Difference between revisions of "Animal Crossing"

From Nookipedia, the Animal Crossing wiki
(→‎Characters and locations: There are actually 18 islanders in PG.)
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Animal Crossing''}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Animal Crossing''}}
{{Wrongpage|the game|the series|Animal Crossing (series)}}
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{{Wrongpage|the game|the series|Animal Crossing (series)}}{{Infobox Video Game
{{Infobox VGinfo
 
 
|title        = [[File:PG Logo English.png|200px|English game logo]]
 
|title        = [[File:PG Logo English.png|200px|English game logo]]
 
|image        = [[File:PG Box NA.png|200px|North American game cover]]
 
|image        = [[File:PG Box NA.png|200px|North American game cover]]
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|developer    = [[Wikipedia:Nintendo EAD|Nintendo EAD]]
 
|developer    = [[Wikipedia:Nintendo EAD|Nintendo EAD]]
 
|publisher    = [[Nintendo]]
 
|publisher    = [[Nintendo]]
|distributor  = [[Nintendo]]
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|director     = [[Katsuya Eguchi]]<br>[[Hisashi Nogami]]
|designer     = [[Katsuya Eguchi]]<br>[[Hisashi Nogami]]
+
|producer    = Takashi Tezuka
 +
|programmer  = Yuhiki Otsuki
 +
|artist      = Noriko Ikegawa<br>Yoshihisa Morimoto
 +
|writer      = Makoto Wada<br>Kenshirou Ueda<br>Kunio Watanabe<br>Nate Bihldorff{{Note|name=NoA|English localization}}<br>Rich Amtower{{Note|name=NoA}}
 +
|composer    = Kazumi Totaka<br>Kenta Nagata<br>Toru Minegishi<br>Shinobu Tanaka
 +
|series      = ''[[Animal Crossing (series)|Animal Crossing]]''
 
|platforms    = [[Nintendo GameCube]]
 
|platforms    = [[Nintendo GameCube]]
|released    = {{Flag|JPN}} December 14, 2001<br>{{Flag|USA}} September 16, 2002<br>{{Flag|AUS}} October 17, 2003<br>{{Flag|EUR}} September 24, 2004
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|released    = {{Flag|JPN}} December 14, 2001<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/gafj/|title=Animal Forest+|language=Japanese}}</ref><br>{{Flag|USA}} September 16, 2002{{Note|While multiple reliable sources claim ''Animal Crossing'' was released on September 15, primary sources state September 16.}}<br>{{Flag|AUS}} October 17, 2003<br>{{Flag|EUR}} September 24, 2004
 
|genre        = Simulation
 
|genre        = Simulation
|modes        = Single player
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|modes        = Single-player
|ratings       = {{Rating|ESRB=E (Everyone)|PEGI=3+}}
+
|ratings     = {{Rating|ESRB=E|PEGI=3+|ACB=G<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.classification.gov.au/titles/animal-crossing|title=ANIMAL CROSSING|site=Australian Classification|retrieved=October 18, 2020}}</ref>}}
|media        = GameCube Optical Disc
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|media        = GameCube Game Disc
|requirements = 59 blocks on Memory Card <small>(save data only)</small>
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|requirements = 57 blocks <small>(town save data)</small><br>1 block <small>(NES save data)</small>
|input        = Nintendo GameCube controller<br>[[Game Boy Advance]] <small>([[Animal Island]] only)</small> <br>[[Nintendo e-Reader]]
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|input        = Nintendo GameCube Controller<br>[[Game Boy Advance]] <small>([[Animal Island]] only)</small> <br>[[Nintendo e-Reader]]
 
|strategywiki = Animal Crossing
 
|strategywiki = Animal Crossing
 
}}
 
}}
'''''Animal Crossing'''''{{Note|{{Nihongo foot|どうぶつの森+|Dōbutsu no Mori+|Animal Forest+}}}}is an enhanced [[Nintendo GameCube]] port of {{DnM}}, and the first game in the {{SER}} to be released outside of Japan. It was first released in Japan on December 14, 2001, just nine months after the original [[Nintendo 64]] title. Known in Japan as '''''Doubutsu no Mori+''''', the game retailed for 7,140 yen and sold 92,568 copies during its first week of sale. {{PG|nolink}} adds new content and utilizes the Nintendo GameCube's internal clock to keep track of the in-game date and time.{{Note|In {{DnM}}, time only passes when the game is being played, but with the use of the GameCube's internal clock, time passes continuously.}} The game's newly added content includes an [[Animal Island|island location]] where the player can help a [[Islander|lone inhabitant]] furnish their house, a [[museum]] for donating collectables, a [[Able Sisters|tailor]] where players can create custom designs, and compatibility with the [[Nintendo e-Reader]] with a series of [[Merchandise/Animal Crossing-e|cards]] released specifically for the game.   
+
'''''Animal Crossing'''''{{Note|{{Nihongo foot|どうぶつの森+|Dōbutsu no Mori+|Animal Forest+}}}} is a simulation game for the [[Nintendo GameCube]] and the first game in the {{SER}} to be released outside of Japan. It was first released in Japan on December 14, 2001 as an expanded port of the [[Nintendo 64]] game {{DnM}} nine months after its release. Known in Japan as '''''Doubutsu no Mori+''''', the game retailed for 7,140 yen and sold 92,568 copies during its first week of sale. {{PG|nolink}} adds new content and utilizes the Nintendo GameCube's internal clock to keep track of the in-game date and time. The game's newly added content includes an [[Animal Island|island location]] where the player can help a [[Islander|lone inhabitant]] furnish their house, a [[museum]] for donating collectibles, a [[Able Sisters|tailor]] where players can create custom designs, and compatibility with the [[Nintendo e-Reader]] with a series of [[Merchandise/Animal Crossing-e|cards]] released specifically for the game.   
  
 
The game was released in North America in 2002. To prepare the game for release, Nintendo of America embarked on an extensive localization, headed by Nate Bihldorff and Rich Amtower. Their efforts resulted in a substantial increase of in-game text compared to {{DnM}}, and the change of many distinctly-Japanese cultural elements to make them more recognizable to a western audience. Additional content was implemented, such as entirely new holidays, items, and characters. Certain events were also changed to have broader appeal in western regions. This version of the game was also later released in Australia in 2003, and across Europe in 2004.
 
The game was released in North America in 2002. To prepare the game for release, Nintendo of America embarked on an extensive localization, headed by Nate Bihldorff and Rich Amtower. Their efforts resulted in a substantial increase of in-game text compared to {{DnM}}, and the change of many distinctly-Japanese cultural elements to make them more recognizable to a western audience. Additional content was implemented, such as entirely new holidays, items, and characters. Certain events were also changed to have broader appeal in western regions. This version of the game was also later released in Australia in 2003, and across Europe in 2004.
  
{{PG|nolink}} was a commercial and critical success, selling more than 2 million copies worldwide and garnering strong reviews from gaming media. The game {{PG|nolink}} became a Player's Choice title about a year after its North American release. Due to the successful localization effort, the game was translated back into Japanese and released in Japan as {{DnMe+}}, which features the western-oriented changes as well as additional content not present in any of the previous versions.
+
{{PG|nolink}} was a commercial and critical success, selling more than 2 million copies worldwide and garnering strong reviews from gaming media. The game became a Player's Choice title about a year after its North American release.{{Citation Needed}} Due to the successful localization effort, the game was translated back into Japanese and released in Japan as {{DnMe+}}, which features the western-oriented changes as well as additional content not present in any of the previous versions.
  
 
{{PG|nolink}} has been included in many year-end 'best of' lists, featured in several all-time top video game countdowns, and has since received multiple [[Animal_Crossing_(GCN)#Awards_and_nominations|awards and nominations]].
 
{{PG|nolink}} has been included in many year-end 'best of' lists, featured in several all-time top video game countdowns, and has since received multiple [[Animal_Crossing_(GCN)#Awards_and_nominations|awards and nominations]].
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==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
 
[[File:PGPlayerOutofHouse.png|thumb|left|240px|A player standing outside of their house]]
 
[[File:PGPlayerOutofHouse.png|thumb|left|240px|A player standing outside of their house]]
Just as in {{DnM}}, [[player]]s assume the role of a human setting out for a life of their own in a [[town]] of anthropomorphic [[list of villagers|animals]]. Each town is randomly generated, ensuring that no two players' experiences are exactly the same. Gameplay within each village is open-ended, allowing players to engage in a variety of activities that suit their playstyle. Players can pick [[fruit]], grow [[tree]]s, [[flower|garden]], hunt for [[fossil]]s and [[fish]], catch [[bugs]], do favors for the [[villager]]s, or decorate their [[House (player)|homes]].
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Just as in {{DnM}}, [[player]]s assume the role of a human setting out for a life of their own in a [[town]] of anthropomorphic [[list of villagers|animals]]. Each town is randomly generated, ensuring that no two players' experiences are identical. Gameplay within each village is open-ended, allowing players to engage in a variety of activities that suit their playstyle. Players can pick [[fruit]], grow [[tree]]s, [[flower|garden]], hunt for [[fossil]]s and [[fish]], catch [[bugs]], do favors for the [[villager]]s, or decorate their [[Player house|homes]].
  
 
===Plot===
 
===Plot===
Upon arrival to the town, the player is greeted by [[Tom Nook]], a local store owner and freelance builder who provides the player with housing. Nook loans the house to the player, advising them to work for him in order to help pay off the house. After completing several tasks for Nook, he informs the player that they no longer need to work for him and can pay off the loan in their own time. After paying off the loan, Nook allows the player to expand their house in exchange for a new loan. After fully expanding the house and paying back all loans, Nook erects a statue of the player in their honor in front of the [[Train Station]].
+
Upon arrival to the town, the player is greeted by [[Tom Nook]], a local store owner and freelance builder who provides the player with housing. Nook loans the house to the player, advising them to work for him to help pay off the house. After completing several tasks for Nook, he informs the player that they no longer need to work for him and can pay off the loan in their own time. After paying off the loan, Nook allows the player to expand their house in exchange for a new loan. After fully expanding the house and paying back all loans, Nook erects a statue of the player in their honor in front of the [[Train Station]].
 
{{Clear}}
 
{{Clear}}
  
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''Animal Crossing'' introduces new content that is not present in the original ''Doubutsu no Mori'', including new items, locations, mechanics, characters, and events.
 
''Animal Crossing'' introduces new content that is not present in the original ''Doubutsu no Mori'', including new items, locations, mechanics, characters, and events.
  
===Characters and Locations===
+
===Characters and locations===
 
{{Main|Animal Crossing/Characters}}
 
{{Main|Animal Crossing/Characters}}
The [[Museum]] is introduced along with its curator, [[Blathers]], allowing players to donate all of the [[bugs]], [[fish]], [[fossils]], and [[paintings]] they collect to be publicly displayed. The [[Able Sisters]] tailor shop and its proprietors [[Mabel]] and [[Sable]] are also introduced, and allow the player to create and display their own custom designs, those of which may be worn by villagers in town.
+
The [[museum]] is introduced along with its curator, [[Blathers]], allowing players to donate all of the [[bugs]], [[fish]], [[fossils]], and [[paintings]] they collect to be publicly displayed. The [[Able Sisters]] tailor shop and its proprietors [[Mabel]] and [[Sable]] are also introduced and allow the player to create and display their custom [[design]]s, those of which may be worn by villagers in town.
  
