Which console has games I might like in addition to Animal Crossing?
May 10, 2020 9:38 AM Subscribe
I'm considering purchasing a console for the first time as I think I'd enjoy the new Animal Crossing. However I'm not much of a gamer so I'd want to choose one that has other games available that I might like.
I really enjoyed Stardew Valley which I played on an Android tablet, but ran out of things to do after a while even with multiple sessions and farm layouts, so I haven't played in a bit.
I've also really liked sandbox-style world design and city building games (especially when there's the option to design really modern-looking buildings and landscaping) but the in-app purchases, long wait times to collect materials for crafting, and terrible controls in Android apps got old after a short while. I don't mind paying up front for games at all though.
I'm not into FPS types and very much not into medieval and fantasy themes (my boyfriend loves both, no judgement here, just not my thing).
I also think I'd like something really detailed and open-ended like The Sims but have never played.
I should note that I played and really liked Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp for a while but eventually got bored and felt that I ran out of activities. The new console version looks like there is a ton of stuff to do and create which is really appealing.
There are two criteria important for me if I were to purchase a console: a really easy to use intuitive controller and a platform that supports other games I might like.
I've seen recommendations to avoid the Switch lite and I'm not sure if a regular Switch would be ideal as I think I'd like to play on a large screen and apparently the docks are currently in short supply. That said I think console availability in general might be tricky right now. As another note my laptop isn't currently an option and I'm not inclined to buy one with better gaming specs. Assume an open budget (not actually the case but I can weigh options based on how much use I could get out of the purchase so all recommendations including additional accessories are welcome).
Thoughts or suggestions? Thank you!
I really enjoyed Stardew Valley which I played on an Android tablet, but ran out of things to do after a while even with multiple sessions and farm layouts, so I haven't played in a bit.
I've also really liked sandbox-style world design and city building games (especially when there's the option to design really modern-looking buildings and landscaping) but the in-app purchases, long wait times to collect materials for crafting, and terrible controls in Android apps got old after a short while. I don't mind paying up front for games at all though.
I'm not into FPS types and very much not into medieval and fantasy themes (my boyfriend loves both, no judgement here, just not my thing).
I also think I'd like something really detailed and open-ended like The Sims but have never played.
I should note that I played and really liked Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp for a while but eventually got bored and felt that I ran out of activities. The new console version looks like there is a ton of stuff to do and create which is really appealing.
There are two criteria important for me if I were to purchase a console: a really easy to use intuitive controller and a platform that supports other games I might like.
I've seen recommendations to avoid the Switch lite and I'm not sure if a regular Switch would be ideal as I think I'd like to play on a large screen and apparently the docks are currently in short supply. That said I think console availability in general might be tricky right now. As another note my laptop isn't currently an option and I'm not inclined to buy one with better gaming specs. Assume an open budget (not actually the case but I can weigh options based on how much use I could get out of the purchase so all recommendations including additional accessories are welcome).
Thoughts or suggestions? Thank you!
Response by poster: Oh! I had searched for Animal Crossing platforms and there was a longer list but I hadn't specifically searched New Horizons! Thank you, that narrows it right down for better or worse. Appreciate the other game recommendations so will welcome more of those suggestions, disregard the console part of the question!
posted by mireille at 10:25 AM on May 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by mireille at 10:25 AM on May 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
To be honest, the the best platform for games like this is definitely PC. I'm not sure why your laptop isn't an option, but these games tend to run very well on older laptops so there's no real reason to get a fancy "gamer PC" to play games you would like. Steam is the store of choice for these games on PC, this search combining Casual and Stimulation gives an example.
For a Switch you want to buy a regular switch, the standalone docks are actually harder to find than the regular bundle that includes one. They're very hard to find right now, I would look at non-amazon online sites and see if one pops up. The only ones available on amazon are $600 used consoles which is a ridiculous markup. You can probably get a used Xbox One for very little money and it would play many of these games other than Animal Crossing.
