For those who were fans of the Animal Crossing franchise, the wait for this new addition was a test of patience and endurance. I had never played an Animal Crossing game before this, but figured that with it’s cute animations and the hunting/gathering nature of the game it would probably be right up my ally.
Here’s my first impressions of the game from the eyes of someone who both hadn’t played an Animal Crossing game before but has a special love for games of the like.
1. The game syncs up real time with your actual time.
This took some getting use to for me. As a kid I use to play a lot of Harvest Moon games, which the days go by so fast especially in the beginning! Once I realized I literally have all day to do what’s needed for the day I found myself being both way over productive in terms of getting materials and a little lost for what to fill the time with.
2. Much of the island isn’t accessible until a couple days in the game.
A big piece from the game is you have this whole island that’s suppose to be yours to explore and cultivate into the perfect island living paradise, but you only actually have a 1/4th of the island open to you for the first couple of days. It isn’t until you get the Vaulting Pole tool that you’re able to unlock another 1/4 and the rest by the Ladder tool. I get keeping it locked down in the beginning, but it seemed strange that the game didn’t want me to explore the entirety of the island in the beginning.
3. Friendships and being generous is the way to become an island master.
KK slider tells you at the end of the prologue, friendships are where it’s at. If you don’t talk to your fellow island goers, you’ll miss out on not only special items but in functionalities of the game. There are points in the game where you cannot continue unless you find a way to invite more people to your island. Also, getting all the fruit of every island requires you to play with people nearby and help them as well.
I’ve found in my streams and in my own playing experience that people are very open and generous to helping with this game. Almost like it’s an unblemished generosity that greed hasn’t had a chance to mar. It’s not only an amazing aspect of this game, but the thing that I think gives it the most charm. The NPCs and the actually playing characters are just as generous as each other. That’s a rare gem in games now a days.
4. Nook Miles are super important!
When Tom Nook brings up Nook Miles and Nook Miles + as ways to help pay for things, I originally thought ‘Well this is strange.. but okay’. That was until I fully discovered what it was they were for. Nook Miles are a secondary currency that helps you advance further in the game faster! This is where you get extra pocket space, get higher forms of tools, get a tool ring for ease of use, all of it!
It’s also through Nook Miles that you are able to go to smaller islands for farming materials, fossils, and getting new residents for your islands! 2,000 miles every time you go, and honestly it’s super easy to earn the miles. Most every mundane task you can do can win you Nook Miles. As long as you keep an eye on your Nook Miles + tasks, you’ll rack them up in no time!
5. Tarantulas and Wasps suck…
When I picked this game up and got past the first night, I wasn’t aware I’d be finding things that wanted to sink fangs and stingers into me. Imagine my shock when I found a tarantula who then chased me across the map just to knock me out! I was annoyed to say the least. Since then, I’ve caught at least one of both of these, but here’s the tip I can give.
Tarantulas? Slow and steady wins the race. Fast movements scare the spider and force it to attack and chase you. When you see one, get your net equipped and hold down the A button, this will put your net at the ready and cause you to move slower than a normal walk. Once the nasty little furry thing sees you, it’ll raise it’s front two legs as a warning. STOP MOVING! If you keep moving it will jump. As long as you’re still when it’s front legs are up, it will calm down and lower itself back up, allowing you to take a couple of more steps before it raises again. Rinse, repeat, until you’re in striking distance! This is how I’ve caught every one of my Tarantulas.
Wasps? Quite the opposite of Tarantulas, speed is of the essence. For starters, I’ve found it best if you’re axe is right next to your net or you’re shaking the tree with net in hand. As soon as you see that nest fall, you have about 2 seconds before the swarm comes after you. Here’s what I do: Nest falls, I switch to the net and then sprint away. Once I see the swarm is coming after me, quickly turn your directional around and hit A. The wasps will fly directly into your net and you’ll get it! This one is a lot trickier with the timing, so make sure you keep medicine on you!
6. Expression is the most important thing in play.
From your character, to your house, to the overall layout of the island itself, every piece of your gameplay shows so hugely about who you are. One of my best friends has given me so many things that scream ‘occult things happen here’ that with a couple more things my house will look like the home of a haunted Japanese doll and I love it. Nook Miles give you more hair options including color and styles, bells give you the option to purchase more furniture, and DIY gives you the option to make things to really bring up the options there.
