Difference between revisions of "Animal Crossing: New Leaf"

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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Animal Crossing: New Leaf''}}<!--
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{{Infobox Video Game
-->{{Infobox Video Game
 
 
|title        = [[File:Animal Crossing New Leaf logo.png|200px|English logo]]
 
|title        = [[File:Animal Crossing New Leaf logo.png|200px|English logo]]
|image        = [[File:New Leaf Boxart for North America.jpg|200px|North American box art]]
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|image        = [[File:New Leaf Boxart for North America.jpg|250px|North American game cover]]
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|caption      = North American game cover
 
|theme        = [[File:NL Title.flac]]
 
|theme        = [[File:NL Title.flac]]
 
|developer    = {{Wp|Nintendo EAD}}
 
|developer    = {{Wp|Nintendo EAD}}
 
|publisher    = [[Nintendo]]
 
|publisher    = [[Nintendo]]
 +
|director    = [[Isao Moro]]<br>[[Aya Kyogoku]]
 
|series      = ''[[Animal Crossing (series)|Animal Crossing]]''
 
|series      = ''[[Animal Crossing (series)|Animal Crossing]]''
|released    = {{Flag|JPN}} November 8, 2012<ref name="JPN release date">http://www.nintendo-master.com/xtnews/news-31632_animal_crossing__jump_out_date_au_japon.htm</ref><br>{{Flag|KOR}} February 7, 2013<ref name="KOR release date">http://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=69&press_div=P</ref><br>{{Flag|USA}} June 9, 2013<ref name="USA release date">http://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/archive/02-14-2013/</ref><br>{{Flag|EUR}} June 14, 2013<br>{{Flag|AUS}} June 15, 2013
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|released    = {{Flag|JPN}} November 8, 2012<ref name="JPN release date">{{Cite web|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831182111/https://www.nintendo-master.com/xtnews/news-31632_animal_crossing__jump_out_date_au_japon.htm|title=Animal Crossing : Jump Out daté au Japon|archive-date=August 31, 2012|date=August 28, 2012|author=sebdu60|site=Nintendo Master|language=French}}</ref><br>{{Flag|KOR}} February 7, 2013<ref name="KOR release date">https://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=69&press_div=P</ref><br>{{Flag|USA}} June 9, 2013<ref name="USA release date">https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/archive/02-14-2013/</ref><br>{{Flag|EUR}} June 14, 2013<br>{{Flag|AUS}} June 15, 2013
 
|genre        = Simulation
 
|genre        = Simulation
|modes        = Single-player<br>Multiplayer <small>(1-4 player local wireless/online)</small>
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|languages    = {{Flag|USA}} <small>English, French, Spanish</small><br>{{Flag|JPN}} <small>Japanese</small><br>{{Flag|EUR}} {{Flag|AUS}} <small>English, French, Italian, German, Spanish</small><br>{{Flag|KOR}} <small>Korean</small>
|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}}
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|modes        = Single-player<br>Multiplayer <small>(1–4 player local wireless/online)</small>
 +
|ratings      = {{Rating|ACB=G|CERO=A|ESRB=E|GRAC=All|PEGI=3|RARS=0+|USK=0}}
 
|platforms    = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
 
|platforms    = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
 
|media        = Nintendo 3DS Game Card<br>Nintendo eShop digital download
 
|media        = Nintendo 3DS Game Card<br>Nintendo eShop digital download
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|strategywiki = Animal Crossing: New Leaf
 
|strategywiki = Animal Crossing: New Leaf
 
}}
 
}}
'''''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'''''{{Note|{{Nihongo foot|とびだせどうぶつの森|Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori|Animal Forest: Jump Out}}}} is a simulation game for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] released in 2012. It is the fourth main installment in the {{SER}} released outside of Japan.
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'''''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'''''{{Note|name=Japanese|{{Nihongo foot|とびだせどうぶつの森|Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori|Animal Forest: Jump Out}}}} is a simulation game for the [[Nintendo 3DS]] released on November 8, 2012. It is the fourth main installment in the {{SER}} released outside of Japan.
  