There are some games like this that were released on all consoles, so these should be available on PC, PS4, XBox, and Switch:
My Time At Portia
Cities: Skyline
Civilization VI
Two Point Hospital
Here are PC-only games you'd probably enjoy:
Tropico 6
Islanders (only $5 and kind of a simplified but addictive city builder)
The Sims 4 (on EA's Origin store, Steam has 3 for cheap)
Anno 1800 (on uPlay)
posted by JZig at 10:36 AM on May 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
For a Switch you want to buy a regular switch, the standalone docks are actually harder to find than the regular bundle that includes one. They're very hard to find right now, I would look at non-amazon online sites and see if one pops up. The only ones available on amazon are $600 used consoles which is a ridiculous markup. You can probably get a used Xbox One for very little money and it would play many of these games other than Animal Crossing.
There are some games like this that were released on all consoles, so these should be available on PC, PS4, XBox, and Switch:
My Time At Portia
Cities: Skyline
Civilization VI
Two Point Hospital
Here are PC-only games you'd probably enjoy:
Tropico 6
Islanders (only $5 and kind of a simplified but addictive city builder)
The Sims 4 (on EA's Origin store, Steam has 3 for cheap)
Anno 1800 (on uPlay)
posted by JZig at 10:36 AM on May 10, 2020 [1 favorite]
Animal Crossing New Horizons is so fun, and even more if you have/find friends you can visit/trade with occasionally.
It sounds like we have similar taste in games.
If you end up with a Switch, check out the two Dragon Quest Builders games. In each, there's a storyline you follow while you build up little towns, with mini quests where you have to build new rooms and furniture. Aside from certain structures you build for quests, you can do whatever you want with your town. Eventually you unlock sandbox modes where you can be extra ambitious. There's a fair amount of very simple combat, which I don't normally like, but I didn't mind it in these games. The sequel is definitely better than the first, but if you think there's a chance you might play both, I'd play them in order so you don't miss the quality-of-life improvements from the second game. Or just play the second one. There are free demos available for both. These games didn't get much attention, but I think they're super fun.
If the Switch shortage or comments her steer you away from getting a Switch right now and you're open to the Xbox, be aware that new Xboxes come with a trial for their Game Pass subscription. There's hundreds of games you can download and play as part of the subscription, so that might be a good way to find new things to play -- especially if you might enjoy trying new games regularly. I absolutely fell in love with Astroneer (and so did my husband). It's one where you're a little astronaut on a little planet, and you explore and build out your base and eventually build a shuttle and visit other planets. My Time at Portia (often recommended to people who liked Stardew Valley) and Two Point Hospital (I played for a couple of weeks then got bored) are also on Game Pass right now.
posted by katieinshoes at 12:06 PM on May 10, 2020
It sounds like we have similar taste in games.
If you end up with a Switch, check out the two Dragon Quest Builders games. In each, there's a storyline you follow while you build up little towns, with mini quests where you have to build new rooms and furniture. Aside from certain structures you build for quests, you can do whatever you want with your town. Eventually you unlock sandbox modes where you can be extra ambitious. There's a fair amount of very simple combat, which I don't normally like, but I didn't mind it in these games. The sequel is definitely better than the first, but if you think there's a chance you might play both, I'd play them in order so you don't miss the quality-of-life improvements from the second game. Or just play the second one. There are free demos available for both. These games didn't get much attention, but I think they're super fun.
If the Switch shortage or comments her steer you away from getting a Switch right now and you're open to the Xbox, be aware that new Xboxes come with a trial for their Game Pass subscription. There's hundreds of games you can download and play as part of the subscription, so that might be a good way to find new things to play -- especially if you might enjoy trying new games regularly. I absolutely fell in love with Astroneer (and so did my husband). It's one where you're a little astronaut on a little planet, and you explore and build out your base and eventually build a shuttle and visit other planets. My Time at Portia (often recommended to people who liked Stardew Valley) and Two Point Hospital (I played for a couple of weeks then got bored) are also on Game Pass right now.
posted by katieinshoes at 12:06 PM on May 10, 2020
I love Stardew Valley, too!
