Editing Animal Crossing: New Leaf

{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Animal Crossing: New Leaf''}}
{{Infobox VGinfo
|title= [[File:Animal Crossing New Leaf logo.png|200px]]
|image= [[File:New Leaf Boxart for North America.jpg|200px]]
|developer= [[wikipedia:Nintendo EAD|Nintendo EAD]]
|publisher = [[Nintendo]]
|distributor = 
|designer= 
|series= ''[[Animal Crossing (series)|Animal Crossing]]''
|engine = 
|picture_format= 
|released = {{JP}} November 8th, 2012<ref>http://www.nintendo-master.com/xtnews/news-31632_animal_crossing__jump_out_date_au_japon.htm</ref><br>{{SK}} February 7, 2013<ref>http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=69&press_div=P</ref><br>{{NA}} June 9, 2013<ref>http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/archive/02-14-2013/</ref><br>{{EU}} June 14, 2013<br />{{AUS}} June 15, 2013
|genre = Life simulation,<br>Social simulation
|modes = 
|ratings = {{Rating|ESRB=E<ref>http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/7s_LzOZI18nIHym0yObW_vYCzfwsRssn</ref>|PEGI=3<ref>http://www.nintendo.co.uk/Games/Nintendo-3DS/Animal-Crossing-New-Leaf-273841.html</ref>|CERO=A}}
|platforms = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
|media= 3DS Game Card and eShop download
|requirements= 
|input= Nintendo 3DS circle pad and D-Pad
}}
'''''Animal Crossing: New Leaf''''' (とびだせどうぶつの森, ''Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori'') is the sixth installment in the {{SER}}, being developed by [[Nintendo]] and has been released exclusively for the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. Prior to the release date, players could pre-order New Leaf off {{wp|GAME}} and get a free Isabelle and Town Hall figurine.

While retaining much of the gameplay from older titles, ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' marks a large change in the series, as the [[player]] now becomes the [[mayor]] of the town. With the help of the townsfolk and "[[Isabelle|one eager secretary]]" it is now the player's job to make the town a better place to live. Due to this new role, the game's name is most likely derived from the metaphor turning over a new leaf, meaning to change a person's job/life, since the player is suddenly assigned the new role of mayor. Coincidentally, the player taking over as mayor was referenced in previous games where, on [[April Fool's Day]], Tortimer would prank the player by saying he is soon going to retire and let the player serve as mayor. These jokes may have played a major role in the creators deciding to finally make this a reality in ''New Leaf''.

''New Leaf'' also has a change of art style, with the players and the [[villager]]s having more human-like shapes, rather than the shorter ones seen in previous games, as well as the [[tree]]s, [[flower]]s, and [[house]]s taking on a more realistic appearance. 

==Development and unveiling==
[[File:Animal-Crossing-Map.jpg|thumb|280px|right|Concept art for the Animal Crossing: New Leaf town, telling what is on the map.]]
[[File:Tom Nook 3DS.png|thumb|176px|left|An example of the artwork used for the game.]]
The game was originally unveiled at E3 2010, though very little was shown. A trailer was shown that gave information on updated features and revealed very few new features. Shortly after, there was news that the player could be the mayor of the town,<ref name="mayor">[http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/previewArt.cfm?artid=23365 Nintendo World Report - Animal Crossing: New Leaf]</ref> with the goal being to make the town a better place to live.<ref name="better place">[http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=17921 Official Nintendo Magazine - E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS announced]</ref> A non-playable demo was also available on the show floor at Nintendo's booth as an example of the 3DS's 3D effects. Due to it not being given much detail, fans speculated that it might have not been an actual game but just an example and that another ''Animal Crossing'' game would be developed later.

At E3 2011, the rumors were proven false. During Nintendo's press conference, the ''Animal Crossing'' logo, among others, appeared on-screen as a list of upcoming 3DS games. Additionally, a new trailer was released. The trailer showed off a new feature in the game: swimming and diving in the [[ocean]]. Also, a player was shown changing not only his [[shirt]], but also his shoes and pants. A player was also shown coming out of what appeared to be his tent-house. Throughout the town, [[bench]]es and a beehive were shown, with a villager and later a player sitting on the bench. A new character was also shown, a yellow [[dog]] following the player. Fans quickly assumed she was the 'eager secretary' that helps the player mayor the town.<ref>http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=129887</ref>

In an interview with Kotaku editor Stephen Totilo, the creator of ''Animal Crossing'', [[Katsuya Eguchi]], revealed that ''Animal Crossing 3DS'' will allow players to arrange their furniture in any way they like, and will also feature new networking experiences.<ref>http://kotaku.com/5812741/a-tiny-bit-of-news-about-the-next-animal-crossing</ref>

The title was confirmed at the Nintendo World Report on April 21, 2012.