An open-ended game, {{NL|short|nolink}} follows a player-controlled human living in a town populated with animals and performing various tasks, such as interacting with characters and collecting items. Like all games in the {{SER|nolink}}, the game is synced to the system clock, which affects the gameplay based on the current time and day. New to {{NL|short|nolink}} is the player taking on the role of [[mayor]] of the town, having more control over it than in previous games.
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An open-ended game, {{NL|short|nolink}} follows a player-controlled human living in a town populated with animals and performing various tasks, such as interacting with characters and collecting items. As is with all games in the {{SER}}, the game is synced to the system clock, which affects gameplay based on the current time and day. {{NL|short|nolink}} sees the introduction of the player undertaking the role as [[mayor]] of the town, allowing for added freedom and customisation.
  
In November 2016, an update titled {{NLWa|short}} was released. The update includes new villagers, new items, and [[amiibo]] support.
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In November 2016, {{NL|short|nolink}} received a free expansion titled {{NLWa}}. It was first released on November 2, 2016. The update included new gameplay features and the inclusion of [[amiibo]] support.
  
 
==Development and unveiling==
 
==Development and unveiling==
{{Section}}
 
 
{{See also|Animal Crossing: New Leaf/Staff|label1=List of Animal Crossing: New Leaf staff}}
 
{{See also|Animal Crossing: New Leaf/Staff|label1=List of Animal Crossing: New Leaf staff}}
{{NL|nolink}} was unveiled at E3 2010 with a gameplay trailer. Shortly after, there was news that the player could be the mayor of the town,<ref>[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>[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.
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[[File:AC3DS 1.png|thumb|left|250px|Early footage of {{NL|short|nolink}} revealed at E3 2010.]]
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{{NL|nolink}} was first unveiled during E3 2010, on June 15th, 2010.<ref>[https://www.ign.com/articles/2010/06/15/e3-2010-animal-crossing-3ds-announced E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS Announced]</ref> During Nintendo's E3 2010 conference, a [https://youtu.be/ujToXzIzFHg non-playable demo] showcased footage of the game, and it was announced that the player would undertake the role as mayor of the town,<ref>[https://www.nintendoworldreport.com/previewArt.cfm?artid=23365 Nintendo World Report - Animal Crossing: New Leaf]</ref> with the goal of making it a better place to live.<ref>[http://www.officialnintendomagazine.co.uk/article.php?id=17921 Official Nintendo Magazine - E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS announced]</ref> At this time, the game was then untitled, given a working title of just ''Animal Crossing''. Additional gameplay footage was released on September 29, 2010 at the Nintendo 3DS Conference.<ref>[https://youtu.be/yMTyrHcMYlw Animal Crossing 3DS - Nintendo Conference 2010]</ref>
  
At E3 2011, a gameplay trailer was shown that showed off some of the game's new features.{{Citation Needed}}
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Early work and planning for the English localization of {{NL|short|nolink}} began in late 2010, according to [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Reiko_Ninomiya Reiko Ninomiya] of Nintendo Treehouse. Ninomiya explained, "We worked with the development team and brainstormed ideas for events and items, and even how some of the old characters and events could be twisted and changed and have them evolve as well." <ref name = "reiko">[https://youtu.be/pgg62DMyzyA Inside the Treehouse with Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Localizing Animal Crossing (Ep 1)]</ref> New gameplay footage was revealed at the Nintendo World Expo in January 2011.<ref>[https://youtu.be/RMsoBoJRwYE Animal Crossing 3DS - New Footage 19/1/2011]</ref>
  
The game's final English title was announced on April 21, 2012.{{Citation Needed}} Later in 2012, on October 5, a Japanese Nintendo Direct showcased more of the game's new features.
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On June 7, 2011, {{NL|short|nolink}} received its first full-length gameplay trailer as part of E3 2011.<ref>[https://youtu.be/tgIy5YZKp-8 Nintendo 3DS - Animal Crossing E3 Trailer]</ref> An additional trailer was released as part of the Nintendo 3DS Conference in September 2011.<ref>[https://youtu.be/mYOyLzmp62E Animal Crossing 3DS Trailer (September 13, 2011)]</ref> A developer roundtable hosted in September 2011 revealed additional information about the game, such as expanded clothing and customisation options, and formally introduced [[Isabelle]] as the mayor's assistant.<ref>[https://youtu.be/b-HIlN9bnj0 Animal Crossing (3DS) - Developer Roundtable]</ref>
  
