If there’s one series of games that’s near and dear to my heart, it’s the "Animal Crossing" games. They are some of the most simple games in existence, but also the most fascinating. There are four games in total so far—"Animal Crossing" for GameCube, "Wild World" for the DS, "City Folk" on the Wii, and "New Leaf" on the 3DS—all of which give you the opportunity to live in a town full of cute animals. Nintendo has also released spin-off games for both the WiiU and the 3DS.
What makes the game fascinating is the use of the internal clock. This allows you to play the game in real time, and as such gives you different limitations on what you can do depending on when you play the game. In addition, there’s no real set objective in the "Animal Crossing" games, which means you can do just about anything. The games have evolved over the years (most notably in the fact that you become the mayor of your animal village in "New Leaf"), but whether you’re a seasoned player or have only played one version of the game, there are a few things you know all too well.
1. The absurdity of running errands for your neighbors.
Whether you’re collecting fruit from a nearby tree, returning a misplaced package to the neighbor walking right next to you, or fishing an animal’s key out of the river, you are often left complaining about the task at hand. At least there’s a reward for getting the job done.
2. How important it is to hit rocks.
Perfect for bug-hunting or trying to earn fast cash. Bust out your shovels!
3. The struggle that is ocean fishing.
That big, rare fish that you think you finally found? Turns out it’s just another sea bass. Sorry.
4. How to annoy your least favorite neighbor.
Side note: The neighbor pictured is actually one of my all-time favorites. We just had a brief falling-out at one point...
Hit them with your net, set a pitfall trap in front of them, or simply shove them around! This won’t necessarily get them to move out quicker, but it’s fun to see them stomp around for a few minutes.
5. Alternatively, how much it sucks to fall into a pitfall.
Seriously? Who planted that there?
6. The importance of playing frequently.
If the overgrown weeds and infestation of cockroaches in your home weren't bad enough, you could also come back to town only to realize your favorite neighbor moved away while you were gone! There’s also the struggle that is bedhead...
7. And when you're done, SAVING YOUR PROGRESS!
There are consequences if you don’t. Serious ones.
8. Learning about how much mortgage payments suck.
If only all loan companies were as generous as Tom Nook when it came to repayment.
9. The quickest ways to make money.
Cheating is one option, as is the coveted money rock, but you could also do what I do and just sell a bunch of rare bugs and fish at once.
10. The risk of shaking trees.
Getting money and random furniture items is nice, but watch out for beehives!
11. How much of a struggle it is to make your town look perfect.
It takes a while, but the results are worth it.
12. The significance of 8 p.m. on a Saturday night.
You don’t know music if you’ve never seen K.K. Slider perform. Trust me.
