Animal Crossing: New Horizons – the video game where we can still be together

A new instalment in Nintendo's social simulation series is out now - and it offers the sort of optimism we're very short of

I am scrolling idly through TikTok when I see her, drag queen Bijou Bentley performing her routine to a remix of Nicki Minaj's Anaconda. With her ponytail and green twin-set, I immediately recognise that she is not just giving the audience haute couture - this is cosplay.

Isabelle, my personal assistant from my time as mayor of a town in Animal Crossing: New Leaf. If you have played it, she was your assistant, too. She is the heart of the game, your adviser, your companion. She is a yellow dog in snappy office dress, and she is always so happy to see you. Benny Bijou Bentley sashays around the floor with her clip-board. The crowd goes wild, throwing dollars at her feet. I am thinking to myself, "Yes, Isabelle - work."