I Literally Can't Play This Game Anymore lol

[Kaizer]

obligatory disclaimer: i don't think NH is a bad game. i like it well enough, i just think it's mediocre for an AC game and lacks the charm/character i enjoy so much about older titles.

my biggest complaint with NH has always been the hollow dialogue and lack of charm, especially with how they streamlined things like the post office by replacing it with a tacky card stand -- which actually takes longer to use. the bulletin board is dead as hell compared to even NL, and they even removed things as harmless as goodbye letters and birthday invitations. the game isn't unplayable to me, but as someone who always enjoyed the slice of life aspect over decorating inside or outside, NH really veered too far into being a decorating simulator for me and prioritized that aspect of the series to the point where everything else suffered.

NL struck the right balance for me. i've gone back and played WW recently, and it still has a lot of charm etc. but it lacks things to do for me in the same way NH does. (that and i'm a graphics snob.) NL softened the villagers more, but i'm okay with that as someone with social anxiety and low self-esteem, and they still had more personality than they do in NH. there were also some things you just couldn't change, which echoes real life. house placements, rocks, rivers and cliffs. what you arrive with is what you get, and you have to make something beautiful with the few things beyond your control. idk, it made more sense given the nature of the series. accidental mayor felt just far enough as opposed to unofficial god given how you can now -- with the DLC -- change virtually everything in NH. it almost feels a little like the sims with an animal crossing skin than animal crossing itself, if that makes sense.

Damn. Well said. I agree. And I also don't feel that New Horizons is a bad game. It's just not really Animal Crossing anymore to me. Like a few people including you have said, it really feels more like a really cool and advanced decorating simulator more than anything now. Which has many benefits in a profound and vast amount of ways and is why the game had potential to be legendary to me, but they stripped away the core component of what made the game what it was and was always meant to be in the first place; Spirit/Charm/Soul etc. If they can bring back that initial charm and soul back to the game while maintaining and expanding on the evolutionary aspect of the game regarding more items, abilities, control, etc, then I feel that they would have a game that would literally be considered top 10 best games of all time or something like that.

 

[VanitasFan26]

Yeah I feel like the pacing and just all this stuff that this game has going on has become like all over the place. Its like it wants you to take your time but then its like you wanna keep going because you want to get all the new items. I am sometimes in conflict with myself like "Do I keep on going getting the items?" or "Should I just take my time?" I prefer to take my time and not overwhelm myself with the game. If I feel I am starting to get bored of the game, I just play other games to kill them and then I come back the next day refreshed and I can still enjoy my time.

To this day I have mixed feelings on the game. I do not hate the game, I actually do like it when it does click with me again, but other times it does things that can really make you feel like you're stressing yourself out and other stuff that just makes you wanna not play, but I've learned that when that happens its best to take a break from the game and come back with a refreshed mindset.

 

[Fey]

I still find enjoyment with the game, but I’ll admit that a lot of my fun and “story” only exists because I create it for myself.

Having more charm and character is definitely my biggest wish for the next installment! I think lots of us were hoping for more villager dialogue and interaction from this game, and it just went the opposite direction. It was clear pretty much from the first announcement video that the focus would be on crafting / customization instead, and while disappointing, I kind of saw this “emptiness” coming. Here’s hoping that’ll change again in the future!

 

[LuluLove]

I don’t think NH is a bad game because I’ve played it so much and I can’t deny I had fun, but I feel some of your concerns. It doesn’t have the same feel as previous games(I’m mostly thinking about WW, for example). Honestly I believe that the core problem is the fact that new generations are mostly interested in “pretty games” rather than “deep games”. I’ve witnessed this in every single game that was part of my childhood(I’m a 97 kid ) and I don’t think there is a coming back. It’s sad but probably 80’s kids must have thought the same things about the newer games that I still think are amazing.