Reggie Fils-Aime confirmed ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' is still in development on Monday June 11, 2012 for 3DS.

In the June direct conference it was confirmed that 4 people can live in the same village like the last 3 games.
On another note, in ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'', they will reintroduce the [[train]] and [[Porter]].

In early October, an ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' 3DS XL bundle was announced in Japan for when the game releases. 
In addition, another Japanese Nintendo Direct episode regarding Animal Crossing was scheduled for Friday, October 5. During the 47 minute video, highlights included [[K.K. Slider]] now performing as a DJ at a comedy club known as [[Club LOL]], customized road designs, megaphones for getting villagers' attention, diving for coral, new multiplayer games hosted on islands, meeting other players through the 3DS's StreetPass feature, and more.

In early 2013, to promote the new game, Nintendo launched an official [http://www.animal-crossing.com/newleaf/ ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' website], containing information and trailers regarding the game.

Nintendo later announced in April 2013 that the ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' 3DS XL bundle will also be released in North America and Europe, which includes a copy of ''New Leaf'' on its SD card at a total price of $219.99.
<center><gallery>
File:AC 3DS Bundle Box.png|The Japanese version ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' 3DS XL bundle
File:AC 3DS.png|The bundled 3DS XL design
</gallery></center>

===amiibo Update===
In July 2016, three years after the release of the game, Nintendo announced that a free content update for ''New Leaf'' will be released in the Fall. The update introduces [[amiibo]] compatibility, allowing players to scan villager cards in order to have specific characters move into town, or special characters to induce as-yet-unknown functionality. Other amiibo series are compatible, and scanning them introduces exclusive villagers, such as [[Callie]] and [[Marie]]. The update also reintroduces [[Wisp]], who handles the amiibo functionality within the game, and adds a series of Splatoon-themed furniture and clothing items.<ref>[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/egdj/paper/index.html]</ref>

==Gameplay==
Gameplay in ''New Leaf'' follows the same pattern as previous games in the series, though with a greater diversity in activities, characters, venues, and more.

=== Role as the mayor ===
Unlike the last few installments in the series, where the player became a resident of their town, the player is now the mayor of the town (which in the previous games was [[Tortimer]]). While the player is still able to relax and engage in activities such as fishing and bug catching, they now have the responsibility of regulating the town and improving it. The player can build new features for the town, such as bridges, statues, or shrubs. They also can alter store prices and hours. Only the first player to start up the game is the mayor.

=== Tortimer Island ===
{{main|Tortimer Island}}

[[File:Kapp'n and Motorboat.png|thumb|right|The dock from which [[Kapp'n]] will take the player to the island.]]
The tropical [[Animal Island|island]] from {{PG}} returns in ''New Leaf'' as [[Tortimer Island]], which can be accessed from the [[dock]] after certain conditions have been met. [[Kapp'n]] can take up to four players to the island on his motorboat for 1,000 [[Bells]], and the location is accessible to Wi-Fi visitors. No items can be taken to Tortimer Island, and all items in every players' [[pocket]]s will kept in storage until they return. On Tortimer Island, players can participate in a variety of 38 minigames, called [[tour]]s, hosted by Tortimer himself. Winning these tours wins the player medals which can be used to buy exclusive items at the island's shop. The items collected on and around the island must be put in a box near the entrance. The box has room for 40 items and all items in the player's inventory when he or she leaves will be sold for a cheaper price than [[Re-Tail]] except for rented tools and equipment which will automatically be collected before the player leaves.

=== Villagers ===
Many [[villagers]] from the previous games make their reappearance, in addition to a number of new ones. The number of villagers able to live in each town is regularly 9 but setting up a [[campsite]] and convincing the villager inside the campsite to move into town can make a total of ten. New species of villagers have also been introduced, including the [[hamster]] and the [[deer]]. Two new [[personality]] types, [[smug]] and [[uchi]], have been added to the game in addition to the returning six, making for a total of eight different possible personalities. Each personality now has their own pitch of [[Animalese]], unlike previous games where the voices only differed by gender (with the exception of [[cranky]] villagers).

