    Nintendo is the Disney of video games. They are incredibly greedy and refuse to work with their fan-base. One island PER SWITCH? No. Money grubbing and asinine. If you're looking for another reason not to buy it, loading times in multiplayer are absurd. Every single time someone comes to/leaves from an island, everyone gets a 90 second loading screen.
  40. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Just found out that I can't actually enjoy any of this game's features, simply because my wife logged in first. This is the worst game design ever - fix this Nintendo!
  41. Mar 24, 2020
    0
    Nintendo did this to themselves. Noone should need to buy a new console just to have another save state on a game. It would be a 10 if they thought of the customer for once.
  42. Mar 24, 2020
    2
    It's great fun (for one person per console), but some serious oversight regarding local multiplayer progression hampers the main point of such a communal video game experience. Simply allowing others to contribute to town building projects instead of locking them behind the main account holder would vastly improve the game. The fact that only one person can access the construction boxesIt's great fun (for one person per console), but some serious oversight regarding local multiplayer progression hampers the main point of such a communal video game experience. Simply allowing others to contribute to town building projects instead of locking them behind the main account holder would vastly improve the game. The fact that only one person can access the construction boxes for new resident plots is case-and-point of this poor design. Expand
  43. Mar 23, 2020
    10
    The user score is almost ridiculous. Sure I understood the problem, and the "1 island blah blah" is a bad thing I agree, but could u make a REAL review and speak about the WHOLE game too? Because it is amazing and doesn't deserve a 0 or 1 at all, that's a fact. It is beautiful, charming, cute, colorful, full of old and new features. Clearly the best Animal Crossing game in my opinion, youThe user score is almost ridiculous. Sure I understood the problem, and the "1 island blah blah" is a bad thing I agree, but could u make a REAL review and speak about the WHOLE game too? Because it is amazing and doesn't deserve a 0 or 1 at all, that's a fact. It is beautiful, charming, cute, colorful, full of old and new features. Clearly the best Animal Crossing game in my opinion, you can do so many things and I'm having a really good time with it and with my friends. And did you go to the museum?! It is incredible, damn! I give the game a 9/10 for sure, but 10/10 is for counterbalance a lot of stupid rates ;) Expand
  44. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    I'm very dissapoined that you can only have one island per switch.. Hopeless decision, that is consumer super-unfriendly.
  45. Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Nice game, really relaxed. I love the real time day and night cyclus, and weather.
  46. Mar 29, 2020
    0
    I share a Switch with my fiancée and we bought this game knowing about the co-op and single-island-per-console restrictions, but we were naive about just how much these restrictions would affect gameplay. In every possible way, Nintendo has designed this game to be a single-player experience. Just sharing the same island sounded bearable, but it turns out that EVERYTHING in this game hasI share a Switch with my fiancée and we bought this game knowing about the co-op and single-island-per-console restrictions, but we were naive about just how much these restrictions would affect gameplay. In every possible way, Nintendo has designed this game to be a single-player experience. Just sharing the same island sounded bearable, but it turns out that EVERYTHING in this game has to be shared, zero-sum style. All the daily spawning resources? Only one player can take advantage of them per day. All the first-time awards for donating or developing the island? Only one player get the rewards. If one player happens to play the game more often than any other sharing the same console, there will be very little gameplay left to enjoy for the others. Nintendo has done this purposefully, betting that the pain inflicted on the players would be enough to justify buying more hardware and game copies. In our case, it has just soured us on their brand. Shame. Expand
  47. Mar 23, 2020
    10
    I love it. With every day the game getting better. The long waiting has now ended ^^
  48. Mar 23, 2020
    8
    Although the game has only been out for three days so far, I can thoroughly say this has brought me so much joy. As a long time fan I can say this is a very faithful and innovative title in the series. The big pros introduced in this game that I see clearly are the introduction of crafting, innovations to both indoor decorating and new outdoor decoration, and freedom to build your town howAlthough the game has only been out for three days so far, I can thoroughly say this has brought me so much joy. As a long time fan I can say this is a very faithful and innovative title in the series. The big pros introduced in this game that I see clearly are the introduction of crafting, innovations to both indoor decorating and new outdoor decoration, and freedom to build your town how you like it with the moment of buildings introduced. There are many other pros too, such as character customization, the beauty of the game (especially seen in the museum), etc. However, the game does have flaws. The tool degradation feels like complete annoyance rather than sense of progression and challenge it should, which is only worsened by the crafting system lacking depth due to the only 8 or so crafting materials ever used. This makes it feel very monotonous to craft things, as it would require more resources than your small island can provide, which leads you to go to other islands (Using Nook Ticket) to get resources, which can become very tedious and somewhat too easy after your first few times. The game’s pacing feels extremely slow compared to other Animal Crossing games, which does hurt when you are so limited in the beginning. Other criticisms such as it lacking gyroids (present since AC:Population Growing) being missing, a somewhat lacking roster of new villagers, fish and bugs feeling too easy to catch now, and the dreaded 1 island per console issue do bring the game down however. One criticism I don’t believe is valid is the introduction of holidays through updates, as they would be added by the time normal players would get there thus the only people who would complain is the time travelers, which is debatable if that’s cheating or not. Overall, I believe this is a great evolution of the animal crossing formula, with many small flaws that are common across franchises when such a large gap is between entries which is to be expected. I would recommend this game to any previous Animal Crossing fan and anyone wanting to come into the franchise for the first time. Expand
  49. Mar 24, 2020
    9
    Great game; I just wish you could have multiple islands. I can just play the game for hours, doing nothing without getting bored.
  50. Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Animal Crossing: New Horizons is everything Animal Crossing and more. Whether you want to have a calming experience, have fun time messing around with friends, grind for bells and collectables, or make an emotional connection with wholesome virtual animals, it will deliver a 10/10 experience.