 

[ChaosKitten]

I wouldn't count on the "spirit and soul" ever being brought back to the series. They had to get rid of Resetti, you think they'll bring back villager dialogue like the old days? Nope. People are way too sensitive now. And don't get me started on how they ruined the peppy personality...I can barely stand having one on my island. -_-

The only direction they have to go with developing the game is to bolster the design and collecting features. Everything else will likely just be hollow compared to the first few games. >_<

 

[Sheando]

I mostly agree with you. I’m really enjoying this game for what it is now that they added so much content with the update, but the soul is gone. I’ve always gotten super attached to my villagers (in my New Leaf town, 5 of my 10 final villagers had been there from the beginning, a streak of more than five years) but I just can’t seem to click with anybody in the same way here. I still LIKE my villagers, but I don’t LOVE them, you know? All my franchise favorites are still villagers I had in WW or NL, back when they felt alive. I enjoy the customization, but I didn’t want the villagers to just be empty dolls.

 

[Etown20]

I think the idea of charm and soul are subjective. When I play New Horizons, I feel like it is overflowing with charm and it feels like the most lively game in the series to me.

I respect that other people feel differently and am not looking to debate or trying to change anybody's mind. I just thought I'd add that my experience and interpretation of the game has been quite a bit different than what has been mentioned so far.

 

[Marshmallows]

Even though I only started playing with New Leaf, I understand what people mean by the charm or the spirit of the game. I feel like New Horizons has lost some of its weirdness in favor of more popular things. Even the new character designs... while I love them, they're all pretty cutesy. Or our characters nose. Or the dialogues. Or the watered down npcs. Or the houses that look straight out of a magazine instead of the colorful fairytale mess they used to be.

Animal Crossing always seemed to me to be about living with quirky characters and getting to know and befriend them while we fish and hunt bugs. Now it's like Calico Critters where everyone is cute and nice and we just decorate (while they mostly ignore what we build.)

I still love the game and even if bland at times, I appreciate how beautiful and well done it is. I just wish they had kept more of the personality and offbeat humor that the older games had. They may be silly or unnecessary things, but things like villagers keeping and showing off letters you sent them add to one's connection with the world.

Also hope they go back to using Mayor/Town Hall in the future. Resident Representative and Resident Services are cumbersome.

 

[Serabee]

...Yah, can't say I relate. Like, at all. BUT I know you're not alone, because I feel like I only ever see people complain about the game I was really hoping this update would help with that given all the excitement about it, but then like, the day after it dropped everyone was back to complaining about what it still lacked. I mean, I love this game, and I joined this forum to share my love of it. But the amount of complaining on here really bums me out.

Anyway... personally, I love ACNH. I loved it since day 1. IMO, it's the best game so far and has improved the previous one DRASTICALLY. The ability to craft and to decorate outside is enough to push it over the edge for me- it's something I've been dreaming of since the first game and now it's finally real. TBH, I tended to get bored faster in previous games. Yes, I could fish and bug hunt and chat with villagers. ANd then I could decorate my house. But... then what? Now I can also craft, cook, decorate my island (I LOVE to decorate seasonally- I'm currently preparing a Turkey Day feast to compliment what Franklin makes!), go island hopping for materials/villagers/furniture/DIYs, design some houses... there's just SO much more content, on top of what I already loved.

I mean, I will agree the vibe of the game has changed a bit. But I think it's changed in a WONDERFUL way. The customization options, the ability to truly express yourself on your island and turn it into the town you've always dreamed of. And if/when your dreams change? You can change it up again! I've been playing since day 1, resetting once the day after release, and I haven't reset since, which is a record to me. I feel more invested in my game than ever because I really love Woodland and all the memories I've made there. Now, I will admit, I feel a bit less clingy and less close to my villagers. But, again, I don't feel like it's in a bad way. I think part of why is because I'm no longer afraid of losing them randomly- they'll be there as long as I want. I can chat with them whenever I feel like, squee about how cute they are whenever I see them, give them new clothes and furniture, make them vacation homes, visit their home/have them visit mine, have coffee with them, etc. but then I can also focus on other pursuits without feeling the need to chat with them if I'm too focused on decorating or crafting or whatever. I love having that freedom, while still having cute villagers (and I certainly love having more control over who's on my island than EVER before!)

So, yah... to sum up... I feel like the vibe of the game has changed, the content and priorities have changed, but I feel it's 100% for the better.
And I'm so, so, so sad to see people continuously complaining about a game I love, calling it the worst of the series, saying how much of a disappointment it is, etc. and basically making me feel dumb for loving it so much. That really wasn't what I expected when I joined this site. And, to be clear- I'm not bashing anyone who's disappointed or dislikes the game. I just sometimes feel out of place when I'm basically sitting here wearing an "I love ACNH" t-shirt and so many other people are basically saying why I shouldn't. I'm not mad or bashing anyone or saying people aren't allowed to complain. I just personally find it sad.

