Support NeoGAF

[Socreges]

If you describe Animal Crossing to someone, it sounds damn boring. But have them play it for a while and chances are they'll get hooked.

So it's charming. Good characters, colourful graphics, good humour. But that's the game's dressing, not its core, and isn't really what pulls people in and keeps them coming back. There's something in the routine of the game, the ability to collect and create things as you want to. But why is that fun? Things that you wouldn't enjoy in real life are fun in Animal Crossing. Is it that we naturally enjoy collecting, creating, organizing and AC lets us do this without the tedium and patience required?

I think it's a lot like games like Skyrim where you're encouraged to collect 'loot' and there's something addicting and insatiable about that. I feel like these games are designed to appeal to some of our base instincts and 'pleasure centers', in that we're programmed to feel a sense of reward when we collect or discover something.

Kind of implicit in what I'm saying here is that I think there's something ultimately empty about experiences like these. A good analogy might be how snack companies have designed their food to satisfy cravings and keep you eating, but in the end you feel like you would have been better off eating something else.

Just spitballing here. I'm sure a lot of AC fans will disagree with me

 

[zoukka]

People enjoyed Tamagotchis.

 

[Ken]

Skyrim has an "addicting and insatiable" loot system?

 

[Shaanyboi]

I agree with the OP and kinda lump it in with Harvest Moon and the like. I just don't see the fun.

That said, i'll give New Leaf a chance to change my mind. People say it's the best one so....

 

[EleventhDoctor]

Nofunallowed.jpg

 

[Tomat]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=542049

 

[Toki767]

Skyrim has nothing on Animal Crossing loot.

 

[Hours Left]

If you describe Animal Crossing to someone, it sounds damn boring. But have them play it for a while and chances are they'll get hooked.

So it's charming. Good characters, colourful graphics, good humour. But that's the game's dressing, not its core, and isn't really what pulls people in and keeps them coming back. There's something in the routine of the game, the ability to collect and create things as you want to. But why is that fun? Things that you wouldn't enjoy in real life are fun in Animal Crossing. Is it that we naturally enjoy collecting, creating, organizing and AC lets us do this without the tedium and patience required?

I think it's a lot like games like Skyrim where you're encouraged to collect 'loot' and there's something addicting and insatiable about that. I feel like these games are designed to appeal to some of our base instincts and 'pleasure centers', in that we're programmed to feel a sense of reward when we collect or discover something.

Kind of implicit in what I'm saying here is that I think there's something ultimately empty about experiences like these. A good analogy might be how snack companies have designed their food to satisfy cravings and keep you eating, but in the end you feel like you would have been better off eating something else.

Just spitballing here. I'm sure a lot of AC fans will disagree with me

You could say this about any type of game.

The fact that the player gets enjoyment out of the game is what matters. That's what makes it worth while.

 

[kittens]

Yeah, I don't get it, either. The aesthetics are charming as hell, and that's about it. But I don't like games that built around repetitive busy work. The only one I really tolerate is Pokemon.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

Why are you trying to kill our pre-release buzz man...? But really, it's due to freedom. You can do whatever you like, take the game at whatever pace you want. There are no signposts, and once you finish the tutorial you're off. There's so much to do, and collect. The world is so pleasant.

Skyrim has an "addicting and insatiable" loot system?

Yeah, fuck this. There's like... 5 types of sword in Skyrim. You know how many sofa combos there are in New Leaf? Oh, and you can make your own now. You know you love it.

 

[Cramoss]

People always ask the same question and the only answer I can give is.. I don't know lol.

It's just a chill game with collectibles.

 

[suzu]

I don't know why I like games like Animal Crossing (or Harvest Moon), but I guess it's the same reasons people like decorating/building/collecting random shit in other games. Also, it's cute.

Yeah, I don't get it, either. The aesthetics are charming as hell, and that's about it. But I don't like games that built around repetitive busy work. The only one I really tolerate is Pokemon.

Pokemon is an RPG though.

