In a year fraught with challenges and uncertainty, the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons for the Nintendo Switch came as a much-needed balm for the weary souls looking for an escape. As a life simulation video game that gently unfolds in real-time, it has provided players worldwide with a sense of normalcy and routine when both were hard to come by.

The premise of New Horizons is simple; you are whisked off to a deserted island courtesy of Tom Nook’s Island Getaway Package. What starts as a humble campsite soon blossoms into a personalized paradise as you fish, catch bugs, plant trees, decorate your home, and forge friendships with anthropomorphic animals. The game’s open-ended nature and the absence of high-stakes competitions create an incredibly relaxing environment where the biggest concern might just be designing the perfect island layout or catching that elusive stringfish before the season ends.

What sets this iteration apart from its predecessors is its improved graphics, deeper customization options, and the introduction of crafting. These features have not only enhanced gameplay but also allowed players to express themselves in ways not previously possible, making each island distinctly unique and reflective of its creator. Moreover, the ability to visit friends’ islands virtually has fostered a sense of community at times when meeting up in person was not possible.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons is more than just a game; it is a cozy sanctuary where creativity flourishes, friendships blossom, and the passage of time feels comfortingly familiar. It’s no surprise that it became one of 2020’s best-selling games—it provided solace and joy during times we needed it most. Whether it’s through festively decorating your island or simply sitting by the virtual beach listening to the waves crash ashore, New Horizons has been the cozy game many needed this year.