Cute characters on a relaxing, colorful island link popular Nintendo Switch titles Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream and Animal Crossing: New Horizons, but these cozy games diverge from there. Whether it’s player interaction, goals, or customization options, here are some ways the two differ, which may help audiences decide which island life is right for them.
The Role of the Player
Between the two, Animal Crossing gives the player a more active role. After purchasing a vacation plan from tanuki Tom Nook, players have a host of choices: an application photo that serves as a character customization screen, four islands to choose from, and even which hemisphere to place the island in. The new island inhabitant then has to build…well, just about everything, from their own house and other villagers’ houses to the general store and town hall.
In Tomodachi Life, though, the player acts more like a caretaker/observer. This game also offers character customization, but this time it focuses on the island’s other inhabitants rather than the player’s own character. The game offers preset facial features, plus a free-hand drawing tool that lets players make the characters, known as Miis, even more unique.
Sliders also let players set the character’s personality and voice. The player interacts with other characters by fulfilling requests, giving them presents, and physically moving them around, picking them up and placing them anywhere on the island.
How the Game Is Paced
Animal Crossing might require a little more from the player, since it demands more tasks. Even after building half the town, the player still has to earn enough bells, the in-game currency, to pay off loans to Tom Nook, boost the island rating to three stars, and hang out with the other island inhabitants to make sure they stick around.
That’s just early-game progression. Animal Crossing offers island customization, including terraforming the land, and lets players build just about anything they want on their island. That does mean regular foraging for supplies, though, which can take up a lot of time.
On the other hand, Tomodachi Life is less demanding. Players aren’t required to build anything, and while this game also lets players change their island, the tools are totally different. Instead of doing the work themselves, Tomodachi Life offers an “Island Builder” option where players can buy what they need, including furniture like benches and visual improvements like trees and streetlights.
Ultimate Goals
In Animal Crossing, the ultimate goal is customizing the island, from the buildings and attractions the player chooses to build to the villagers they want to live there. Players also spend time paying off their Nook Bank loans, which begin when they first arrive and continue until they finish expanding their home. Other goals in Animal Crossing include crafting various items, which breaks down into foraging and harvesting the necessary bits and pieces. Ultimately, the goal is to get the island to a five-star rating and make sure the town museum has everything it needs.
For anyone interested in Tomodachi Life, the goals are more relaxed. Players simply care for their Mii characters, including raising their happiness, discovering their favorite foods, guiding them through relationships, and even helping them start a family. As they progress, players can also unlock various locations around the island, such as the Fresh Kingdom Food Mart, which becomes available when they reach different goals, like feeding a Mii for the first time. The ultimate goal in this game is to keep the Miis happy so the Wishing Fountain in town reaches a high level.
Both games are fun, cozy titles players can turn to for a relaxing gaming experience. Animal Crossing feels more detailed, and maybe even more demanding, while Tomodachi Life takes a more laid-back approach. It’s difficult to go wrong either way.
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