Animal Crossing: New Horizons cover image

CRITIK

Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Item: Animal Crossing: New Horizons
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresVirtual Reality, Fantasy, Adventure, Simulation, Top-Down Perspective, Casual, Single Player, Multiplayer

AvailableMar 20, 2020

PlatformNintendo Switch

DeveloperNintendo

Overview

Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.

Elsewhere

8.0

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

13%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The Story of Animal Crossing: New Horizons has received mixed opinions from critics. Many reviewers, such as Areajugones and BaziCenter, appreciate the freedom and creativity the game offers, allowing players to shape their deserted island and build a community at their own pace. The focus on tasks like fishing, bug catching, and crafting, as highlighted by Cultured Vultures, adds depth to the gameplay experience. Forbes also praises the game for providing a sense of escapism and simplicity amidst real-world chaos, emphasizing the narrative of building a utopia with quirky animal companions. On the other hand, some critics, like Atomix and Game Informer, point out the lack of a traditional storyline in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Atomix mentions that the game encourages players to create their own narratives through daily interactions, which may not appeal to those seeking a more structured plot. The Sydney Morning Herald echoes this sentiment by highlighting the absence of a specific story, focusing instead on the laid-back virtual life the game offers. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Animal Crossing: New Horizons may lack a deep and traditional storyline, it excels in providing a relaxing and immersive experience where players can escape into a whimsical world of community building and island development. Critics like Video Chums and XGN appreciate the slow-paced yet fun-filled adventure with charming animal neighbors, while Nintendo Insider and Multiplayer.it commend the game for offering a sense of progression and purpose through primary objectives set by characters like Tom Nook. Despite differing opinions on the depth of the story, the game's ability to spark creativity, foster relationships, and provide a comforting virtual getaway resonates positively with many reviewers.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers freedom and creativity on a deserted island, praised for its relaxing and immersive experience. Critics appreciate the focus on tasks like fishing and crafting, but some find the lack of a traditional storyline a drawback. Overall, the game excels in providing a whimsical escape into a world of community building and island development, sparking creativity and fostering relationships among players.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

93%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of critics praised the gameplay of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, highlighting its engaging and addictive nature. Many reviewers, such as Cultured Vultures and Game Rant, appreciated the familiar yet enhanced gameplay mechanics, including real-time activities like fishing, bug catching, and crafting. The introduction of new features like DIY crafting, Nook Miles achievement system, and island customization added depth and variety to the gameplay experience. Critics like VGC and GamePro Germany commended the game for combining elements of crafting, customization, and social interaction seamlessly, creating a captivating and rewarding experience for players. The emphasis on personalization, exploration, and community-building, as mentioned by Eurogamer Italy and Multiplayer.it, contributed to the game's appeal, offering players a wide range of activities and possibilities to enjoy. On the downside, some critics pointed out potential issues with the gameplay of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Digital Trends mentioned that the game could feel repetitive and lack challenge for some players, while LevelUp highlighted the slow-paced nature of the gameplay. Additionally, GameSpace noted that while the gameplay loop was perfected, there could be limitations in the co-op mode, and XGN mentioned constraints in the multiplayer experience. These critiques suggest that while the majority of critics found the gameplay to be enjoyable and engaging, there were some areas where improvements could be made to cater to a wider range of player preferences. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the gameplay of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. The game's blend of familiar mechanics with new features, such as crafting, customization, and community-building, resonated well with reviewers and players alike. The addictive and rewarding nature of the gameplay, as highlighted by critics like Impulsegamer and USgamer, contributed to the game's widespread acclaim. Despite some minor criticisms regarding repetition and pacing, the overall sentiment is that Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a highly enjoyable and immersive gameplay experience that encourages creativity, exploration, and social interaction.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics loved the engaging and addictive gameplay of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, praising its mix of familiar mechanics with new features like crafting and customization. While some noted issues with repetition and pacing, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the game offering a rewarding experience that encourages creativity and social interaction.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

95%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The majority of critics unanimously praised the Graphics and Visual Design of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, highlighting its charming and vibrant art style. Critics like Areajugones and Cultured Vultures commended the game for showcasing a visually stunning world with highly customizable elements that enhance the overall experience. The attention to detail, colorful palettes, and smooth character models were particularly lauded by reviewers such as GamePro Germany and Pure Nintendo. The game's ability to create a relaxing and immersive atmosphere through serene animations and cute aesthetics was also a common point of praise among critics, as noted by 3DJuegos and Forbes. While the overall sentiment towards the game's Graphics and Visual Design was overwhelmingly positive, some critics did mention minor areas for improvement. Atomix pointed out that while the visual style was consistent and vibrant, some textures could have been more refined. IGN Italia highlighted some minor flaws and repetitive elements in the visuals, suggesting that there might be room for further enhancement in certain aspects. Despite these minor criticisms, the general consensus among critics was that the positives far outweighed any negatives when it came to the graphics and visual presentation of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. In conclusion, the Graphics and Visual Design of Animal Crossing: New Horizons received high praise from the majority of critics, with many highlighting its flawless presentation, attention to detail, and charming art style. The game was commended for its ability to create a visually stunning and immersive world that captivates players and enhances the overall gameplay experience. Critics like Game Informer and GameSkinny lauded the game for its fantastic presentation, bursting with personality and charm. Overall, the consensus among reviewers was overwhelmingly positive, with the graphics being a standout feature that contributed significantly to the game's success and appeal to a wide audience.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics raved about the stunning Graphics and Visual Design of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, praising its vibrant art style, customizable elements, and immersive atmosphere. While some mentioned minor room for improvement, the overall consensus was overwhelmingly positive, with the game's charming presentation and attention to detail earning high marks across the board.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

