Animal Crossing: New Horizons is Lovely

What should we talk about today? Because I only want to talk about Animal Crossing: New Horizons. You in?

I started a separate Instagram account (@ACLuluLovely) dedicated to Animal Crossing about a year ago. It started as a test, to see how far only hashtags can take a brand-new account (turns out about 100 followers, though it is admittedly a small niche topic with limited growth potential). But then? It quickly because something I genuinely love having. It’s no longer a growth experiment, and it brings a lot of low-pressure fun to Instagram. I like looking back to see some of my past designs, it will be handy for seeing my new island’s progression, and it’s inspiring to see what other people are creating with the same set of in-game tools. You’ve heard of people creating accounts just to follow cute cats and dogs when they need a dose of cuteness, right? This is my version.

My gaming name is always “Lulu,” and my town/island/village/world is always “Lovely.” I don’t know when that started, but it was years or even decades ago, and so it goes.

My family is all over on “Kiddo” island, and we’re sending each other letters and gifts every day. I’m connected on Nintendo to some of my actual friends, and to my “friends” in Pocket Camp. I’m also in a crossover group for fans of Ologies and have added a top-notch group of people to visit and be visited by that way. A few people have found this other Instagram account or just reached out to ask (because hi, I’ve talked about these games a bit before), and yes I would love to be friends with you, too! Come visit my island. I’m not time-traveling, but I’m doing and unlocking as much as I can and enjoying the changes all along the way.

My island flag will be a moth that I drew in pixel art form, inspired by the game’s own version. I’ve been designing my own clothes while I wait for Mabel to visit. My house is expanding and starting to shape up as I find new furniture and decor, little by little. I just started an orchard and have my first piece of bamboo! And have you seen the detailed illustration view of the bugs and fish? Oh, to fill up that museum will be a dream.

My tentative plans for the upper portion of my island are inspired by Frank Lloyd Wright’s 1905 photos from his visit to Japan. It feels fitting to urban planning, in Oak Park (the home of Wright), doing an American’s version of a Japanese aesthetic. Pretentious silly stuff when you think about it too much, but who cares? It’s bringing so much joy.

The kids and I set up a little photo shoot for the special edition Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch (which is now going for ridiculous amounts of money on Amazon and eBay). Did you know that Amiibos and Playmobil are about the same scale? We are having some good, nerdy fun with it all.

My only criticism (and it’s a big one) is that the game locks some features that are only available to the first player. There will be some teamwork and communication needed for multiple island residents to move the island forward; be sure the first resident is the person that will play the most. I’m the sole resident of Lovely, but Kiddo is being managed by a kid who swore “no, I could do it!” Brandon is logging into that account to complete tasks for the island as a whole.

Still! It is an absolute delight. A delight! And coming at a time when we’re all staying home to flatten the curve (please stay home), it is a much needed distraction and escape.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is available as a digital download, so if you already have a Nintendo Switch or Switch Lite, you can get it right now. And then add me as a friend and come visit! I’d love to have you.