The Next Animal Crossing Should Avoid Ending With a Whimper Instead of a Bang Like New Horizons

The Next Animal Crossing Should Avoid Ending With a Whimper Instead of a Bang Like New Horizons

As a seasoned gamer with countless hours spent in various virtual worlds, I can confidently say that the rumored next installment of Animal Crossing has me eagerly awaiting its arrival. The series has always been a delightful escape from reality, and New Horizons was no exception, captivating players worldwide in 2020.


It’s not yet official, but with the consistent popularity and sales success of the Animal Crossing series, it seems highly probable that a new game will be released soon. Given its loyal fanbase and status as one of Nintendo’s most successful franchises, it would be unexpected for the series to end abruptly now, more so after the global success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons in 2020.

In its distinctive whimsical design and captivating village inhabitants, the upcoming game offers numerous possibilities for fresh developments. However, deviating excessively from the initial concept might diminish the appeal of Animal Crossing. Nevertheless, incorporating substantial enhancements to gameplay quality and storytelling would be highly beneficial. For example, the later stages of the next installment could be enhanced by providing additional in-game prizes and content.

Nintendo Should Go Big With The Next Animal Crossing

New Horizons Sadly Lacked a Satisfying Ending

In informal terms: Players consider the ending of New Horizons to be when they unlock K.K. Slider and see credits roll, even though the game technically doesn’t have a defined end. Achieving this milestone is quite challenging because it requires a 3-star island rating, which can be obtained by completing various tasks. The most important ones include inviting seven villagers to live on your island, paying off the initial debt, and following Isabelle’s tips for decorating effectively.

As a gamer, I must say, the moment K.K. Slider graces our island is nothing short of magical. His debut live performance during the credits leaves me feeling all sorts of emotions, like a true sense of accomplishment. But once that initial heartwarming concert is over, K.K.’s gigs become a weekly event, happening every Saturday at Residential Services. These shows are still a delightful, laid-back treat, but their predictable schedule can take some shine off the unique charm of our first encounter with this musical maestro.

Moving forward, reaching the introduction of K.K. on the island marks one of the game’s significant milestones for me, a gamer. After achieving this, many players, including myself, were treated to Version 2.0 of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, which introduced The Roost cafe, Kapp’n’s Boat Tours, Mystery Islands, new villagers, and plenty more features. Unfortunately, the narrative in New Horizons is rather open-ended, leaving not much else to discover beyond these additions.

The Next Animal Crossing Game Deserves a More Memorable Ending

The Next Animal Crossing Should Avoid Ending With a Whimper Instead of a Bang Like New Horizons

It’s being rumored that the following Animal Crossing game may debut on the potential successor to the Nintendo Switch, aligning with the usual pattern of main series releases. However, it’s important to note that this upcoming console, often referred to as the Switch 2, has not been officially unveiled yet and might not be released until 2026. Consequently, fans of Animal Crossing could potentially have to wait up to six years for a new mainline game in the series.

Given how deeply players have immersed themselves in ‘New Horizons’, it seems reasonable for Nintendo to pull out all the stops for the next game, offering a climactic conclusion that acknowledges their devotion. This could mean more than just unlocking terraforming or gold tools; perhaps an enriched narrative experience is in order. For instance, they might consider enhancing the ‘Animal Crossing’ series by introducing storyline-driven quests that tie into a broader plot.

There are clear advantages and disadvantages when considering a narrative-focused version of Animal Crossing. However, envisioning a scenario where players have a direct hand in shaping their town’s destiny through their decisions is quite appealing. For instance, they might be able to impact the opening of new shops, organize events, or even modify the village’s overall appearance. This could lead to a stronger bond and commitment, making the experience of reaching the game’s end that much more satisfying.

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2024-09-24 17:04