    This game makes you look forward to wake up in the next morning.
  51. Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Been playing since the day of release and I have to say, it's a truly amazing game. There's new things to do everyday. The game is beautiful, graphics are amazing.
    I specifically enjoy that the game takes a longer time than normal games to 'complete'. This makes it seem more worth it, you can play for longer without having nothing to do.
    Regarding the multiplayer, I have tested playing via
    Been playing since the day of release and I have to say, it's a truly amazing game. There's new things to do everyday. The game is beautiful, graphics are amazing.
    I specifically enjoy that the game takes a longer time than normal games to 'complete'. This makes it seem more worth it, you can play for longer without having nothing to do.
    Regarding the multiplayer, I have tested playing via online and local play (not on the same switch) and the experience was really fun. Just as a notice to anyone who only has one switch, you can only have one island.
    Gameplay is incredible. Costumization is amazing! Overall 10/10
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  52. Mar 24, 2020
    10
    Fantastic game! If I could rate it higher I would, improves upon previous animal crossing systems in every way. It's a ridiculously calming, stress free way to blow through multiple afternoons and the level of customization that eventually comes to your island is astounding!
  53. 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
  54. Mar 24, 2020
    10
    This game is incredible. So beautiful, more than ever to do, well paced. The amount of polish alone in this game would be enough for this 10 but add in the fact that it's fun, rewarding and just lets you escape into a world of beauty and serenity. It's a game for the ages. I understand there are users talking about the inability to make island progress without the work of the initialThis game is incredible. So beautiful, more than ever to do, well paced. The amount of polish alone in this game would be enough for this 10 but add in the fact that it's fun, rewarding and just lets you escape into a world of beauty and serenity. It's a game for the ages. I understand there are users talking about the inability to make island progress without the work of the initial player on the island, but that system does make sense to me in some ways and they very well may fix it in a patch if that is a concern of yours. I feel for those who are in that situation but I believe the game is good enough to deserve much better than it's getting for one multiplayer system that they did not advertise quite how it works. Expand
  55. Mar 24, 2020
    10
    I'd like to be clear before I go any further, I have not played this game myself. I have only seen, roughly, ten minutes of gameplay over my girlfriends shoulder. Periodically, I check to see what it is she's giggling at, or smiling uncontrollably about. Those reasons alone, warrant a ten in my book, but my girlfriends enjoyment aren't the only reasons why I give this game a ten. I giveI'd like to be clear before I go any further, I have not played this game myself. I have only seen, roughly, ten minutes of gameplay over my girlfriends shoulder. Periodically, I check to see what it is she's giggling at, or smiling uncontrollably about. Those reasons alone, warrant a ten in my book, but my girlfriends enjoyment aren't the only reasons why I give this game a ten. I give this game a ten because, for the first time in a long time, it's quiet. My girlfriend is happy, amused, and distracted; all the while, I am free to my heart's content. Thank you Animal Crossing, so **** much. Expand
  56. Mar 25, 2020
    0
    Fix multiplayer and I will rate this a 10/10 because otherwise I love this game!!!!
  57. Mar 26, 2020
    0
    I've been playing for a couple of days and while i honestly thought it was a 9, i soon realized my sister as player 2 wasn't really able to do anything fun in the game and that really sucked out all the enjoyment I had with the game. Being able to have fun alone is no fun at all. I really hope Nintendo fixes this as the one island per console policy is incredibly unnecessary.
  58. Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Do not purchase if you intend to play with multiple players. Only the first child can progress the game or basically do anything on the island. No way for multiple islands. Kids in tears, what a mess. Absolutely moronic decision by the designers to not allow more than one player per game. Unfortunately bought from the Nintendo online shop so can’t return the game. DO NOT PURCHASE. I WantDo not purchase if you intend to play with multiple players. Only the first child can progress the game or basically do anything on the island. No way for multiple islands. Kids in tears, what a mess. Absolutely moronic decision by the designers to not allow more than one player per game. Unfortunately bought from the Nintendo online shop so can’t return the game. DO NOT PURCHASE. I Want to throw the switch out the window. Will sell the stupid thing once ps5 is released. Expand
  59. Mar 26, 2020
    0
    After playing for a week, I realized I have more fun with New Leaf. New Horizons has bafflingly removed core features that were present in New Leaf, and the pacing of progression feels artificially slowed down to hide the lack content. This is coming from an AC veteran who knows what's missing and also knows what a more fun pacing for this type of game feels like. The customization isAfter playing for a week, I realized I have more fun with New Leaf. New Horizons has bafflingly removed core features that were present in New Leaf, and the pacing of progression feels artificially slowed down to hide the lack content. This is coming from an AC veteran who knows what's missing and also knows what a more fun pacing for this type of game feels like. The customization is deeper and far more fleshed out, but this feels like it was at the expense of some gameplay features. While relaxing and charming, if you want the purest core AC experience, dig up a 3DS and get New Leaf.