[[Punchy]] and [[Cheri]] are introduced as two of the possible villagers that can live in the player's town. 16 [[Islander|island-exclusive villagers]] can inhabit an [[Animal Island|island]] that can be travelled to by speaking with [[Kapp'n]] at the [[dock]], albeit only if a Game Boy Advance is connected to the system.  
+
[[Punchy]] and [[Cheri]] are introduced as two of the possible villagers that can live in the player's town. One of eighteen [[Islander|island-exclusive villagers]] can inhabit an [[Animal Island|island]] that can be traveled to by speaking with [[Kapp'n]] at the [[dock]], albeit only if a Game Boy Advance is connected to the system.  
  
 
[[Tortimer]] is introduced as the mayor of the player's town. He can be found near the [[Wishing Well]] during most events, and, if talked to, he will give the player an exclusive item to celebrate the event.
 
[[Tortimer]] is introduced as the mayor of the player's town. He can be found near the [[Wishing Well]] during most events, and, if talked to, he will give the player an exclusive item to celebrate the event.
  
 
===Items===
 
===Items===
New items of furniture are added into the game, and the player can now add additional stories to their house, gaining a second floor or basement. Furthermore, various bugs and fish not present in the original game are added, and one fish, the [[Herabuna]] was removed and replaced with the [[Brook Trout]]. The [[Axe]], which was unbreakable in the original game, now breaks if used too often. 11 new [[NES games]] are also added, and are now explicitly labelled as the game they emulate, rather than all simply being identified as "famicom". However, two of the new games, ''The Legend of Zelda'' and ''Super Mario Bros.'', are unobtainable. Also, two games are exclusive to ''Doubutsu no Mori+'', being {{wp|Gomoku Narabe}} and {{wp|Mahjong}}. Outside of Japan, these were replaced by ''[[Soccer]]'' and ''[[Excitebike]]''.
+
New items of furniture are added into the game, and the player can now add additional stories to their house, gaining a second floor or basement. Furthermore, various bugs and fish not present in the original game are added, and one fish, the [[Herabuna]] was removed and replaced with the [[Brook Trout]]. The [[Axe]], which was unbreakable in the original game, now breaks if used too often. 11 new [[NES games]] are also added, and are now explicitly labeled as the game they emulate, rather than all simply being identified as "Famicom". However, two of the new games, ''The Legend of Zelda'' and ''Super Mario Bros.'', are unobtainable. Also, two games are exclusive to ''Doubutsu no Mori+'', being {{wp|Gomoku Narabe}} and {{wp|Mahjong}}. Outside of Japan, these were replaced by ''[[Soccer]]'' and ''[[Excitebike]]''.
  
Stationary is now sold in packs of four, instead of a single page as in the original game. The player can now store up to three items in storage containers. Additionally, music players can now store every aircheck and the player can quickly switch between the songs they own.
+
Stationery is now sold in packs of four, instead of a single page as in the original game. The player can now store up to three items in storage containers. Additionally, music players can now store every aircheck and the player can quickly switch between the songs they own.
  
 
===e-Reader connectivity===
 
===e-Reader connectivity===
 
{{main|Nintendo e-Reader}}
 
{{main|Nintendo e-Reader}}
 
{{PG|nolink}} is the only title for the Nintendo GameCube released outside of Japan to feature support for the [[Nintendo e-Reader]] peripheral. By connecting to the e-Reader via a [[GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable]] players can access the [[island]], play [[NES games]], and scan [[Animal Crossing-e]] cards to access special items, patterns, and mini-games. Certain NES games can be transferred to the Game Boy Advance to play on the go, and the island can be downloaded to a Game Boy Advance to play after returning to the player's town.
 
{{PG|nolink}} is the only title for the Nintendo GameCube released outside of Japan to feature support for the [[Nintendo e-Reader]] peripheral. By connecting to the e-Reader via a [[GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable]] players can access the [[island]], play [[NES games]], and scan [[Animal Crossing-e]] cards to access special items, patterns, and mini-games. Certain NES games can be transferred to the Game Boy Advance to play on the go, and the island can be downloaded to a Game Boy Advance to play after returning to the player's town.
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 +
==Development==
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:''See also: [[Animal Crossing/Staff]]''
 +
Despite being released near the end of the [[Nintendo 64]]'s lifespan, {{DnM}}'s sold through its entire print run. The success of the game in Japan encouraged the development team to port the game to the [[Nintendo GameCube]], which was released less than six months after {{DnM|nolink}}. Taking advantage of the greater memory capacities of the system, the team included many new features that could not be added to the original game, such as [[Animal Island]], [[Tortimer]], and the [[Able Sisters]]. The game was released eight months after the original {{DnM|nolink}}.
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===North American localization===
 +
The Nintendo of America localization team began writing game dialogue in early 2002; however, translation of the game's hundreds of items began months earlier.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=May 16, 2013|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgg62DMyzyA&t=1m13s|title=Inside the Treehouse with Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Localizing Animal Crossing (Ep 1)|site=YouTube}}</ref> Unlike the extended localization and development process for recent titles in the series, ''Animal Crossing'' was localized in the span of eight to twelve months. During this time, the team translated over 30,000 files of text,<ref name=NWR_Preview>{{Cite web|author=Andres Rojas|date=May 22, 2002|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/2855/animal-crossing-gamecube|title=Animal Crossing Hands-on Preview|site=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> worked to develop new items and events to appeal to a North American audience.
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====Announcement and release====
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[[File:PG Logo E3 2001.png|thumb|right|200px|The game's logo as seen at E3 2001]]
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In April 2001, shortly after the release of {{DnM|nolink}} and eight months before the release of {{DnM+|nolink}}, producer Takashi Tezuka stated in an issue of ''Nintendo Dream'' that Nintendo of America was preparing for an international release.<ref>{{Cite web|author=IGN|date=April 30, 2001|url=http://web.archive.org/web/20030408034152/http://ign64.ign.com:80/articles/094/094018p1.html|title=Animal Forest for US|archive-date=April 8, 2003|retrieved=September 10, 2020}}</ref> The following month, on May 16, 2001<ref>{{Cite web|author=IGN|date=May 10, 2001|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/10/nintendo-pre-e3-press-conference-details-2|title=Nintendo Pre-E3 Press Conference Details}}</ref> at Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference, a six-second montage of gameplay footage from what was then known as ''Animal Forest'' was shown to members of the media as part of a larger reel featuring upcoming Nintendo GameCube titles.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo World Report|date=June 6, 2011|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGepCTXT0wA&t=6m0s|title=Planet Gamecube E3 2001 Video Part 5|site=YouTube}}</ref> The clip did not feature any dialogue, however the presence of the Bell Shrine indicates that it was still early in the localization process, if not footage directly from the Japanese version.
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As early as October 2001,<ref>{{Cite web|author=Max Lake|date=October 19, 2001|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6621/animal-forest-usa-bound|title=Animal Forest USA Bound?|site=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> Nintendo established a page on their website for ''Animal Forest'' noting it was "being optimized for its U.S. debut on the GameCube."<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20011123183306/http://nintendo.com/games/gamepage/gamepage_main.jsp?gameId=646&showMe=1|title=Main Game Page, Animal Forest|archive-date=November 23, 2001}}</ref> A few months later on February 28, 2002, at a Nintendo Roundtable Conference, Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that localization of ''Animal Forest'' was "progressing and moving along quite well" with then-Nintendo president Satoru Iwata projecting it to be released "sometime in the fall."<ref>{{Cite web|author=Michael Cole|date=February 28, 2002|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7060/animal-forest--coming-to-north-america|title=Animal Forest + coming to North America!|site=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> About a month later on March 30, 2002, the game's name was officially changed to ''Animal Crossing''<ref>{{Cite web|author=Mike Sklens|date=March 30, 2002|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7196/animal-forest--gets-a-name-change|title=Animal Forest + gets a name change|site=Nintendo World Report}}</ref>, as reflected on Nintendo's website at the time.
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On May 22, 2002, at Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference, an extended video was shown introducing ''Animal Crossing'' and highlighting its ability to connect with the e-Reader and Game Boy Advance.<ref>{{Cite web|author=NintendoNWRExclusive|date=June 10, 2013|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uzTeRvm1Uo&t=15m9s|title=Nintendo E3 2002 Press Conference from PGC E3 2002 DVD|site=YouTube}}</ref> Iwata also confirmed the game for September release in North America. Later that day, ''Animal Crossing'' made its second E3 appearance, this time as a playable title on the show floor.<ref name=NWR_Preview/> It was generally overshadowed by high-profile titles, however it still received the third-place spot on the Game Critic Award's list for Best Original Game of E3 2002.<ref name=GiantBomb_E3>{{Cite web|author=Giant Bomb|url=https://www.giantbomb.com/e3-2002/3015-3434/|title=E3 2002}}</ref> Despite conflicting information on gaming websites,<ref>{{Cite web|author=GameFAQs|url=https://www.gamefaqs.gamespot.com/gamecube/516502-animal-crossing|title=Animal Crossing for GameCube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=IGN|url=https://www.ign.com/games/action-replay-ultimate-codes-animal-crossing/gcn-16562|title=Animal Crossing}}</ref> ''Animal Crossing'''s North American release date was set for September 16, 2002, as noted on its official sites<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030213033234/http://www.nintendo.com/games/gamepage/gamepage_main.jsp?gameId=646&showMe=1|title=Animal Crossing|archive-date=February 13, 2003}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015011041/http://www.animal-crossing.com:80/parents.jsp|title=The Crossing Guardian : For Parents|site=animal-crossing.com|archive-date=October 15, 2002|retrieved=September 12, 2020}}</ref> and a press release from Nintendo of America.<ref name=AC_Early>{{Cite web|author=Jonathan Metts|date=August 6, 2002|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7622/lucky-gamers-play-animal-crossing-early|title=Lucky Gamers Play Animal Crossing Early|site=Nintendo World Report}}</ref> There were reports, however, that select Blockbuster Video locations had received and began renting advance copies of the game as early as September 6th.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Billy Berghammer|date=September 6, 2002|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7731/animal-crossing-hits-blockbuster-early|title=Animal Crossing hits Blockbuster early?|site=Nintendo World Report}}</ref>
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===Australian and European release===
 +
{{PG|nolink}} was released on October 17, 2003 and September 24, 2004 in Australia and Europe, respectively. Both versions feature minor bug fixes from the North American release, and the European release features localizations in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.
 +
{{Research Needed||note=Needs info about the Japanese DnM+ development + research into release date(s) in South American countries is needed. Starting point: Research South American distribution by ''Latamel Inc''.}}
  
 
==Regional differences==
 
==Regional differences==
In addition to being an upgraded re-release to the original [[Dōbutsu no Mori (game)|Dōbutsu no Mori]], there are also many differences between the Japanese ''Dōbutsu no Mori+'' and western ''Animal Crossing''.
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===Japan to North America===
 +
In addition to being an upgraded re-release to the original {{DnM}}, there are also many differences between the Japanese {{DnM+|nolink}} and international {{PG|nolink}}.
  
===Interface===
+
====Interface====
*The dial typing system, featured in the original {{DnM}}, is retained in this game, although it is replaced with a virtual QWERTY keyboard in the international versions.
+
*The dial typing system, featured in {{DnM|nolink}}, is retained in the Japanese version of {{PG|nolink}} game, although it is replaced with a virtual QWERTY keyboard in the international versions.
*The color of the [[Nintendo]] logo differs between versions. In Japanese version it is white, while in international version it is red.
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*The color of the [[Nintendo]] logo differs between versions. In the Japanese version, it is white, while in the international version it is red.
 +
*The "Press START!" text on the title screen reads "Press Start Button!" in the Japanese version.
 +
*The copyright text on the title screen reads "&copy;2001 Nintendo" in the Japanese version; this was changed to "&copy;2001,2002 Nintendo" in the North American release.
  
