5. Animal Crossing: New Leaf
I usually try to avoid using personal anecdotes when writing top ten lists, but I think its appropriate when dealing with a game as life-devouring as this. This past summer, as I was standing in line at the drug store, the woman standing behind me was making banal small talk. She was telling me how much she was dreading going home and pulling weeds for the rest of the afternoon. Without really thinking about it, my response was that I actually enjoyed pulling weeds, that I found it relaxing, to which she responded with a look of utter befuddlement. And she was right to be confused, because I was too. I wasnt thinking about pulling weeds in the real world. I was thinking about pulling weeds in Animal Crossing. People who get into Animal Crossing REALLY get into Animal Crossing. For a game about being the mayor of a small town full of animals, its crazy how stressful this game can be. I became more worried about being late to my play dates with my alligator friend than I was with showing up to work on time. Finding out that one of your towns citizens moved away is one of the most crushing moments I can recall in a game. But this is more than just a game, its an obsession, and worst of all, its one that never really ends. Its been a couple months since I cut myself off cold turkey. Im worried about returning and seeing my town, Seaward, in ruins. But I know Ill go back. You always go back.