What is Animal Crossing? (An Ultimate Guide To The Series)

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Have you ever wondered what Animal Crossing is all about? Learn all about this beloved life-simulation series and its rich history in our ultimate guide to the series!

Let’s dive in.

What is Animal Crossing?

Animal Crossing is a series of social simulation video games developed and published by Nintendo.

The series was conceptualized and created by Katsuya Eguchi and Hisashi Nogami and was first released in 2001 for the Nintendo 64 in Japan.

Since then, the franchise has seen multiple sequels on various consoles including GameCube, Wii, 3DS, and Switch.

The series focuses on players creating their own character and living in a virtual village populated with anthropomorphic animals.

Players can customize their characters’ appearance, build houses, collect items, interact with other villagers, explore their environment, and engage in activities such as fishing, bug-catching fruit picking, and more.

History / Overview of the Animal Crossing Series

The original Animal Crossing game was released for the Nintendo 64 in Japan in 2001.

It was later ported to the GameCube console in 2002 and released worldwide. This version of the game featured improved graphics and gameplay mechanics compared to its predecessor.

In 2005 a sequel titled Animal Crossing: Wild World was released for the Nintendo DS which introduced online multiplayer capabilities to the series for the first time.

In 2008 Animal Crossing: City Folk was released for the Wii console which added new features such as an expanded city area with shops where players could purchase items from other players or sell their own items for bells (the currency used in-game).

In 2012 Animal Crossing: New Leaf was released for the 3DS which added even more features such as being able to become mayor of your town and customize it with public works projects.

Finally in 2020 Animal Crossing: New Horizons was released for the Nintendo Switch which added even more features such as terraforming tools that allow you to reshape your island however you want.

This latest installment also introduced crafting mechanics allowing players to create furniture items out of resources they have collected around their island or purchased from Nook’s Cranny shop.

Features / Gameplay Mechanics

Animal Crossing games feature a variety of activities that players can engage in while exploring their environment.

These activities include:

  • Fishing
  • Bug catching
  • Fossil hunting
  • Gardening
  • Shopping at stores like Nook’s Cranny or Able Sisters Tailor Shop
  • Visiting friends’ towns via local wireless or online play (depending on the game version)
  • Customizing your character’s appearance with clothing or accessories from Able Sisters Tailor Shop or Kicks Shoe Store (again depending on the game version)
  • Decorating your home with furniture purchased from Nook’s Cranny or crafted from resources gathered around your island (New Horizons only)
  • Participating in special events like Toy Day (New Leaf only) or Bunny Day (New Horizons only)
  • Collecting fruits from trees around town to sell at Re-Tail store (City Folk/New Leaf only)
  • Engaging with villagers through conversation topics or mini-games like hide-and-seek (Wild World/City Folk/New Leaf only)
  • Playing minigames like Desert Island Escape (New Leaf only) or Gulliver’s Shipwrecked Crews (New Horizons only), etc.

Character Customization

Character customization allows players to change their characters’ appearances by purchasing clothing items from Able Sisters Tailor Shop or Kicks Shoe Store depending on the game version).

Players can also change their characters’ hairstyles by visiting Harriet at Shampoodle salon located inside Nook’s Cranny store (depending on the version of the game).

Crafting Collecting and Building

Crafting is a new feature introduced in New Horizons that allows players to create furniture items out of resources they have collected around their island either through gathering them directly from trees/rocks/flowers etc., purchasing them from Nook’s Cranny shop, or trading them with other villagers.

Collecting is another activity available across all versions of the games where players can collect fish, bugs, fossils, fruit, and shells to name a few.

Building is another fun activity available across all versions of Animal Crossing where players can build bridges, fences, paths, buildings, etc.

The Social Aspects Of Animal Crossing

The social aspects are what make it so appealing to players.

Players can connect with each other through online play or by exchanging friend codes. This allows them to visit each other’s islands and collaborate on projects such as building houses or planting trees.

Players can also chat with each other while playing Animal Crossing, making it more interactive than many other video games.

The game also encourages players to form relationships with their neighbors, who are characters in the game that live on the same island as them. These relationships can be built up over time by completing tasks for them or trading items with them.

This gives players an opportunity to form meaningful connections within the game world, which can help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation that some people may experience during periods of social distancing or self-isolation.

