The 50 Best Nintendo Games Right Now (Wii U / 3DS)

Best Nintendo Games List – #3 Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Developer: Nintendo Group No. 2

Publisher: Nintendo

Platform: Nintendo 3DS

Release Date: June 9, 2013

2013 was the year of the 3DS, and Animal Crossing: New Leaf was the cream of the crop. The life and social simulation series has peaked with this title, bringing an unprecedented level of customization options presented to you as the player, acting as the mayor of the town. Everything from plants to buildings, to furniture, to city ordinances that promote social and economic activity is at your disposal, influencing others with your will as the guiding voice of creation.

It’s all about improving and building, but that’s not to say you don’t get to stop and smell the flowers. Interactivity with the citizens of town is crucial, and doing various activities such as fishing, bug catching, swimming and the like allow you to relax amid your daily chores. Staying true to life in a cartoonish world may seem odd, but the constant updates and building hours of operation sticking to the real clock add depth and complexity for a simulation title worthy of widespread admiration. Siphoning off any bit of content here to create its own title was a mistake, and hopefully Animal Crossing goes back to a life simulation title in Nintendo consoles of the future.

Next: #2 Splatoon