 

[Peru]

The thing you're crucially missing out on with Animal Crossing and your description is the quality writing you encounter through communication with the townspeople. That's it's core.

Animal Crossing is well-written and frequently very funny and there's an unbelievable amount of dialogue content. You play forever and encounter new dialogues, new meetings. Then there's the stand up shows, the DJ nights, the special events.

The other things are bonuses for me, the real joy is in communicating with this world and having a laugh at the charming Twin Peaks world you make a life in.

Take a look at any of the countless AC tumblrs and the screenshots will mostly be of funny things animals say.

 

[Socreges]

Yeah, I considered making this thread about Harvest Moon and The Sims, as well, but those games are different enough that this argument/conversation would be a mess after just a few replies.

You could say this about any type of game.

The fact that the player gets enjoyment out of the game is what matters. That's what makes it worth while.

Yes, but Animal Crossing is built entirely on these aspects. Let's not pretend otherwise just because other games are similar in some respects.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

I don't know why I like games like Animal Crossing (or Harvest Moon), but I guess it's the same reasons people like decorating/building/collecting random shit in other games. Also, it's cute.



Pokemon is an RPG though.

I guess the "repetitive busy work" he's referring to is catching hundreds of Pokes. Either way I mean... we're not asking you to enjoy AC. We just do. We're here, we're whimsical, get used to it bud.

 

[BGBW]

Bob.

 

[Salsa]

I can't explain it, but fuck do I

 

[Hattori]

I don't know why people enjoy it as well but soon I will, after I buy my first AC game

 

[zoukka]

It's like the f2p farming games that are SUPER popular(addictive in mobile and facebook. The trick is, it's a lot better than these games. It has charm, great characters and the feel that devs knew what they were doing and loved every minute of it.

 

[Pietepiet]

So it's charming. Good characters, colourful graphics, good humour. But that's the game's dressing, not its core, and isn't really what pulls people in and keeps them coming back.

But, this is exactly what keeps me coming back.

 

[Socreges]

Skyrim has an "addicting and insatiable" loot system?

Yeah, fuck this. There's like... 5 types of sword in Skyrim. You know how many sofa combos there are in New Leaf? Oh, and you can make your own now. You know you love it.

That's not exactly what I'm saying. If you disagree about Skyrim's loot system being addicting, you probably still understand my main point. People fucking love collecting loot and often just for the sake of collecting.

 

[Salsa]

oh, there really is some truth to the dialogue stuff. The localization is great and the writing is fantastic, and actually real funny.

 

[EleventhDoctor]

I hope Mr. Resetti (speaking of great dialogue) pops up and scares the shit out of you tommorow morning when you leave your house, you fun hating monster.

 

[Daingurse]

I don't know OP, I don't know. The appeal is lost on me, but people seem to genuinely enjoy the franchise.

 

[kittens]

Pokemon is an RPG though.

I never said it wasn't? Or was that a snide jab at RPGs? lol

 

[dc89]

It's fun, charming, witty and everything in between.

I think it's the kind of the game that you 'get' or you don't. Simple as that really.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

It's like the f2p farming games that are SUPER popular(addictive in mobile and facebook.

...The trick is, it's a lot better than these games. It has charm, great characters and the feel that devs knew what they were doing and loved every minute of it.

You almost had me there for a second...

 

[Salsa]

I think there's 2 types of Animal Crossing players too

I mean, you reach a point where you might be writing stuff to your neighbors as though they could actually actually read it. That's certainly a threshold as to how much you really love the series, lol.

 

[DrFurbs]

I find it incredibly strange that all the things you do (within reason) in animal crossing we do in real life. I mean pay a mortgage, decorate a house..weeding etc. All the mundane things we try to escape from are in this game and people like that?

Strange

 

[Socreges]

The thing you're crucially missing out on with Animal Crossing and your description is the quality writing you encounter through communication with the townspeople. That's it's core.

