Animal Crossing's new update has revived my pandemic sanctuary
Nintendo's pandemic-era hit, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, received a major update last week, along with a £5 Switch 2 upgrade, enhancing its visuals and performance on the new console. I had spent over 200 hours on my island during the depths of lockdown, when sunny Alba was my escape from the monotonous real world. Despite my absence, the island remained largely unchanged. A few cockroaches in the basement and some weeds poking through the snow were the only signs of neglect.
I embarked on a tour of Alba, discovering forgotten creations. A bamboo zen garden, a playground, and even a baby and toddler area from 2020. The island's flag, a saltire, and its tune, the first bars of 'Scotland the Brave', reflected my homesickness during the pandemic. My bank account revealed an unexpected surplus of 2 million bells, accumulated from selling fish and fossils. I paid off my home loan, freeing myself from the financial grasp of Tom Nook.
The update introduced a new hotel run by a family of pirate kappa, adding to the game's home decoration options. I was tasked with designing new rooms, using the improved Switch 2 controller as a mouse. I created a nautical-themed room, earning rewards in the form of miniature Nintendo toys and consoles. I envisioned a games room back at my house.
Some friends abandoned their pandemic-era islands, starting anew, a dedication I admired. Mr Resetti, the angry mole, offered a service to wipe the island's ground, allowing for terraforming and redecorating. Outdoor transformations became easier, and I discovered farming and food recipes in Animal Crossing. I made my mini-me a smoothie before my morning rounds.
I was surprised by how quickly I fell back into the rhythm of Animal Crossing. The game's soothing nature and creative outlets surprised me. The update's new features cater to those with more time, like decorating entire Slumber Islands with friends while your avatar sleeps. However, the game's appeal lies in its simplicity, allowing players to spend peaceful hours checking on their world or creating custom fashions and designs.
Animal Crossing's origins in loneliness, as envisioned by Nintendo's Katsuya Eguchi, are poetic. The game's ability to save the world from loneliness in 2020 is a testament to its impact. Returning to Alba felt good, and the game's improvements were a pleasant surprise.
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