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  Here I am enjoying my new life in Animal Crossing: New Horizons. [credit:
  Nintendo ]

While reviewing Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the year’s first major Nintendo Switch-exclusive game, I was pretty distracted. I received my review copy of the game at the end of February, pretty much the moment when my hometown of Seattle went on high alarm over coronavirus fears. As each day passed, citizens were encouraged to become more vigilant: to work from home, avoid large gatherings, engage in “social distancing,” adjust travel plans, and otherwise reduce contact with the outside world.

As such, my impressions of Animal Crossing: New Horizons will be forever colored by how it fit neatly into a quarantined life—and I imagine I won’t be alone in that impression.

For nearly every real-life scenario that I’ve become anxious about, I’ve gotten a comforting virtual version on my new Nintendo-designed island. Yes, I can go to friends’ houses (friends who happen to be cute, anthropomorphic animals). Yes, I can go shopping. I can help strangers with everyday tasks. I can wander freely and finish a series of zen-like errands and chores. And I can hop on a plane and fly to other islands without facing scrutiny from community leaders (which, in this game, is a talking, sweater-wearing raccoon named Tom Nook).