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

    As such I have put my score at 0 to help send a message to Nintendo. Be kind to families. Especially during a time like this, while a worldwide pandemic threatens everyone's normal life. Fix this, Nintendo, and I'll adjust my score.
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  60. Mar 26, 2020
    3
    Do not buy this game if more than one person wants to play on the same Nintendo Switch. The first person (1P) to start the game is the only person who can advance and actually play the story. Anyone else playing is a limited resident, they can’t even help out with the main story objectives. If you’re not the 1P, you won’t get as much access to getting Nook Miles, opportunities, or DIYs andDo not buy this game if more than one person wants to play on the same Nintendo Switch. The first person (1P) to start the game is the only person who can advance and actually play the story. Anyone else playing is a limited resident, they can’t even help out with the main story objectives. If you’re not the 1P, you won’t get as much access to getting Nook Miles, opportunities, or DIYs and you lack a lot of experience/fun that the 1P gets. Having to share a island is kinda fun, but when other people can’t contribute near as much as the 1P it’s unfair. The multiplayer mode is awful too. It’s a leader/follower style so if you’re the follower, you can’t access your inventory, collect things to your inventory, or travel together. I don’t understand the point of multiplayer when the other players can’t do much.Both players should equally get to play normally on multiplayer. Also, if you happen to lose or damage your switch, your game is gone for good because there’s no backup save or ability to transfer data. Expand
  61. Mar 26, 2020
    2
    Giving this a 2 until something is changed about some major aspects of the game. I love animal crossing, and bought New Horizons with the intention of playing it, and getting my fiancé into the game since she's never played. Soon after we discovered that she can't have her own island, make progress, or contribute to goals whatsoever since I launched the game first. She was excited to playGiving this a 2 until something is changed about some major aspects of the game. I love animal crossing, and bought New Horizons with the intention of playing it, and getting my fiancé into the game since she's never played. Soon after we discovered that she can't have her own island, make progress, or contribute to goals whatsoever since I launched the game first. She was excited to play the game, but now she's just sad and disappointed that she can't An option when starting the game on her profile should have come up. "Would you like to play your own save on your own island, or would you like to be a glorified visitor?" The other complaint that I have is that the online functionality requires you and everyone on your island to stop what you're doing and spend the next minute watching the person arrive or leave. You can't do anything while its going on and you have to watch it. Totally slows down and puts a massive break in the flow every time. Other than that I've mostly enjoyed the game. Just wish the multiplayer made more sense, and the multiple user profiles were individual. Expand
  62. Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Each person in our family needs their own island. What a let down. We would happily buy an additional game, but a needing a second console is ridiculous.
  63. Mar 26, 2020
    0
    The multiplayer limitation is absolutely unacceptable without clear warning.
  64. Mar 29, 2020
    5
    1. Only one island per Switch. That seriously sucks, but isn't the end of the world.
    2. Only the "Resident Manager" (first player to start the game) can progress the story. This doesn't jive with #1.
    3. Tools break. Fine. Fishing rods break. Okay... Watering cans break. Wait what? 4. Cannot create multiple tools at once. This doesn't jive with #3. 5. A little confirmation and animation
    1. Only one island per Switch. That seriously sucks, but isn't the end of the world.
    2. Only the "Resident Manager" (first player to start the game) can progress the story. This doesn't jive with #1.
    3. Tools break. Fine. Fishing rods break. Okay... Watering cans break. Wait what?
    4. Cannot create multiple tools at once. This doesn't jive with #3.
    5. A little confirmation and animation plays for every single thing that's made. This doesn't jive with #4.
    6. Flowers need to be dug up now in order to be moved, using a shovel that, oh boy, it breaks. Again this would be more acceptable if it weren't for #5 and #4, but now it's just a pain in the ass.
    7. You can cross rivers using a stick! Cool, but first you gotta equip it. Why not just make it automatic with some unused button? Because it's gotta be a chore.
    8. You can climb cliffs using a ladder! Cool, but first you gotta equip it. Why not just make it automatic with some unused button? Because it's gotta be a chore.

