Earlier in the week, Nintendo announced that the mobile version of their popular “Animal Crossing” franchise would arrive on iOS and Android devices. Originally supposed to be available on November 22nd, fans were delighted to find that Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp became available a day early. Due to the game being overwhelmingly popular, there are server problems so it’s difficult to play as you need an internet connection while you play. This issue has improved a bit, but you still might have some difficulty with the connection.
What is this game, exactly? It doesn’t sound like a typical Nintendo game althought the series has been around for a long time. In this new version of Animal Crossing, you get to take on the role of campsite manager. You’re in charge, so you can decorate your campsite however you like. You can make it cute, or sporty – its completely up to you to craft the kind of furniture and amenities that will make your camp a must-see for animals visiting the area. While visiting different recreational spots, you’ll meet new animals who could use a little help. They’ll be looking for fish, fruit, bugs, and other things to get their camping adventures started—and when you help them out, you’ll earn Bells and craft materials in return.
Overall the game looks cute and fun. It’s maybe slightly juvenile in my opinion, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be enjoyed by everyone. Which is kind of what I like about Nintendo. Their games aren’t necessarily always the most advanced, so anyone can play and enjoy their games. Animal Crossing itself is kind of weird when it comes to time. It operates in real-time, and there’s no way to finish the game. Even if you pay off your entire mortgage and collect every piece of furniture, there are still things to do and see. With Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, however, they are a bit more generous with the timeline. But this makes it even more clear how people need to slow down in the game.
The downside of the game? Well, like I said, you need to take it slow. Cooldown timers are visible next to every regenerating object you’ve interacted with, so you have no choice to acknowledge that waiting around is part of the gameplay. The other disappointing thing about Pocket Camp is the fact that it looks a lot like the other Animal Crossing games. Which, is ok, but it kind of feels they are taking the old game and reapplying it to the “new” version. When you make friends with a villager or even when time passes and the game goes from afternoon to night you get a strong pull of nostalgia. Becoming friends with villagers is especially cute. After you complete enough requests for them, they’ll invite you on a short outing and you’ll see an animation of you and your friend checking out their bug collection or standing around a barbecue.
Overall this game is cute, and it reminds us of the other Animal Crossing games so it’s bound to be at least fun and entertaining. Perhaps they will figure out a way to make it even more interesting or different for their next version to keep people coming back.