Graphic by Kinsey Ratzman ’21
BY CHLOE JENSEN ’20
After much anticipation, Nintendo released the newest version of the popular game “Animal Crossing,” called “Pocket Camp,” for iPhone and Android players on Nov. 21. While Animal Crossing’s revival is a nostalgic moment for those who played it on GameCube or Wii, it has also gained a younger following of avid phone gamers. According to the research firm SensorTowers, the new mobile game has been downloaded more than 15 million times since its release. “Pocket Camp” is more accessible than previous games, which required the purchase of both a game and a gaming system. Though “Pocket Camp” has fewer features than the original games, it manages to evoke just enough fun to make playing a worthwhile experience.
Like other “Animal Crossing” games, the more you interact with the animals in the game, the more you level up. Each of the various tasks you complete involves different skills like fishing or picking fruit. Compared to other games, “Pocket Camp” is simplistic; however, its sharp, funky graphics and cute characters will entertain you for hours.
Unlike the old “Animal Crossing” games for the Wii, GameCube or DS, the new game takes place in a camp. Rather than having a village and house to care for and expand, you simply have your own campsite.
Some fans feel the new “Animal Crossing” has lost some of its old charm. Unlike in “City Folk” for the Wii or “Wild World” for the DS, “Pocket Camp” has fewer features. For instance, one of the silliest, yet most entertaining, activities in the original “Animal Crossing” games was sending letters between animals and your friends. In “Pocket Camp,” you can add your friends using their code and visit their campsites; however, interaction is limited.
Although performing tasks for various animals seems like it would get old very quickly, it is surprisingly easy to spend a lot of time trying to build your reputation with adorable characters like Bunny and Butch. Over Thanksgiving break, I found myself frequently enthralled by the game. With finals approaching, I know that my procrastination will be owed to retrieving oranges, coconuts and pale chubs for the Eagle as I desperately try to decorate my camp. If this hypothetical situation sounds like something you could see yourself doing, take my advice and wait until after you have submitted that last final on Dec. 18 to download this addicting game.