STACK #185 Mar 2020

GAMING FEATURE

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Crossing

Over

Ever since Nintendo launched the Switch, many fans of Animal Crossing have been hoping for a new version of the social simulator game. Finally, this month sees the arrival of Animal Crossing: New Horizons .We checked out the travel brochure fromTom Nook’s Nook Inc. to see whether he’s offering us a good deal. Words Amy Flower That’s in addition to your trusty in-game NookPhone, with all the apps you could ever need, including maps and a pretty sweet camera. Plus, new apps are promised over time. You’ll also have the constant availability of your pals at Nook Inc. to offer orientation and guidance via their Resident Services on everything from setting up basics through to buying/selling items, and on to the joys of crafting. Yes, you can create your own bits and bobs to make your slice of island even more you! As we’ve come to expect from the Animal Crossing series, New Horizons has no end, and relies on the internal clock of the host console to deliver an experience that adheres to the seasons of the player’s actual location (well, assuming they have set the date correctly). Lap up the cherry blossoms, build a snowman or catch some rays – you’ll be able to do it all! Another bonus is that those ace Animal Crossing Amiibo figurines and cards that you collected in the past are all compatible with New Horizons . There are also a bunch of free updates planned, with the first dropping on day one to provide access to April’s Bunny Day. Seriously, those Nook Inc. folk have thought of everything! As always, there will be a whole lot more to discover in this newest Animal Crossing. We can’t wait to get started on March 20.

A ‘Deserted Island Getaway Package’, eh? Yes, the usual village life gets changed up in this new adventure, and the deal does look pretty sweet if you think that the island life may be your kind of speed. For starters, you not only choose which hemisphere you wish for your handcrafted avatar to reside in, but several different island configurations are available to deliver the perfect peaceful island experience. After all, you’ll be taking it from nothing to something with your own special style. Start off with a tent, but, as always with Animal Crossing, you’ll have options for advancement along the way. Naturally camping isn’t everyone’s thing, so if you prefer four walls and a roof, you’ll be able to construct your very own house. Want to improve your island? Get landscaping, build infrastructure, and also take advantage of Nook Inc. facilities like the tailor and museum. Best of all, Nook Inc. offer brilliant loan terms for everything that you partake in, with you paying back as you go – and with no interest! Want that extension to your digs right now? Sure, go for it, without the threat of losing a finger (or worse) to some dodgy loan shark type. They promise a simple life, and they deliver! This is all sounding very solo, but you certainly won’t be Robinson Crusoe – in fact,

with the social features of New Horizons, you could be partying it up in no time, with both local and online friends. Up to eight members of a family can even set up on the one island on a single Switch. Want a break from your break? Pop by your island’s airport and zip off for a quick getaway

Want to improve your island? Get landscaping, build infrastructure, and also take advantage of Nook Inc facilities like the tailor and museum

to other places. Ways of getting in touch with friends abound, from in-game messaging to the smartphone based NookLink, the latter of which offers sharing of items between New Horizons and 3DS games New Leaf and Happy Home Designer .

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MARCH 2020

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