===Locations===
+
====Locations====
*The [[Bell shrine|Bell Shrine]] from the original game is changed in the international version to be a [[Wishing Well]].
+
*The [[Bell shrine]] from the original game is changed in the international version to be a [[wishing well]].
*[[Tom Nook's shop]], the [[Town Tune|Melody Board]], and the [[Dump]] all have different signage. In the Japanese version the signs feature katakana, but are replaced with English text in the international version.
+
*[[Tom Nook's shop]], the [[Town Tune|Melody Board]], and the [[dump]] all have different signs. In the Japanese version, the signs feature katakana but are replaced with English text in the international version.
*The sign above the [[Post Office]] entrance is changed to a window in the international version.
+
*The sign above the [[post office]] entrance is changed to a window in the international version.
*[[Redd]]'s stand during the [[Fireworks Show]] has a completely different appearance between versions. In {{DnM|nolink}} it's enclosed by red canvas walls on three sides with a sign above the front side of the stall. In the international version it's open on all sides, with a red and white-striped pitched roof and more visible decorations but no signage.
+
*[[Redd]]'s stand during the [[Fireworks Festival]] has a completely different appearance between versions. In {{DnM|nolink}} it is enclosed by red canvas walls on three sides with a sign above the front side of the stall. In the international version, it is open on all sides, with a red and white-striped pitched roof and more visible decorations but no signage.
 
*[[Igloo]]s contain woks with bubbling blocks of tofu in the Japanese version, which is changed to a pot of chowder in the international.
 
*[[Igloo]]s contain woks with bubbling blocks of tofu in the Japanese version, which is changed to a pot of chowder in the international.
 
* The orange-roofed player house has a Ragged Wall and Old Board Floor instead of a Wooden Wall and Steel Floor.
 
* The orange-roofed player house has a Ragged Wall and Old Board Floor instead of a Wooden Wall and Steel Floor.
  
===Characters===
+
====Characters====
*All of the possible [[Player]] face textures have black eyes in the Japanese version. In the international version, the faces are designed to appear more diverse with only a few designs retaining black eyes. This design choice is retained in other Japanese releases up to {{PC}}.
+
*All of the possible [[player]] face textures have black eyes in the Japanese version. In the international version, the faces are designed to appear more diverse with only a few designs retaining black eyes. This design choice is retained in other Japanese releases up to {{PC}}.
 
* [[Farley]] and [[Franklin]] are new characters introduced in the international version that do not exist in the Japanese version.
 
* [[Farley]] and [[Franklin]] are new characters introduced in the international version that do not exist in the Japanese version.
 
* Various existing characters were redesigned in the international version to have a less distinctly-Japanese appearance, which has been kept in all subsequent games in all regions. Japanese version shares the same designs as the original Nintendo 64 game:
 
* Various existing characters were redesigned in the international version to have a less distinctly-Japanese appearance, which has been kept in all subsequent games in all regions. Japanese version shares the same designs as the original Nintendo 64 game:
 
** [[Tortimer]] wears glasses with white blue lenses and a red hat in the Japanese version. He also wears a white rope around his chest.  
 
** [[Tortimer]] wears glasses with white blue lenses and a red hat in the Japanese version. He also wears a white rope around his chest.  
** [[Mr. Resetti]] and [[Don Resetti]] simply wear white shirts in the Japanese version, and wear overalls on top of the shirts in the international version. Additionally, Mr. Resetti's mining helmet features a green stripe under the headlight, while Don Resetti's is green with a white stripe.
+
** [[Mr. Resetti]] and [[Don Resetti]] simply wear white shirts in the Japanese version and wear overalls on top of the shirts in the international version. Additionally, Mr. Resetti's mining helmet features a green stripe under the headlight, while Don Resetti's is green with a white stripe.
** [[Tom Nook]] and [[Redd]] both have Japanese characters on their aprons. In the international version Tom Nook's apron is instead emblazoned with his logo, and Redd's apron features the letter B. Tom Nook's apron in the Japanese version displays the character ''ten'' ('''店'''), meaning "shop".
+
** [[Tom Nook]] and [[Redd]] both have Japanese characters on their aprons. In the international version, Tom Nook's apron is instead emblazoned with his logo, and Redd's apron features the letter B. Tom Nook's apron in the Japanese version displays the character ''ten'' ('''店'''), meaning "shop".
 
**The uniforms for Tom Nook's uniform in [[Nook 'n' Go]] and [[Nookway]] were reversed for the international version. His Nook 'n' Go uniform is an apron with a blue and orange color scheme, which is changed to red and green and used for Nookway in the international version. His [[Nookway]] uniform is changed to the opposite. This was most likely done to avoid infringing on the color scheme for {{wp|7-Eleven}}, of which the original Nookway uniform resembles.
 
**The uniforms for Tom Nook's uniform in [[Nook 'n' Go]] and [[Nookway]] were reversed for the international version. His Nook 'n' Go uniform is an apron with a blue and orange color scheme, which is changed to red and green and used for Nookway in the international version. His [[Nookway]] uniform is changed to the opposite. This was most likely done to avoid infringing on the color scheme for {{wp|7-Eleven}}, of which the original Nookway uniform resembles.
 
**Tom Nook's [[Lottery]] uniform in the Japanese version is a red and black Haori with a white Hachimaki tied around his head, while in the international version it is changed to a tricolor apron with a sports visor.
 
**Tom Nook's [[Lottery]] uniform in the Japanese version is a red and black Haori with a white Hachimaki tied around his head, while in the international version it is changed to a tricolor apron with a sports visor.
 
**Redd's uniform during the [[Fireworks Show]] is completely different in both versions. In the Japanese version he wears a red and white Hachimaki with a feather attached, and a deep-blue Haori over his usual apron. In the international version he wears a sports visor and full-length apron with red and white stripes and the letter B emblazoned on it.  
 
**Redd's uniform during the [[Fireworks Show]] is completely different in both versions. In the Japanese version he wears a red and white Hachimaki with a feather attached, and a deep-blue Haori over his usual apron. In the international version he wears a sports visor and full-length apron with red and white stripes and the letter B emblazoned on it.  
** [[Chip]] in the Japanese version has distinctly brown fur, with narrow eyes, glasses and a purple vest. In the international version, Chip's fur was desaturated, his eyes were made wider, his vest was changed to blue with a green trim, and his glasses were removed.
+
** [[Chip]] in the Japanese version has distinctly brown fur, with narrow eyes, glasses, and a purple vest. In the international version, Chip's fur was desaturated, his eyes were made wider, his vest was changed to blue with green trim, and his glasses were removed.
 
** [[Katrina]] dresses on some occasions in the Japanese version in a traditional Japanese Hakama, with her head fully exposed and a white band on her forehead, as well as sometimes wearing her traditional purple robes. In the international version, Katrina exclusively wears her purple robes.
 
** [[Katrina]] dresses on some occasions in the Japanese version in a traditional Japanese Hakama, with her head fully exposed and a white band on her forehead, as well as sometimes wearing her traditional purple robes. In the international version, Katrina exclusively wears her purple robes.
  
====Altered Character Designs====
+
=====Altered character designs=====
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
Tom Nook DnM.png|[[Tom Nook]]
 
Tom Nook DnM.png|[[Tom Nook]]
NookwayNookJPN.png|Tom Nook (Nook 'n' Go)
+
NookwayNookJPN.png|Tom Nook ([[Nook 'n' Go]])
NooknGoNookJPNArt.png|Tom Nook (Nookway)
+
NooknGoNookJPNArt.png|Tom Nook ([[Nookway]])
 
TomNookJapaneseLottery.png|Tom Nook (Lottery)
 
TomNookJapaneseLottery.png|Tom Nook (Lottery)
 
Tortimer PG Japan.png|[[Tortimer]]
 
Tortimer PG Japan.png|[[Tortimer]]
Line 97: Line 123:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
===Events===
+
====Events====
 
* Many of the events found in the Japanese version are changed for or removed from the international version.  
 
* Many of the events found in the Japanese version are changed for or removed from the international version.  
 
** Seven Spring Herbs Day, Coming of Age Day, Bean Throwing Festival, White Day, Festival of the Weaver, Summer Day, Winter Day are exclusive to the Japanese version.  
 
** Seven Spring Herbs Day, Coming of Age Day, Bean Throwing Festival, White Day, Festival of the Weaver, Summer Day, Winter Day are exclusive to the Japanese version.  
 
** [[Groundhog Day]], [[Valentine's Day]], [[April Fool's Day]], [[Nature Day]], [[Spring Cleaning]], [[Founder's Day]], [[Hometown Day]], [[Explorer's Day]], the [[Harvest Festival]], and [[Sale Day]] are all exclusive to the international version.
 
** [[Groundhog Day]], [[Valentine's Day]], [[April Fool's Day]], [[Nature Day]], [[Spring Cleaning]], [[Founder's Day]], [[Hometown Day]], [[Explorer's Day]], the [[Harvest Festival]], and [[Sale Day]] are all exclusive to the international version.
* In the Japanese version, villagers will wear the Summer Robe and Bamboo Robe during the [[Fireworks Show]] and during [[Mushrooming Season]]. They will also wear the Plum Kimono and Somber Robe during certain other events. In ''Animal Crossing'', all of these clothing items are not used or legitimately obtainable, though they still exist in data.
+
* In the Japanese version, villagers will wear the Summer Robe and Bamboo Robe during the [[Fireworks Show]] and [[Mushrooming Season]]. They will also wear the Plum Kimono and Somber Robe during certain other events. In ''Animal Crossing'', all of these clothing items are not used or legitimately obtainable, though they still exist in data.
 
* On [[New Year's Day]], the player shakes a pole in the middle of the Bell Shrine to ring the bell. In the international version this is changed to the player tossing a coin in the [[Wishing Well]]'s fountain.
 
* On [[New Year's Day]], the player shakes a pole in the middle of the Bell Shrine to ring the bell. In the international version this is changed to the player tossing a coin in the [[Wishing Well]]'s fountain.
 
* During the [[Cherry Blossom Festival]], villagers will picnic on tatami mats at the Bell Shrine. In the international version, the mats are changed to picnic tables and the villagers dance around the Wishing Well.
 
* During the [[Cherry Blossom Festival]], villagers will picnic on tatami mats at the Bell Shrine. In the international version, the mats are changed to picnic tables and the villagers dance around the Wishing Well.
  
===Items===
+
====Items====
 
* Several furniture sets are different compared to the international version:
 
* Several furniture sets are different compared to the international version:
** The [[Public Bath Theme]] is only present in {{DnM|nolink}}, this game's Japanese version, and returns in {{DnMe+|nolink}}. It is completely removed from the international version, and is also absent from {{WW|short}}. It returns in games from {{CF|short}} onwards for all regions, but is no longer a theme.  
+
** The [[Public Bath Theme]] is only present in {{DnM|nolink}}, this game's Japanese version, and returns in {{DnMe+|nolink}}. It is completely removed from the international version and is also absent from {{WW|short}}. It returns in games from {{CF|short}} onwards for all regions, but it is no longer a theme.  
** The [[Japanese Theme]] is only present {{DnM|nolink}}, this game's Japanese version and returns in {{DnMe+|nolink}}. It returns from {{WW|short|nolink}}-onwards under a [[Zen Set|different name]] for all regions but as a set rather than a theme.
+
** The [[Japanese Theme]] is only present {{DnM|nolink}}, this game's Japanese version, and {{DnMe+|nolink}}. It returns from {{WW|short|nolink}}-onwards under a [[Zen Set|different name]] for all regions but as a set rather than a theme.
** The [[Classroom Theme]] contains different items to the international version.
+
** The [[Classroom Theme]] contains different items in the international version.
** The [[Construction Theme]] contains different items to the international version.
+
** The [[Construction Theme]] contains different items in the international version.
 
