I think you're reading too much into this Basil.
It's still a game. Part of the game involves developing and maintaining relationships with people in your town. But honestly, you don't even need to do that. The fact that there are no absolute goals is part of the appeal, in fact. What's really nice about AC is that it will literally go on forever, or at least as long as you want it to. There no way to lose. You can't die. Your village is never destroyed. It will always be there, even if you leave it for a long time -- it will just take some work, clearing up weeds and stuff to get things back to "normal"... or you can keep it that way.
In fact, you can play Animal Crossing however you want (within the game's rules). Some people, like Ghost, like to play "traditionally", keeping the game clock in sync with real time and playing for a little while each day -- maybe thirty minutes to an hour. Other people, like myself, choose to "time travel", changing the game clock (an option built into the game) to skip ahead or back to different days in order to accomplish specific goals. Beyond this, you can play toward whatever goal you'd like. Your home is "rated' based on the layout, so you could try to improve this rating. The general layout of the town will attract or repulse villagers, so that can be experimented with. There's a huge amount of furniture, clothing, and other items, as well as fish, insects, and so on to collect. These can be donated to the museum, collected for display, or sold for money. You can design your own clothing and personal accessories. There are events on specific days, like fishing tournaments to enter or special visitors. There's even a "stock market". It lets any player play the game how they want, toward whatever goals they want.
None of this even takes into account the wifi play with other people.
That said, if the game isn't for you, it's not for you. Some people don't like the presentation. I happen to think that there's more to the game's content than its graphics, or the "style" of the overall presentation. Some people just don't like the lack of solid goals, they need direction and need to be told what to do in order to enjoy a game. They won't like Animal Crossing as much. And some people just don't find it fun. That's all fine.
Moderator's note - Well said BC.
BCampbell's note - I know, thanks.
Moderator's note - ...God?
BCampbell's note - Yes my child?
Moderator's note - Just checking. Nevermind
