Summary
Questions surrounding the nextAnimal Crossing’s location have grown since rumors of the Nintendo Switch 2, leaving fans excited about the possibility of an announcement soon. Speculation has suggested thatthe nextAnimal Crossingmay go the city route, serving as a 180 fromNew Horizons' remote island setting while bringing in the potential for iteration from past series' titles, namely,City Folk. Among these rumors is talk of new minigames and shop functionality, and though this information has not been verified by Nintendo, such a theme would make sense from a number of standpoints.
It’s no secret thatAnimal Crossing: New Horizonswas an immense success, and for good reason. Between compelling graphics, cute dialogue, and an ever successful gameplay loop,AC:NHmanaged to make the most of its island topography to build a sense of community, even within its remote setting. Between its multiplayer features and abundance of villagers to search for, the title managed to be a satisfying entry in the modern era of the series. With that said, some discrepancies arose overNew Horizons' approach to updates, or lack thereof, as features like Brewster’s café and visiting merchants like Leif and Redd were only available after the game’s release. A turn toward a city environment in the nextAC, however, could make these features immediately accessible while working to enhance its gameplay.
How a Full Animal Crossing Cityscape Could Work In Tandem to its Gameplay
Building on City Folk’s and New Horizons' Features
Because ofAnimal Crossing: New Horizons' inherently remote setting, there were some natural restrictions on what was available on a player’s island. Small shops like Nook’s Cranny and the Able Sisters made sense as quaint offerings given the setting, though much of an island’s topography was devoted to villagers' houses and decorations rather than buildings to explore. Of course, Blathers' museum was a fantastic example of getting to dive deep into a structure while seeing it grow through collecting fish, fossils, and insects, though its success begs the question of how buildings like it could go even further in the series' next title.
The ‘traveling merchants’ feature andHarv’s Islandwere great ways to offer interaction and resources to the player while staying in accordance toNew Horizons’theme, though a turn towards a full cityscape in the series' next iteration could build upon these features further. The same can be said for taking inspiration fromAnimal Crossing: City Folk, though rather than having to travel from a town into the city, having full control over a small sector of an urban area could give players the freedom expected of a more modern entry.New Horizons' Happy Home ParadiseDLC gave players access to facilities like a hospital and apparel shop to design and establish, which could indicate that this may be a framework for the future.
Providing Even More Customization Options
Being able to manage shops and other facilities, while deciding where to place these buildings and how to decorate them, would tie perfectly into an urban setting while providing room for ample interaction. Such a design conceit has been considered as one of the nextAnimal Crossinggame’s rumors, and though this information has not been verified, there could be a lot of merit to this decision. Imagine a skyscraper with floors for each villager, allowing players to decorate suites for the characters who have moved in; shops like Shampoodle or a florist space for Leif could give the setting life while replicating the ambiance that comes from being in the heart of a city. Feeling more involved in the customization of these facilities would work in tandem with an urban setting, just as the natural resources ofNew Horizons' islandsdid, giving its NPCs even more of a chance to shine.
What The Future Holds for Animal Crossing
FollowingNew Horizons, the options forthe nextAnimal Crossinggameseem virtually endless. Working from past frameworks set by the series, however, could mean that a customizable cityscape is just what it needs to bring the best of its NPCs, recruitable villagers, and design options. A more modern take on former facilities seen in games likeCity Folk, along with the abundance of customization thatAC:NHset a new standard for, leaves the door wide open for the series' future success. Wherever the next title takes players, though, it’s certain to be a compelling approach.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. you may hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
