Animal Crossing New Horizons’ villagers roast us on our return

Is it cute video games or guilt trips that make me so mad? My first digital dog (in) has been my best friend. Nintendogs on the Nintendo DS) turned her back on me after a few weeks of neglect, I’ve fallen prey to doe-eyed animals making me feel bad for choosing to play something else.

Animal Crossing has a history of guilty players. Return to your home after a few weeks, months, or years away, and you’re liable to get dragged for being gone for so long. My Nintendo 3DS was a long-lasting device, but I have never returned. New LeafSix months without a break, I became anxious about the reaction of my once-favorite pals Sylvia, Curt, and Rosie. Sure, I can logically tell myself these are pre-preprogrammed lines spat out by fake animals, but they still somehow sting — especially if I realistically only pop in once every few months after the initial gluttonous gameplay period. The inevitable guilt trips mean I’ll likely never come back.

However, it is now Animal Crossing – New Horizon’s is getting a massive, free update, and despite not visiting my lovely Piña Isle for over a year, I dove back in last week. Polygon staff also enjoyed it. My villagers were ready to guilt trip? It was so hard. However, I endured the pain and eventually it ended.

If you’re faced with the same squeamish feelings upon having to face your island’s residents, you’re not alone! To ease your nerves, consider this a warm up round. Here’s how some of our villagers greeted us after months (or more than a year!) It was a long journey.

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Many characters were skeptical of our authenticity. Ghosts, mirages and a new person with the exact same name

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Some villagers just wanted to feel the same.

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Also, they just pretend to forget who you are.

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Like Adventures Metroid Dread Oder New Pokémon SnapIs that you Rosie? Rosie!

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Sprinkle should be awarded an Academy Award.

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

The fact that Zucker was dressed in food is confusing.

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

There are also the villages that try to mask their pain by sarcasm. Leopold!

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Here’s a totally normal comment…

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

Unfortunately, I think Beau has figured out we’re all living in a simulation.

Image: Nintendo via Polygon

That was quite a bit. But it should have made the process a lot easier.

We are grateful to Nicole Clark and Nicole Carpenter for contributing to this story.