Nintendo’s Animal Crossing creates a time warp.
You sit down to play for 30 minutes, and then suddenly, six hours have passed, and you have no idea how that happened.
Why is Animal Crossing still so addictive?
What is Animal Crossing?
Animal Crossing is a video game franchise created by Nintendo. The original game, released in 2001 for the Nintendo 64, spawned four sequels and three spin-offs.
The series is a “social simulation” game in which you create your world by harvesting and selling items. You can upgrade and decorate your home by adding rooms and changing the decor. Once you have enough money, you can redesign bridges, ramps, and even reform your island landscape.
The animals in Animal Crossing are the Non-Player Characters (NPCs) you interact with while building. To grow your island, you need to convince them to come live there.
The newest addition, New Horizons, hit the stores in 2020 just as the COVID pandemic shut everyone inside.
What’s the Goal in Animal Crossing?
My cousin has loved the Animal Crossing Series for as long as I can remember.
A long time ago, probably close to 20 years ago, I was hanging out with her while she was playing.
I watched her wander around, talk to animals, and collect random stuff, and I just didn’t get it.
“What’s the point of this game?” I asked.
“There is no point,” she replied.
And that holds true today.
There’s no real goal or point of Animal Crossing.
The game is what you make of it. You build stuff, or collect things, or design your island – you can do whatever you want. There aren’t any bad guys to defeat or any quests you must go on.
Your island is your blank slate; you can do whatever you please while on it.
What’s So Great About Animal Crossing?
Those who have never played don’t understand why Animal Crossing is so addicting. How can a game with no stakes and no quests be fun and addictive?
Things You Can’t Do in Real Life
Animal Crossing lets you do many things you’d love to do in real life that require too much time, effort, and money. Nobody has the money to build and design their dream home, the time to plant a lush orchid garden or the skill to terraform a backyard.
But you can do all that and more in Animal Crossing.
The Details
Animal Crossing bursts with small details that keep the game engaging. For example, an owl tells you exciting factoids about the fish and bugs you catch (all real species and true tidbits!).
The museum displays everything you’ve caught and donated so you can review the facts at your leisure.
The Possibilities
In the game, the possibilities are endless. You can design clothing and offer your creations to others in the Nook store or shop, and you can choose from a wide variety of clothing styles for your character.
The terraforming concept lets you make your island look however you want. There are thousands of options for plants, wall decor, decorative items, clothing, and island design.
Animal Crossing is a world where you can create nearly anything you want at the push of a button.
Why is Animal Crossing so Addictive?
Animal Crossing is addictive because it’s fun.
It’s a low-impact game with little to no stress, making it ideal for relaxing after a rough day.
But it’s deeper than that.
Just One More Thing…
The Animal Crossing mechanics make you want to finish a task. It’s nearly impossible to turn it off when you have one more inventory slot to fill.
Why not just catch that last fish?
But then you really should sell everything at the store before signing off to start fresh the next day. Of course, you need to head to the museum first to ensure you don’t have anything new to donate.
Once you’ve finished selling everything, you should use some of the profits to pay down your loan and ensure there aren’t any new recipes you need to buy.
Can you see how turning off the game turns into a half-hour ordeal?
Rewards Center
Game developers at Nintendo know how to tap into your brain’s reward system. That little dopamine rush you get when you catch a new fish, finish filling the museum, or finally have enough money to buy that new wallpaper you’ve been eyeing is gaming bliss.
It’s hard to turn that off, especially when the real world isn’t offering anything good.
It’s an Escape
When Animal Crossing first came out in 2020, it offered a much-needed escape for millions stuck at home.
We got to spend time fishing and catching bugs, shopping and designing our dream house, or terraforming our own little peace of heaven. We don’t have money to buy stuff in real life, but we can collect bells and fill our Animal Crossing islands with anything our hearts desire.
Although the world has changed significantly since then, Animal Crossing is still there. It’s an escape from the stress and monotony of our everyday lives.
Extra Content
Nintendo executives know gold when they see it. They keep users engaged by offering fresh content.
In 2021, Nintendo released the Happy Homes Downloadable Content (DLC) package. Later, the DLC was included with the purchase of an annual Nintendo Switch Online + membership.
The Happy Homes DLC expanded upon the home design mechanism, allowing users to design vacation homes for the NPCs on the island. You can also create facilities like restaurants, schools, and hospitals.
It’s packed with new features, like unique furniture and design options. The DLC offers nearly endless options for home design & decor.
Should I Get Animal Crossing?
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At this point, Animal Crossing New Horizons is nearing its fifth birthday. If you want it, you probably already have it.
But if you’re new to the Switch or have kids who have finally reached the age where they can play video games, Animal Crossing is a great option.
It’s a fantastic escape from reality with no real stakes. It’s fun and educational while allowing you to get your creative juices flowing.
Grab your copy today to finally see what all the fuss was about.
Oh man haha EVERYONE on my Twitter feed is talking about Animal Crossing — it has been so tempting to get in on this (despite uh, the fact that I would need to actually buy a switch to do it).
I get why people love it, though. Based on everything I’ve heard about it, it sort of makes me think of Harvest Moon in the sense that it’s what you make it. I think you’re right about the escapism element, too — I recently started playing through Harvest Moon SNES and that’s totally why. I like being able to just…slip into that world for a little bit, especially with all the things going on in the world.
So I know a Switch is expensive…but hear me out. 1. Animal Crossing. 2. Legend of Zelda Breath of the Wild. 3. I’m pretty sure a new, similar Zelda game is coming out at the end of the year. 4. If you subscribe to the online service (20 bucks a year) you can play classic NES and SNES games for free (all the mario games are included – not sure what else – there are about 30 on each). 5. You can play games online with friends (I’ve only done this with AC so far, but you can play mario cart, smash brothers, etc) online as well. 6. All the silly little puzzle games like overcooked.
I agree on this!!