iOS (iPhone/iPad) Critic Reviews

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is a great mobile version of the popular simulation game. I was afraid that Nintendo may ruin Animal Crossing on iOS (Super Mario Run didn't do that great after the initial launch), but Pocket Camp is fantastic for what it is — a mobile version of a fun simulation game. It may be a watered down version of previous games, but there's still plenty to do and collect in Pocket Camp.

Reviewing Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp feels like a necessary formality more than anything else. It's a game with over a year of hype behind it, the Nintendo seal of quality stamped on it, and it's from an IP that couldn't be more beloved. I'd recommend everyone giving it a shot, as you can play for quite a long time before hitting any kind of free to play limitations... And who knows, maybe you'll fall in love with the Animal Crossing universe and be one of those people to pick up a 3DS just to play New Leaf.

Assuming Nintendo adds new animal campers, furniture, and clothing; allows for more expansions to your RV and (hopefully) the Campsite; opens up additional islands; and introduces holiday events to go along with the changing seasons, Pocket Camp will be a fantastic Animal Crossing game for years to come. The current iteration is already an exceptional transition of the series to mobile, complete with a large cast of animals with tons of adorable interactions and charming dialogue options (these animals are unapologetic coffee snobs); plenty of things to do, collect, and decorate; and the relaxing, open-ended gameplay we know and love coupled with more specific goals to work toward. The opportunity for regular future updates could make Pocket Camp the best Animal Crossing entry yet, but like every other real-time event in this series: we’ll have to wait and see.

What I feel is lacking though is the kudos system would be more compatible if it had actual influence beyond the occasional quest. I’d really like to reward those who give me kudos often.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is a great app for every fan of the series, but also for those who never really appreciated this peculiar Japanese title. Despite keeping the general feeling of a classic Animal Crossing, it still lacks of some elements that make you experience that nice sensation of having your personal little peaceful and quiet world. The game is also penalised by slow loading times. I particularly appreciated the way microtransactions are managed, also because the game doesn't really make you wanna buy anything: waiting for things to reload is definitely not a big deal.

Some might think Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp is a predatory app for iOS and Android devices, but if you have the patience to keep coming back, you won't have to invest real money in the game. Besides, it's a charming and beautiful adventure for you to take anywhere.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp catches the essence of the franchise though it lacks some depth. It is a great game for new players and a tasteful dose for those looking for new entries in the saga.

Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp delivers on the brief, daily getaway I hoped it would, while also making some welcome changes to the franchise’s formula. Limitations like an always-online connection and frequent loads can make the on-the-go experience occasionally frustrating, but I continually found reward — both literally in-game and metaphorically — in working toward building a better campsite. And just making sure my animal friends really, really like me. With the potential to continue introducing new items, seasonal events, and other camp upgrades, I expect to be taking this vacation for weeks, if not months to come.

Nintendo has once again worked its magic to release a smartphone title that is vastly superior to the average game release on Google Play and iOS platforms.

The new Nintendo mobile game is an installment of the Animal Crossing series. Pocket Camp is funny, engaging and faithful to the franchise. Crafting system simply works and microtransactions are not an issue. If you loved the old ones, maybe the beloved GameCube chapter, you will still love it.