Video Game Recommendation #4: Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Game Stats:

Console: Nintendo 3DS

Release Date: 11/8/2012

Rating: Everyone

Genre: “Social Simulation Game” (seriously, that’s how Google classifies it.)

My Rating: 5/5 stars

Why am I recommending this game? Imagine: You’re moving to a new town after living at home. This will be your first chance at being independent! Excited, you’ll get off the train and then–you’re mistaken for the town mayor. No matter how much you try to deny or explain that you’re definitely not the mayor, someone insists that you are and should begin immediately, starting with a new ordinance for the town.

Minutes after stepping off the train, after having a conversation with a (quite nosy) cat about how excited you are to move, you’re now running this town that was possibly the wrong stop! This introduction to Animal Crossing: New Leaf gives a great lead-in for people who haven’t played Animal Crossing before. Essentially you’re living in a town with talking animals, you have a mortgage, a source of income, favors to do, and holiday events to host. You won’t do this alone, though! Isabelle is there to help! She was secretary to the previous mayor and is now your right hand. As mayor, you start with a small sum but must work your way up. Make friends with villagers! The closer you are as friends, the more favors they will ask of you and the more gifts you will receive. Keep working until your town hits Perfect Status–happy citizens make a happy Isabelle, after all!

You can open up new shops and venues, add to your museum collection by uncovering fossils, and add to the art collection by buying from Redd. But watch out, some of his artworks are phony! Don’t drop a massive amount of bells on something that won’t even be added to your museum! And the resale price is awful–Tom Nook is now in charge of your mortgage, so Timmy and Tommy will hustle you for those unwanted items. Sometimes they won’t offer anything and you’re stuck with it! But you can always see Reece in Re-Tail, who gives fair prices and will even let you list your items for your own asking price. The infamous KK Slider visits on Saturday nights, but you can see DJ KK any time of the week–once you have Club LOL in town! I won’t spoil much after this! See for yourself what you can do as town mayor! (you even get your own private island!)

NOTE: This recommendation was brought to you by our guest reviewer Lauren.  Want to write a review of a video game you love (or of one you hated)? Email Kathryn at kathryn.ennist@hillsdale.bccls.org