If you've been living under a rock (or if you haven't ever heard of the game series before), the Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp mobile app was recently released in the US, and I'm more than psyched about it.
Animal Crossing is a game I've grown up with; it started on the Gamecube, moved to the Nintendo DS, the 3DS, the Wii U, and now has made its debut in our app stores. The premise changes slightly across some of the platforms but remains pretty simple: you're a human living in a world of animals.
In the original Gamecube game, you arrive by train to your new home, where you take out a loan to afford your cute little house. Within the game (which occurs in real time, minute by minute, and follows the seasons as they happen in real life), you can catch bugs, fish, decorate your home, dress yourself up, dig up fossils, and befriend the animals in your town.
Obviously, there's more to it, but the special thing about Animal Crossing is that there's no violence or character death; it's very much a take-it-easy kind of game. I remember spending hours as a kid, living in this animal world. It has a unique kind of serenity that was so enjoyable.
Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp follows a more simplified version of that because, well, it's an app. But still, the game happens in real time with season changes, and there are many familiar faces of animals we've loved and bonded with over the years.
In the game, you're the owner of a new campground whose job it is to spruce the place (and your camper!) up with unique furniture, arranged however you want, and to invite animals to stay at your campground. The bugs and fish you catch, along with the shells and fruit you collect, are all used to befriend the animals and earn you rewards, such as money or supplies you'll need to craft furniture and other items.
The dialogue is quirky as always, and this line actually made me laugh out loud. How weird is Tex?! I'm going for a cat/rabbit sort of thing at my camp, though, so I don't think I'll invite him in (sorry, bro).
Pocket Camp is a sweet little escape from life whenever I feel stressed and need a break from these last few weeks of classes, assignments, and final exams. It's such a treat to be able to connect with friends, too, and see their decorated campgrounds and campers!
Making friends is definitely important to flow of the game; without friends, doing things like crafting and fulfilling animal's items requests becomes more difficult... and anyway, who wouldn't want to buddy up with someone from Japan?
I'm so glad to be able to have this cute game at my fingertips whenever I'm itching for a break. It's been lots of fun so far and I can't wait to see what changes across all the seasons — and whatever new stuff comes with any updates!
