Animal Crossing Fans Shouldn’t Miss This “Overwhelmingly Positive” Rated New Game

It might be a while before a new Animal Crossing title hits store shelves, but one game that just launched to an enthusiastic reception could be the perfect alternative. Although Nintendo franchises tend to spawn countless imitators, there isn’t much that’s ever recaptured Animal Crossing‘s unique brand of charm. The recent popularity of the cozy game genre certainly bears some similarities, but Animal Crossing is a lot more than just cozy, and the appeal of its atmosphere, aesthetic, and memorable social interaction is hard to find elsewhere.

Even the official Animal Crossing games have an uphill battle, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons already traded away some classic strengths in favor of other pursuits. Terraforming and outdoor decoration are nice, but they’re a different flavor of fun than what Wild World provided, resulting in an experience that’s better for some and worse for others. Anyone who misses the classic brand of the Animal Crossing Experience could benefit from checking out Webfishing, a new game that hones in on the simple pleasure of chatting on a dock with a fishing line in hand.

Webfishing Nails The Vibe Of Animal Crossing

Obviously Inspired, But Not Just A Clone

Released on October 11, Webfishing has already racked up well over a thousand reviews on Steam, and a 98% “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating speaks to the game’s immediate success. It’s easy to discern some Animal Crossing inspiration at a glance, with simple cat and dog character models that bear a marked resemblance to Animal Crossing felines. Jumping into the game heightens the sense of familiarity, as the relaxed approach to sound design and pixelated earthy environments are perfectly primed to conjure nostalgia. A $4.99 price point sweetens the deal, turning a bite-sized experience into an easy impulse buy.

Fishing With Friends Scratches The Animal Crossing Itch

Socializing In A Comfortable Digital World

Webfishing tosses aside many of Animal Crossing’s other features to hone in on the fishing component, unsurprisingly, but the real difference lies in where the sense of community comes from. Rather than populating its world with memorable NPCs, Webfishing is designed for online interactions, allowing players to host and join small servers where they can meet old friends or make new ones as they rack up their daily hauls. So far, the community seems to be in tune with the spirit of the experience, with pleasant small talk replacing the aggression that can often be found in competitive online games.

Webfishing still features its own sense of progression, with options like character customization and gear upgrades to reward steady determination, but complex systems aren’t really the focus. Anyone looking for a game with the same amount of sandbox possibilities or unique pre-written lines of dialogue as Animal Crossing isn’t likely to find it in a $4.99 title, whether that’s Webfishing or something else. For Animal Crossing fans who just want to unwind and bask in the beauty of a low-poly world, however, it isn’t often that something like Webfishing comes along, and this isn’t one to miss.

Source: Steam