And my favorite Switch game is Animal Crossings. I’ve played every day since day 1. Very chill :)
My second favorite game on Switch is Overcooked 2. More of a time management game with really cute graphics. The first Overcooked isn’t nearly as good, IMHO.
There are lots of indie games you can download for $25 or less, so there’s plenty of options. In other words, I’m happy I have a Switch.
Good luck finding one now, though. :/
posted by Neekee at 12:34 PM on May 10, 2020
And my favorite Switch game is Animal Crossings. I’ve played every day since day 1. Very chill :)
My second favorite game on Switch is Overcooked 2. More of a time management game with really cute graphics. The first Overcooked isn’t nearly as good, IMHO.
There are lots of indie games you can download for $25 or less, so there’s plenty of options. In other words, I’m happy I have a Switch.
Good luck finding one now, though. :/
posted by Neekee at 12:34 PM on May 10, 2020
If you wind up with a PC or an Xbox, I highly recommend Viva Piñata! You tend a garden and attract living piñata animals with candy puns for names. Lots of fun and a delightful aesthetic.
posted by ejs at 12:48 PM on May 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by ejs at 12:48 PM on May 10, 2020 [2 favorites]
Supposedly Nintendo is going to have a lot more Switch consoles out sometime in June... I mentioned I was starting to consider buying one for myself (daughter has one, but it's one island per console...) and have had multiple other people say they're going to do the same, but are waiting for the promised bump in availability?
posted by stormyteal at 11:09 PM on May 10, 2020
posted by stormyteal at 11:09 PM on May 10, 2020
Zelda: Breath of the Wild is really well rated and I have enjoyed it. It's a mix of mini quests, puzzles, and bosses in an open world (but there's a lot of built-in scaffolding of how to play in the beginning). I started and stopped about 3 times so it took me a very slow learner an hour or two to get the basic game mechanics down. I still can't do some random things but most things allow for multiple solutions. I enjoy looking up walkthroughs as many people have completed it, ymmv.
posted by typecloud at 1:26 PM on May 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by typecloud at 1:26 PM on May 11, 2020 [1 favorite]
Katamari Damacy.
you roll around a ball to collect every increasingly sized objects to make a katamari of particular size. your dad is the king of the cosmos and has a bit of an ego problem. there are some very strange interstitials.
the rounds are timed. it's silly and you collect a giant ball of paperclips, flowers, forks etc and as you grow in size by completing missions you eventually roll up larger objects like skyscrapers and cars.
there is some skill with it as physics does play out - if your ball has a weird thing hanging off one side it won't roll straight ahead. and there's things like cats or humans or whatever running into your ball and knocking things off of it.
i also only otherwise play AC.
posted by affectionateborg at 7:45 AM on May 12, 2020
you roll around a ball to collect every increasingly sized objects to make a katamari of particular size. your dad is the king of the cosmos and has a bit of an ego problem. there are some very strange interstitials.
the rounds are timed. it's silly and you collect a giant ball of paperclips, flowers, forks etc and as you grow in size by completing missions you eventually roll up larger objects like skyscrapers and cars.
there is some skill with it as physics does play out - if your ball has a weird thing hanging off one side it won't roll straight ahead. and there's things like cats or humans or whatever running into your ball and knocking things off of it.
i also only otherwise play AC.
posted by affectionateborg at 7:45 AM on May 12, 2020
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In re: dock scarcity, all the Switches I've seen come with a dock and two Joy-Cons (the half-controllers), so if you can find a new Switch you're good to go.
Untitled Goose Game and Sayonara Wild Hearts are two of my favorite Switch games, perhaps they would be up your alley? They're both short and relatively on rails but are sheer delight.
posted by Maecenas at 10:11 AM on May 10, 2020 [3 favorites]