    This game is a goddamn chore to play after the first day or two. This is mostly due to the new DIY mechanic and the ungodly amount of steps required to gather materials, make tools that break in 5-10 minutes of use, traverse the terrain, etc. Are chores fun? Not normally, no, but the professional reviewers seem to think chores are a blessing. This game, unlike previous titles in the franchise, feels like a tedious chore. Do you like chores?

    And hoo boy that friend visiting wait time, good god. 1-2 minutes of waiting, when downloading the data of a friend's island would take, at most, 2-3 seconds on any halfway-decent connection. Why was this added? It's fine to see once, but every single time? Five friends visiting each other's islands will lead to everyone waiting for at least 25 minutes in total, sitting there, doing absolutely nothing. It blows my mind that somebody thought "Hell yeah, great idea, let's make them wait more."
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  65. Mar 26, 2020
    0
    The fact that there can only be one island per switch. I let my little sister play the game before me cause she was excited and when I began to play I wasn't able to progress the game. It's unacceptable.
  66. Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Only one person on a switch can experience what the game has to offer? What cruddy industry has to stoop this low for money. They screwed themselves with this
  67. Mar 26, 2020
    0
    Disgusting limits on a single switch. Do not buy until they address it. You CANNOT PROGRESS until the first player do too sign in does. 60$ for that? Really?
  68. Mar 26, 2020
    2
    I wanted to like this game so much... but it has severe issues, enough to make it unplayable, to make a full review of the issues without spoiling even a thing. Well, here is the first issue. You can only have one save game, one save slot, one island in the entire console. You are forced to share the island with the other users playing in your console. You change something in there, amdI wanted to like this game so much... but it has severe issues, enough to make it unplayable, to make a full review of the issues without spoiling even a thing. Well, here is the first issue. You can only have one save game, one save slot, one island in the entire console. You are forced to share the island with the other users playing in your console. You change something in there, amd it will change for everyone on that console as well. A bit crappy, because there is a lot of people that preffer to put dedication or enjoy to play alone or just preffer to not have their kids messing with the island and the things youve done but it can be tolerable. Except its not. Because the game implements a system where the first player or user that plays the game, is a "leader" that consists of granting progression lock to all other users. What do i mean? It means that if the leader player hasnt played trough some part of the game, no one else can ... it hears like a joke, like, havent you thought the leader player could just abandon the game and force everyone to get stuck? Or just not play as often and delay the hell out of the other users? This game seems promising, but so many stuff limit you for no reason whatsover really, who thought it would be neccesary to force everyone to share one single save game, and at the same time lock the progress to all users except the one who first booted up the game? Yeah, because its not the user who bought the game but the one who plays it first. And yes, you guessed it, there is no way to change this "leader player" unless you delete all save game data and let the game as new and unplayed. Too many issues to be enjoyed just by a fatal saving system that nobody likes or understands why it was made that way. Expand
  69. Mar 26, 2020
    0
    You can only have 1 island, I repeat, 1 island per console. Got a wife or husband that wants their own save file like EVERY OTHER GAME IN EXISTENCE. Nope! Got kids.... You better shell out for another whole console. Gameplay is irrelevant in light of these oversights. Getting my $60 back.
  70. Mar 27, 2020
    1
    I'm unable to play full game cause my sister started playing first. I cannot improve our island. It feels like playing some kind of demo version. The game can only be recommended for people who live alone and want to play alone. It doesn't work for families.