** The [[Harvest Series]] and numerous holiday items are absent as they are exclusive to the international version.
 
** The [[Harvest Series]] and numerous holiday items are absent as they are exclusive to the international version.
 
* There are many differences with the availability of [[Famicom Disk System]] (FDS) and [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES) games between versions.
 
* There are many differences with the availability of [[Famicom Disk System]] (FDS) and [[Nintendo Entertainment System]] (NES) games between versions.
** Japanese version features the FDS games ''{{wp|Gomoku Narabe}}'' and ''{{wp|Majong}}'', while in the international version these games are changed to the NES games ''[[Soccer]]'' and ''[[Excitebike]]''.  
+
** The Japanese version features the Famicom Disk System games ''[[Gomoku Narabe]]'' and ''[[Mahjong]]'', while in the international version these games are changed to the NES games ''[[Soccer]]'' and ''[[Excitebike]]''.  
** ''[[Ice Climber]]'' would be received as a "housewarming gift" after using the service to transfer save data from {{DnM}} to this game's Japanese version. In the international version it can only be acquired through a ''[[Animal Crossing-e]]'' Series 4 card.
+
** ''[[Ice Climber]]'' would be received as a "housewarming gift" after using the service to transfer save data from {{DnM}} to this game's Japanese version. In the international version, it can only be acquired through an ''[[Animal Crossing-e]]'' Series 4 card.
** ''[[Mario Bros.]]'' is acquired through a uniquely generated [[Secret code]]. In the international version it can only be acquired through a ''[[Animal Crossing-e]]'' Series 4 card.
+
** ''[[Mario Bros.]]'' is acquired through a uniquely generated [[Secret code]]. In the international version, it can only be acquired through a ''[[Animal Crossing-e]]'' Series 4 card.
** Japanese version features the FDS version of ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' which is acquired through a uniquely generated [[Secret code]]. In the international version this is changed to the NES version, though the game is not legitimately obtainable.
+
** The Japanese version features the Famicom Disk System version of ''[[The Legend of Zelda]]'' which is acquired through a uniquely generated [[Secret code]]. The game is changed to the NES version in the international version, though the game is not legitimately obtainable.
** ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' was distributed for the Japanese version by {{wp|Famitsu}} magazine during a sweepstakes. It is not legitimately obtainable in the international version.
+
** ''[[Super Mario Bros.]]'' was distributed for the Japanese version by {{wp|Famitsu}} magazine during a sweepstake.{{Citation Needed}} It is not legitimately obtainable in the international version.
 
* Four [[Clothes/Animal Crossing|shirts]] are unique to the Japanese version, having been redesigned in ''Animal Crossing'':
 
* Four [[Clothes/Animal Crossing|shirts]] are unique to the Japanese version, having been redesigned in ''Animal Crossing'':
 
** '''I Love GC Shirt''' (redesigned as the '''Cherry Shirt''' — Worn by [[Paolo]])
 
** '''I Love GC Shirt''' (redesigned as the '''Cherry Shirt''' — Worn by [[Paolo]])
Line 123: Line 149:
 
** '''Tomato Juice Shirt''' (redesigned as the '''Fish-Bone Shirt''' — Worn by [[Tabby]])
 
** '''Tomato Juice Shirt''' (redesigned as the '''Fish-Bone Shirt''' — Worn by [[Tabby]])
 
** '''W Shirt''' (redesigned as the '''Houndstooth Tee''' — Worn by [[Grizzly]])
 
** '''W Shirt''' (redesigned as the '''Houndstooth Tee''' — Worn by [[Grizzly]])
* The Fortune Paper and New Year's Card [[Stationery]] have a different visual appearance in the international version}.
+
* The Fortune Paper and New Year's Card [[Stationery]] have a different visual appearance in the international version.
  
===Miscellaneous===
+
====Data Moving Service====
* ''Doubutsu no Mori+'' is internally considered the same game as ''Animal Crossing'' despite the differences. ''Doubutsu no Mori+'' is GAFJ, ''Animal Crossing'' is GAFE in the US version, GAFP in the PAL version.
+
The Data Moving Service (データお引越しサービス; Dēta o hikkoshi sābisu) was a service provided by Nintendo in Japan that allowed players to transfer data from {{DnM}} to {{DnM+|nolink}} by sending in a Nintendo 64 Controller Pak and a Nintendo GameCube Memory Card 59 containing data from {{DnM}} and {{DnM+|nolink}} respectively. The service cost ¥630 (approximately US$6) and began on January 10, 2002, one month after the release of {{DnM+|nolink}}.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030206212144/https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/gafj/moving/|title=Animal Forest Data Moving Service!|archive-date=February 6, 2003|retrieved=August 30, 2020|language=Japanese}}</ref> The following data would be transferred to the GameCube title during the Data Moving Service:
* Through a now discontinued service, it was possible to transfer data from {{DnM}} to this game's Japanese version. As the international version was the first game in the series to be released in the West, there was no equivalent service for this version of the game.
+
*Player name, gender, face, and clothing
 +
*Catalog information (the [[Dreadful Painting]], [[Novel Painting]], I Love 64 Shirt, and N Logo Shirt are not transferred as they no longer exist in the catalog)
 +
*Items in the player's [[pockets]], with the exception of villager [[favor]] items and letters, which are removed, and the two removed shirts, which turn into Patched Shirts. This was the only way to obtain the Dreadful Painting and Novel Painting in {{DnM+|nolink}}.
 +
*[[Bug]] and [[fish]] encyclopedia
 +
*Letters saved at the [[post office]]
 +
In addition to the data transferred over, the save file would be set to a state after completing Tom Nook's [[part-time job]] and joining the [[Happy Room Academy]], and the Ice Climber furniture item will be placed in the player's house, which was the only way to obtain it in {{DnM+|nolink}}.
  
==Development==
+
The exact date the Data Moving Service was discontinued is unknown; however, its webpage was accessible until at least 2005.{{Note|A capture of webpage as of March 12, 2005 on archive.org shows the page still active, with no mention of the service's discontinuation. The next documented capture on February 22, 2006 shows a "page not found" error, suggesting the service was discontinued between March 2005 and February 2006.}}<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050312094829/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/gafj/moving/|title=Animal Forest Data Moving Service!|archive-date=March 12, 2005|retrieved=August 30, 2020|language=Japanese}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060222172721/http://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/gafj/moving/|title=Page Not Found|archive-date=February 22, 2006|retrieved=August 30, 2020|language=Japanese}}</ref> A similar feature is offered by {{DnMe+}} that transfers data between {{DnM+|nolink}} and {{DnMe+}} if data for both games is present on either the same Nintendo GameCube Memory Card or two separate Memory Cards inserted in the same Nintendo GameCube.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ngc/gaej/moving/index.html|title=About moving|retrieved=August 30, 2020|language=Japanese}}</ref>
Due to being released near the end of the [[Nintendo 64]]'s lifespan, {{DnM}}'s sales faltered in comparison to other Nintendo 64 games. As a result of this, the development team decided to port the game to the [[Nintendo GameCube]], which released less than six months after {{DnM|nolink}}. Taking advantage of the greater memory capacities of the system, the team included many new features that could not be added to the original game, such as [[Animal Island]], [[Tortimer]], and the [[Able Sisters]]. The game was released eight months after the original {{DnM|nolink}}.
 
  
===North American localization===
+
===North America to Australia and Europe===
The Nintendo of America localization team began writing game dialog in early 2002, however translation of the game's hundreds of items began months earlier<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgg62DMyzyA&t=1m13s</ref>. Unlike the extended localization and development process for recent titles in the series, ''Animal Crossing'' was localized in the short span of eight to twelve months. During this time, the team translated 30,000+ files of text<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/2855/animal-crossing-gamecube</ref>, worked to develop new items (such as the [[Camping_Gear|camping gear]]) and added support for the [[Nintendo e-Reader]], which was launched just two days after the game's release in North America.
+
Several minor changes were made to {{PG|nolink}} in its Australian and European versions. In addition to these changes, both versions include various bug fixes from the North American version.
  
===Announcement and release date===
+
====Australia====
On May 16, 2001<ref>http://www.ign.com/articles/2001/05/10/nintendo-pre-e3-press-conference-details-2</ref> at Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference, a six-second montage of footage from "Animal Forest" was shown to members of the media as part of a larger reel featuring upcoming Nintendo Gamecube titles<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BGepCTXT0wA&t=6m0s</ref>. The clip did not feature any dialog, however the presence of the Bell Shrine indicates that it was still early in the localization process, if not footage straight from the Japanese version. This was the first time the game was shown in North America, and the first evidence of its English localization.
+
*The font for the copyright text on the title screen was changed, and it now reads "&copy;2001-2003 Nintendo" to reflect the game's release date in Australia.
  
As early as October 2001<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/6621/animal-forest-usa-bound</ref>, Nintendo established a page on their website for Animal Forest noting it was "being optimized for its U.S. debut on the GameCube."<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20011123183306/http://nintendo.com/games/gamepage/gamepage_main.jsp?gameId=646&showMe=1</ref> A few months later on February 28, 2002 at a Nintendo Roundtable Conference, Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that localization of Animal Forest was "progressing and moving along quite well" with Satoru Iwata projecting it to be released "sometime in the fall."<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7060/animal-forest--coming-to-north-america</ref> About a month later on March 30, 2002 the game's name was officially changed to ''Animal Crossing''<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7196/animal-forest--gets-a-name-change</ref>, as reflected on Nintendo's website at the time.
+
====Europe====
 +
{{Multiple Image
 +
|align= right
 +
|direction= horizontal
 +
|footer= The North American (left) and European (right) title screens. Note the altered "Press START!" text and copyright dates.
 +
|width= 200
  
On May 22, 2002 at Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference, an extended video was shown introducing ''Animal Crossing'' and highlighting its ability to connect with the e-Reader and Game Boy Advance<ref>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6uzTeRvm1Uo&t=15m9s</ref>. Iwata also confirmed the game for September release in North America. Later that day, ''Animal Crossing'' made its second E3 appearance, this time as a playable title on the show floor<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/hands-on-preview/2855/animal-crossing-gamecube</ref>. It was generally overshadowed by high-profile titles, however it still snagged a third place spot on the Game Critic Award's list for Best Original Game of E3 2002<ref>http://www.giantbomb.com/e3-2002/3015-3434/</ref>. Despite conflicting information on modern gaming websites<ref>http://www.gamefaqs.com/gamecube/516502-animal-crossing</ref><ref>http://www.ign.com/games/action-replay-ultimate-codes-animal-crossing/gcn-16562</ref>, ''Animal Crossing'''s North American release date was set for September 16, 2002 as noted on its official sites<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20030213033234/http://www.nintendo.com/games/gamepage/gamepage_main.jsp?gameId=646&showMe=1</ref><ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20020911113240/http://www.animal-crossing.com/parents.jsp</ref> and a press release from Nintendo of America<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7622/lucky-gamers-play-animal-crossing-early</ref>. There were reports, however, that select Blockbuster Video locations had received and began renting advance copies of the game as early as September 6th<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7731/animal-crossing-hits-blockbuster-early</ref>.
+
|image1= PG Title Screen.png
 +
|alt1= North American title screen
  
