I Love Animal Crossing: New Horizons, But I Wouldn’t Miss This Feature

by

For numerous gamers, including myself, Animal Crossing: New Horizons arrived at the perfect moment – during the COVID-19 pandemic when people sought a secure, comforting escape – and I remain grateful for its ability to offer that feeling of safety amidst such an unpredictable period. The chance to interact with friends and even strangers within Animal Crossing: New Horizons, spreading positivity and cultivating community during a time when it was desperately needed, made this game one of the most significant experiences in the series for me. However, upon reflection now that New Horizons is well behind us, it’s evident that the game captured lightning in a bottle, and I believe that one particular feature may not resonate as strongly in the next installment.

From a player who’s been captivated by “Animal Crossing” ever since I borrowed my first loan from Tom Nook on the GameCube, I’ve always emphasized that the appeal of this series lies in its ability to provide a tranquil, comfortable environment filled with hidden gems as you delve deeper, unfolding layers throughout its realistic day-night cycle. The crafting system introduced in “Animal Crossing: New Horizons” brought back memories of initial discovery when I first arrived at my island, and I relished getting new recipes from my Villagers and fellow players. However, I’m not convinced that I would feel the same excitement again if the next “Animal Crossing” game reintroduced crafting, and over time, I found that the magic that initially drew me to the franchise seemed to be overshadowed by this feature in “New Horizons”.

Crafting Was a Fun Experiment in New Horizons, But Doesn’t Feel Like Animal Crossing to Me

The Simplicity of a Cozy Village Life is the Star of the Animal Crossing Series

In the days before the cozy indie gaming niche truly flourished, Animal Crossing was an ideal game for snuggling up with during a leisurely rainy weekend. Before the portable version of Wild World came out, I used to transport my GameCube when visiting relatives over holidays, unwilling to miss Jingle’s rare visits to my town. While many kids at school were raving about the mayhem in GTA 3, I would brag about the unique fish I caught in Animal Crossing that weekend or my friendship with the grouchy squirrel Static instead.

What initially drew me into the “Animal Crossing” series was its straightforward daily routine, occasionally spiced up by encounters with uncommon activities or characters. Yet, when necessary changes were introduced to the formula, like the enhanced sky view in “Wild World” due to the DS’s dual screens, or frequent visits to the city in “City Folk” to pick up new emotes from Dr. Shrunk or covet the pricey items at GracieGrace, I welcomed them. However, with “New Horizons”, I consistently felt pressed for materials required to craft new tools or decorative items, which disrupted the game’s laid-back pace that I had grown fond of.

New Horizons’ Crafting System Distracted from What I Love About Animal Crossing

In my gaming experience, the incorporation of crafting in New Horizons was a fitting touch for establishing a new community on an uninhabited island. However, I’d rather see it as a unique feature exclusive to

Instead of using my time to mediate conflicts between Rosie and Ankha on my feline-filled Villager island, I found myself continually gathering materials to craft tools that would either break or working on new furniture recipes I was constantly receiving. Instead of fostering meaningful relationships with my animal neighbors, these tasks turned into just sources for new recipes that I’d spend my entire visit crafting before eventually growing tired and logging off. Although these activities kept me occupied during the peak of lockdown when Animal Crossing: New Horizons came out in 2020, I believe they ultimately led to my exhaustion with the game after just a few months of play.

If Crafting is Here to Stay, An Understated Approach Might Be Better for Animal Crossing’s Future

I’m quite optimistic that the whispers about a new “Animal Crossing” game based in a city are accurate, as it seems like it could essentially be a follow-up to “City Folk,” which I believe is the most underappreciated title in the series. The fact that the franchise might be transitioning away from the deserted island theme and toward an urban setting is intriguing, suggesting potential growth for the franchise. Although I’d prefer a reduction in the emphasis on crafting, I wouldn’t mind it retaining a minor role, as I think it can still find a place within the series.

Instead of it being essential to make tools or furniture, I’d prefer that crafting be more of a choice. For instance, I appreciate how custom clothing designs and patterns are incorporated into the game, allowing players to either design their own outfits or download ones they find appealing from other players using their NookPhone.

An alternative approach for craftable furniture in “Animal Crossing” could involve setting up a specific marketplace where players can buy readymade items if they don’t wish to invest time or resources into crafting them themselves. This allows me to interact with other players to obtain exclusive furniture pieces, while also giving me more opportunities to appreciate the camaraderie of my Villagers, fish, explore my town, and immerse myself in its charming atmosphere without feeling that I’m neglecting a significant aspect of gameplay.

Rumors suggest that a new Animal Crossing game won’t be arriving until 2026 at the earliest.

Read More

2025-05-29 13:08