It's taken longer than expected, but Nintendo has finally shared news about that Animal Crossing mobile game - Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp - mentioned way back last year. We all have access to a smartphone these days, so we can play along. But what about a more robust Animal Crossing experience on PC? Nintendo will never do it, but some others have.
Aside from games like MySims and Stardew Valley, the more obvious Animal Crossing-inspired title we're to expect on PC is Ooblets; but nobody knows how long that'll take. So what's a decent alternative for the time being? Castaway Paradise. Maybe.
Released back in mid-2015, Castaway Paradise is still seeing the occasional update. Its last landed in August and finally added controller support of all things, which, ironically, plays into the dev's company name 'Stolen Couch Games. Guess they finally decided to give back those stolen couches...
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Castaway Paradise may not look anywhere near as cutest as Animal Crossing, but it has the same idea at hard. Blocky citizens populate a town (or island, in this case) to give you company as you catch bugs, hook fish, build your home and grow some plants. Seasons change to mix up the visuals from time to time, but we hear its a much narrower Animal Crossing experience than the real thing.
Again, it may be a slim substitute for Nintendo's beloved animal interaction sim, but it's a fine attempt at simulating one gaming's more relaxing experiences. Best of all, it's only around £9.99. So if you're dying to scratch that Animal Crossing itch either before everyone goes on about Animal Crossing: Pocket Champ or without going through the effort of an emulator, Castaway Paradise looks like a natural fit.