In early 2013, to promote the new game, Nintendo of America launched an official [http://www.animal-crossing.com/newleaf/ ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' website],{{Citation Needed}} containing information and trailers regarding the game.
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Full localization of {{NL|short|nolink}} began in March 2012, according to Reiko Ninomiya; "The actual translation we started in, I'd like to put the pin right around March 2012. So we did English, French, and Spanish for our region and we got to work really closely together with Nintendo of Europe as well." <ref name = "reiko"></ref>
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 +
During a Nintendo Direct hosted on April 21, 2012, the game's Japanese title was announced {{Note|name=Japanese}} and the game was given a release window of Fall 2012. A Japanese exclusive Animal Crossing Direct premiered on October 5, 2012, showcasing more of the game's new features.<ref>[https://youtu.be/WxxZLdJOQs8 Animal Crossing Direct (Nintendo 3DS)]</ref> On October 25, 2012, a Nintendo Direct announced the game's localized subtitle as {{NL|nolink}} and was set to launch overseas in early 2013.<ref>[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D4QFbibEnX8 Nintendo Direct 10.25.12]</ref> The definitive release dates of the game for North America, Europe, and Australia, were announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 14, 2013.<ref>[https://youtu.be/cntz1GyM1Bs Nintendo Direct 2.14.2013]</ref>
  
 
==Gameplay==
 
==Gameplay==
Like all ''Animal Crossing'' games, {{NL|short|nolink}} is an open-ended game where the player takes the role of a human moving into a town of animals. Tasks the player can partake in include socializing with villagers, collecting items, catching fish or bugs, and paying off their [[home loan]]. The game takes place in real-time, meaning the in-game time of day and year matches that of the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. The time of day and year affects aspects of gameplay such as whether or not shops are open or villagers are awake, seasonal events, and the availability of certain fish, bugs, and items. Up to four players can live in a town, with each having their own house.
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Like previous ''Animal Crossing'' games before it, {{NL|short|nolink}} is an open-ended simulation game where the player takes the role of a human moving into a town of animals. Tasks the player can partake in include socializing with villagers, collecting items, catching fish and bugs, and paying off their [[home loan]]. The game takes place in real-time, meaning the in-game time of day and year matches that of the [[Nintendo 3DS]]. The time of day and year affects aspects of gameplay such as whether or not shops are open or villagers are awake, seasonal events, and the availability of certain fish, bugs, and items. Up to four players can live in a town, with each one having their own house.
 +
 
 +
===Premise===
 +
[[File:NL Rover Name.png|thumb|210px|left|Rover talking to the player during the opening introduction to {{NL|short|nolink}}.]]
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The game begins with the player's train ride moving into their new town. On the train, they are greeted by [[Rover]], whose questions determine the player's appearance. When the first player arrives in town, they are greeted by [[Isabelle]] and three [[Villager|villagers]], who believe them to be the new mayor of the town; all subsequent players are instead greeted as standard residents.
 +
 
 +
[[File:NL Mayor Welcome.png|200px|thumb|right|Isabelle welcoming the new mayor to town.]]
 +
The mayor's secretary, [[Isabelle]], takes the player to the [[town hall]], where she gives the player their [[Town Pass Card]] and encourages them to visit [[Nook's Homes]] on main street to find a place to live. The player is then introduced to [[Tom Nook]], who offers to build them a house.
 +
 
 +
After choosing a location for their new home, Isabelle informs the player they need to increase their town approval rating as mayor, which is done by performing various day-to-day tasks in the town. When a player's approval rating reaches one hundred percent, the ability to build [[Public works project|public works projects]] and enact [[Ordinance|ordinances]] as mayor is unlocked.
 +
 
