Animal Crossing: new horizons

Plot Summary: In this game, the player makes their own avatar, a type of self generated computer game character. The player is put in charge of a deserted island that they can decorate and populate however they want. At the beginning of game play, the player is given startup supplies by a character named Tom Nook, a character that looks like a raccoon dog, a type of Japanese animal. Once the character has their island, they can explore it, build things using natural resources, pick and plant food crops, fish, swim, and collect other animals. As the game continues, the player is encouraged to interact with other players on their own islands as well as have peaceful interactions with anthropomorphic animals. More than one person can live on an island, but the amount of space is limited (“Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” 2021). 

Author Background: Video games are not created by one person. They are created by teams of artists, computer programmers, and script writers. The main developers were Katsuya Eguchi and Hisashi Nogami, developers for Nintendo in Tokyo, Japan (“Animal Crossing: New Horizons,” 2021). 

Critical Evaluation: The drawing style is simple, yet enjoyable. Because the main point of the game is creating and decorating your island and then interacting with other players, there isn’t a lot of backstory. The story is created by the player as they do activities. However, instead of a strict storyline, the game has incredibly detailed items that can be collected and made by the players.In the newest version of the game, the weather in the game changes depending on where you are actually located in real life. You are also able to change the geography of your island as you progress in the game (Nintendo of America, 2020).

This game is too much fun! It could almost be called addicting. While it is true that the game is rated E, meaning Everyone can play it, there is still a place for teens in the game. Interacting online can be easier than in person for some people. Also, the game is not competitive in nature, so it can be a good way to help teens relax after all the things they have to do each day. 

Speed-Round Game Talk or Short Game Trailer: Are you feeling stressed by all the things that life demands from you? School, homework, extracurricular activities. Animal Crossing: New Horizons allows a player to build their own island and populate it with animals that all live in harmony with each other.

Potential Challenge Issues and Defense Preparation:  Parents worry that video games can be addictive and take too much time from other activities. However, taking breaks from homework to relax and be social is important. This game isn't violent or unnecessarily competitive. 

Reason for Inclusion: The ability for teens to interact online through the game will be a draw for those who are shy or have social anxiety. Being social isn't easy for everyone. Having a game that encourages building friendships and collaboration is important.

References

Animal Crossing: New Horizons. (2021, January 1). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Animal_Crossing:_New_Horizons.

dreamscape. (2022, May 6). Forgotten dreams // dark ambient music mix. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5p2ZX7UU9w. 

Nintendo of America. (2020, May 11). What is animal crossing: new horizons? A guide for the uninitiated. [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AkEFot5UF0.

Stoney Ridge Farmer. (2020, February 13). How to raise baby chicks...simple and easy tips for a healthy flock! [YouTube]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxvs4mmPsik.