73%

Mixed (50-79)

27%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Animal Crossing: New Horizons are overwhelmingly positive. Critics such as Areajugones, Cultured Vultures, and GameCrate praise the soothing and delightful soundtrack that enhances the overall atmosphere of the game. They highlight how the music contributes to the relaxing and immersive gameplay experience, with vibrant and appealing sounds that add to the joy of playing the game. Additionally, critics like Hardcore Gamer and Impulsegamer appreciate the mix of classic and new compositions, as well as how the audio elements match well with the graphics and gameplay, creating a cohesive and enjoyable audio-visual experience. On the other hand, there are some criticisms regarding the Sound Design and Music of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. COGconnected criticizes the sparse background music, stating that it is too quiet most of the time, which may lead to a lack of variety in the music, as noted by Gamer.no. Meristation also mentions that while the soundtrack adds to the overall experience, it may not be as memorable as in previous titles in the series. USgamer points out the delayed introduction of hourly music as a negative aspect, causing annoyance due to its initial absence. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Animal Crossing: New Horizons greatly enhance the gameplay experience. The serene and relaxing soundtrack, coupled with ambient sounds and changing melodies, contributes to establishing a soothing atmosphere that immerses players in the tranquil island life experience. Critics like Forbes, GameSkinny, and TheGamer appreciate how the sound design complements the overall charm and vibe of the game, creating an audio-visual dream that captivates players and evolves over time. Despite some minor criticisms regarding the lack of variety or delayed introduction of certain music elements, the majority of critics agree that the Sound Design and Music of Animal Crossing: New Horizons play a significant role in making the game an enjoyable and immersive experience for players.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics overwhelmingly praise Animal Crossing: New Horizons for its soothing and delightful soundtrack that enhances the gameplay experience with vibrant sounds. While some critics criticize the sparse background music and delayed introduction of hourly music, the consensus is that the sound design greatly enhances the serene island life experience, creating an immersive audio-visual dream that captivates players.

Voice Acting

Analysis Unavailable

Summary unavailable

TL;DR

voice acting

Description unavailable

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

42%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the positives for Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch, several critics highlighted smooth multiplayer experiences. Gaming Age specifically mentioned that online and local play with up to 8 people on an island worked without any issues, while Hardcore Gamer noted that the online multiplayer experience was smooth with minimal disconnects. MGG also praised the seamless controls and short loading times that enhanced the overall gameplay experience. On the flip side, some critics pointed out negatives related to the technical performance of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch. 3DJuegos mentioned occasional control issues and technical problems that could detract from the overall experience. GameCrate and Meristation highlighted flaws in multiplayer mechanics, progression pacing, and limited multiplayer options. Areajugones also noted long loading screens in portable mode as a minor issue. Overall, the consensus among critics regarding the technical performance of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Nintendo Switch leans towards the positive side. Eurogamer Italy commended the game for encouraging communal play and sharing experiences despite technical limitations. Game Rant praised the polish and fixes that addressed annoyances from previous iterations, introducing quality of life improvements. Pure Nintendo and Switch Player both emphasized the smooth multiplayer experience, with Pure Nintendo mentioning the integration of the Nintendo Online app. While there were some minor issues and occasional flaws mentioned by critics, the general sentiment is that the technical performance of the game on the Nintendo Switch is solid and contributes positively to the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics laud Animal Crossing: New Horizons for its smooth multiplayer experiences and seamless controls, enhancing gameplay. Some noted occasional technical issues and flaws in multiplayer mechanics, but overall consensus leans toward positive performance. Commended for encouraging communal play despite limitations, with fixes and quality of life improvements praised. Minor issues acknowledged, but game's technical performance on Nintendo Switch is solid and adds to the overall experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

91%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The majority of critics unanimously praise the replay value of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, highlighting various positive aspects that contribute to its high replayability. Critics like Nintendo Insider, Video Chums, and Pure Nintendo emphasize the extensive customization options, ongoing updates, and events that keep players engaged for hours on end. The game's Nook Miles system, multiplayer features, and diverse activities such as collecting bugs, fossils, and fish, as mentioned by GameSpace and GamePro Germany, add depth and variety to the gameplay, ensuring that there is always something new to discover and accomplish. Additionally, the ability to design and customize the island, as noted by We Got This Covered and Cultured Vultures, provides players with endless possibilities to create their dream virtual world, further enhancing the replay value. On the flip side, some critics express concerns about potential drawbacks that may impact the overall replayability of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Universo Nintendo mentions that the game can become repetitive after a while, while GameCrate points out pacing issues and waiting periods that could deter continuous engagement. The cost of services and tools breaking, as highlighted by Multiplayer.it, may also pose a challenge for players seeking uninterrupted gameplay experiences. Despite these minor drawbacks, the overwhelming sentiment among critics is that the positives far outweigh the negatives when it comes to the game's replay value. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the replay value of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Critics like GameSkinny praise the game for offering "more of everything to do, see, and collect," creating endless opportunities for players to immerse themselves in a relaxing and engaging virtual world. The game's ability to provide a seamless experience with varied goals, customization options, and social interactions, as highlighted by GamesBeat and LevelUp, ensures that players always have something to work towards, making each session eventful and rewarding. With a vast array of activities, ongoing updates, and endless possibilities for customization, Animal Crossing: New Horizons stands out as a must-play title with exceptional replay value, as echoed by Areajugones and Meristation.

