The Nintendo game “Animal Crossing New Horizons” (ACNH) has been updated to include many new features for players to enjoy.
“I thought the update was entertaining and had gotten me hooked back on ACNH again,” said sophomore Isabella Lee. “I love the DLC that has come out and plan to buy it [later] this week because I really enjoy playing the game and [it] adds another addition to the game play which is [exciting] and [that] I can›t wait for.
DLC, or downloadable content, was one of many new additions added to the game. This updates’ DLC included a purchasable extension called “Happy Home Paradise,” where players can design dream vacation homes for clients. Along with the DLC, additional furniture, characters, and DIY recipes were included.
“Nintendo did a great job with their update, listening to the real players and making it the comfy and fun game every [Animal Crossing] player loves,” said sophomore Emily Kalata.
“Animal Crossing New Horizons,” the fifth edition of the original version of the 2001 game “Animal Crossing,” was released in a strategic move by Nintendo in March of 2020. Unsurprisingly, the game was a major hit, attracting players from all over the world looking for something to help pull them through quarantine.
“[Animal Crossing] [kept] me entertained during lockdown and now I use it as an outlet to show my creativity and to be able to take a break from my daily life,” said Lee.
Other than the timing of its release to the public and initial popularity, the simple and appealing gameplay of “Animal Crossing” has always won the hearts of experienced and brand-new users alike. “Animal Crossing has helped me a lot! A simple game [about] just hanging out with cute little villagers and building the place of your dreams with them, although it isn’t a mighty quest like other games out there, it’s still a comforting game to play. It’s something that gives you a cozy escape from the world,” expressed Kalata, who has been playing Animal Crossing since childhood. “That’s probably why so many people got into it during quarantine.”
Although New Horizons was able to assist in curing temporary boredom during the long months of isolation, those times are now over. Not nearly as many idle hours in the day are open nowadays for people to play.
“I need to concentrate on my school life, sports, and my daily life,” said Lee.
Despite this, in light of time constraints, appreciation for the game remains strong. The update has done nothing but foster this appreciation, and enforce the role of “Animal Crossing” as a source of stress relief and satisfaction.
“I do play Animal Crossing when I can,” stated Kalata. “School stuff makes it really hard but seeing all the amazing new updates keeps me interested and excited for more.”