  71. Mar 27, 2020
    3
    giving this such a low review does not feel right, but i personally feel that it is only fair.
    i feel that nintendo hasn't put much thought into the fact that the switch is a console which has multiple profiles, also siblings tend not to want to share saves which will lead to arguments. to make all of this worse even though up to 8 players can play on one island only one of those 8 ( the
    giving this such a low review does not feel right, but i personally feel that it is only fair.
    i feel that nintendo hasn't put much thought into the fact that the switch is a console which has multiple profiles, also siblings tend not to want to share saves which will lead to arguments. to make all of this worse even though up to 8 players can play on one island only one of those 8 ( the first player to begin the game) can actually do anything of significance. It would seem little less harsh if the game was linked to a cartridge or digital copy even so then this seems very anti-consumer. I cant see what would be so bad about adding seperate user game saves
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  72. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    One island per console...wow, great idea. Thanks a lot Nintendo, really appreciate it.
  73. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    I can’t believe that I can’t have my own island. My roommate gets to do all these fun things, progress the island, access tons more diy recipes, make important decisions, and all I get to do is collect bugs and plant flowers. When I tried being collaborative with my roommate, all I could do was hand over materials I harvested like a slave so she could make cool things. I get so angryI can’t believe that I can’t have my own island. My roommate gets to do all these fun things, progress the island, access tons more diy recipes, make important decisions, and all I get to do is collect bugs and plant flowers. When I tried being collaborative with my roommate, all I could do was hand over materials I harvested like a slave so she could make cool things. I get so angry watching her play it. Games shouldn’t be made like this. I shouldn’t have to get my own console. This game is utterly crap. Worst decision ever. Expand
  74. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    Excellent game outside of the *enormous* issue that is the limitation to a single island per console. This is not only infuriating and completely unprecedented, but also an entirely unnecessary constraint. Furthermore, the progress on said island is hugely dependent on the individual that created it, and the others on the island are severely limited based on what the original creator hasExcellent game outside of the *enormous* issue that is the limitation to a single island per console. This is not only infuriating and completely unprecedented, but also an entirely unnecessary constraint. Furthermore, the progress on said island is hugely dependent on the individual that created it, and the others on the island are severely limited based on what the original creator has and hasn't yet done. Cannot give this game the good score it deserves in light of this issue - Nintendo needs to fix this immediately. On the bright side, EA finally has a competitor for greediest video game company of the year! Expand
  75. Mar 27, 2020
    3
    Great game, its super chill and addictive good job nintendo. The multiplayer is where it gets complicated. Players can only own 1 island per switch. So the console isnt a family system anymore. It becomes a 400$ personal console. They made it so other accounts on one switch can play on the same island but that player cant do much apart from fsrming the resources which is ridiculous. ThisGreat game, its super chill and addictive good job nintendo. The multiplayer is where it gets complicated. Players can only own 1 island per switch. So the console isnt a family system anymore. It becomes a 400$ personal console. They made it so other accounts on one switch can play on the same island but that player cant do much apart from fsrming the resources which is ridiculous. This feature may as well not exist. I really hope nintendo can get the family focused view they once had. Because this really sucks for every household that bought the game thinking they were going to be able to compare islands...

