Nintendo's pandemic-era hit Animal Crossing: New Horizons has just received its latest update, and it's brought back my beloved island sanctuary in a big way. As I stepped out of my massive virtual house, I was greeted by the familiar sight of my avatar, Alba, looking every bit as tired and disheveled as she had after months of lockdown.
I half-expected to find my island in shambles, but apart from a few pesky cockroaches and some overgrown weeds, everything seemed to be just as I had left it. The paths I had carefully laid out were still intact, leading me back to the shop, tailor, museum – and of course, Blathers' owl perched on her usual perch. It was like no time had passed at all.
I took a stroll around the island, reacquainting myself with familiar landmarks and features that I had neglected over the past few years. The old bamboo zen garden, for example, still needed a bit of work – it's always been one of my least favorite decorating tasks, but I was determined to get back into the swing of things.
The update has also brought some new features to the table, including a hotel on the pier that I was eager to explore. The pirate kappa family running the show were charming enough, and the rewards for decorating their rooms were a nice touch – who wouldn't want a tiny replica of an old Nintendo console as a prize?
One of the most welcome changes, however, has been the introduction of farming and food recipes into the game. I'd never realized how much potential there was for creating delicious meals in Animal Crossing, and it's been a fun new direction to explore.
What struck me most about this update was just how seamlessly it fit back into my existing world. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of new features and gameplay mechanics, but the real magic of Animal Crossing lies in its ability to create a sense of continuity and progression over time.
For those who may be new to the series or have been away for a while, the best way to experience it is still by immersing yourself in its gentle rhythm. Take your time, explore every nook and cranny, and don't worry if you forget what's happened in previous updates – Animal Crossing has always been a game that rewards patience and attention.
As I settled back into my virtual life on Alba, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this little game that had brought me so much joy during some of the darkest times. It's a testament to the power of gaming to create lasting connections and memories – and one that I'll be happy to continue making with Animal Crossing: New Horizons for years to come.
**What to play:** Dispatch, a narrative game about a washed-up superhero, is out now on PS5 and PC.
**What to read:** Get an in-depth look at the making of Mirror's Edge, a groundbreaking 2008 parkour game, on Design Room.
**What to click:** Browse our beginner's guide to Arc Raiders, check out our latest review of Commodore 64 Ultimate, or explore more gaming news and reviews.
I half-expected to find my island in shambles, but apart from a few pesky cockroaches and some overgrown weeds, everything seemed to be just as I had left it. The paths I had carefully laid out were still intact, leading me back to the shop, tailor, museum – and of course, Blathers' owl perched on her usual perch. It was like no time had passed at all.
I took a stroll around the island, reacquainting myself with familiar landmarks and features that I had neglected over the past few years. The old bamboo zen garden, for example, still needed a bit of work – it's always been one of my least favorite decorating tasks, but I was determined to get back into the swing of things.
The update has also brought some new features to the table, including a hotel on the pier that I was eager to explore. The pirate kappa family running the show were charming enough, and the rewards for decorating their rooms were a nice touch – who wouldn't want a tiny replica of an old Nintendo console as a prize?
One of the most welcome changes, however, has been the introduction of farming and food recipes into the game. I'd never realized how much potential there was for creating delicious meals in Animal Crossing, and it's been a fun new direction to explore.
What struck me most about this update was just how seamlessly it fit back into my existing world. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of new features and gameplay mechanics, but the real magic of Animal Crossing lies in its ability to create a sense of continuity and progression over time.
For those who may be new to the series or have been away for a while, the best way to experience it is still by immersing yourself in its gentle rhythm. Take your time, explore every nook and cranny, and don't worry if you forget what's happened in previous updates – Animal Crossing has always been a game that rewards patience and attention.
As I settled back into my virtual life on Alba, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for this little game that had brought me so much joy during some of the darkest times. It's a testament to the power of gaming to create lasting connections and memories – and one that I'll be happy to continue making with Animal Crossing: New Horizons for years to come.
**What to play:** Dispatch, a narrative game about a washed-up superhero, is out now on PS5 and PC.
**What to read:** Get an in-depth look at the making of Mirror's Edge, a groundbreaking 2008 parkour game, on Design Room.
**What to click:** Browse our beginner's guide to Arc Raiders, check out our latest review of Commodore 64 Ultimate, or explore more gaming news and reviews.
I mean, who needs actual human interaction when you've got Tom Nook's charming smile and a never-ending supply of DIY crafting materials? The update is a great reminder that even after all these years, Animal Crossing still knows how to bring a sense of warmth and comfort to your screen. And let's be real, what's better than a well-placed bamboo zen garden to calm the virtual nerves? 
. I was a bit skeptical at first, but it sounds like they've really thought about how to bring back the old charm without feeling like a reboot 
And that hotel on the pier sounds like so much fun! I love how they're still all about creating that sense of continuity and progression, it's what makes Animal Crossing feel like a real part of your life 
.
it's like nintendo is trying to make me feel old but in a good way... i mean who needs new features when you've got a perfectly good island sanctuary like mine, right? 
it feels so familiar but with some cool new features like farming and food recipes that I didn't know existed. It's amazing how a game can make you feel all nostalgic and connected to your own little island sanctuary. And the fact that they brought back Alba, my avatar, was just the cherry on top 
. The update is so seamless it feels like no time has passed at all, which is perfect for someone who's been away from the game for a while. I'm definitely going to spend some quality time in Tom Nook's world again and maybe even try out that hotel on the pier 
i love how they brought back familiar landmarks & features, it's like no time has passed at all! 
the addition of farming & food recipes is genius btw, can't wait to try out those new recipes 
but i love how they added farming & recipes now u can actually make a decent meal instead of just eating whatever 
it's like no time has passed at all, my island is still sooo cute and familiar 
who knew AC could get even better? 
- it's like Nintendo is saying, we hear you, players, and we're not done with you yet! 
But seriously, the way they've woven in farming and food recipes feels like a masterclass in game design. It's all about providing meaningful choices and consequences that make you care about your virtual life.
. Has anyone else been playing it as much since the update dropped?
it feels like no time has passed at all! I love how the new features blend in with the existing world, like farming and food recipes 
the update is proof that nintendo really knows how to balance old and new features, making it easy for me (and probably others too) to dive back into the game without feeling overwhelmed 
. Like, come on Nintendo! You guys are supposed to be pros at this stuff.
I'm loving every minute of this update and can't wait to see what's next for Alba!