Here is a list of some of the social aspects of Animal Crossing:

  • Interacting with other villagers (like Tom Nook a popular character in the game) either through conversation topics or mini-games like hide-and-seek.
  • Visiting friends’ towns via local wireless connection.
  • Trading items between each other.
  • Participating together in special events; competing against each other during minigames like Desert Island Escape.
  • Sending letters back and forth between each other.

Expansions And Downloadable Content

Expansions and DLC add new features, characters, items, and activities to the game.

For example, in New Horizons, the Happy Home Paradise DLC adds a new island resort where players can design vacation homes for their clients. Players can also explore new areas of the island and take part in special events.

Other expansions have included Bunny Day from Animal Crossing: New Leaf (March 20) which introduced a special Easter event with exclusive items; Summer Update Wave 1 from New Horizons which added swimming and diving activities; and Ver 1.2 from New Horizons which brought new visitors to the island as well as April to June events.

Expansions and DLC are great ways to keep the game fresh and exciting by adding new content for players to explore. They also provide additional challenges and rewards that make playing even more fun!

Final Thoughts

Animal Crossing is an incredibly charming series that offers something unique compared to most video games out there today – it allows you to escape into a virtual world where you can relax without any pressure while still having plenty of fun activities available at your fingertips!

Whether it be building bridges over rivers using terraforming tools found exclusively within New Horizons; collecting rare fossils buried deep underground; crafting furniture out of materials gathered around town; engaging with friendly villagers through conversation topics; competing against others during minigames like Desert Island Escape – there truly is something here for everyone!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Animal Crossing: New Horizons Multiplayer?

u003cstrongu003eYes, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a multiplayer game!u003c/strongu003e Up to eight players can play together online, or up to four players can play together on the same Nintendo Switch system. With one Nintendo Switch system and one game, up to four players can play on the same island. Additionally, it is possible to visit another player’s town by talking to Orville at the airport.

What is the point of Animal Crossing?

The main point of Animal Crossing is to u003cstrongu003ecreate an enjoyable experience for the playeru003c/strongu003e, as they explore the island, meet new villagers, and customize their virtual home. Overall, Animal Crossing is a great way to relax and escape from reality for a while. With its charming characters and customizable features, it’s no wonder why this series has become so beloved over the years!

Is Animal Crossing OK for an 8-year-old?

u003cstrongu003eAnimal Crossing is a great game for 8-year-olds and up.u003c/strongu003e It is rated E for Everyone with Comic Mischief, so there is no violence or inappropriate content. The game can be played alone, with up to four people on the same system, or with up to eight players either over local wireless or online. Parents should be aware that an online membership may be required for some features. Reviews from both kids and parents have been overwhelmingly positive, citing the game’s creativity and lack of violence as major draws.

Is There a Villain in Animal Crossing?

Since the release of the first Animal Crossing game in 2001, players have been asking if there is a villain in the game. u003cstrongu003eThe answer is yes – Redd, also known as Crazy Redd, is a character who appears in all versions of Animal Crossing and serves as an antagonist.u003c/strongu003e Redd is a fox who runs a shop called u0022Crazy Redd’su0022, where he sells rare and valuable items at high prices. He often lies to customers about the quality of his items and has been known to sell fake art pieces. He also charges exorbitant prices for his services, which can make it difficult for players to progress in the game.

Which Animal Crossing Game is the best?

The best Animal Crossing game is subjective, as it depends on the individual’s preferences. However, many fans of the series agree that Animal Crossing: New Horizons for Nintendo Switch is the best in the series. This game offers a wide variety of features and activities for players to enjoy, such as creating their own paradise on a deserted island, customizing their character and home, interacting with cute animal villagers, and much more. With its vibrant visuals and charming music, Animal Crossing: New Horizons provides an immersive experience that will keep you coming back for more.

Should I Buy Animal Crossing New Horizons?

Whether or not you should buy Animal Crossing: New Horizons depends on what type of game you’re looking for. If you’re looking for a relaxing experience that allows you to explore a deserted island and create your own paradise as you interact with cute animal villagers, then this game may be perfect for you. On the other hand, if you’re looking for something more challenging or fast-paced, then this might not be the right choice.

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