TL;DR

replay value

Animal Crossing: New Horizons receives widespread acclaim for its high replay value, with critics praising its customization options, ongoing updates, and engaging events that keep players hooked. While some mention concerns about potential repetition and pacing issues, the game's diverse activities, island customization, and social interactions offer endless opportunities for players to immerse themselves in a rewarding virtual world. Overall, critics agree that the game's positives far outweigh any drawbacks, making it a must-play title with exceptional replay value.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

99%

Mixed (50-79)

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The critics' opinions on Animal Crossing: New Horizons overwhelmingly praise the game for its positive aspects. Many critics highlight the game's delightful and immersive experience, with Universo Nintendo calling it a "peaceful and immersive experience during challenging times." IGN Italia describes it as a "charming virtual world" that combines relaxation, creativity, and personalization. The Sydney Morning Herald applauds the game for offering a "laid-back virtual life experience with plenty of content and long-term replay value." Additionally, Game Rant appreciates the laid-back gameplay experience with customization options and a wide range of tasks to complete, catering to a large audience eager for this kind of gameplay. On the flip side, some critics point out minor drawbacks of Animal Crossing: New Horizons. 3DJuegos mentions criticisms for its conventional nature and technical issues, while GameCrate notes flaws in technical performance and pacing. MMORPG.com also mentions some minor misgivings and lost opportunities in the game. However, these criticisms are often overshadowed by the game's overall positive reception and the enjoyment it brings to players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is overwhelmingly positive towards Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Critics like Nintendo Life praise it as a "masterpiece that improves upon every facet of the series," while Screen Rant commends its "comforting and engaging experience with a perfect gameplay loop." The majority of the critics highly recommend the game, with Cultured Vultures calling it a "delightful and engaging experience" and Digital Trends highlighting its unique playstyle and ability to cater to different types of players. The game is celebrated for its ability to provide a much-needed escape, relaxation, and joy, making it a must-have title for Nintendo Switch owners.

TL;DR

Animal Crossing: New Horizons receives glowing reviews for its delightful and immersive gameplay, offering a peaceful escape with customization and a wide range of tasks. While some critics mention minor drawbacks like technical issues, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive. Critics praise it as a masterpiece that caters to different players, providing a comforting and engaging experience. A must-have title for Nintendo Switch owners seeking relaxation, creativity, and joy.

CRITIK

Reviews

183 reviews found

100

Forbes

Nintendo Switch

Mar 16, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Animal Crossing: New Horizons provides a much-needed escape and a sense of continuity in uncertain times. With its engaging gameplay, charming visuals, and relaxing atmosphere, it offers a near-perfect experience for players seeking solace and creativity.

100

Daily Star

Nintendo Switch

Mar 16, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives the game a 5/5 verdict, stating that it is an essential purchase for all Switch owners and represents an exciting milestone for the Animal Crossing series.

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100

Cubed3

Nintendo Switch

Mar 18, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review gives the game a perfect score of 10/10 and praises it as the ideal gateway game for players old and new.

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100

Nintendo Life

Nintendo Switch

Mar 16, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is praised as a masterpiece that improves upon every facet of the series, offering a blissful experience with engaging gameplay, excellently-written characters, and an island paradise that gives back infinitely more than you put in, making it well worth the wait.

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100

Telegraph

Nintendo Switch

Mar 16, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is praised as the best entry in the series so far, with a perfect blend of relaxing gameplay, customization options, and quality of life features. It is highly recommended.

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100

Player 2

Nintendo Switch

Apr 2, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises Animal Crossing: New Horizons as an escape and a brilliant game. It mentions the addictive nature of the game and the positive experience of playing with friends. The overall verdict is highly positive.

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100

Gaming Age

Nintendo Switch

Apr 2, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a fantastic entry in the series and recommends picking it up.

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100

Switch Player

Nintendo Switch

Mar 27, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review praises the game as the definitive Animal Crossing experience and close to perfection.

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100

We Got This Covered

Nintendo Switch

Mar 30, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is described as a perfect getaway from daily life, offering a delightful and refreshing experience that allows players to immerse themselves in a serene world filled with charming activities and interactions.

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100

GameSkinny

Nintendo Switch

Apr 8, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is the best Animal Crossing game yet, bursting with personality and charm, compelling and chilled out gameplay experience