Animal Crossing: New Horizons has been one of the biggest releases of the year, as players posted images of their creations on social media, getting nominated for more than twelve awards, and selling more than 38.5 million copies across the globe.
The game owes a lot of its popularity due to COVID-19 locked-downs that were imposed and where gamers used it to facilitate social interactions and various other activities for groups.
As Animal Crossing is a franchise that is only available exclusively to Nintendo consoles, users on other platforms cannot experience the game. Therefore, we’ve put together an inventory of games that mimic similar game mechanics and positive tone Animal Crossing is known for.
The SIMS 4
Like the title suggests, The Sims 4 is a simulation game where players can design their digital versions of themselves and take part in real-life experiences from birth until the future.
The game offers in-depth customization choices for facial and body design, clothing for various occasions, hobbies, or even character traits. In addition, with the Build Mode, players can plan and design their dream homes in which they’ll need to build and earn money on the spot.
The game also has an online community system where interactions with bots in events, gatherings, or other events change your character over time. The positive interactions may result in romance possibilities, while poor ones can bring the competition and rivalry aspect to the game. Sims 4 can be played on any platform.
SIMS 4 is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC via Steam. PS If you have the EA Play subscription, you can play the game at no cost.
Doraemon: Story of Seasons
The show is based on the hit animated series Story of Seasons follows the adventures of Doraemon and Nobita as they take part in the farming industry across the lively city of Natura.
It is possible to work the fields, plant crops tirelessly, hunt insects, breed hens and cattle, and ride on horses to create the perfect connection. The whole map is filled with interactive objects and characters that give specific tasks to you and where the latest technology of Doraemon may help you out.
The game also comes with an angler’s mechanism, and you can cook them or sell them to the market to earn money. Some stories do not have the best writing; however, it’s a beautiful experience. Doraemon: Story of Seasons is available on PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC via Steam.
Stardew Valley
When you inherit your grandfather’s farm and tools that were handed down from your grandfather and equipment, the players are given an obligation to work on it and transform it into a profitable business.
In this 2D digital world, you play the job of a farmer, allowing you to cultivate crops, rear animals, and set up diverse businesses that challenge those of the fictional Joja Corporation. The world is populated by more than 30 interactive characters, including romantic possibilities.
Similar to real life in the country, It is possible to marry your special someone in love or increase your home’s size. The game also offers mining and fishing areas in which you and three other players online can build the skills of your fellow players over time. Stardew Valley is available on Steam, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Android, and Apple iOS.
Cozy Grove
The game is set in a snow-covered hand-drawn world; Cozy Island’s mechanics are real-time. Players control the character of a Spirit Scout and run through the woods to find ghosts that wander around and hide their secrets.
Each spirit has its lengthy storyline that, after unraveling, brings some color to the city. You can make and decorate your camp, create items or cook them, fish and even undertake quests with the ghosts.
Like Animal Crossing, Cozy Grove is synchronized to live-time and offers 30-60 minutes of brand new story-related content and events every day.
Then, you can continue to add an exciting forest experience and play around with your heart’s desire. Cozy Grove is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, macOS, Apple Arcade, and Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.
Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles
After a wreck, players are swept up onto the beaches of Gemea, the natural paradise island with eight distinct areas which range from sandy beaches to snowy mountains.
There aren’t any natural enemies, but the game is a dark, mysterious fog known as the Murk contaminating the surrounding environment.
As the protagonist of the land, players are required to tame wild animals, collect numerous farms, solve problems, and even master skills like carpentry or cooking to assist the residents of Gemea.
The game also has two cycles: night and day and a range of in-game activities that are based on holidays. Yonder: The Cloud Catcher Chronicles is available on current and future-gen platforms, Nintendo Switch, and Windows PC via Steam.
Castaway Paradise
Similar to Animal Crossing, Castaway Paradise’s base entrusts you, being an outcast, to perform the task of helping animals and rejuvenating the town.
The players can build and decorate their structures according to their preferences, plant crops, clean up rocks and seaweeds, and trash to improve cleaning. All day long, residents will assign each day a set of frequently-changing challenges, giving you an XP upon successful completion.
In the case of special holidays like Christmas, all of the maps are covered in snow. So you can assist the villagers by decorating the island according to the holiday. Castaway Paradise is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Windows PC (Steam), Android, and iOS devices.
Moonlighter
11 Bit Studio’s Moonlighter is slightly different from Animal Crossing regarding genre but includes all the elements. As an adventurous shopkeeper, Will players have to switch life between managing the shop during the day and combating monsters at night.
The game is set in Rynoka Village Rynoka village, and you’ll be able to place items on sale at fixed prices, manage your gold reserves, and even find assistants. While traveling, you’ll get to meet many villagers and with whom you could collaborate to create better business opportunities.
Through crafting and enchantments, players can craft new weapons and armor and learn new magic techniques to take on bosses in the night.
It also comes with a comprehensive inventory system and loots accessible during fights. Moonlighter will be available for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Google Stadia, macOS, and Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.