Archive for July, 2013

Animal Crossing: New Leaf

I was heartened to see that I updated twice since my last Animal Crossing post, as I didn’t want to seem like some kind of AC-obsessed nutter.

It’s funny, because in previous blogs I used to update every day, then, I decided to update about specific subjects…then, I got this blog, where I pretty much write about whatever is on my mind that I feel I could write a blog about. So, sometimes, I won’t update often…sometimes, I’ll update more. As work picks up and starts to take over my mind my creativity kind of falls by the wayside. So, I’m working on it šŸ™‚

Anyways!

So, ACNL is, IMO, the BEST Animal Crossing EVER. I have no real frame of reference as I’ve only really played one of them, Wild World, which I loved quite dearly. There is one major reason for this (a very predictable reason, I am sure), which I will get to in a moment.

The obsession has hit hard and fast; I’m already over 60% on all categories except art (because I am terrible at picking the legitimate pieces from Crazy Redd’s shop) and I’ve started playing first thing in the morning, although I typically play at night, so that I can continue my endeavors to collect all the things! Being the mayor and being able to add bridges and move things, etc. has an intoxicating appeal that I also love, although I will admit I am a pretty big slacker when it comes to checking in and making sure the town is actually running ok. Everyone seems happy, though…I should probably get on that. You know you have a problem when you’re walking around at the mall, see a stinkbug on a store window, and immediately envision yourself pulling out a net, catching it, and making some sort of witty pun before stuffing it in your pockets. This happened to me the other day. I am not making that up.

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Abby and I playing with all of her super-cool fortune cookie prizes

The island adds yet another dimension to an AC already packed with features; the little touches like Tortimer having to retire there (he used to be mayor in the previous games) and Hawaiian-accurate names is amazing to me. Having a whole host of exotic fruit to collect and bring back (SO MUCH FRUIT IN THIS ONE OMG) adds to the appeal, as well as the games that allow you to buy exotic stuff, although it takes FOREVER to get enough medals to do so. I WILL HAVE THE MERMAID FURNITURE COLLECTION. I WILL!

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My neighbor and her perfectly-accessorized home…she clearly has a high HHA rating.

Oh, and have I mentioned the music? The soundtrack for this game is absolutely wonderful. I think there is a subliminal track telling me to just relax and play more Animal Crossing. I loved the soundtrack in Wild World and this game puts that one to shame. It absolutely pulls you in and does not let go. I see myself humming these tunes as I walk around various parts of town, or at work…or outside.

The biggest draw for me, however, is the ability to connect/chat with any friends who are playing at the same time as you. Granted, my internet connection is very poor, so I am constantly dropping signal, but having that option is the most wonderful thing to happen to AC. Now, in the past, you almost had better camaraderie, because you had to meet up in person to trade things…but in this one, your friends can just…come over. You have the chat option. I already have almost a full collection of fruit. I think the only thing I’m missing are apples. I get to play with friends who live out of state! It’s almost like an MMO, only you each have your own individual towns, that have each been customized to your own tastes, and you can go experience your other friend’s towns whenever you like! I love this.

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Abby and I exchanging fruit. SO MUCH FRUIT.

So, ACNL…best Animal Crossing yet…

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some more fishing to do.