Animal Crossing is well-written and frequently very funny and there's an unbelievable amount of dialogue content. You play forever and encounter new dialogues, new meetings. Then there's the stand up shows, the DJ nights, the special events.

The other things are bonuses for me, the real joy is in communicating with this world and having a laugh at the charming Twin Peaks world you make a life in.

Take a look at any of the countless AC tumblrs and the screenshots will mostly be of funny things animals say.

But, this is exactly what keeps me coming back.

For the people that actually see it this way, and I'm sure there are more, I'll point out that the majority of the time you spend playing Animal Crossing is not spent interacting with the other characters. You pass a lot of time doing many other activities. And if you enjoy that major part of the experience, then my question remains relevant for you. You may have a different way of answering, though, suggesting that you trudge through the tedious activities to experience more of the fun, pleasant dialogue....?

 

[Salsa]

I dont know why people find it surprising in a world where The Sims sells a shit ton of copies

 

[zoukka]

I find it incredibly strange that all the things you do (within reason) in animal crossing we do in real life. I mean pay a mortgage, decorate a house..weeding etc. All the mundane things we try to escape from are in this game and people like that?

Strange

They are not very realistically depicted in the game.

And you can make a fun game out of filling forms or cutting toenails.

 

[Glass Rebel]

I've never played an Animal Crossing game and I wanted to get it as my free game from NoE's "So many games" program.

Comparing it to Skyrim makes me reconsider that decision.

 

[Salsa]

Also, at least in my case, in some way I find it more easily comparable to something like a tamagotchi isntead of a game

well, it's much more than a tamagotchi but bear with me

what I mean is that Animal Crossing is like this virtual "place" you just go to, not something you really play. That's why having it digitally seems like a no-brainer (except for no account system), you just hop in whenever you feel like visiting and either dick around for a couple minutes or get sucked in for hours.

it's its own virtually living thing. You just pop your head in there and become a part of what's going on

 

[Tomat]

It's not that hard to see why the games are fun. I think it's a little odd that you do not see why it could be fun for some.

There's decorating your house, upgrading your house, collecting all kinds of different furniture, clothes, music, fossils, and other kinds of stuff. As others have said the characters are amusing and the writing is good. It's a game that doesn't require you to play for an hour a day to see good progress. It has holiday events where you can get special items and take part in neat little events.

That's a pretty brief description too. There's still the whole social aspect of the game too.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

I've never played an Animal Crossing game and I wanted to get it as my free game from NoE's "So many games" program.

Comparing it to Skyrim makes me reconsider that decision.

Don't listen. Please. That was a really, really, really bad comparison.

 

[Risette]

I find it incredibly strange that all the things you do (within reason) in animal crossing we do in real life. I mean pay a mortgage, decorate a house..weeding etc. All the mundane things we try to escape from are in this game and people like that?

Strange

i'm pretty sure people don't like mass killing in real life either, except for serial killers

 

[Sendou]

It's nothing like I usually play. Relaxing game with good music, charming world and lots of stuff to do. What's the hook then? Good question. There is certain satisfaction to be found when each day you find your museum slowly filling with insects, fossils, paintings and fishes. The way it changes seasons and has holidays makes it feel fresh.

You have to try it to understand it.

I find it incredibly strange that all the things you do (within reason) in animal crossing we do in real life. I mean pay a mortgage, decorate a house..weeding etc. All the mundane things we try to escape from are in this game and people like that?

Strange

Paying a mortgage is just a smoke screen for motivation to get a bigger house. Maybe the "word" mortgage is actually a little misleading in this context. Decorating is fun? In real life as well as in games if done right (like in AC). Pulling weeds is such a trivial task in the game.

 

[Socreges]

I've never played an Animal Crossing game and I wanted to get it as my free game from NoE's "So many games" program.

Comparing it to Skyrim makes me reconsider that decision.

Don't listen. Please. That was a really, really, really bad comparison.

I was hoping you quoted that post to encourage him to read more carefully, but apparently you need that advice, too. I'm obviously not suggesting that the games are similar and I can't believe people would actually read it that way. I'm talking strictly about the psychological effect that those aspects have on the player; the positive sensation of reward.

