With Animal Crossing: New Horizons releasing on March 20, many are just beginning to cultivate their island into a welcoming, tropical paradise. However, as reported upon the game's release, it appears a number of players aren't finding Nintendo's critically acclaimed life sim to be as enjoyable as others, with the game's one island per Switch rule causing the title to be review bombed on Metacritic. A few weeks later, it appears New Horizons' poor user review problem hasn't improved, with the title amassing even more negative reactions as the days have worn on.
For those who have missed the rampant criticism levied towards New Horizons, the game garnered a lot of criticism by Switch owners sharing their console with another player, as the second user didn't receive the same missions and freedoms as player 1 despite living on the same island. This includes not being able to receive special missions from Tom Nook, not being able to build major infrastructure, and not being able to participate in a number of major early game decisions.
The user reviews posted about the game on Metacritic have recently reached over 2,700, with the game's user rating slipping from its prior 6.5 to a measly 5.5 overall. Compared to its 91 critic rating, it clearly spells out that fans are not happy with Nintendo's most recent adorable life simulator, especially as many cite that the game is an absolute joy to play if it wasn't for the restrictions placed on the second player. Currently, the amount of red reviews - which fall between a 1 and a 4 out of 10 on the Metacritic scale - sits at just over 1,200.
One of the most popular negative reviews of the title reads, "'One Dictator, Seven Slaves' same-console multiplayer is a huge disappointment. We bought this game to *share* it- one island, one screen, shared decisions and contribution." Another highly rated review echoes the same point, claiming "the inability for users of the same switch to have different islands isn’t cool. In fact, only the first player on the switch can complete assignments from Tom Nook and other characters. Not even a second copy of the game will rectify this. The only way to rectify it is to buy another switch. Nintendo is being VERY GREEDY." With Nintendo's Animal Crossing updates rumored to be delayed due to the Coronavirus pandemic, it seems fans won't see any of their concerns rectified for quite some time.
Outside of those angry at the title's save file system, many seem to be enjoying the game's other aspects, including its vast array of creative options and relaxing nature. Many also seem to be using the game to reimagine popular horror titles, with players posing for hilarious recreation of Midsommar, The Shining and The Lighthouse.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons is out now for Nintendo Switch.
Source: Metacritic