Editing Animal Crossing: New Horizons

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'''''Animal Crossing: New Horizons'''''{{Note|{{Nihongo foot|あつまれ どうぶつの森|Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori|Animal Forest: Gather}}}} is a simulation game for the [[Nintendo Switch]] released on March 20, 2020. It is the fifth main installment in the {{SER}} outside of Japan.

{{NH|nolink}} is a critical and commercial success, having received positive reviews from critics and selling over 44 million copies as of December 2023, making it the best-selling game in the {{SER|nolink}} and the second best-selling Nintendo Switch game behind ''[[mariowiki:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]''.

==Development==

[[File:Animal Crossing New Horizons CEDEC 2020 Pre-Release Content 4.jpg|thumb|left|200px|Early development build of {{NH|short|nolink}}.]]

Early development of {{NH|nolink}} began shortly after the Japanese release of {{NL|short}}, prior to the development of the [[Nintendo Switch]]. <ref name = "philosophy">{{cite web|author=Elise Favis|date=March 23rd, 2020|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/video-games/2020/03/23/nintendo-explains-philosophy-behind-animal-crossings-big-changes-like-gender-expression-terraforming/|title=Nintendo explains philosophy behind Animal Crossing's big changes, such as gender expression and terraforming|site=Washington Post}}</ref> [[Aya Kyogoku]] reprised her role of director following {{NL|short}}, with [[Hisashi Nogami]] serving as producer.

Kyogoku stated that the developers chose to be ambitious, even despite not knowing anything about the hardware that the game would be released on. <ref name = "philosophy"/> Full development on {{NH|short|nolink}} likely began towards the end of 2016, following the release of the {{NLWa|short}} update and unveiling of the [[Nintendo Switch]].

[[File:NH Reveal Teaser Artwork.png|250px|thumb|right|The announcement of then-untitled {{NH|short|nolink}}.]]

{{NH|nolink}} was officially announced during a Nintendo Direct on September 13th 2018, in tandem with the announcement of [[Isabelle]]'s appearance in {{SSBU}} as a new playable character. The game, at this point still untitled, was originally slated to be released within 2019. <ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=September 13, 2018|url=https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/09-13-2018/|title=Nintendo Direct 9.13.2018}}</ref>  

During Nintendo's E3 2019 Direct, on June 11th, 2019, the first official gameplay trailer for {{NH|short|nolink}} was unveiled. The game's title was formally announced, and it was also revealed that the game would be released on March 20th, 2020, seeing a delay from its original planned 2019 release date. Nintendo shared that this was "to ensure the game is the best it can be," and President of Nintendo of America, Doug Bowser, stated that a delay was necessary to maintain a healthy "work-life balance" for Nintendo's employees. <ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=June 11th, 2019|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zr9eAtwcYlo|title=Nintendo Direct for E3 2019|site=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Tina Amini|date=June 21th, 2019|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/11/nintendo-comments-on-crunch-and-game-delays-a-e3-2019|title=Nintendo Says It Will Not Release a Game Before It's Ready – E3 2019|site=IGN}}</ref>

{{NH|short|nolink}} was featured in a Nintendo Direct on September 4th, 2019, showcasing new gameplay footage and features in an extended highlight. <ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=September 4th, 2019|url=https://youtu.be/sRWjpjNVOCM|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons - Nintendo Direct 9.4.2019 - Nintendo Switch|site=YouTube}}</ref> An Animal Crossing Direct took place on February 20th, 2020, <ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=February 21st, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ie4WZCLbtVs|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Direct 2.20.2020|site=YouTube}}</ref> showcasing multiple new features of the game, such as terrain editing, additional house customization, and more.

{{NH|nolink}} was globally released on March 20th, 2020, being the first title in the series to launch simultaneously worldwide on the same date. On October 7th, 2022, Nintendo Brasil announced that {{NH|short|nolink}}, along with various other first-party Nintendo games, would receive a physical release in Brazil, where games had previously only been released digitally, by the end of 2022. <ref>{{Cite Twitter|author=NintendoBrasil|date=October 7, 2022|url=https://twitter.com/NintendoBrasil/status/1578461555057778688|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221022195720/https://twitter.com/NintendoBrasil/status/1578461555057778688|archive-date=October 22, 2022|title=Versões físicas de títulos selecionados do console Nintendo Switch estarão disponíveis no Brasil até o fim do ano!|retrieved=October 7, 2022|language=Portuguese}}</ref>

==Gameplay==

===Premise===

[[File:NH Tom Nook Smartphone.jpg|thumb|250px|left|Tom Nook asking the player if they have ever used a [[NookPhone|smartphone]].]]