=== Other new features ===
''New Leaf'' introduces many other new features for the {{SER}}, some of the most notable being:
* New [[insects]] ([[Cicada shell]], [[giant cicada]], [[hermit crab]], [[house centipede]], [[rice grasshopper]], [[stinkbug]], [[tiger beetle]] and [[wharf roach]]) and [[fish]] ([[Blowfish]], [[giant trevally]], [[mitten crab]], [[nibble fish]], [[oarfish]],  [[ribbon eel]], [[saddled bichir]], [[saw shark]], [[soft-shelled turtle]], [[tadpole]] and [[whale shark]]) have been introduced for catching.
* New [[fossil]]s have been introduced ([[Archelon]], [[Diplodocus]], [[Megacerops]], [[Spinosaurus]]).
* New [[fruits]] have been added to the game (Bananas, Durians, Lemons, Lychees, Mangoes, Persimmons).
* The player can now customize their pants and [[shoes]], reflecting the taller character designs seen in the game's art style. They can also take off their shoes.
* Each personality now has their own pitch of [[Animalese]], before the variants were limited to male, female, and [[cranky]] male. The pitch of [[normal]] and [[lazy]] villagers sound very similar to the generic male and female voices in previous games. [[Peppy]] villagers sound like normal villagers, but are a bit higher-pitched. Likewise, [[jock]] villagers sound like lazy villagers, but are a bit higher-pitched. [[Snooty]] villagers use the voice that was once reserved for [[Joan]]. Cranky villagers sound like they've always been. [[Smug]] villagers use the voice that was once reserved for [[Farley]]. [[Uchi]] villagers sound like [[snooty]] villagers, but are a bit higher-pitched.
* The player can now pick the town layout while on the train when the game starts, rather than be assigned a random map.
* House exteriors can now be customized to reflect various styles.
* Certain pieces of furniture can now be placed onto walls.
* The player can now go swimming in the ocean and dive for coral and [[deep sea creature]]s, a new type of collectible.
* Several new villagers, and special characters are introduced, as are several new species, such as [[hamster]]s, [[deer]], and [[alpaca]]s.
* Flowers now drip with water once they have the watering can used on them, allowing the player to know whether they've watered it or not. After this, the flowers that have been watered start to shine.
* A new tool, the [[Megaphone]], can be used to get a villagers' attention and location by saying their name into the system's microphone.
* Certain pieces of furniture are now [[refurbish|customizable]] using various colors and designs.
* The player can communicate with another player even if they are in a different town.
* New multiplayer games are hosted on [[Tortimer Island|island]]s accessible by boat. [[Medal]]s are awarded to winners of mini-games hosted by [[Tortimer]], which can be traded for prizes.
* Villagers are now more active in the town environment, being capable of fishing, shaking trees, entering buildings, and so on.
* The player can now choose where they want their house.

=== New buildings ===
''New Leaf'' features a new [[Main Street]], a shopping district located to the north of every [[player]]'s [[town]]. It is similar to {{CF}}'s [[City]]. The shopping district features a wide array of shops and venues, many of which are new to the series:
* '''[[Timmy and Tommy's store]]''' - Formerly run by [[Tom Nook]] in previous games, [[Timmy and Tommy]] now run the general store in ''New Leaf''.
* '''[[Able Sisters]]''' - The Able Sisters offer clothing as in past games, in addition to now offering the ability to share and obtain created patterns through [[QR codes]].
** [[Labelle]] also returns, and is connected to the Able Sisters selling hats, umbrellas, and other accessories.
* '''[[Post Office]]''' - The postal service returns as an independent building on Main Street.
* '''[[Nook's Homes]]''' - A building where players can alter the appearance of their home and buy a variety of designs and decorative objects from [[Tom Nook]]. In previous games he would let [[player]]s alter their home in his [[shop]].
**After activating the Happy Home showcase players can also view their scores by talking to the now present  Lyle.
* '''[[Kicks (shop)|Kicks]]''' - A shop that now sells shoes and socks, run by [[Kicks]], a minor character who first appeared in {{CF}}.
* '''[[Garden Center]]''' - A shop that sells flower seeds and tree saplings, run by a sloth named [[Leif]]. In [[T.I.Y]] and [[T&T Emporium]] the [[Garden Center]] is attached or inside the store.
* '''[[Shampoodle]]''' - Located upstairs to the Able Sisters, offering hair and eye color styling. Like previous games, the store is once again run by [[Harriet]].
* '''[[Museum]]''' - [[Blathers]] continues to run the town's museum, which now offers a wider range of fossils and fish to exhibit, an exhibition room, and a museum shop that is run by [[Celeste]]. 
** The art section now also includes statues and other works besides paintings.
* '''[[Club LOL]]''' - A club run by [[K.K. Slider]] and [[Dr. Shrunk]]. K.K Slider works daily as a DJ, while still holding traditional performances on Saturday nights.
* '''[[Photo Booth]]''' - A booth that allows the player to take a picture for their [[Town Pass Card]].
* '''[[Dream Suite]]''' - Run by [[Luna]], allowing players to visit other towns by inputting that town's dream address. The visit is set in a dream world, so no alterations can be made to that town.
**Also no items can be taken except for patterns if the mayor of the town authorizes it. To get the patterns look around town for Wendell the walrus.
* '''[[Happy Home Showcase]]''' - A showcase that stores houses of other players who have exchanged data via StreetPass. The homes may be viewed, and furniture from the houses can be ordered for purchase.
* '''[[Fortune Shop]]''' - After receiving 20 fortunes from [[Katrina]] during her visits, she will open a permanent Fortune Shop.