 

[VanitasFan26]

...Yah, can't say I relate. Like, at all. BUT I know you're not alone, because I feel like I only ever see people complain about the game I was really hoping this update would help with that given all the excitement about it, but then like, the day after it dropped everyone was back to complaining about what it still lacked. I mean, I love this game, and I joined this forum to share my love of it. But the amount of complaining on here really bums me out.

Anyway... personally, I love ACNH. I loved it since day 1. IMO, it's the best game so far and has improved the previous one DRASTICALLY. The ability to craft and to decorate outside is enough to push it over the edge for me- it's something I've been dreaming of since the first game and now it's finally real. TBH, I tended to get bored faster in previous games. Yes, I could fish and bug hunt and chat with villagers. ANd then I could decorate my house. But... then what? Now I can also craft, cook, decorate my island (I LOVE to decorate seasonally- I'm currently preparing a Turkey Day feast to compliment what Franklin makes!), go island hopping for materials/villagers/furniture/DIYs, design some houses... there's just SO much more content, on top of what I already loved.

I mean, I will agree the vibe of the game has changed a bit. But I think it's changed in a WONDERFUL way. The customization options, the ability to truly express yourself on your island and turn it into the town you've always dreamed of. And if/when your dreams change? You can change it up again! I've been playing since day 1, resetting once the day after release, and I haven't reset since, which is a record to me. I feel more invested in my game than ever because I really love Woodland and all the memories I've made there. Now, I will admit, I feel a bit less clingy and less close to my villagers. But, again, I don't feel like it's in a bad way. I think part of why is because I'm no longer afraid of losing them randomly- they'll be there as long as I want. I can chat with them whenever I feel like, squee about how cute they are whenever I see them, give them new clothes and furniture, make them vacation homes, visit their home/have them visit mine, have coffee with them, etc. but then I can also focus on other pursuits without feeling the need to chat with them if I'm too focused on decorating or crafting or whatever. I love having that freedom, while still having cute villagers (and I certainly love having more control over who's on my island than EVER before!)

So, yah... to sum up... I feel like the vibe of the game has changed, the content and priorities have changed, but I feel it's 100% for the better.
And I'm so, so, so sick of people complaining about a game I love, calling it the worst of the series, saying how much of a disappointment it is, etc. and basically making me feel dumb for loving it so much.

Let me just get the record straight. You are allowed to enjoy the game and have your opinion thats fine, but when you say things like "I'm so, so, so sick of people complaining about a game I love." its sounds like you get tired of people bashing on the game. You have to realize that most people really want to see more done with the game. Just because they say that doesn't mean they hate the game and I really don't get why this is so hard to understand. We all have different opinions, different perspectives of how we see the game, thats just how it is.

Look, I am not here to start any arguments but I just want to clear this whole confusion thing up. I was one of those people who got attacked by other users who kept assuming that I only post "negative" things about the game when in reality I've spoken about good things about the game and not just negative. Sure there are times I was hard on the game but I am not one of those people who is like "I hate this game so much" I am not like that at all. Many people on this site don't seem to understand the difference between having an actual valid opinion and then having to be attacked by others who simply don't agree with you. Its a hurtful feeling.

 

[Corrie]

I agree. I want to play it and have fun but I find myself turning it on for no more than 20 mins and then shutting it back down again. There's things to do and my island is nowhere complete but I just don't care? Like it's just kinda meh experience.

 

[Serabee]

Let me just get the record straight. You are allowed to enjoy the game and have your opinion thats fine, but when you say things like "I'm so, so, so sick of people complaining about a game I love." its sounds like you get tired of people bashing on the game. You have to realize that most people really want to see more done with the game. Just because they say that doesn't mean they hate the game and I really don't get why this is so hard to understand. We all have different opinions, different perspectives of how we see the game, thats just how it is.