[[Tom Nook]] has a new business venture: selling the [[Nook Inc.]] Deserted Island Getaway Package, which is sold to the [[player]]. The game begins on a nearly deserted island where the player can explore, collect resources, and craft various items (including tools and furniture). The only starting buildings on the island are the player's tent, two villager tents (after the [[player]] places them), and the [[Resident Services]] tent. The [[Plaza]] in front of Resident Services will feature events and visitors. These visitors will have items and services to offer to the [[player]].

Donating 5 unique fish and insects to [[Tom Nook]] will unlock the ability to place [[Blathers]]' tent. Once Blathers' tent is unlocked, he will give the player a [[Vaulting Pole]] to find more creatures and a [[shovel]] to excavate [[Fossils]]. Donating 15 more unique creatures and appraised fossils to Blathers will unlock the ability to place his museum, at which the player can donate and assess multiple things at a time. To unlock more tools, the [[player]] will need to pay off their tent, help [[Tom Nook]] build [[Nook's Cranny]], build one bridge, and start three additional housing plots for animal villagers.

[[File:NH Isabelle Joins The Island.jpg|thumb|250px|right|Isabelle joins the island as Nook's assistant.]]

Once the Resident Services tent is upgraded into a building, Isabelle returns as Nook's assistant and the player is tasked with improving the island's popularity to draw the attention of [[K.K. Slider]]. Nook instructs the player to pick a location for a [[Campsite (facility)|campsite]], then to furnish additional housing plots and increase the island's population, and finally to develop the island to a three-star rating. The player earns the [[Island Designer Construction Permit|Island Designer]] app once they obtain a three-star rating, allowing [[K.K. Slider]] to perform "[[Welcome Horizons]]" on their island. After acquiring the proper terraforming tools with Nook Miles, the app allows players to pave roads (instead of having to place [[Design|patterns]] on the ground), as well as modify or add [[river]]s and cliffs.

===Island lifestyle===

In addition to earning Bells, the player can also earn [[Nook Miles]], which is a new form of currency that can be exchanged for furniture, Nook-branded apparel, plane tickets to mystery islands, upgrades, and recipes. As in {{HHD}}, the game features the ability to place furniture outside. A new [[vaulting pole]] tool can be created, giving the ability to vault over rivers, as well as a [[ladder]], allowing the player to climb up [[cliff]]s.  

The first playable character of the island is named the [[Resident Representative]], which occupies a similar role to the [[mayor]] in {{NL}}; this player controls the pace of the storyline, and is the only player that can initiate placement of villager housing plots and infrastructure such as stores, bridges, and inclines (though all players will have access to the Island Designer app once K.K. performs). Additionally, there is a maximum of 10 animal villagers on the island.

===Resources===

[[File:NH_Press_Player_Chopping_Tree.png|thumb|250px|left|The player chopping a tree to collect wood.]]

Resources can be collected through various methods, such as chopping at trees with an axe for several types of wood (including wood, softwood, and hardwood), or hitting rocks with a shovel for clay, stone, and [[ore]]s. Several different types of [[weed]]s appear, which can also be used as materials once plucked.

With these mechanics, the player is able to build and develop the island over time. Players are also able to dig up clams in the sand, which can then be used as a crafting materials to make [[Item:Fish bait (New Horizons)|fishing bait]]. Additionally, trees and flowers can be picked up with a shovel to be stored in the [[pocket]]; flowers can also be used as crafting material, and picking them will also leave the stems in the ground.

The player is able to fully customize their character at the beginning of, and during, the game without restrictions, a first for the Animal Crossing main-series. This feature was also present in {{HHD}} and {{PC|short}}. Customization includes skin tones, gender-neutral hairstyles, and nose shapes. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2019/6/12/18662401/animal-crossing-new-horizons-e3-2019-character-customization-skin-tone-nintendo-switch|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons will have skin tone customization, gender-neutral hairstyles for Villagers|site=Polygon|date=June 12, 2019|author=Chelsea Stark}}</ref> The player characters' overall design is slightly more detailed than in previous titles, featuring a more subdued color scheme and clear hair physics and shaders. The players also appear more expressive, showing a thoughtful expression when selecting items in their pocket, and moving their eyes around to look at nearby villagers and bugs.

The player also possesses a new item called the [[NookPhone]], which features multiple different applications that the player can use such as [[Nook Miles]], [[Rescue Service]], Local Play, and more.