    Cheap shot nintendo. Really
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  76. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    Love the game its so cute! HOWEVER. We are a family of 4 and were very disappointed to find out we can each have our own save file....only one person can have an "island" and advance the story. My two kids were very disappointed to find this out. Read online that you cant even buy multiple copies of the game to fix this ):
  77. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    While this is a lovely game to play while in isolation, it is absolutely terrible if you have even just two people per household who want to play it. Not everyone can afford to have multiple switches per household. Nintendo dropped the ball in regards to multiplayer use on a single switch. My brother and I went 50/50 on buying this game and because he made his character first, I have beenWhile this is a lovely game to play while in isolation, it is absolutely terrible if you have even just two people per household who want to play it. Not everyone can afford to have multiple switches per household. Nintendo dropped the ball in regards to multiplayer use on a single switch. My brother and I went 50/50 on buying this game and because he made his character first, I have been reduced to a secondary character that cannot assist in major island development, even though I spend more time playing than him. It’s quite frustrating. I would love to give this game a wonderful review but I simply cannot. Expand
  78. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    You can only make one town per console? Even though I purchased 3 seperate copies of the game? I bought a copy of the game for my son, my wife, and myself, and all three of them will have the same town. Thank God I read the paragraph-long disclaimer on the back of the box before opening the shrink wrap.
  79. Mar 27, 2020
    1
    I bought this game for my partner and I as we were both fans of the game when we were younger and fancied some nostalgia to get us through lockdown. Being the gentleman that I am I let her go first, however, I didn’t realise this would have lasting consequences from what I can only see as the full game experience. As a player 2 profile (even though I bought the **** game) I cannotI bought this game for my partner and I as we were both fans of the game when we were younger and fancied some nostalgia to get us through lockdown. Being the gentleman that I am I let her go first, however, I didn’t realise this would have lasting consequences from what I can only see as the full game experience. As a player 2 profile (even though I bought the **** game) I cannot progress, at all. All of the island progress features, only the first profile who opens the game is able to make any sort of progress. For me, it has ruined the whole experience. Nintendo have literally **** so many people here and I am one of them. **** me did this game not go through any rigorous testing, I mean, any sane person would surely shoot this design down. Awful awful stuff. Updated needed ASPA to correct this cluster****. Nintendo deserve all these awful reviews for ruining the experience for many fans, including myself. I can understand why ratings from critics were high (lone experience) but for most of us working class folk, one switch per household is all we can afford. Plus £50 for the game itself, which I bought, and now am completely restricted to gaining the full experience.