{{Research Needed|global logistics and game studies|''Animal Crossing''|note=Discrepancies in NA release date need resolution, research into release date(s) in South American countries is needed. Starting point: Research South American distribution by ''Latamel Inc''.}}
+
|image2= PG Title Screen Europe.png
 +
|alt2= European title screen
 +
}}
 +
*French, German, Italian, and Spanish languages are supported, and the language used by the game is dependent on the GameCube's language.
 +
*All [[e-Reader]] functionality (and references to it) has been removed, as the e-Reader was never released in Europe. This means the {{I|Ice Climber|Animal Crossing}} and {{I|Mario Bros|Animal Crossing}} items are unobtainable, though they still exist in the game's code. Despite this, the item names still received translations.
 +
*The "Press START!" text on the title screen now reads "press START," and the font has been changed.
 +
*The font for the copyright text on the title screen was changed, and it now reads "&copy;2001-2004 Nintendo" to reflect the game's release date in Europe.
 +
*The clock uses the 24-hour format rather than the 12-hour format used in the North American version, and all in-game dialog is updated to reflect this.
 +
*Dates use the Day/Month format rather than the Month/Day format used in the North American version.
 +
*Numbers use periods instead of commas as decimal separators (e.g. 1.000 rather than 1,000).
 +
{{Clear}}
  
 
==Promotion==
 
==Promotion==
 
===''Animal Crossing'' Pioneers===
 
===''Animal Crossing'' Pioneers===
On August 7, 2002 Nintendo of America announced a contest whereby 125 teams of two would be selected to receive advance promotional copies of ''Animal Crossing''<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7622/lucky-gamers-play-animal-crossing-early</ref>. The submission deadline for the contest was August 12th. To be considered for selection, applicants had to submit a written response of 50 words or less explaining why they should be chosen as Pioneers. Those selected received a special ''Animal Crossing'' disc marked "for promotional use only", along with a 59 block Memory Card and a promotional ''Animal Crossing'' calendar. Pioneers received the game a month early and were expected to help Nintendo generate online buzz in advance of the title's release. Pioneers were also given exclusive access to their own web forum<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20021022162833/http://www.nintendo.com/animalcrossing/index.jsp</ref> where they could discuss amongst themselves as well as provide feedback to Nintendo representatives. At the end of the experience, the Pioneers were invited to an online chat with a few of the members of the game's localization team<ref>http://www.mobygames.com/forums/dga,2/dgb,8/dgm,63261/</ref>. An analysis of the standard and promotional game disc concluded that the two were byte identical<ref>http://redump.org/disc/5169/</ref>, meaning that no changes were made to the final version as a result of Pioneer feedback. The promotional copy and calendar have since become collector's items, selling for over $500 together on eBay as of March, 2014<ref>http://www.ebay.com/itm/301124433392?ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1555.l2649</ref>.
+
On August 7, 2002, Nintendo of America announced a contest whereby 125 teams of two would be selected to receive advance promotional copies of ''Animal Crossing''.<ref name=AC_Early/></ref> The submission deadline for the contest was August 12th. To be considered for selection, applicants had to submit a written response of 50 words or less explaining why they should be chosen as Pioneers. Those selected received a special ''Animal Crossing'' disc marked "for promotional use only", along with a 59 block Memory Card and a promotional ''Animal Crossing'' calendar. Pioneers received the game a month early and were expected to help Nintendo generate online buzz in advance of the title's release. Pioneers were also given exclusive access to a web forum where they could discuss the game amongst themselves as well as provide feedback to Nintendo representatives. At the end of the experience, the Pioneers were invited to an online chat with a few of the members of the game's localization team<ref>{{Cite web|author=MobyGames|url=https://www.mobygames.com/forums/dga,2/dgb,8/dgm,63261/|title=Animal Crossing Pioneer}}</ref>. An analysis of the standard and promotional game disc concluded that the two were byte identical<ref>{{Cite web|author=Redump|url=http://redump.org/disc/5169/|title=Animal Crossing}}</ref>, meaning that no changes were made to the final version as a result of Pioneer feedback. The promotional copy and calendar have since become collector's items, with one set selling for over $500 on eBay in March 2014<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024004426/https://www.ebay.com/itm/Animal-Crossing-Pioneer-Disc-Calendar-Reward-Gift-Great-Cond-Ultra-Rare-Promo-/301124433392?_trksid=p2349526.m4383.l10137.c10&nordt=true&rt=nc&orig_cvip=true|title=Animal Crossing Pioneer Disc & Calendar Reward Gift Great Cond. Ultra Rare Promo|site=eBay|archive-date=October 24, 2020}}</ref>.
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
File:ACGCPioneersProgramLogin.png | Pioneer program login
+
ACGCPioneersProgramLogin.png|Pioneer program login
File:ACGCPromotionalCopy.png | Promotional disc
+
ACGCPromotionalCopy.png|Promotional disc
File:ACGCPioneerLetter.png | Calendar letter
+
ACGCPioneerLetter.png|Calendar letter
File:ACGCCalendarFront.png | Front of calendar & promo copy
+
ACGCCalendarFront.png|Front of calendar & promo copy
File:ACGCCalendarBack.png | Back of calendar & promo copy
+
ACGCCalendarBack.png|Back of calendar & promo copy
File:ACGCCalendarInside.png | Inside calendar
+
ACGCCalendarInside.png|Inside calendar
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
 
===Sweepstakes===
 
===Sweepstakes===
On August 30, 2002 Nintendo of America initiated the {{PG|nolink}} "Deck Out Your Room" Sweepstakes. One grand prize winner received a TV, headphones, and CD player from Panasonic, a Nintendo GameCube, a Game Boy Advance, five GameCube games, five Game Boy Advance Games, two WaveBird controllers, and a one-year subscription to Nintendo Power. Five first prize winners received a Nintendo GameCube, a copy of ''Animal Crossing'', and a one-year subscription to Nintendo Power<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20020903184841/http://www.animal-crossing.com/sweeps/index.jsp</ref>. The sweepstakes ended on October 15, 2002<ref>https://web.archive.org/web/20020923023614/http://www.animal-crossing.com/sweeps/rules.jsp</ref>. Those who registered for the sweepstakes received an ''Animal Crossing'' screensaver<ref>http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7734/deck-out-your-room</ref>.
+
From August 30 to October 15, 2002, Nintendo of America initiated the {{PG|nolink}} "Deck Out Your Room" Sweepstakes.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020923023614/http://www.animal-crossing.com/sweeps/rules.jsp|title=Official Sweepstakes Rules|site=animal-crossing.com|archive-date=September 23, 2002}}</ref> One grand prize winner received a TV, headphones, and CD player from Panasonic, a Nintendo GameCube, a Game Boy Advance, five GameCube games, five Game Boy Advance Games, two WaveBird controllers, and a one-year subscription to Nintendo Power. Five first prize winners received a Nintendo GameCube, a copy of ''Animal Crossing'', and a one-year subscription to Nintendo Power.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20020903184841/http://www.animal-crossing.com/sweeps/index.jsp|title=Enter the Animal Crossing "Deck Out Your Room" Sweepstakes|site=animal-crossing.com|archive-date=September 3, 2002}}</ref> Those who registered for the sweepstakes received a free ''Animal Crossing'' screensaver.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Billy Berghammer|date=September 10, 2002|url=https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/7734/deck-out-your-room|title=Deck out your room!|site=Nintendo World Report}}</ref>
  
 
==Reception==
 
==Reception==
''Animal Crossing'' was met with mostly positive reviews from critics, with many praising its charming, unique gameplay and long life span. e-Reader connectivity was seen as a welcome addition, although some criticized its outdated graphics and felt that it did not offer much of a single-player experience. {{PG|nolink}} was included in many year-end 'best of' lists upon its release in 2002. It has also been featured in several all-time top video game countdowns, and has received multiple [[Animal_Crossing_(GCN)#Awards_and_nominations|awards and nominations]]. Review aggregator Metacritic notes a Metascore of 87/100 for ''Animal Crossing''<ref>http://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/animal-crossing</ref>, which places it just behind {{NL}}'s score of 88.
+
''Animal Crossing'' was met with mostly positive reviews from critics, with many praising its charming, unique gameplay and long life span. e-Reader connectivity was seen as a welcome addition, although some criticized its outdated graphics and felt that it did not offer much of a single-player experience.{{Citation Needed}} {{PG|nolink}} was included in many year-end 'best of' lists upon its release in 2002. It has also been featured in several all-time top video game countdowns and has received multiple [[Animal Crossing#Awards_and_nominations|awards and nominations]]. Review aggregator Metacritic notes a Metascore of 87/100 for ''Animal Crossing'',<ref>{{Cite web|author=Metacritic|url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/gamecube/animal-crossing|title=Animal Crossing for GameCube Reviews}}</ref> which places it just behind {{NL}}'s score of 88.
  
 
===Awards and nominations===
 
===Awards and nominations===
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|rowspan=6|2002
 
|rowspan=6|2002
 
|Game Critic Award
 
|Game Critic Award
|Best Original Game of E3<ref>http://www.giantbomb.com/e3-2002/3015-3434/</ref>
+
|Best Original Game of E3<ref name=GiantBomb_E3/>
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|rowspan=4|GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002
 
|rowspan=4|GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002
|Game of the Year<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20030201105621/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general1.html</ref>
+
|Game of the Year<ref>{{Cite web|author=GameSpot|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030201105621/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general1.html|title=GameSpot's Video Game of the Year, Nominees|archive-date=February 1, 2003}}</ref>
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|-
 
|-
|Best Role-Playing Game on GameCube<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20021223103711/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/gc19.html</ref>
+
|Best Role-Playing Game on GameCube<ref>{{Cite web|author=GameSpot|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021223103711/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/gc19.html|title=Best Role-Playing Game on GameCube|archive-date=December 23, 2002}}</ref>
 
|{{Won}}
 
|{{Won}}
 
|-
 
|-
| Most Innovative Game<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20030210083623/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general6.html</ref>
+
| Most Innovative Game<ref>{{Cite web|author=GameSpot|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030210083623/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general6.html|title=Most Innovative Game|archive-date=February 10, 2003}}</ref>
 
|{{Won}}
 
|{{Won}}
 
|-
 
|-
| Funniest Game (Purposefully) <ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20021223112403/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general11.html</ref>
+
| Funniest Game (Purposely)<ref>{{Cite web|author=GameSpot|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021223112403/http://gamespot.com/gamespot/features/all/bestof2002/general11.html|title=Funniest Game (Purposely)|archive-date=December 23, 2002}}</ref>
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|GameSpy's Best of 2002
 
|GameSpy's Best of 2002
|GameCube Game of the Year<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20030628043605/http://www.gamespy.com/goty2002/gcn/index2.shtml</ref>
+
|GameCube Game of the Year<ref>{{Cite web|author=GameSpy|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030628043605/http://www.gamespy.com/goty2002/gcn/index2.shtml|title=Runners Up|archive-date=June 28, 2003}}</ref>
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|rowspan=7|2003
 
|rowspan=7|2003
 
|The Game Developers Choice Awards
 
|The Game Developers Choice Awards
|Innovation Award<ref>http://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/innovation.html</ref>
+
|Innovation Award<ref>{{Cite web|author=Game Developers Choice Awards|url=https://www.gamechoiceawards.com/archive/innovation.html|title=Innovation Archive}}</ref>
 
|{{Won}}
 
|{{Won}}
 
|-
 
|-
 
|rowspan=6|Interactive Achievement Awards
 
|rowspan=6|Interactive Achievement Awards
|Innovation in Console Gaming<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20120510120906/http://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGame=339</ref>
+
|Innovation in Console Gaming<ref name=IAA>{{Cite web|author=Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510120906/http://www.interactive.org/games/video_game_details.asp?idAward=2003&idGame=339|title=Interactive Achievement Awards By Video Game Details|archive-date=May 10, 2012}}</ref>
 