Look, I am not here to start any arguments but I just want to clear this whole confusion thing up. I was one of those people who got attacked by other users who kept assuming that I only post "negative" things about the game when in reality I've spoken about good things about the game and not just negative. Sure there are times I was hard on the game but I am not one of those people who is like "I hate this game so much" I am not like that at all. Many people on this site don't seem to understand the difference between having an actual valid opinion and then having to be attacked by others who simply don't agree with you. Its a hurtful feeling.

...I'm not here to start arguments, either. And I'm not here to attack anyone. But I feel like I'm entitled to feel upset when I keep seeing people bash something I love and I'm entitled to express that. Like I said, I joined here to share my love of the game. So it bums me out when it feels like most of the active threads are doing the opposite. You're allowed to express your feelings, but so am I. My opinion is just as actual and valid as yours. And I'm sorry if you've been attacked (and I don't doubt you have, there are always crappy people out there), but I've never attacked you and never would. That's not what I'm doing at all.

 

[naranjita]

I don't want to sound dismissive, but a lot of what people say regarding the older games being more "magical" or whatever... yeah, a big chunk of that is nostalgia. Like, Animal Crossing releases are actually pretty rare. New Leaf came out, like, 10 years ago. The earlier ones, even longer ago than that. Most of us played those games when we were children. Of course everything was more magical and special back then.

My first AC game was Wild World, and it has a very special place in my heart. And yes, I remember the dialogue being a lot more varied back then, and it was, and that's an aspect where WW is still better than NH, but let's be real, the reason I remember the dialogue so fondly is because 1. as a child, I was much more inclined to spend hours doing nothing but talking to cartoon animals in a video game, and 2. there was very little to do in WW otherwise compared to NH.

Especially when people claim that there was more to do in WW or earlier games, like... No. Your child brain was just much better at filling out the empty space. There's no way you can say there was more content to WW or earlier games than NH, like, objectively. Heck, even NL is arguable; yeah, there's, like, the mini games, I guess, but NH has terraforming and more freedom for outdoors customization, so it balances out.

Heck, people complain about the villagers being "soulless" or acting like "robots". Have you actually gone back and compared the villagers from earlier games to the villagers in NH? Dialogue variety may be down compared to WW (and it has certainly gone up when compared to NL), but at least they actually do things when they're outside. They fish and try to catch bugs instead of pointlessly holding out fishing rods and nets that they never use. They sing and exercise. They play around and take pictures of interesting furniture. They water the flowers and get distracted looking at the falling leaves. They even have unique dialogue for when you give them something that they gifted you. How is that soulless when compared to the earlier games? How can you say that they act like robots when they are so full of life compared to the villagers from previous games, who would never react to the world changing around them?

Idk. I feel like a lot of people don't actually want NH to be better, as much as I agree that there is room for improvement with it. Frankly, I don't think they even want the AC game that they think they want. What they really want is to be children again. And Nintendo can't give you that.

 

[moonlights]

Let me just get the record straight. You are allowed to enjoy the game and have your opinion thats fine, but when you say things like "I'm so, so, so sick of people complaining about a game I love." its sounds like you get tired of people bashing on the game. You have to realize that most people really want to see more done with the game. Just because they say that doesn't mean they hate the game and I really don't get why this is so hard to understand. We all have different opinions, different perspectives of how we see the game, thats just how it is.

Look, I am not here to start any arguments but I just want to clear this whole confusion thing up. I was one of those people who got attacked by other users who kept assuming that I only post "negative" things about the game when in reality I've spoken about good things about the game and not just negative. Sure there are times I was hard on the game but I am not one of those people who is like "I hate this game so much" I am not like that at all. Many people on this site don't seem to understand the difference between having an actual valid opinion and then having to be attacked by others who simply don't agree with you. Its a hurtful feeling.

yeah because it is tiring. Everytime a new update drops the focus switches to new complaints about some random feature from an older game that has evolved somehow. And that's exactly that, Animal Crossing has evolved as a series, imagine how stale it would get if we just had the same game with the exact same features every installment. You're allowed an opinion, that was never the argument, but if you're just not enjoying the game, you're able to play any of the older games that have the elements you so desire.

Separate point, but I'm really surprised at the amount of complaints about the dialogue in NH. I definitely feel like they've added more since the last update because I'm still discovering new lines everytime I play.