[[File:NH Press Sep 2019 Multiplayer.png|thumb|250px|right|{{NH|short|nolink}} sees the introduction of local co-op multiplayer.]]

{{Main|Multiplayer#In Animal Crossing: New Horizons}}

Up to eight players can live on a single island, but only one island can be made per Nintendo Switch. <ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2019/06/12/nintendo-confirms-new-details-about-multiplayer-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons-e3-2019|title=Nintendo Confirms New Details About Multiplayer in Animal Crossing: New Horizons|site=IGN|author=Miranda Sanchez|date=June 11, 2019}}</ref> For the first time in the series, four players can play at the same time on a single system, and up to eight can play together through online multiplayer or local wireless.<ref>Animal Crossing: New Horizons E3 2019 Factsheet</ref> Online play requires a Nintendo Switch Online subscription.

In local multiplayer, the screen boundaries will follow player 1; however, they may transfer their "leadership" to another player at any time. The lead player is the only player able to see notifications after catching bugs or fish. In online play, all players have equal abilities, as in previous games. This also marks the first game where a player's friend cannot modify the island with their shovel or axe unless they are marked as a best friend.

===Nintendo eShop description===

:''Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.''

:''Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online or with others beside you, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you'll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.''<ref name = "eShop description"/>

Game director [[Aya Kyogoku]] explained that the development team intended for the game to be welcoming for veteran players and accessible for new players, by keeping much of the core gameplay from previous titles, while still adding in many new elements. <ref name = "philosophy"/> Kyogoku noted that some players of previous entries would have difficulty finding goals or objectives. As a response to this feedback, a sense of purpose was purposely developed by having players develop the village from scratch.

[[File:NH Press Sep 2019 Crafting.png|thumb|250px|left|{{NH|short|nolink}} sees the addition of crafting to the main-series.]]

The developers felt that as players constructed their village from the ground up, they would grow a more personal relationship with their town. <ref name = "crazy">{{Cite web|author=Scott Stein|date=March 21st, 2020|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/youre-not-crazy-tom-nook-is-nicer-in-animal-crossing-new-horizons/|title=You're not crazy: Tom Nook is nicer in Animal Crossing: New Horizons|site=CNET}}</ref> The theme of developing a town on a deserted island was chosen because the developers believed that breaking away from the tradition of players moving into a village would be a fresh and interesting concept for old players. <ref name = "philosophy"/>

As a result of choosing a deserted island theme, [[DIY|crafting]] was added into the game. This was done so that players would have a higher level of interactivity with the deserted island. This would give players a different perspective of the environment that used to be just a visual aspect.<ref name = "crazy"/> Crafting was also developed with the intention of keeping players from running out of things to do during the hours that their shops are closed. <ref name = "philosophy"/>

Another of these new features, terraforming, was added in response to unexpected behavior from players in previous games such as resetting towns in order to receive a desirable town layout. With the introduction of crafting and terraforming, players are able to be more in control of their island. <ref name = "philosophy"/>

[[File:NH_Group_Photo.jpg|thumb|250px|right|{{NH|short|nolink}} focuses on player freedom and expression.]]

This flexibility in design extends further onto player design. Unlike previous games which involved players having to answer a series of questions to determine their appearance, players are now able to freely change their appearance whenever they would like to through the use of mirrors or vanities. In addition to this, several new hair and facial features were added that were not present in previous entries.

A gender option, referred to as "style" in English versions, is still present, but does not impact the player's appearance or the game in any way other than certain dialogue differences. Kyogoku stated in an interview that this level of player customization is not just about gender, but rather more about individuality, which the development team believed was a growing belief within society. Players are not forced into thinking too much about gender, but the option is still there should they decide to.<ref name = "philosophy"/>

The addition of the [[NookPhone]] was inspired by the belief that phones are essential tools in everyday life. Kyogoku has stated that the NookPhone serves as a source of familiarity between the real world and the game. <ref name = "crazy"/>

In another shift from serious tradition, the effects of [[time travel]]ing were made less impactful. This is in part due to the fact that seasonal events and holidays were not coded into the game from launch and were instead added through future updates. Kyogoku noted that this method of adding events was intended to create unity amongst players. Time traveling was discouraged by Kyogoku and Nogami, though they did not consider it to be a form of cheating. <ref name = "philosophy"/>