|{{Won}}
 
|{{Won}}
 
|-
 
|-
|Outstanding Achievement in Game Design
+
|Outstanding Achievement in Game Design<ref name=IAA/>
 
|{{Won}}
 
|{{Won}}
 
|-
 
|-
|Console Role-Playing Game of the Year
+
|Console Role-Playing Game of the Year<ref name=IAA/>
 
|{{Won}}
 
|{{Won}}
 
|-
 
|-
|Console Game of the Year
+
|Console Game of the Year<ref name=IAA/>
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|-
 
|-
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|{{Nom}}
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|-
 
|-
|Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering
+
|Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering<ref name=IAA/>
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|{{Nom}}
 
|-
 
|-
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|2003
 
|2003
 
|Entertainment Weekly
 
|Entertainment Weekly
|The 100 Greatest Videogames<ref>http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,450558,00.html</ref>
+
|The 100 Greatest Videogames<ref>{{Cite web|author=Entertainment Weekly|date=May 12, 2003|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/05/12/100-greatest-videogames-no-51-no-100/|title=The 100 greatest videogames: No. 51 - No. 100}}</ref>
 
|align="center"|72
 
|align="center"|72
 
|-
 
|-
 
|rowspan=3|2006
 
|rowspan=3|2006
 
|Electronic Gaming Monthly
 
|Electronic Gaming Monthly
|The Greatest 200 Videogames of Their Time<ref>http://web.archive.org/web/20060519133249/http://1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=2&cId=3147448</ref>
+
|The Greatest 200 Videogames of Their Time<ref>{{Cite web|author=Electronic Gaming Monthly|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060519133249/http://1up.com/do/feature?pager.offset=2&cId=3147448|title=The Greatest 200 Videogames of Their Time|site=1UP.com|archive-date=May 19, 2006}}</ref>
 
|align="center"|126
 
|align="center"|126
 
|-
 
|-
 
|Nintendo Power
 
|Nintendo Power
|Nintendo Power's Top 200 Games<ref>http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Nintendo_Power%27s_Top_200_Games</ref>
+
|Nintendo Power's Top 200 Games<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo Wiki|url=https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Nintendo_Power%27s_Top_200_Games|title=Nintendo Power's Top 200 Games|site=Fandom}}</ref>
 
|align="center"|51
 
|align="center"|51
 
|-
 
|-
 
|X-Play
 
|X-Play
|10 Best GameCube Games Ever<ref>http://www.g4tv.com/videos/12007/best-gamecube-games-ever-7-5/</ref>
+
|10 Best GameCube Games Ever<ref>{{Cite web|author=G4|date=July 7, 2006|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130309234329/https://g4tv.com/videos/12007/best-gamecube-games-ever-7-5/|title=Best GameCube Games Ever: #7-5|archive-date=March 9, 2013}}</ref>
 
|align="center"|7
 
|align="center"|7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|rowspan=2|2007
 
|rowspan=2|2007
 
|Edge
 
|Edge
|Top 100 Games of All Time <ref>http://www.edge-online.com/features/edges-top-100-games-all-time/6/</ref>
+
|Top 100 Games of All Time <ref>{{Cite web|author=Edge|date=July 2, 2007|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121018205611/http://www.edge-online.com/features/edges-top-100-games-all-time/6/|title=EDGE'S TOP 100 GAMES OF ALL TIME|archive-date=October 18, 2012}}</ref>
 
|align="center"|49
 
|align="center"|49
 
|-
 
|-
 
|ScrewAttack!  
 
|ScrewAttack!  
|Top 10 GameCube Games<ref>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYIPS_LMxh4</ref>
+
|Top 10 GameCube Games<ref>{{Cite web|author=ScrewAttack!|date=July 19, 2012|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xYIPS_LMxh4|title=Top 10 GameCube Games - ScrewAttack.com|site=YouTube}}<sup>[dead link]</sup></ref>
 
|align="center"|5
 
|align="center"|5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|2008
 
|2008
 
|Nintendo Power
 
|Nintendo Power
|Best of the Best - Nintendo GameCube (Top 20) <ref>http://nintendo.wikia.com/wiki/Nintendo_Power%27s_Best_of_the_Best</ref>
+
|Best of the Best - Nintendo GameCube (Top 20) <ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo Wiki|url=https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Nintendo_Power%27s_Best_of_the_Best|title=Nintendo Power's Best of the Best|site=Fandom}}</ref>
 
|align="center"|19
 
|align="center"|19
 
|-
 
|-
 
|2012
 
|2012
 
|TIME
 
|TIME
|All-TIME 100 greatest video games<ref>http://techland.time.com/2012/11/15/all-time-100-video-games/slide/animal-crossing-2001/</ref>
+
|All-TIME 100 Video Games<ref>{{Cite web|author=Lev Grossman|date=November 15, 2012|url=https://techland.time.com/2012/11/15/all-time-100-video-games/slide/animal-crossing-2001|title=Animal Crossing|site=Time}}</ref>
 
|align="center"|-
 
|align="center"|-
 
|}
 
|}
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<gallery>
 
<gallery>
 
AnimalCrossinglogo.png|Logo
 
AnimalCrossinglogo.png|Logo
Animal Crossing-title.png|Title Screen
+
Animal Crossing-title.png|Title screen
 
PGNook'sCrannyInterior.png|[[Nook's Cranny]]
 
PGNook'sCrannyInterior.png|[[Nook's Cranny]]
GCNMuseum.png|The [[Museum]]
+
GCNMuseum.png|The [[museum]]
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
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|ja-r=Dōbutsu no Mori+
 
|ja-r=Dōbutsu no Mori+
 
|ja-m=Animal Forest+
 
|ja-m=Animal Forest+
}}
+
|es=Animal Crossing
 
+
|es-m=Animal Crossing
===Population: Growing!===
+
|fr=Animal Crossing
{{Foreignname
+
|fr-m=Animal Crossing
|es=Bienvenido a Animal Crossing: Población: ¡en aumento!
+
|de=Animal Crossing
|es-m=Welcome to Animal Crossing: Population: in growth!
+
|de-m=Animal Crossing
|fr=Bienvenue dans Animal Crossing: Population : croissante !
+
|it=Animal Crossing
|fr-m=Welcome to Animal Crossing: Population: growing!
+
|it-m=Animal Crossing
|de=Willkommen bei Animal Crossing: Einwohner steigend!
 
|de-m=Welcome to Animal Crossing: Population Growing!
 
|it=Benvenuti ad Animal Crossing: Popolazione in aumento!
 
|it-m=Welcome to Animal Crossing: Population in growth!
 
 
}}
 
}}
  
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{{Animal Crossing}}
 
{{Animal Crossing}}
[[Category:Video Games]]
+
[[Category:Video games]]
 
[[Category:Animal Crossing series]]
 
[[Category:Animal Crossing series]]

Revision as of 03:32, October 24, 2020

This article is about the game. For the series, see Animal Crossing (series).
English game logo
North American game cover
Main theme
Developer(s) Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Director(s) Katsuya Eguchi
Hisashi Nogami
Platform(s) Nintendo GameCube
Release date(s) Japan December 14, 2001[1]
United States of America September 16, 2002[nb 1]
Australia October 17, 2003
Europe September 24, 2004
Genre(s) Simulation
Modes Single-player
Ratings ACB: [[File:ACB G[2].svg|16px|G[2]|link=|alt=]] G[2]
ESRB:  E
PEGI:  3+
Media GameCube Game Disc
File size 57 blocks (town save data)
1 block (NES save data)
Input
methods
Nintendo GameCube Controller
Game Boy Advance (Animal Island only)
Nintendo e-Reader

Guide at StrategyWiki

Animal Crossing[nb 2] is a simulation game for the Nintendo GameCube and the first game in the Animal Crossing series to be released outside of Japan. It was first released in Japan on December 14, 2001 as an expanded port of the Nintendo 64 game Doubutsu no Mori nine months after its release. Known in Japan as Doubutsu no Mori+, the game retailed for 7,140 yen and sold 92,568 copies during its first week of sale. Animal Crossing adds new content and utilizes the Nintendo GameCube's internal clock to keep track of the in-game date and time. The game's newly added content includes an island location where the player can help a lone inhabitant furnish their house, a museum for donating collectibles, a tailor where players can create custom designs, and compatibility with the Nintendo e-Reader with a series of cards released specifically for the game.

The game was released in North America in 2002. To prepare the game for release, Nintendo of America embarked on an extensive localization, headed by Nate Bihldorff and Rich Amtower. Their efforts resulted in a substantial increase of in-game text compared to Doubutsu no Mori, and the change of many distinctly-Japanese cultural elements to make them more recognizable to a western audience. Additional content was implemented, such as entirely new holidays, items, and characters. Certain events were also changed to have broader appeal in western regions. This version of the game was also later released in Australia in 2003, and across Europe in 2004.

Animal Crossing was a commercial and critical success, selling more than 2 million copies worldwide and garnering strong reviews from gaming media. The game became a Player's Choice title about a year after its North American release.[citation needed] Due to the successful localization effort, the game was translated back into Japanese and released in Japan as Doubutsu no Mori e+, which features the western-oriented changes as well as additional content not present in any of the previous versions.

Animal Crossing has been included in many year-end 'best of' lists, featured in several all-time top video game countdowns, and has since received multiple awards and nominations.

Gameplay

A player standing outside of their house

Just as in Doubutsu no Mori, players assume the role of a human setting out for a life of their own in a town of anthropomorphic animals. Each town is randomly generated, ensuring that no two players' experiences are identical. Gameplay within each village is open-ended, allowing players to engage in a variety of activities that suit their playstyle. Players can pick fruit, grow trees, garden, hunt for fossils and fish, catch bugs, do favors for the villagers, or decorate their homes.

Plot

Upon arrival to the town, the player is greeted by Tom Nook, a local store owner and freelance builder who provides the player with housing. Nook loans the house to the player, advising them to work for him to help pay off the house. After completing several tasks for Nook, he informs the player that they no longer need to work for him and can pay off the loan in their own time. After paying off the loan, Nook allows the player to expand their house in exchange for a new loan. After fully expanding the house and paying back all loans, Nook erects a statue of the player in their honor in front of the Train Station.

Features

Animal Crossing introduces new content that is not present in the original Doubutsu no Mori, including new items, locations, mechanics, characters, and events.

Characters and locations

Main article: Animal Crossing/Characters

The museum is introduced along with its curator, Blathers, allowing players to donate all of the bugs, fish, fossils, and paintings they collect to be publicly displayed. The Able Sisters tailor shop and its proprietors Mabel and Sable are also introduced and allow the player to create and display their custom designs, those of which may be worn by villagers in town.

Punchy and Cheri are introduced as two of the possible villagers that can live in the player's town. One of eighteen island-exclusive villagers can inhabit an island that can be traveled to by speaking with Kapp'n at the dock, albeit only if a Game Boy Advance is connected to the system.

Tortimer is introduced as the mayor of the player's town. He can be found near the Wishing Well during most events, and, if talked to, he will give the player an exclusive item to celebrate the event.

