It might be a while before a newAnimal Crossingtitle hits store shelves, but one game that just launched to an enthusiastic reception could be the perfect alternative. Although Nintendo franchises tend to spawn countless imitators, there isn’t much that’s ever recapturedAnimal Crossing’s unique brand of charm. The recentpopularity of the cozy game genrecertainly bears some similarities, butAnimal Crossingis a lot more than just cozy, and the appeal of its atmosphere, aesthetic, and memorable social interaction is hard to find elsewhere.
Even the officialAnimal Crossinggames have an uphill battle, andAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsalready traded away some classic strengths in favor of other pursuits. Terraforming and outdoor decoration are nice, but they’re a different flavor of fun thanwhat Wild World provided, resulting in an experience that’s better for some and worse for others.Anyone who misses the classic brand of theAnimal Crossing Experiencecould benefit from checking outWebfishing, a new game that hones in on the simple pleasure of chatting on a dock with a fishing line in hand.
Webfishing Nails The Vibe Of Animal Crossing
Obviously Inspired, But Not Just A Clone
Released on October 11,Webfishinghas already racked up well over a thousand reviews onSteam, and a 98% “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating speaks to the game’s immediate success. It’s easy to discern someAnimal Crossinginspiration at a glance, with simple cat and dog character models that bear a marked resemblance toAnimal Crossingfelines. Jumping into the game heightens the sense of familiarity, asthe relaxed approach to sound design and pixelated earthy environments are perfectly primed to conjure nostalgia. A $4.99 price point sweetens the deal, turning a bite-sized experience into an easy impulse buy.
Fishing With Friends Scratches The Animal Crossing Itch
Socializing In A Comfortable Digital World
Webfishingtosses aside many ofAnimal Crossing’s other featuresto hone in on the fishing component, unsurprisingly, but the real difference lies in where the sense of community comes from. Rather than populating its world with memorable NPCs,Webfishingis designed for online interactions, allowing players to host and join small serverswhere they can meet old friends or make new ones as they rack up their daily hauls. So far, the community seems to be in tune with the spirit of the experience, with pleasant small talk replacing the aggression that can often be found in competitive online games.
Webfishingstill features its own sense of progression, with options like character customization and gear upgrades to reward steady determination, but complex systems aren’t really the focus. Anyone looking for a game with the same amount of sandbox possibilities or unique pre-written lines of dialogue asAnimal Crossingisn’t likely to find it in a $4.99 title, whether that’sWebfishingor something else. ForAnimal Crossingfans who just want to unwind and bask in the beauty of a low-poly world, however, it isn’t often that something likeWebfishingcomes along, and this isn’t one to miss.