 

[RollingAntony]

Hey, it's the weekly "NH sucks because x reason" thread. Or was it daily? There's so many I've lost track.

If you don't like a game, either because you don't like it as much as others or you just simply don't vibe it, don't play it. Forcing yourself to play something you keep finding things to complain will not help like it, it'll be worse.


People here probably already know I love New Horizons, but since I'm a foolish newcomer to the series, I can't truly comprehend the awesomeness of the older games on the series! I personally find very silly (and tbqh, I previously find it irritating and absurd lol) when people say this game lacks charm and soul or whatever little word they use to describe that "magical" feeling and try to pass that as an objective and definitive statement about the game.

The game oozes charm and coziness at every step, the dialogue is nowhere near as bad as people whine every 2 seconds (it's actually very nice), it has lots of unique things going for each resident such as their activities, most of the NPC are so well established and developed (lol at people still trying to push the "downgrade" thing with no basis whatsoever) and there's thousands of little details to warm your heart out there. The feeling of walking around on a terracotta path while wearing kimono shoes while 6PM is playing and you see one of your residents singing their heart out and another one is lifting weights with the sunset as background? Amazing.

Like we get it, if the cutesy virtual animal doesn't call you fat, idiot or flirts with you while having a wife, they're lifeless dolls (or robots, or insert [x] word here). We get it, people think "mean" is a personality but "nice" isn't, and apparently want to be friends with someone who insults you because friendship is a challenge to see how much you can stand being around an unpleasant thing until you "win them over". But I don't. And constantly hearing that's the true charming and only magical way to connect with your residents just alienates me from the fandom more and more.

Oh yeah, the Island Newspaper is probably 100x times better than the old bulletin board and is low-key one of the most wholesome features on this 100% facts empty and hollow game.


But yeah, don't play a game you don't like. Have fun playing the Animal Crossing games you enjoy.

 

[Vintage Viola]

I have a feeling you prefer how simple ACGC is by comparison to NH too, which probably plays into the “spirit” thing. The only big thing you really have to worry about in that game is paying off your house, and that’s it. Whereas, in NH, you have to worry about everything else on top of that. Especially after the 2.0 update, and the dlc for those who chose to buy it. Plus, it really moves away from the “making a life in the forest with the animals” thing as well. A lot of us literally knocked down the entire forest just to build a paved town lol, so I definitely get what you mean. ACGC was a lot more chill and most of the fun came from interacting with you villagers and exploring around, it was a simpler time.

Tbh, I think if the villagers had more life to them (as far as dialogue) it would solve the lack of charm problem. For me, that’s where it got lost. I’m otherwise very happy with NH and play it everyday.

 

[VanitasFan26]

Well this thread is already giving me flashbacks to what happened to me last year when I tried to express about my feelings with the game and I got attacked for it.

 

[RiceBunny]

When the president of Nintendo died, I knew things would be different. When they took down Club Nintendo shortly after his death, it confirmed it. I knew this game wouldn’t be like the others. Am I disappointed? Yes. Will I continue playing in hopes they release the rest of the game? Yeah. When they released the game barebone, it gave me EA Sims vibes, then they released this big update, but with a DLC attached that was even beefier; that right there confirmed my fears that Nintendo was going the EA route, which is honestly the most disappointing part.

 

[Altarium]

...Yah, can't say I relate. Like, at all. BUT I know you're not alone, because I feel like I only ever see people complain about the game I was really hoping this update would help with that given all the excitement about it, but then like, the day after it dropped everyone was back to complaining about what it still lacked. I mean, I love this game, and I joined this forum to share my love of it. But the amount of complaining on here really bums me out.

Anyway... personally, I love ACNH. I loved it since day 1. IMO, it's the best game so far and has improved the previous one DRASTICALLY. The ability to craft and to decorate outside is enough to push it over the edge for me- it's something I've been dreaming of since the first game and now it's finally real. TBH, I tended to get bored faster in previous games. Yes, I could fish and bug hunt and chat with villagers. ANd then I could decorate my house. But... then what? Now I can also craft, cook, decorate my island (I LOVE to decorate seasonally- I'm currently preparing a Turkey Day feast to compliment what Franklin makes!), go island hopping for materials/villagers/furniture/DIYs, design some houses... there's just SO much more content, on top of what I already loved.