 +
===Mayor===
 +
{{Main|Mayor#The player as mayor (New Leaf)}}
 +
As the mayor of the town, the player is given the task to make it a better place to live and achieve a "perfect town" [[Environment_rating|environment rating]] status. This can be done through the mayor's ability to build [[Public works project|public works projects]], which are outdoor structures (such as bridges, benches, and various amenities) that can be placed around town, for a new level of added customisation to the {{SER|nolink}}. The mayor can also enact [[Ordinance|ordinances]], which changes an aspect of the town, such as the opening hours of stores or the price of items. Only the first player to move to the town is mayor; all subsequent players are standard residents and cannot perform the duties of mayor.
 +
 
 +
===Multiplayer===
 +
{{Main|Multiplayer#In Animal Crossing: New Leaf}}
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[[File:NL Multiplayer.jpg|thumb|210px|left|{{NL|short|nolink}} supports four-person multiplayer.]]
 +
The town can facilitate up to four playable residents on the same game cartridge, with four-person simultaneous multiplayer supported through online means and local wireless. {{NL|short|nolink}} places heightened emphasis on multiplayer and connection features due to the added online functionality of the [[Nintendo 3DS]], compared to past [[Nintendo]] systems.
  
===Plot===
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{{NL|short|nolink}} introduces the "[[Multiplayer#Best_friends|best friend]]" system, which allows for an instant message-exchange function, the ability to play online mini-games through [[Tortimer_Island#Club_Tortimer|Club Tortimer]], visit other player's towns via the [[Dream Suite]], and view player's homes at the [[Happy Home Showcase]]. {{NL|short|nolink}} co-director [[Aya Kyogoku]] explained this was done in order to "feel the presence of others" within the game, building upon the original mission of {{DnM}} - "encouraging communication among different players." <ref name="GDC14">{{Cite web|author=Katsuya Eguchi, Aya Kyogoku|url=https://www.gdcvault.com/play/1020809/How-to-Turn-a-New|title=How to Turn a New Leaf at the Animal Crossing|date-March 19, 2014|site=GDC Vault}}</ref>
[[File:NL Mayor Welcome.png|thumb|right|Isabelle welcoming the mayor after they first arrive in the town]]
 
The player moves to town by train and is greeted by [[Rover]], whose questions determine the player's appearance. When the first player arrives in town, they are greeted by [[Isabelle]] and three [[villager]]s, who believe them to be the new mayor of the town; all subsequent players are greeted as standard residents. Isabelle, the mayor's secretary, takes the player to [[town hall]], where she gives the player a [[Town Pass Card]] and tells them to go to [[Tom Nook]] at [[Nook's Homes]] to buy a house. After the player chooses a location for their house, Isabelle tells the player they need to increase their approval rating as mayor, which is done by performing various tasks. When the player's approval rating reaches 100%, the ability to build [[public works project]]s and enact a [[ordinance]] is unlocked.
 
  
===New features===
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On October 4, 2023, it was announced that Nintendo will discontinue online play and functionality for the Nintendo 3DS by early April 2024, after which it will no longer be possible to play {{NL|short|nolink}} online.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/63227/|title=Announcement of Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software|date=October 4, 2023|retrieved=October 4, 2023|site=Nintendo Support|author=Nintendo Support}}</ref> Online play will end on April 8, 2024 at 4 PM PDT, but [[StreetPass]] functionality will remain available.
====Mayor====
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{{Clear}}
As mayor, the player can build [[public works project]]s, which are structures such as bridges, benches, and lights, that can be placed around town. The mayor can also enact a [[ordinance]], which changes an aspect of the town, such as the opening hours of stores or the price of items. Only the first player to move to the town is mayor; all subsequent players are standard residents and cannot perform the duties of mayor.
 
