I'm not the kind of person who really likes all those fast-paced video games where you're trying to beat the bad guy, while trying not to let your character die. Those are fun every now and then, but I much prefer laid-back simulators. Tomodachi Life, Nintendogs, Stardew Valley, Endless Ocean, and anything in the Animal Crossing series are my usual picks, with Pokémon as the only story-based game I play.

My favorite game of all is Animal Crossing: New Leaf, which is very freeform and totally adorable, with a hefty dose of humor. It even makes some accurate observations on the human condition. Thus, I present you 18 reasons why ACNL is such a great game, in pictures. (And yes, I am one of those people who saves screenshots of video games!)

1. Blathers the owl

Blathers is one of my favorite characters in the series. He's a hoot!

2. Slapstick humor!

Poor Isabelle looks so worried.

3. Kapp'n the singing kappa

True, true.

4. Real estate's attitude toward money

Does he not know how much work it took me to pay off the last loan? Pocket change? Really?

5. Video games commenting on video games

What does it mean when your video game implies that it isn't wholesome fun? Is your video game telling you not to play itself?

6. The similes

No comment.

7. Saharah the traveling decorator

Okay, then.

8. Fishy puns

Yes, your character has something clever to say for literally every bug or fish you catch.

9. Nailing human nature spot-on

How many of you can honestly say you've never considered doing this? N.B. This isn't actually from New Leaf, but rather Happy Home Designer. I just threw it in for fun.

10. Gulliver's delusions

This is just one example, but Gulliver says a lot of hilarious things.

11. How the villagers got their new mayor

You step off the train and are surrounded by animals who are convinced that you must be their new mayor.

12. Jingle the reindeer

I love mushrooms, but I've gotta agree with Jingle on this one.

13. Coffee...

I kind of wish Brewster was real, because his coffee sure sounds amazing!

14. Motivational messages

See? I'm sure you feel better about yourself already! (Maybe.)

15. Kapp'n is way too accurate

Basically how I've felt all semester.

16. Wisdom from Pascal

He's always full of pithy truths, but he only shares if you give him a scallop.

17. Animal egos

Some characters are just so much fun to watch; the kind of personality that I would hate in real life, but adore in fiction. (Just like Poirot!)

18. Gulliver perfectly describes being a young adult

I'm grown up! I'm grown up!