Items

New items of furniture are added into the game, and the player can now add additional stories to their house, gaining a second floor or basement. Furthermore, various bugs and fish not present in the original game are added, and one fish, the Herabuna was removed and replaced with the Brook Trout. The Axe, which was unbreakable in the original game, now breaks if used too often. 11 new NES games are also added, and are now explicitly labeled as the game they emulate, rather than all simply being identified as "Famicom". However, two of the new games, The Legend of Zelda and Super Mario Bros., are unobtainable. Also, two games are exclusive to Doubutsu no Mori+, being Gomoku Narabe and Mahjong. Outside of Japan, these were replaced by Soccer and Excitebike.

Stationery is now sold in packs of four, instead of a single page as in the original game. The player can now store up to three items in storage containers. Additionally, music players can now store every aircheck and the player can quickly switch between the songs they own.

e-Reader connectivity

Main article: Nintendo e-Reader

Animal Crossing is the only title for the Nintendo GameCube released outside of Japan to feature support for the Nintendo e-Reader peripheral. By connecting to the e-Reader via a GameCube – Game Boy Advance link cable players can access the island, play NES games, and scan Animal Crossing-e cards to access special items, patterns, and mini-games. Certain NES games can be transferred to the Game Boy Advance to play on the go, and the island can be downloaded to a Game Boy Advance to play after returning to the player's town.

Development

See also: Animal Crossing/Staff

Despite being released near the end of the Nintendo 64's lifespan, Doubutsu no Mori's sold through its entire print run. The success of the game in Japan encouraged the development team to port the game to the Nintendo GameCube, which was released less than six months after Doubutsu no Mori. Taking advantage of the greater memory capacities of the system, the team included many new features that could not be added to the original game, such as Animal Island, Tortimer, and the Able Sisters. The game was released eight months after the original Doubutsu no Mori.

North American localization

The Nintendo of America localization team began writing game dialogue in early 2002; however, translation of the game's hundreds of items began months earlier.[3] Unlike the extended localization and development process for recent titles in the series, Animal Crossing was localized in the span of eight to twelve months. During this time, the team translated over 30,000 files of text,[4] worked to develop new items and events to appeal to a North American audience.

Announcement and release

The game's logo as seen at E3 2001

In April 2001, shortly after the release of Doubutsu no Mori and eight months before the release of Doubutsu no Mori+, producer Takashi Tezuka stated in an issue of Nintendo Dream that Nintendo of America was preparing for an international release.[5] The following month, on May 16, 2001[6] at Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference, a six-second montage of gameplay footage from what was then known as Animal Forest was shown to members of the media as part of a larger reel featuring upcoming Nintendo GameCube titles.[7] The clip did not feature any dialogue, however the presence of the Bell Shrine indicates that it was still early in the localization process, if not footage directly from the Japanese version.

As early as October 2001,[8] Nintendo established a page on their website for Animal Forest noting it was "being optimized for its U.S. debut on the GameCube."[9] A few months later on February 28, 2002, at a Nintendo Roundtable Conference, Shigeru Miyamoto confirmed that localization of Animal Forest was "progressing and moving along quite well" with then-Nintendo president Satoru Iwata projecting it to be released "sometime in the fall."[10] About a month later on March 30, 2002, the game's name was officially changed to Animal Crossing[11], as reflected on Nintendo's website at the time.

On May 22, 2002, at Nintendo's pre-E3 press conference, an extended video was shown introducing Animal Crossing and highlighting its ability to connect with the e-Reader and Game Boy Advance.[12] Iwata also confirmed the game for September release in North America. Later that day, Animal Crossing made its second E3 appearance, this time as a playable title on the show floor.[4] It was generally overshadowed by high-profile titles, however it still received the third-place spot on the Game Critic Award's list for Best Original Game of E3 2002.[13] Despite conflicting information on gaming websites,[14][15] Animal Crossing's North American release date was set for September 16, 2002, as noted on its official sites[16][17] and a press release from Nintendo of America.[18] There were reports, however, that select Blockbuster Video locations had received and began renting advance copies of the game as early as September 6th.[19]

Australian and European release

Animal Crossing was released on October 17, 2003 and September 24, 2004 in Australia and Europe, respectively. Both versions feature minor bug fixes from the North American release, and the European release features localizations in French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

Nat NH Character Icon.png
This article or section requires further research.
You can help by investigating this topic and editing this article to include more information. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page.
Further details: Needs info about the Japanese DnM+ development + research into release date(s) in South American countries is needed. Starting point: Research South American distribution by Latamel Inc.
Nat NH Character Icon.png
This article or section requires further research.
You can help by investigating this topic and editing this article to include more information. Relevant discussion may be found on the talk page.
Further details: Needs info about the Japanese DnM+ development + research into release date(s) in South American countries is needed. Starting point: Research South American distribution by Latamel Inc.

Regional differences

Japan to North America

In addition to being an upgraded re-release to the original Doubutsu no Mori, there are also many differences between the Japanese Doubutsu no Mori+ and international Animal Crossing.

Interface

  • The dial typing system, featured in Doubutsu no Mori, is retained in the Japanese version of Animal Crossing game, although it is replaced with a virtual QWERTY keyboard in the international versions.
  • The color of the Nintendo logo differs between versions. In the Japanese version, it is white, while in the international version it is red.
  • The "Press START!" text on the title screen reads "Press Start Button!" in the Japanese version.
  • The copyright text on the title screen reads "©2001 Nintendo" in the Japanese version; this was changed to "©2001,2002 Nintendo" in the North American release.

Locations

  • The Bell shrine from the original game is changed in the international version to be a wishing well.
  • Tom Nook's shop, the Melody Board, and the dump all have different signs. In the Japanese version, the signs feature katakana but are replaced with English text in the international version.
  • The sign above the post office entrance is changed to a window in the international version.
  • Redd's stand during the Fireworks Festival has a completely different appearance between versions. In Doubutsu no Mori it is enclosed by red canvas walls on three sides with a sign above the front side of the stall. In the international version, it is open on all sides, with a red and white-striped pitched roof and more visible decorations but no signage.
  • Igloos contain woks with bubbling blocks of tofu in the Japanese version, which is changed to a pot of chowder in the international.
  • The orange-roofed player house has a Ragged Wall and Old Board Floor instead of a Wooden Wall and Steel Floor.

Characters

  • All of the possible player face textures have black eyes in the Japanese version. In the international version, the faces are designed to appear more diverse with only a few designs retaining black eyes. This design choice is retained in other Japanese releases up to Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp.
  • Farley and Franklin are new characters introduced in the international version that do not exist in the Japanese version.
  • Various existing characters were redesigned in the international version to have a less distinctly-Japanese appearance, which has been kept in all subsequent games in all regions. Japanese version shares the same designs as the original Nintendo 64 game:
    • Tortimer wears glasses with white blue lenses and a red hat in the Japanese version. He also wears a white rope around his chest.
    • Mr. Resetti and Don Resetti simply wear white shirts in the Japanese version and wear overalls on top of the shirts in the international version. Additionally, Mr. Resetti's mining helmet features a green stripe under the headlight, while Don Resetti's is green with a white stripe.
    • Tom Nook and Redd both have Japanese characters on their aprons. In the international version, Tom Nook's apron is instead emblazoned with his logo, and Redd's apron features the letter B. Tom Nook's apron in the Japanese version displays the character ten (), meaning "shop".
    • The uniforms for Tom Nook's uniform in Nook 'n' Go and Nookway were reversed for the international version. His Nook 'n' Go uniform is an apron with a blue and orange color scheme, which is changed to red and green and used for Nookway in the international version. His Nookway uniform is changed to the opposite. This was most likely done to avoid infringing on the color scheme for 7-Eleven, of which the original Nookway uniform resembles.
    • Tom Nook's Lottery uniform in the Japanese version is a red and black Haori with a white Hachimaki tied around his head, while in the international version it is changed to a tricolor apron with a sports visor.
    • Redd's uniform during the Fireworks Show is completely different in both versions. In the Japanese version he wears a red and white Hachimaki with a feather attached, and a deep-blue Haori over his usual apron. In the international version he wears a sports visor and full-length apron with red and white stripes and the letter B emblazoned on it.
    • Chip in the Japanese version has distinctly brown fur, with narrow eyes, glasses, and a purple vest. In the international version, Chip's fur was desaturated, his eyes were made wider, his vest was changed to blue with green trim, and his glasses were removed.
    • Katrina dresses on some occasions in the Japanese version in a traditional Japanese Hakama, with her head fully exposed and a white band on her forehead, as well as sometimes wearing her traditional purple robes. In the international version, Katrina exclusively wears her purple robes.
Altered character designs

Events

  • Many of the events found in the Japanese version are changed for or removed from the international version.
  • In the Japanese version, villagers will wear the Summer Robe and Bamboo Robe during the Fireworks Show and Mushrooming Season. They will also wear the Plum Kimono and Somber Robe during certain other events. In Animal Crossing, all of these clothing items are not used or legitimately obtainable, though they still exist in data.
  • On New Year's Day, the player shakes a pole in the middle of the Bell Shrine to ring the bell. In the international version this is changed to the player tossing a coin in the Wishing Well's fountain.
  • During the Cherry Blossom Festival, villagers will picnic on tatami mats at the Bell Shrine. In the international version, the mats are changed to picnic tables and the villagers dance around the Wishing Well.

Items

  • Several furniture sets are different compared to the international version:
    • The Public Bath Theme is only present in Doubutsu no Mori, this game's Japanese version, and returns in Doubutsu no Mori e+. It is completely removed from the international version and is also absent from Wild World. It returns in games from City Folk onwards for all regions, but it is no longer a theme.
    • The Japanese Theme is only present Doubutsu no Mori, this game's Japanese version, and Doubutsu no Mori e+. It returns from Wild World-onwards under a different name for all regions but as a set rather than a theme.
    • The Classroom Theme contains different items in the international version.
    • The Construction Theme contains different items in the international version.
    • The Harvest Series and numerous holiday items are absent as they are exclusive to the international version.
  • There are many differences with the availability of Famicom Disk System (FDS) and Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) games between versions.
    • The Japanese version features the Famicom Disk System games Gomoku Narabe and Mahjong, while in the international version these games are changed to the NES games Soccer and Excitebike.
    • Ice Climber would be received as a "housewarming gift" after using the service to transfer save data from Doubutsu no Mori to this game's Japanese version. In the international version, it can only be acquired through an Animal Crossing-e Series 4 card.
    • Mario Bros. is acquired through a uniquely generated Secret code. In the international version, it can only be acquired through a Animal Crossing-e Series 4 card.
    • The Japanese version features the Famicom Disk System version of The Legend of Zelda which is acquired through a uniquely generated Secret code. The game is changed to the NES version in the international version, though the game is not legitimately obtainable.
    • Super Mario Bros. was distributed for the Japanese version by Famitsu magazine during a sweepstake.[citation needed] It is not legitimately obtainable in the international version.
  • Four shirts are unique to the Japanese version, having been redesigned in Animal Crossing:
    • I Love GC Shirt (redesigned as the Cherry Shirt — Worn by Paolo)
    • Three-Arc Shirt (redesigned as the Fortune Shirt — Worn by Rasher)
    • Tomato Juice Shirt (redesigned as the Fish-Bone Shirt — Worn by Tabby)
    • W Shirt (redesigned as the Houndstooth Tee — Worn by Grizzly)
  • The Fortune Paper and New Year's Card Stationery have a different visual appearance in the international version.