  
====Locations====
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==={{NLWa|nolink}}===
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[[File:NLWa Campground.png|thumb|210px|right|The campground as introduced in {{NLWa|short}}.]]
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{{Main|Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo}}
 +
{{NL|short|nolink}} received a free major content expansion titled {{NLWa|short}} in November 2016. The update was previously announced on July 20, 2016, with the promise of added [[amiibo]] figure and card support, with a release date announced for that autumn.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Damien McFerran|date=July 20, 2016|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/07/autumn_animal_crossing_new_leaf_update_to_bring_amiibo_figure_and_card_support|title=Autumn Animal Crossing: New Leaf Update To Bring amiibo Figure And Card Support|site=Nintendo Life}}</ref> On November 2, 2016, the update was fully unveiled as {{NLWa|short|nolink}} in a 16-minute Animal Crossing Direct, and was released that same day.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=November 2, 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bk3dAR0M68|title=Animal Crossing Direct 11.2.2016|site=YouTube}}</ref>
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The {{NLWa|short|nolink}} update saw several new features added to the game; notably, the addition of the [[campground]], run by [[Harvey]], a new location that facilitates [[amiibo]] support. [[Wisp]] also returns to the {{SER}}, allowing the player to scan in [[amiibo]] cards and figures, to invite villagers and special characters to the [[campground]]. Additionally, the update increases the total villager count from to 399; with 14 entirely new villagers, and 46 returning from {{DnM}}.
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 +
==Features==
 +
===Locations===
 
New locations in {{NL|short|nolink}} include [[Main Street]], [[Timmy and Tommy's store]], [[Nook's Homes]], [[Kicks]], [[Club LOL]], the [[Garden Shop]], [[Photo Booth]], [[Dream Suite]], [[Happy Home Showcase]], [[Tortimer Island]], and [[Re-Tail]]. Several locations from previous games, such as the [[museum]] and the [[Able Sisters]], return as well.
 
New locations in {{NL|short|nolink}} include [[Main Street]], [[Timmy and Tommy's store]], [[Nook's Homes]], [[Kicks]], [[Club LOL]], the [[Garden Shop]], [[Photo Booth]], [[Dream Suite]], [[Happy Home Showcase]], [[Tortimer Island]], and [[Re-Tail]]. Several locations from previous games, such as the [[museum]] and the [[Able Sisters]], return as well.
*[[Main Street]] is a hub located north of the town that contains various shops and buildings.
 
:*[[Timmy and Tommy's store]] is a general store that replaces [[Tom Nook's store]] from previous games. It has five incarnations: [[Nookling Junction]], [[T&T Mart]], [[Super T&T]], [[T.I.Y.]], and [[T&T Emporium]].
 
:*The [[Able Sisters]] is a clothing store. New to {{NL|short|nolink}} is a second room operated by [[Label|Labelle]], as well as a machine that allows the player to scan in design QR codes.
 
:*[[Shampoodle]] is a salon located above the Able Sisters that allows the player to customize their [[hairstyle]] and eye color.
 
:*The [[museum]], operated by [[Blathers]], allows the player to donate [[bugs]], [[fish]], [[sea creatures]], and works of [[art]]. New to {{NL|short|nolink}} is a second floor operated by [[Celeste]], where the player can purchase museum-themed items and up to four display rooms.
 
:*The [[Garden Shop]] is a store operated by [[Leif]] that sells gardening-related items, such as saplings and flower bags.
 
:*The [[Dream Suite]] is a building operated by [[Luna]] that allows the player to share a [[dream]] of their town, as well as visit other players' dream towns.
 
:*The [[Photo Booth]] allows the player to take their [[Town Pass Card]] photo.
 
*[[Town Hall]] is the building where [[Isabelle]] resides. The player can speak to her to access various options, such as the ability to change the [[town tune]] or [[flag]]. Additionally, the mayor can sit at the desk in the back to access options for public works projects and ordinances.
 
*The [[plaza]] is where [[events]] are held. During an event, a visitor or Isabelle appears in the plaza.
 
*[[The Roost]] is a café operated by [[Brewster]] that the player can build as a public works project. The player can now work part-time at The Roost.
 
*[[Re-Tail]] is a recycling shop operated by [[Reese]] and [[Cyrus]] where the player can sell or customize items.
 
*The [[Campsite (facility)|campsite]] is a public works project that holds a tent or igloo containing a non-resident villager. The villager can play games with the player, and they can be invited to move to the town.
 
