Video games are notorious for their violence and undignified mature content. ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ is the exact opposite. Released in March of 2020, this game is everything you could need to destress and relax in times of high anxiety.

‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ is a third-person game where you get to customize your character, your home, and your island all in one. The game starts where you (the player) and two other non-playable characters (NPC’s) get to go on an island getaway. Once you arrive on the island, you get to choose the location of your tent (don’t fret, you will get a stable house soon after you start the game). As the main player, you are chosen as the “Island Representative” to make decisions about the island, such as the location of buildings.

A little twist about this game is that everyone is an animal, except you. You will meet Tom Nook and his little employees Timmy and Tommy, who are raccoons. Soon you meet Blathers, an owl who overlooks a museum you will get to create. Each character has their own personality, and you can’t help but feel enamored with them.

This game is extremely pure and heartwarming. There is no blood, gore, or other mature content. Anyone can play this game, and it is super easy to control. The artwork and music are exemplary, and it makes me feel like I really am on a warm island.

There is no single plot to the game, but in fact, there are many. You want to be able to expand your house, submit every fish, insect, and dinosaur fossil into the museum. The main “plot” per se, is to get a famous musician to play on your island. To get him on your island, you have to attempt the subplots as well.

Overall, this game cures me of my anxiety and makes me feel relaxed. ‘Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ is a superlative game that anyone of any age can play. This game is almost like a warm hug and homemade chocolate chip cookies fresh out of the oven. Although the game is a little pricey at $60, I think it is worth it. The ability to create whatever you want and customize it makes it worthwhile.