EP 6: Animal Crossing: New Leaf (3DS)
Pros:
Graphics - No, Animal Crossing is not one of the most graphcially intensive games on the 3DS. But does it really need to be? One of the strong points of the franchise, I feel, is its ability to be complex in the most simple of ways. That stands true for its graphics. The world and characters, while simple, are vibrant and colorful as ever. Little details like your character forming footsteps in sand and fish splashing in the water make the world feel alive, along with the ever-changing time and season.
Replay Value - Admittedly, I have not finished New Leaf. But what exactly does it mean to finish an Animal Crossing game? Sure, I could collect all of the fossils and fish and bugs, upgrade my house to the highest capacity and install all of the public works projects and call it a day. But that's not what Animal Crossing is about to me. While I would like to do all of those things, the journey is more important than the destination. I could spend 30 minutes every day playing New Leaf for the next several years and I probably wouldn't experience everything it has to offer.
Sound Design - You may or may not know this, but the music of Animal Crossing is fantastic. It's so relaxing and charming, constantly changing and evolving with your town and the seasons. Not only that, but the general sounds in the game are very much satisfying. You bet I feel good when I hit that money rock and it makes the 1-Up sound from Mario. You bet I love the sound of catching a fish. You bet the sound of opening the doors of shops is enjoyable to me.
Gameplay - The gameplay of this game is quite possibly the most simple of any game I've ever played (well, maybe the most simple 3D game, at least). I'll summarize it for you: You're the mayor of a town, you live in it with a bunch of animals, and you do chores. Yep. That is the game. Does it sound enjoyable? Only if you like chores. Me? I hate chores, but I love this game and that is because doing chores is somewhat therapeutic in New Leaf. I'll never enjoy fishing or catching bugs in real life more than I do in Animal Crossing.
Online Integration - While Nintendo often gets flack for not integrating online into many of their games, Animal Crossing is not one of them. The Streetpass and Friend features allow you to visit the towns of people in your 3DS system, which is very unique and enjoyable.
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Cons:
Pacing - While I do think the game is very addictive, there are times when I feel like I'm in a rut in the game. There are events and holidays within the game, but sometimes they can be few and far between, with the days in the game feeling extremely similar to each other. This is especially prevalent when I'm paying a fucking huge mortgage to Tom Nook and I can barely scrape enough money in one day to make up for a tenth of it. This can result in some discouraging pacing, but ultimately it's not a huge issue.
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Verdict:
I don't play many simulation games. They're typically not my cup of tea. But I guess you could say I turned over a new leaf...with Animal Crossing: New Leaf. I can say for certain that once they announce the next entry in the series, I will be all over it. It's fun, charming, relaxing and overall an enjoyable time and easily the game I've spent the most time with on my 3DS. I recommend it to the highest degree.
Graphics: 9/10
Control: 8/10
Sound: 10/10
Gameplay: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Overall: 9/10
constantly changing the date is a hassle. I, myself, would have probably given it an 8, but it's a good game none the less. 