==Localization==

{{NH|nolink}} supports more languages than previous entries in the series, being the first main series game to support the Chinese language since {{iQue}} in 2006, <ref>{{Cite web|author=Iggy|date=September 14, 2018|url=https://nintendosoup.com/luigis-mansion-3-animal-crossing-and-new-super-mario-bros-u-deluxe-playable-in-chinese|title=Luigi's Mansion 3, Animal Crossing, And New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe Playable In Chinese|site=NintendoSoup}}</ref> {{NH|short|nolink}} is also the first main series title since {{CF}} to have two separate localizations for Spanish and French; one for Europe and another for the Americas, although it has been erroneously reported to be the first title to do so in the case of Spanish. <ref>{{Cite web|author=hadamsj|date=April 29, 2020|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SqUicmDQKuA|title=Animal Crossing: City Folk - Comparing Spanish localizations (LATAM & EU)|site=YouTube}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|author=Juan Emilio Reyes|date=December 4, 2019|url=https://www.3djuegos.com/mx/noticias-amp/199649/animal-crossing-new-horizons-vendr-localizado-al-espaol|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons vendrá localizado al español latinoamericano|site=3DJuegos|language=Spanish}}</ref> It is the first title to include all localizations collectively regardless of regional release, and the first main series title to include Dutch and Russian languages.

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Gullivarrr NH.png| '''[[Gullivarrr]]'''<br>[[Pirate Series]]<br><small>(added in {{NHVer|1.3.0}})</small>

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[[File:NookLink.png|thumb|right|100px|[[NookLink]] service.]]

|{{wp|Famitsu|Famitsu}}

|{{wp|GameSpot|GameSpot}}

|9/10<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-horizons/|author=Kallie Plagge|date=April 9, 2020|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review - Island Getaway|site=GameSpot}}</ref>

|{{wp|IGN|IGN}}

|{{wp|Metacritic|Metacritic}}{{note|at an average of 111 reviews}}

|{{wp|Forbes|Forbes}}:

|{{wp|The Daily Telegraph|Telegraph}}

|{{wp|Nintendo Life|Nintendo Life}}

|10/10<ref>{{Cite web|author=Alex Olney|date=March 16, 2020|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/reviews/nintendo-switch/animal_crossing_new_horizons|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Review|site=Nintendo Life|retrieved=September 28, 2020}}</ref>

|{{wp|Pocket Gamer|Pocket Gamer}}

In the first six weeks after the game's release, {{NH|short|nolink}} sold over 13.41 million copies worldwide.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2020/200507_3e.pdf|title=Fiscal Year Ended March 2020: Financial Results Explanatory Material|site=Nintendo}}</ref> As of December 31, 2023, the game has sold 44.79 million units worldwide, becoming the second-best selling Nintendo Switch title, only behind ''[[mariowiki:Mario Kart 8 Deluxe|Mario Kart 8 Deluxe]]'' which has sold 60.58 million units.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/index.html|title=IR Information : Sales Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units|site=Nintendo}}</ref>

In the United States, the game became the best-selling in March 2020 and second best-selling in 2020 overall. It was achieved the third highest month physical dollar and unit sales of any Nintendo game and exceeded the lifetime sales of all games in the series.<ref>{{Cite Twitter|url=https://twitter.com/MatPiscatella/status/1252582932369117185|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220413150457/https://twitter.com/MatPiscatella/status/1252582932369117185|archive-date=April 13, 2022|title=MAR 2020 US NPD THREAD - Nintendo Switch sets a new March hardware sales record, while Animal Crossing: New Horizons is one of Nintendo's fastest selling games in history. Here are all the U.S. Video Game market highlights from The NPD Group!|author=MatPiscatella}}</ref>

|align="center"|<ref>{{Cite web|author=IGN Staff|date=December 31, 2021|url=https://www.ign.com/articles/the-best-100-video-games-of-all-time|title=The Top 100 Video Games of All Time|site=IGN|retrieved=January 8, 2022}}</ref>

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Japan, {{NH|nolink}} has received two soundtrack CDs: ''[[Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori: Original Soundtrack]]'' in 2021, which contains all of the game's tracks prior to version {{NHVer|2.0}}, and ''[[Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori: Original Soundtrack 2]]'' in 2022, which contains tracks added in version 2.0. {{NH|short|nolink}} is the first ''Animal Crossing'' game to receive a complete soundtrack release. Additionally, ''[[Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori: Totakeke Music Instrumental Selection]]'', a vinyl record containing 18 [[List of K.K. Slider songs|K.K. Slider songs]] from the game was released on November 23, 2022.  

{{NH|short|nolink}} has also received six tie-in [[List of Animal Crossing manga|manga]] as of October 2022:

|ja-r= Atsumare Doubutsu no Mori

{{Navbox NH}}

{{Navbox Animal Crossing series}}