    ****
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  80. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    Extremely disappointing for a family household. My partner is the only person who can do any of the interesting factors of the game. This ruins the experience for anyone else.
  81. Mar 27, 2020
    1
    By far the most anticipated game for the year that I was waiting for. Could not wait to experiance it with my daughter. Good thing I let her start first. She is loving it. As for me, there is zero reason for me to play at all. Never mind I am the one that paid for it all. One island and one player for progression period is less antiquated as it is an obvious greed grab to try to sellBy far the most anticipated game for the year that I was waiting for. Could not wait to experiance it with my daughter. Good thing I let her start first. She is loving it. As for me, there is zero reason for me to play at all. Never mind I am the one that paid for it all. One island and one player for progression period is less antiquated as it is an obvious greed grab to try to sell another console for each household. That is not going to happen. I pumped up Nintendo like crazy to everyone I know this year and now I feel betrayed. I won't make that mistake anymore. Going back to Stadia and Xbox. Expand
  82. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    I just want to share an island equally with my significant other. What's the point in playing now?
  83. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    I wouldn't have purchased this game if I had known there was only 1 Island per console.
  84. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    Let me change the resident representative, Nintendo ! Stop money grabbing and trying to make us buy another $300 console and $60 game, and warn people before they start their save file
  85. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    This game would be perfect if your the island rep. Everyone else gets to play the f2p version...
  86. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    Apart from what the other users have to say about this game being frustrating as a second player, Animal Crossing: New Horizons evokes a very real anxiety during this time of isolation. With only one island and limited resources, this game is more reflective of quarantine than island life. In a time when you have no control, playing New Horizons as the second player is amplified by theApart from what the other users have to say about this game being frustrating as a second player, Animal Crossing: New Horizons evokes a very real anxiety during this time of isolation. With only one island and limited resources, this game is more reflective of quarantine than island life. In a time when you have no control, playing New Horizons as the second player is amplified by the limited choices and control of “your” island. Expand
  87. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    Spoiler alert, can't be played by two players on the same island on the same switch. Everything the second player does or picks up vanishes.
  88. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    Very limited multiplayer play unless you own two consoles. the loading screen for multiplayer is so annoying and long
  89. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    Had lots of fun with it for first 2 days. But it's a super slow game after that. Got to the point where i enter game, pay off loan and quit for the day. Don't know if its gonna pick up after but i don't fell like it.
  90. Mar 27, 2020
    0
    This game epitomizes Nintendo’s anti consumerism. The ways this game goes about save files and local multiplayer is archaic and ridiculous. Nintendo purposely limits any additional player in ways that force people into purchasing multiple switches if they would like to enjoy the game with another person. As an additional player you are limited to being basically useless. Nintendo has alsoThis game epitomizes Nintendo’s anti consumerism. The ways this game goes about save files and local multiplayer is archaic and ridiculous. Nintendo purposely limits any additional player in ways that force people into purchasing multiple switches if they would like to enjoy the game with another person. As an additional player you are limited to being basically useless. Nintendo has also limited the player to a single Island save file per switch, with no cloud saves or file transfer. If you own two switches, Too bad. If you share a console and want to have separate islands. Too bad. If you want to enjoy the game with a family member, partner, or friend on a single console. Too bad. There is not a single technical limitation to create the major flaws of this game. The issue is Nintendo’s greed and desire to take advantage of their blindly loyal fanbase. Nintendo is the EA of the first party and should be treated as such. Don’t let Nintendo spit in your face. Don’t buy New Horizons. Expand
  91. Mar 27, 2020
    4
    Full experience for all players. It's not a cheap game every household deserves a whole game.
  92. Mar 28, 2020
    1
    My review is based on the fact that I just happened to create my account after a 1st player. A 1st player's review may be totally different. As a 2nd player, you are required to sort of be a 2nd class citizen of the island. It's almost like you are living the life of one of the NPC villagers. You're unable to fully experience the whole "start an island from the ground up" thing the gameMy review is based on the fact that I just happened to create my account after a 1st player. A 1st player's review may be totally different. As a 2nd player, you are required to sort of be a 2nd class citizen of the island. It's almost like you are living the life of one of the NPC villagers. You're unable to fully experience the whole "start an island from the ground up" thing the game was touting. Nope. Only 1st player can do that. You are hindered until they decided (and only they decide) how the game advances in any meaningful way. This is ridiculous game design. Expand
  93. Mar 28, 2020
    0
    I have never left a game review but I made an account just to leave one for this game. Only having one island per switch is dumb but I can deal with it. Not being able to progress as the secondary player is ridiculous. Greedy Nintendo at it again. I'm sure there's people stupid enough to buy a second switch AND game just to be able to fully play with another person.
  94. Mar 28, 2020
    4
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Have been in the animal crossing fandom since the gamecube release. Me and my boyfriend bought a switch two years ago for the sole purpose of having a console to play on should they release a new animal crossing. When it was finally announced we were thrilled, mostly thrilled for multiplayer as we had always had to play at separate times in the past. This is not a multiplayer game. Only the leader gets access to normal features of the game, and you have to frequently switch out to get anything accomplished. You can’t fish at the same time because not enough fish spawn when there are two players, so you must take turns and decide who will catch what. Not only that, but I later learned that because my boyfriend was the first player to create an account, he would be the only one to get complete access to all gameplay. This means for any exciting developments, I had to wait for him to get on and get them done for me. As someone who plays more often, this is not too great for me. I love the game and the new features they have included, but it seems like they designed this game so you would absolutely have to purchase a second console and second copy just to get the full experience you were intended. I’m very sad as me and my boyfriend essentially have to fight over who will be the leader and it creates the opposite of a smooth playing experience. Really hoping that Nintendo decides to add some changes in the future. Even a split screen play would be better than what they have decided to implement. Great game, if you’re the only one in your household playing. Expand
  95. Mar 28, 2020
    0
    I want second island!! For my kids
    Why nintendo?? Whyyyyyy?? 3ds i got 3 copies...
  96. Mar 28, 2020
    4
    While the game is good from what I've seen and looks like fun, only being allowed one island per console is a deal breaker for me. All players should be able to have the same experience, but this isn't possible because only the first player has any creative control over the island.

    AC is finally on a console that allows multiple user profiles, but those don't make a darn bit of
    While the game is good from what I've seen and looks like fun, only being allowed one island per console is a deal breaker for me. All players should be able to have the same experience, but this isn't possible because only the first player has any creative control over the island.

