I was skeptical to get Animal Crossing on my Switch. It would be my introduction to the series, and I really wasn’t sure if I was going to like it. Also, I was aware that it required a lot of time and effort to make progress in the game, and I was scared of the commitment I would have to make. If it weren’t for my boyfriend intervening, I probably would have never gotten the game.
He was the biggest advocate for me trying the game out, and one day he sent me a picture of a receipt with a digital code. He bought a second copy of the game just so I could play it. And that began my journey.
Right off the bat, I was introduced to Tom Nook and his kids (wait, are they kids? Employees? Disciples? I still don’t know). The Internet gives Nook a bad rap, but when I met him, there was something chill and calming about talking to him. He still had the business mindset that I was used to, but it wasn’t central to his character. He made a good first impression is what I’m saying.
The beginning of the game felt kinda forced and scripted, but as time went on, I had more and more freedom to do what I wanted. I could gather as many bugs, fish, wood, and materials as I wanted, and nobody could tell me no. I didn’t feel bound to a strict path like many games force you to do. My choices mattered.
The best part by far, though, is the villagers.
I’ve actually had two islands since I first bought the game, but I won’t forget my first two neighbors, Roald the penguin and Hazel the squirrel. They had a charm to them that made them so precious. Hazel was a protective big sister, and Roald was a jock, addicted to exercise but still had a bright smile whenever we saw each other. I soon got plenty more animal characters moving onto my island. Frank, Sherb, Molly… Writing this now, I’m kinda surprised I remember so much about my first island considering I scrapped it half a year ago. Why? Real life is why.
Unfortunately, around August, real life was piling responsibilities and other plans onto me, pulling me away from the island that was my escape. Days away from Animal Crossing turned into weeks, and then months. I sometimes got free time, but with so much time that had passed I felt so guilty about being away. And that just got bigger each passing day. By the time October rolled around, I had had enough of being absent, but I still didn’t have the heart to face my old friends on my island. Desperate to return but out of options, I pulled an Undertale and reset.
I was greeted with two new faces, Pierce and Canberra. I was determined to not only visit this new island as much as I could, but to make everyone as happy as possible. I wanted this new island to be the best it could be. I actually had a plan in place this time. I sped through the opening stages and after that, it was all on me again.
I worked hard to make the island beautiful, I made many new friends that I still have on my island today. This time around, I felt a much deeper connection with them all, and it puts a smile on my face every time I talk to them and they’re just so happy to see me. I really love all of my villagers, and even now, I’m still trying to change my island for the better. It’s a lot of work (and Bells!) to go through, but this matters to me.
Animal Crossing is more than an escape from all the disasters around me; it’s more than a game, too; it’s like a second life. I’m surrounded by peace, by precious animal friends that welcome me with open arms.
I’m surrounded by a new welcoming community, one that supports me every step of the way. I feel like my villagers have changed me for the better in one way or another, and I couldn’t ask for anything better from them. There are pros and cons of Earth, but Animal Crossing is just good vibes all around. It’s a safe haven.