Animal Crossing’s Next Outing Could Solve a Major Criticism if Rumors Are True

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Animal Crossing's Next Outing Could Solve a Major Criticism if Rumors Are True

As a long-time fan of the charming world of Animal Crossing, I must say that the rumors of a city-based game have me both intrigued and slightly apprehensive. Don’t get me wrong, I love my quaint little town, but the prospect of exploring a bustling urban environment filled with skyscrapers and driveable vehicles is tantalizing.

The Animal Crossing video game series has become one of the most cherished and contemporary game franchises ever made, largely due to its leisurely gameplay, endearing visual style, and captivating real-time game mechanics that appeal to almost everyone, particularly those who view games as a means of unwinding rather than conquering tough obstacles. It’s worth mentioning that whispers indicate that the upcoming Animal Crossing installment might significantly shift gears, potentially leading the series down an entirely new path.

Beyond the assumption that the upcoming “Animal Crossing” game might debut on the potential successor of Nintendo Switch, there’s chatter about a new concept for the series coming from Twitter user Nash Weedle. In March 2024, they posted a theory suggesting that the next “Animal Crossing” game could be set in an urban environment, featuring skyscrapers and drivable vehicles. This is just speculation, so it’s important to take it with a pinch of salt, but it does spark curiosity about the future direction of “Animal Crossing.” Since the series typically revolves around peaceful small-town life, moving to the city could bring substantial changes, going beyond cosmetic or level design modifications.

A City-Based Animal Crossing Could Mean Different In-Game Businesses

Animal Crossing’s Shops Are Tied to Real-World Hours of Operation

For devoted Animal Crossing enthusiasts, the restricted operating hours of in-game businesses like Able Sisters and Nook’s Cranny have often been a source of annoyance. These shops close at 9PM and 10PM respectively to align with the unique real-time aspect of the game.

As a gamer, I get why Animal Crossing stands out from other chill games like Stardew Valley. Unlike the latter, where time doesn’t follow the same rules as our world, Animal Crossing syncs with real-world time. This unique feature gives it a distinct feel and gameplay experience. Frankly, it seems odd that shops in this tiny town with a finite customer base would stay open till 10PM, don’t you think?

Simultaneously, it might seem overly restrictive for players who prefer playing later at night or early in the morning. Those with flexible schedules or limited time during the day may struggle to reach crucial in-game locations, slowing their progress and making the gameplay experience more complicated than necessary. However, if the next installment of Animal Crossing adopts a more city-themed setting, it could potentially address this issue.

In simpler terms, you could get past this obstacle by “messing with the internal clock of your gaming console,” which essentially means controlling the game world to an extent. However, it’s important to note that this method has its own complications, such as losing internet connectivity. It’s not advisable to rely solely on this solution.

An Urban Animal Crossing Comes with Unique Business Opportunities

There’s at least one concept that would have a lot of potential in a city-based Animal Crossing game: nightlife. There are myriad possibilities for cute and charming clubs or late-night cafés and restaurants, which would make sense in a more urban environment. The next Animal Crossing could even have certain businesses that are only open at night, granting nocturnal players with a fun reward for playing the game at a non-traditional time. A black-market furniture shop, greasy all-night pizzeria, or secret meeting hall are all possible establishments that could work in a city-based Animal Crossing game, that would feel awkward or out-of-place in previous titles.

fundamentally, Animal Crossing is a delightful, multi-generational video game, which makes adult entertainment venues like nightclubs and bars unlikely. However, Nintendo might devise an age-appropriate version of these concepts. Undeniably, a city would bring a significant shift to the Animal Crossing formula and character, but such a change could be beneficial if it introduces fresh gameplay mechanics or exploration possibilities.

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2024-09-02 20:04