    AC is finally on a console that allows multiple user profiles, but those don't make a darn bit of difference with this game. Nice cash grab, Nintendo. We won't buy another Animal Crossing game.
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  97. Mar 29, 2020
    0
    One island per console is the must dumb and greedy thing I ever saw. It is the first time ever that I am strongly thinking about returning a Nintendo game. It is such a simple solution: when I enter the game I could choose between a new island for my profile or join another profile's island. That is very stupid and I am crazy disappointed.

    This is obviously a material for a class action
    One island per console is the must dumb and greedy thing I ever saw. It is the first time ever that I am strongly thinking about returning a Nintendo game. It is such a simple solution: when I enter the game I could choose between a new island for my profile or join another profile's island. That is very stupid and I am crazy disappointed.

    This is obviously a material for a class action lawsuit. Imagine if Microsoft or Apple released a new operational system that the second user cannot open the browser. It is just crazy!
    Expand
  98. Mar 30, 2020
    0
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Too many downsides make it not worth the price and a major downgrade from past animal crossing games. It's 2020 already. It is unacceptable that Nintendo still does not do multiple savers per game and offer cloud save services. they need to get out of the past already!

    pros: cute graphics

    cons:
    ONLY ONE TOWN PER GAME. GET OUT OF THE PAST NINTENDO-- LIKE EVERY OTHER GAME COMPANY ON THIS PLANET HAS BESIDES YOU!

    No cloud saves (so wait, we just need to waste years on a game with no way to back it up? wait for their low powered console to break? hahahah how about no)

    can't split items stacks
    can't bulk craft
    tools break too quickly

    gold tools are not worth unlocking or crafting! they break too. What's the frikkin point of unlocking them then? there's isn't one! what is it with nintendo and breakable crap anyway? breath of the wild had this stupid problem too. Nintendo just doesn't learn. Shocker.

    no paintings, gracy, etc

    only 5 catalog items can be bought a day (lol wut)

    "mystery" islands are boring. it's the same island with slightly different layout every time lol. the chance of seeing anything else is slim to none! Not worth it.
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  99. Mar 30, 2020
    0
    I honestly cannot recommend this to any household that has multiple children or others who want to experience the same joy from this game.
    For being lousy to consumers with save file restrictions that are meant to pressure people to buy multiple consoles per household, this game gets a 0.
  100. Apr 1, 2020
    0
    UPDATE: we just unlocked terraforming, and it looks like this is another feature that player 2 misses out on. I don’t even care that I share an island with my bf, but the fact I can’t make any impactful changes to how the island looks sucks - I was really looking forward to creating a beautiful island but all I can do is plant flowers & trees. I can’t make pathways, bridges or terraform atUPDATE: we just unlocked terraforming, and it looks like this is another feature that player 2 misses out on. I don’t even care that I share an island with my bf, but the fact I can’t make any impactful changes to how the island looks sucks - I was really looking forward to creating a beautiful island but all I can do is plant flowers & trees. I can’t make pathways, bridges or terraform at all. I can’t understand why Nintendo has done this Like many others here, I’m really disappointed by the restrictions of player 2/ any player that isn’t the founder. Me and my bf got this game to play together but soon found out player 2 can’t make any executive decisions, doesn’t have access to any of the quests, can’t place buildings/infrastructure, and ultimately misses out on a lot of the story. This sucks!! It means one of us misses out on the full experience of the game. This is unfortunately not rectified by the option for co-op play, which is just a joke. Co-op works by having one ‘leader’ that can play as normal, and then the ‘followers’. The followers can’t access their tool wheel, inventory or leave the same screen as the leader, which just results in really boring gameplay. The follower is just essentially reduced to being a pack mule for the leader, and unable to really contribute in any way, as it takes so long to cycle through your tools to really be able to do anything. It sucks because it would’ve been SO fun to play together co-op, but Nintendo really missed the mark with these limitations. The only work around is to get a new switch and second copy of the game, which is ridiculous! It’s such a shame because playing the game solo has been really great, but the fact that you have to buy multiple consoles for everyone to get the full experience of the game is just terrible, and for that i can’t justify giving this game a good rating Expand
Metascore
90

Universal acclaim - based on 111 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Negative: 0 out of 111
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  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]