I mean, I will agree the vibe of the game has changed a bit. But I think it's changed in a WONDERFUL way. The customization options, the ability to truly express yourself on your island and turn it into the town you've always dreamed of. And if/when your dreams change? You can change it up again! I've been playing since day 1, resetting once the day after release, and I haven't reset since, which is a record to me. I feel more invested in my game than ever because I really love Woodland and all the memories I've made there. Now, I will admit, I feel a bit less clingy and less close to my villagers. But, again, I don't feel like it's in a bad way. I think part of why is because I'm no longer afraid of losing them randomly- they'll be there as long as I want. I can chat with them whenever I feel like, squee about how cute they are whenever I see them, give them new clothes and furniture, make them vacation homes, visit their home/have them visit mine, have coffee with them, etc. but then I can also focus on other pursuits without feeling the need to chat with them if I'm too focused on decorating or crafting or whatever. I love having that freedom, while still having cute villagers (and I certainly love having more control over who's on my island than EVER before!)

So, yah... to sum up... I feel like the vibe of the game has changed, the content and priorities have changed, but I feel it's 100% for the better.
And I'm so, so, so sad to see people continuously complaining about a game I love, calling it the worst of the series, saying how much of a disappointment it is, etc. and basically making me feel dumb for loving it so much. That really wasn't what I expected when I joined this site. And, to be clear- I'm not bashing anyone who's disappointed or dislikes the game. I just sometimes feel out of place when I'm basically sitting here wearing an "I love ACNH" t-shirt and so many other people are basically saying why I shouldn't. I'm not mad or bashing anyone or saying people aren't allowed to complain. I just personally find it sad.

I wholeheartedly agree with all of this! New Horizons added every single feature I dreamed of when I was playing previous installments, which makes it by far my favorite game in the series, and I think people sometimes speak with rose-tinted glasses when they talk about the older games. I remember making a list of things I wanted to see in the next Animal Crossing back in the New Leaf days.

• Number one was being able to have control over the villagers. Where they live, when they come, and when they leave. We got that.
• Number two was a map editor tool. Being able to move trees, rocks, buildings, and even the river. We got that.
• Number three was a better public works projects implementation. We got that in spades.
• Number four was for the villagers to be more interesting. They now sit, eat, run around, read, sing, look at stuff, interact with items. We got that. Say what you want about the dialogue in New Horizons, but please go back to New Leaf. Take a shot every time a villager hits you with tutorial dialogue or a smug compares you to a bunch of cucumbers. You'll have fun!

New Horizons has given us so much flexibility, and that's what keeps me playing. There's always something to do, something to change. I can redesign my entire island whenever I feel like it, I don't need to time travel every time I want to get rid of a streetlight or move a tree one square to the left.

It's crazy how much great stuff we got that people take for granted. Like, in previous games you couldn't even decide how your character looked without looking up a guide. You couldn't ever change your face. You couldn't even create a dark-skinned character!!!

I feel like New Horizons OOZES charm (just take a look at how the flowers shake when it's windy!), but most of us aren't kids anymore. That fascination and naivety we once had when we first started playing the series is gone, but that isn't on the series. It's on us. Yes, snooties and crankies are no longer mean, but is that really a bad thing? This game is like a relaxing getaway, I don't need characters being mean to me. There's enough hate out there.

I don't think the "spirit" of Animal Crossing is gone at all. What even is the "spirit" anyway? Living the simple life carelessly in a forest with anthropomorphic animals? We still do that! Except now you can make a city instead of a forest if you feel like it. I think the spirit of Animal Crossing is more about being able to create a haven where the player can feel at peace. And we can do that now much more than we used to.

But this is just my opinion, and having discussions is what forums are about after all.

 

[Lullaboid]

I absolutely love this game and have played for over 1,000 hours. That said, I completely agree that the game is missing heart in a way former versions of the game were not. It feels glossier and less quaint, and I don't know about you but as a longtime fan it was kind of weird to witness the explosion of interest that occurred because of the pandemic.

Basically I happen to like what the game has turned into, but I agree that it has changed. I do miss the quirky, quaint feel of former titles.