Apr. 01. 2020

While a deserted island is the setting for a shedload of games, none have ever tried very hard to live up to the “Desert Island Discs” dream that most of us have fantasized about at one time or another. But now along comes “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” to make BBC Radio 4 listeners purr with satisfaction.

The premise of “New Horizons” is really not vastly different from that of previous titles in the series. You’re a moon-faced human moving to a new place with a bunch of cutesy animal neighbors where you’ll wile away your time catching bugs and fish, watering the plants, and designing your perfect home.

Your first job is to plop down your tent and help your first two animal neighbors find a spot for theirs. The second is unique to “New Horizons”: crafting. You’ll have to do a lot of DIY if you want to survive on this island. If you want to collect every item in the game, then you’re going to have to shake every tree, hit every rock, and do that every day.

Encompassing everything from the humble beginnings to the extensive customization options, “New Horizons” represents the apotheosis for the series so far.

It shines at every moment, from the wind rustling through the trees, to the jaunty tunes at the start of the day fading into more relaxing melodied in the evening. Add dozens of much needed quality of life features ad it all adds up to the perfect DIY recipe for the most chilled out, relaxing, and engaging life simulator ever.