Other buildings found in the town include:
* '''[[Re-Tail]]''' - A shop run by [[Reese]] and [[Cyrus]], where the player can sell items, customize furniture, and recycle items into new creations. They may also post items for sale to [[villager]]s or other players.
* '''[[Police Station]]''' - The police station returns as a [[public works project]] for the town. There are two different styles the player can choose from:
**Classic, which run by [[Booker]] and appears as square wooden building.
**Modern, which is run by [[Copper]] and resembles the rounded building seen in previous games.
* '''[[Resetti Surveillance Center]]''' - The surveillance center returns as a public works project, which is designed as a manhole cover the player may enter after rainy days.
* '''[[The Roost]]''' - This coffee shop also makes a return as a standalone building that can be built through a public works project. [[Brewster]] makes his return in the Roost, who the player can now work part-time for, and take coffee to-go outside of the Roost.
* '''[[Campground]]''' - A campground can be constructed as a public works project. Depending on the season, [[Tent]]s and [[Igloo]]s will periodically appear with animal visitors. Players can play games with them, and occasionally encourage, or discourage them to move into their town.

==Release and Reception==
''New Leaf'' received generally positive reviews and ratings upon release. Its visuals were a key point for praise, with the 3D features well-commended. The more in-depth gameplay and details offered from previous ''Animal Crossing'' games were also viewed positively, along with the presence of enough new content to keep the game exciting.

Ratings include:
* [[Wikipedia:Famitsu|Famitsu]]: 39/40<ref>[http://www.polygon.com/2012/10/31/3580050/japan-review-check-animal-crossing-dynasty-warriors-silent-hill Polygon - Japan review check: Animal Crossing, Dynasty Warriors, Silent Hill]</ref>
* [[Wikipedia:GameSpot|GameSpot]]: 8/10<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/animal-crossing-new-leaf/reviews/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review-6409125/ GameSpot - Animal Crossing: New Leaf Review]</ref>
* [[Wikipedia:IGN|IGN]]: 9.6/10<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review IGN - New Leaf Review]</ref>
* [[Wikipedia:Metacritic|Metacritic]] (an average of 70 reviews): 88% <ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/animal-crossing-new-leaf ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' on Metacritic]</ref>

In Japan, the game sold over 600,000 copies in its first week,<ref>[http://www.gamespot.com/news/big-in-japan-november-5-11-animal-crossing-new-leaf-6400172 GameSpot - Big in Japan November 5-11: Animal Crossing: New Leaf]</ref> and went on to become the top-selling Nintendo 3DS game in the country at over 2 million units. Worldwide, ''New Leaf'' had sold over 3.87 million units as of June 12, 2013.

==Gallery==
{{Main|Animal Crossing: New Leaf/Gallery}}
The following are official press images distributed to Animal Crossing sites. Most of the images were taken directly from the trailers, but some new character art was also provided for players, [[Bill]], [[Rosie]], [[Bob]], [[Filbert]] and [[Curt]].

