I'm just gonna start with this: Animal Crossing is not a series for everyone. This is not a game designed with a tight narrative, immersive controls, high octane combat etc. To summarize (for those not looking to read my unnecessarily long Amazon review), if you're looking for a challenging game, look elsewhere. If you're looking for a charming experience that slowly becomes more gratifying the longer you play, New Leaf is a wonderful title that's dripping with quality.
The appeal of this game comes in a variety of subtle ways, the most prominent being that it builds over time. New Leaf starts by offering something unique to the player, that being a randomly generated town layout. After that, it's effectively an open sandbox that encourages experimentation. As you play, things will grow. New residents moving in, buildings being constructed, or even something as simple as accumulating enough funding to pay off a loan are all motivators that will keep you coming back to this game.
However, the most divisive elements of Animal Crossing are going to be factors that will either sell you on the game or persuade you to skip it altogether. The game is very soft and gentle, and progress is rather slow (accumulating over days if not weeks). In addition to that, there's little-to-no challenge to be seen in the overarching gameplay. If you're looking for a difficult game you certainly won't find anything of the sort here. However, I believe this game has a place of its own. Animal Crossing is extremely relaxing to play owing to it's visual and auditory style and there's an undeniable appeal to be found in a completely harmless environment.
To conclude this review I'm going to briefly talk about the game's overall presentation. The graphics don't break any new ground, but they're certainly some of the best you'll find on the 3DS ecosystem. What really impressed me during my time playing New Leaf was the music. There's a unique song that plays for all 24 hours of the day (complete with alternate versions for weather and seasonal changes) and this attention to detail is something I can't even imagine being a developer for.
To reiterate my introduction, this game is certainly not going to appeal to everyone. But for what it sets out to do, Animal Crossing: New Leaf handles itself effortlessly
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Nintendo 3DS
The Nintendo 3DS family of systems are home to an extensive range of high-quality games. Play along with family and friends, either online or using Nintendo 3DS wireless connectivity.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Moving to a new town and making friends is a big step but it's even bigger when you're the mayor! Get ready to enjoy a life in a town shaped entirely by you as Animal Crossing: New Leaf. There are no goals, no story, not even an ending – instead, you can enjoy life in your town in any way you choose. And since time in the game moves at the same pace as in the real world, every day brings great experiences!
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