Data Moving Service

The Data Moving Service (データお引越しサービス; Dēta o hikkoshi sābisu) was a service provided by Nintendo in Japan that allowed players to transfer data from Doubutsu no Mori to Doubutsu no Mori+ by sending in a Nintendo 64 Controller Pak and a Nintendo GameCube Memory Card 59 containing data from Doubutsu no Mori and Doubutsu no Mori+ respectively. The service cost ¥630 (approximately US$6) and began on January 10, 2002, one month after the release of Doubutsu no Mori+.[20] The following data would be transferred to the GameCube title during the Data Moving Service:

  • Player name, gender, face, and clothing
  • Catalog information (the Dreadful Painting, Novel Painting, I Love 64 Shirt, and N Logo Shirt are not transferred as they no longer exist in the catalog)
  • Items in the player's pockets, with the exception of villager favor items and letters, which are removed, and the two removed shirts, which turn into Patched Shirts. This was the only way to obtain the Dreadful Painting and Novel Painting in Doubutsu no Mori+.
  • Bug and fish encyclopedia
  • Letters saved at the post office

In addition to the data transferred over, the save file would be set to a state after completing Tom Nook's part-time job and joining the Happy Room Academy, and the Ice Climber furniture item will be placed in the player's house, which was the only way to obtain it in Doubutsu no Mori+.

The exact date the Data Moving Service was discontinued is unknown; however, its webpage was accessible until at least 2005.[nb 3][21][22] A similar feature is offered by Doubutsu no Mori e+ that transfers data between Doubutsu no Mori+ and Doubutsu no Mori e+ if data for both games is present on either the same Nintendo GameCube Memory Card or two separate Memory Cards inserted in the same Nintendo GameCube.[23]

North America to Australia and Europe

Several minor changes were made to Animal Crossing in its Australian and European versions. In addition to these changes, both versions include various bug fixes from the North American version.

Australia

  • The font for the copyright text on the title screen was changed, and it now reads "©2001-2003 Nintendo" to reflect the game's release date in Australia.

Europe

PG Title Screen.png
PG Title Screen Europe.png
The North American (left) and European (right) title screens. Note the altered "Press START!" text and copyright dates.
  • French, German, Italian, and Spanish languages are supported, and the language used by the game is dependent on the GameCube's language.
  • All e-Reader functionality (and references to it) has been removed, as the e-Reader was never released in Europe. This means the Ice Climber and Mario Bros items are unobtainable, though they still exist in the game's code. Despite this, the item names still received translations.
  • The "Press START!" text on the title screen now reads "press START," and the font has been changed.
  • The font for the copyright text on the title screen was changed, and it now reads "©2001-2004 Nintendo" to reflect the game's release date in Europe.
  • The clock uses the 24-hour format rather than the 12-hour format used in the North American version, and all in-game dialog is updated to reflect this.
  • Dates use the Day/Month format rather than the Month/Day format used in the North American version.
  • Numbers use periods instead of commas as decimal separators (e.g. 1.000 rather than 1,000).

Promotion

Animal Crossing Pioneers

On August 7, 2002, Nintendo of America announced a contest whereby 125 teams of two would be selected to receive advance promotional copies of Animal Crossing.[18]</ref> The submission deadline for the contest was August 12th. To be considered for selection, applicants had to submit a written response of 50 words or less explaining why they should be chosen as Pioneers. Those selected received a special Animal Crossing disc marked "for promotional use only", along with a 59 block Memory Card and a promotional Animal Crossing calendar. Pioneers received the game a month early and were expected to help Nintendo generate online buzz in advance of the title's release. Pioneers were also given exclusive access to a web forum where they could discuss the game amongst themselves as well as provide feedback to Nintendo representatives. At the end of the experience, the Pioneers were invited to an online chat with a few of the members of the game's localization team[24]. An analysis of the standard and promotional game disc concluded that the two were byte identical[25], meaning that no changes were made to the final version as a result of Pioneer feedback. The promotional copy and calendar have since become collector's items, with one set selling for over $500 on eBay in March 2014[26].

Sweepstakes

From August 30 to October 15, 2002, Nintendo of America initiated the Animal Crossing "Deck Out Your Room" Sweepstakes.[27] One grand prize winner received a TV, headphones, and CD player from Panasonic, a Nintendo GameCube, a Game Boy Advance, five GameCube games, five Game Boy Advance Games, two WaveBird controllers, and a one-year subscription to Nintendo Power. Five first prize winners received a Nintendo GameCube, a copy of Animal Crossing, and a one-year subscription to Nintendo Power.[28] Those who registered for the sweepstakes received a free Animal Crossing screensaver.[29]

Reception

Animal Crossing was met with mostly positive reviews from critics, with many praising its charming, unique gameplay and long life span. e-Reader connectivity was seen as a welcome addition, although some criticized its outdated graphics and felt that it did not offer much of a single-player experience.[citation needed] Animal Crossing was included in many year-end 'best of' lists upon its release in 2002. It has also been featured in several all-time top video game countdowns and has received multiple awards and nominations. Review aggregator Metacritic notes a Metascore of 87/100 for Animal Crossing,[30] which places it just behind Animal Crossing: New Leaf's score of 88.

Awards and nominations

Year Award Category Result
2002 Game Critic Award Best Original Game of E3[13] Nominated
GameSpot's Best and Worst of 2002 Game of the Year[31] Nominated
Best Role-Playing Game on GameCube[32] Won
Most Innovative Game[33] Won
Funniest Game (Purposely)[34] Nominated
GameSpy's Best of 2002 GameCube Game of the Year[35] Nominated
2003 The Game Developers Choice Awards Innovation Award[36] Won
Interactive Achievement Awards Innovation in Console Gaming[37] Won
Outstanding Achievement in Game Design[37] Won
Console Role-Playing Game of the Year[37] Won
Console Game of the Year[37] Nominated
Game of the Year Nominated
Outstanding Achievement in Gameplay Engineering[37] Nominated

Top lists

Year Source List Placement
2003 Entertainment Weekly The 100 Greatest Videogames[38] 72
2006 Electronic Gaming Monthly The Greatest 200 Videogames of Their Time[39] 126
Nintendo Power Nintendo Power's Top 200 Games[40] 51
X-Play 10 Best GameCube Games Ever[41] 7
2007 Edge Top 100 Games of All Time [42] 49
ScrewAttack! Top 10 GameCube Games[43] 5
2008 Nintendo Power Best of the Best - Nintendo GameCube (Top 20) [44] 19
2012 TIME All-TIME 100 Video Games[45] -

Gallery

Names in other languages

Japanese どうぶつの森+
Dōbutsu no Mori+
Animal Forest+

German Animal Crossing Animal Crossing

European Spanish Animal Crossing Animal Crossing

European French Animal Crossing Animal Crossing

Italian Animal Crossing Animal Crossing

External links

Notes

  1. While multiple reliable sources claim Animal Crossing was released on September 15, primary sources state September 16.
  2. Japanese: どうぶつの森+ Hepburn: Dōbutsu no Mori+Animal Forest+
  3. A capture of webpage as of March 12, 2005 on archive.org shows the page still active, with no mention of the service's discontinuation. The next documented capture on February 22, 2006 shows a "page not found" error, suggesting the service was discontinued between March 2005 and February 2006.

References

  1. Nintendo. "Animal Forest+". (Japanese)
  2. "ANIMAL CROSSING". Australian Classification. Retrieved October 18, 2020.
  3. Nintendo (May 16, 2013). "Inside the Treehouse with Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Localizing Animal Crossing (Ep 1)". YouTube.
  4. 4.0 4.1 Andres Rojas (May 22, 2002). "Animal Crossing Hands-on Preview". Nintendo World Report.
  5. IGN (April 30, 2001). "Animal Forest for US". Archived from the original on April 8, 2003. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  6. IGN (May 10, 2001). "Nintendo Pre-E3 Press Conference Details".
  7. Nintendo World Report (June 6, 2011). "Planet Gamecube E3 2001 Video Part 5". YouTube.
  8. Max Lake (October 19, 2001). "Animal Forest USA Bound?". Nintendo World Report.
  9. Nintendo. "Main Game Page, Animal Forest". Archived from the original on November 23, 2001.
  10. Michael Cole (February 28, 2002). "Animal Forest + coming to North America!". Nintendo World Report.
  11. Mike Sklens (March 30, 2002). "Animal Forest + gets a name change". Nintendo World Report.
  12. NintendoNWRExclusive (June 10, 2013). "Nintendo E3 2002 Press Conference from PGC E3 2002 DVD". YouTube.
  13. 13.0 13.1 Giant Bomb. "E3 2002".
  14. GameFAQs. "Animal Crossing for GameCube".
  15. IGN. "Animal Crossing".
  16. Nintendo. "Animal Crossing". Archived from the original on February 13, 2003.
  17. Nintendo. "The Crossing Guardian : For Parents". animal-crossing.com. Archived from the original on October 15, 2002. Retrieved September 12, 2020.
  18. 18.0 18.1 Jonathan Metts (August 6, 2002). "Lucky Gamers Play Animal Crossing Early". Nintendo World Report.
  19. Billy Berghammer (September 6, 2002). "Animal Crossing hits Blockbuster early?". Nintendo World Report.
  20. Nintendo. "Animal Forest Data Moving Service!". Archived from the original on February 6, 2003. Retrieved August 30, 2020. (Japanese)
  21. Nintendo. "Animal Forest Data Moving Service!". Archived from the original on March 12, 2005. Retrieved August 30, 2020. (Japanese)
  22. Nintendo. "Page Not Found". Archived from the original on February 22, 2006. Retrieved August 30, 2020. (Japanese)
  23. Nintendo. "About moving". Retrieved August 30, 2020. (Japanese)
  24. MobyGames. "Animal Crossing Pioneer".
  25. Redump. "Animal Crossing".
  26. "Animal Crossing Pioneer Disc & Calendar Reward Gift Great Cond. Ultra Rare Promo". eBay. Archived from the original on October 24, 2020.
  27. Nintendo. "Official Sweepstakes Rules". animal-crossing.com. Archived from the original on September 23, 2002.
  28. Nintendo. "Enter the Animal Crossing "Deck Out Your Room" Sweepstakes". animal-crossing.com. Archived from the original on September 3, 2002.
  29. Billy Berghammer (September 10, 2002). "Deck out your room!". Nintendo World Report.
  30. Metacritic. "Animal Crossing for GameCube Reviews".
  31. GameSpot. "GameSpot's Video Game of the Year, Nominees". Archived from the original on February 1, 2003.
  32. GameSpot. "Best Role-Playing Game on GameCube". Archived from the original on December 23, 2002.
  33. GameSpot. "Most Innovative Game". Archived from the original on February 10, 2003.
  34. GameSpot. "Funniest Game (Purposely)". Archived from the original on December 23, 2002.
  35. GameSpy. "Runners Up". Archived from the original on June 28, 2003.
  36. Game Developers Choice Awards. "Innovation Archive".
  37. 37.0 37.1 37.2 37.3 37.4 Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. "Interactive Achievement Awards By Video Game Details". Archived from the original on May 10, 2012.
  38. Entertainment Weekly (May 12, 2003). "The 100 greatest videogames: No. 51 - No. 100".
  39. Electronic Gaming Monthly. "The Greatest 200 Videogames of Their Time". 1UP.com. Archived from the original on May 19, 2006.
  40. Nintendo Wiki. "Nintendo Power's Top 200 Games". Fandom.
  41. G4 (July 7, 2006). "Best GameCube Games Ever: #7-5". Archived from the original on March 9, 2013.
  42. Edge (July 2, 2007). "EDGE'S TOP 100 GAMES OF ALL TIME". Archived from the original on October 18, 2012.
  43. ScrewAttack! (July 19, 2012). "Top 10 GameCube Games - ScrewAttack.com". YouTube. [dead link]
  44. Nintendo Wiki. "Nintendo Power's Best of the Best". Fandom.
  45. Lev Grossman (November 15, 2012). "Animal Crossing". Time.