I dont know why people find it surprising in a world where The Sims sells a shit ton of copies

The fact that these sorts of games are so successful makes this conversation even more interesting and important, imo.

The Sims is easier to answer, though, as there's more strategy involved.

 

[ugly]

I want to like Animal Crossing. It's so charming. The characters and world are nice and there is something relaxing about it. But I had a crack at Wild World, and I couldn;t shake the feeling I was being sucked into some meticulously calculated system designed to keep me coming back, akin to FARMVILLE. Haha because there's something so empty about it, like OP says. There is no guts to the game, it is just about tending to things, and while that is totally the pull for those people who enjoy it, personally it's so hard to look past the design of the game, which of course is designed how it is on purpose. Cuz you know, it's a Nintendo game xD Anyone?

Although for a while I did enjoy myself, and the thing that really stopped me continuing to play it was, I got bored. haha. There isn't enough to do I think. The social aspect of the game got a bit tiresome when the characters kept scrolling through the same dialog boxes. I also found if I was in a negative headspace, and there were things wrong between me and the people in my real life, I couldn't get into it. It felt so pointless! It's definitely an interesting game. Despite how bored I got with Wild World, I want New Leaf. What is wrong with me!

I feel maybe I came at it from the wrong angle - expecting too much from it. I guess its the kind of game you would play as a substitute for tv or something? I'm thinking maybe a game of AC should last as long as it takes me to drink my jasmine tea!

 

[kerotan_eater]

I struggled with it a bit but here is why I enjoy it.

1. Personal artistic expression through the customization/creation

2. No need to think, its one of those games you just play, its the epitome of play.

3. Pretty damn funny ... cool characters too

4. Music is addicting

5. Lots of cool easter eggs that are awesome when you see/get them

None of these things, really make the game compelling per se. I still love my Metal Gears, Half Life's and Mass Effects and whatnot, games with purpose. Still AC is just meant to be played for 45 minutes, before bed, on a train, and completely disengage and relax, for which I'd argue your Half Life's don't really let you do.

 

[peanutbutterlatte]

I was hoping you quoted that post to encourage him to read more carefully, but apparently you need that advice, too. I'm obviously not suggesting that the games are similar and I can't believe people would actually read it that way. I'm talking strictly about the psychological effect that those aspects have on the player; the positive sensation of reward.
.

Sorry, but there are better examples of loot-based games than Skyrim.

 

[Jailer of Hope]

Aside from the charm, it's a game where you make your own goals and achieve them without stress. In a lot of ways this game has more going for it than say something like Minecraft where, just like in Animal Crossing, you really have to make your own fun.

 

[Nemesis_]

One of egoraptor's best:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wQZ_QMQkedI

 

[Robin64]

Just play a little each day and watch the town progress. Relationships grow, buildings improve, your own house becomes grand. Seasons come and go. It's a slow burner. I suppose if you let someone have the game for just a day, they might not see what it's about.

 

[Mr_Appleby]

There is no guts to the game

Empirically false. It's a mortgage simulator with home decoration side-quests and a fishing minigame.

 

[Kurita]

It's just a "feels good man" game.
Wandering around the city, fishing, collecting new stuff for your house, talking to the other animals...
I don't know what's so hard to understand.

 

[Nibel]

Why do people enjoy Call of Duty or Mario or Gears or Gran Turismo or God Of War or Luigi's Mansion or Killzone or Halo or Deadly Premonition or Bad Rats or Bacon or Sex or Football or Twerking or Planking or Avatar or GAF or Batman or Comics

 

[Madness]

Only played the original on gamecube. Was super fun. Persistent world, different seasons and annual events. Fishing, events like meteor shower, building your place etc. My cousin got me in it. Was a good game, haven't played the rest.

 

[Tesseract]

Sorry, but there are better examples of loot-based games than Skyrim.

can't see the forest for the damn trees, hm?