<center><gallery caption="E3 2010">
File:AC3DS 1.png|A player near a rock. Notice how realistic the trees are.
File:AC3DS 2.png|A player with [[Curt]] in front of a bench. Notice the new lampposts and the return of the bedhead.
File:AC3DS 3.png|A player with [[Bob]] on a beach. Notice the new beaches on the sides of the town.
File:AC3DS 4.png|A player in [[Filbert|Filbert's]] house
File:AC3DS 5.png|A player with a [[shovel]] Notice that the flowers come in fours instead of threes.
File:AC3DS 6.png|A player in their [[house]]
File:AC3DS 7.jpg|A player in [[Rosie|Rosie's]] house
</gallery>
<gallery caption="E3 2011">
File:AC3DS 8.jpg|A player jumping into the ocean (Players may only swim while wearing a wetsuit)
File:AC3DS 9.jpg|A player about to catch a [[yellow butterfly]]
File:AC3DS 10.jpg|A player picking [[mushroom]]s
File:AC3DS 11.jpg|A player near bushes
File:AC3DS 12.jpg|A player near a street lamp in the snow
File:AC3DS 13.jpg|A player outside a tent
File:AC3DS 14.jpg|A player swimming
File:AC3DS 15.jpg|A player in [[Bunnie|Bunnie's]] house
File:AC3DS 16.jpg|A player in a house
File:AC3DS 17.jpg|A player with Isabelle.
File:AC3DS 18.jpg|A player on a bench with [[Punchy]]
File:AC3DS 19.jpg|A player after changing their pants and shoes
File:Animal Crossing 3DS.png|The beta logo
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Tokyo Game Show 2011">
File:AC3DS 20.jpg|A player sitting inside a house 
File:AC3DS 21.jpg|A player next to a well
File:AC3DS 22.png|[[Tom Nook]] following the player
File:AC3DS 23.jpg|Two players swimming in the ocean
File:AC3DS 24.jpg|Players gathered inside a house
File:AC3DS 25.jpg|Two villagers and a player in a house
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Nintendo Direct 2012, April">
File:Shoes.jpg|A player in a shoe store run by Kicks
File:Furniture.jpg|A player in [[Re-Tail]] run by Reese
File:Office.jpg|A player in their office with Isabelle
File:Shelter.jpg|A player standing under a structure with Rudy the cat nearby
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Nintendo Direct 2012, October">
File:AC3D-Direct1.jpg|A player standing at a house
File:AC3D-Direct2.jpg|A player running by some shops
File:AC3D-Direct3.jpg|Kicks' shop
File:AC3D-Direct4.jpg|[[Leif]]
File:AC3D-Direct5.jpg|Reese
File:Rainbow and Railroad.jpg|A railroad crossing beneath a rainbow
File:Snowman 3DS.jpg|A player next to a [[snowman]]
File:Redd 3DS.jpg|[[Redd]] in a booth near a player
File:Lemon Trees.png|The player running past some [[fruit|lemon]] trees
File:Maze Minigame.png|A player in a maze minigame
File:Kapp'n and Motorboat.png|[[Kapp'n]] on his motorboat, ready to board multiple players
File:Island Shop.JPG|The [[Island]] shop where the player can trade medals for items.
File:Break_Out_Tour.jpg|"Break Out! Southern Labyrinth Tour" is a tour that 4 players can cooperatively play on the [[island]].
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Magazine Scans">
File:AC3Dscan1.jpeg|An August 2012 magazine scan translated to English.
File:AC3Dscan2.jpeg|Another August 2012 magazine scan translated to English.
</gallery>
<gallery caption="Characters">
File:AC3DS Boy.png|Artwork of a boy player
File:AC3DS Girl.png|Artwork of a girl player
File:Isabelle NL.png|Artwork of [[Isabelle]]
File:Bill NL.png|Artwork of [[Bill]]
File:Curt NL.png|Artwork of [[Curt]]
File:LeifAnimalCrossingNewLeaf.png|Artwork of [[Leif]]
File: Kappn 3DS.png|Artwork of [[Kapp'n]]
File: Digby.png|Artwork of [[Digby]]
</gallery></center>

==Pre-release elements==
''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' has several concept artwork that can resemble or vary wildly from the released design.

<center><gallery>
File:Character Concept Art.png
File:Lucha Concept Art.png|[[Lucha]]
File:Merengue Concept Art.png|[[Merengue]]
File:Pietro Concept Art.png|[[Pietro]]
File:Penelope Concept Art.png|[[Penelope]]
File:Clover Clock Concept Art.png
File:Dessert Concept Art.png
File:Landscaping Concept Art.png
</gallery></center>

==Trivia==
*In ''Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze'', one of Donkey Kong's idle animations is pulling out a blue 3DS XL. Sound effects from ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'', one of the four games, are heard.


==External Links==
*[http://animal-crossing.com/newleaf/ Official Site (English)]
*[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/egdj/index.html Official Site (Japanese)]

==References==
<references/>

{{Animal Crossing}}
[[Category:Video Games]]
[[Category:Animal Crossing series]]