*The [[Reset Surveillance Center]] is a public works project that allows [[Mr. Resetti]] to appear when the player turns off the game without saving. Additionally, the player can enter the center at night after some rainy days.
 
*The [[Police Station]] is a public works project building operated by either [[Booker]] or [[Copper]] that holds the [[lost and found]].
 
*[[Tortimer Island]] is a tropical island that the player can sail to via [[Kapp'n]]'s motorboat, which appears at a dock on the southern beach of the town. On the island, which always has the climate of [[summer]], the player can catch fish, bugs, and sea creatures, and harvest tropical fruit. Additionally, the player can go on minigame-like [[tour]]s where they can win [[Medal]]s, the currency of the island.
 
  
====Characters====
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===Items===
{{NL|nolink}} introduces twelve new special characters, including [[Cyrus]], [[Digby]], [[Grams]], [[Isabelle]], [[Leif]], [[Leila]], [[Leilani]], [[Luna]], [[Reese]], [[Snowman (New Leaf)|Snowman]], [[Snowmam]], and [[Snowtyke]].
+
{{NL|short|nolink}} introduces several new items, such as [[sea creature]]s that can be donated to the museum, statues that can be donated to the museum as [[art]], wall-mounted [[furniture]], bottoms, socks, and shoes. Additionally, the appearance of furniture can now be [[Furniture customization|customized]] at [[Re-Tail]].
 +
 
 +
===Miscellaneous===
 +
{{NL|short|nolink}} introduces many other new features for the {{SER}}, some of the most notable being:
 +
*Each personality now has its own pitch of [[Animalese]]; in previous games, the variants were limited to male, female, and [[cranky]] male.
 +
*The player can now pick the town layout while on the train when the game starts, rather than being assigned a random map.
 +
*House exteriors can now be [[House customization|customized]] to reflect various styles.
 +
*Flowers now drip with water once a watering can has been 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.
 +
*The player can communicate with another player even if they are in a different town.
 +
*Villagers are now more active in the town environment, being capable of fishing, shaking trees, entering buildings, and more.
 +
*The player can now choose where they want their house.
 +
 
 +
==Characters==
 +
===Special characters===
 +
{{See also|Animal Crossing: New Leaf/Characters}}
 +
{{See also|Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo#amiibo and new villagers}}
 +
{{NL|nolink}} introduces thirteen new [[special characters]], while only one old special character returns after being absent in both {{WW|short}} and {{CF|short}}.
 +
 
 +
====New special characters====
 +
<gallery mode="" widths=80px>
 +
Cyrus NL.png| '''[[Cyrus]]'''<br>[[Customization|Customizing]] items
 +
Digby NL.png| '''[[Digby]]'''<br>[[Happy Home Showcase]]
 +
DJ K.K. NL.png| '''[[DJ KK]]'''<br>[[List of K.K. Slider songs|Song]] remixes
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Grams NL.png| '''[[Grams]]'''<br>[[Tortimer Island]] ([[medal]] shop)
 +
Isabelle NL.png| '''[[Isabelle]]'''<br>[[Town Hall]] secretary
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Leif NL.png| '''[[Leif]]'''<br>[[Garden Shop]] owner and [[Weeding Day]] host
 +
Leila NL.png| '''[[Leila]]'''<br>Buys items for a cheap price on [[Tortimer Island]]
 +
Leilani NL.png| '''[[Leilani]]'''<br>[[Tortimer Island]] ([[tour]]s)
 +
Luna NL.png| '''[[Luna]]'''<br>[[Dream]]s
 +
Reese NL.png| '''[[Reese]]'''<br>Buying and selling at [[Re-Tail]]
 +
Papa Snowman NL.png| '''[[Snowman (New Leaf)|Snowman]]'''<br>Unique [[furniture]]
 +
Snowmam NL.png| '''[[Snowmam]]'''<br>Giving [[players]] [[furniture]] in the [[Ice Series]]
 +
Snowtyke NL.png| '''[[Snowtyke]]'''<br>Unique [[furniture]]
 +
</gallery>
 +
 
 +
====Returning special character====
 +
<gallery mode="" widths=80px>
 +
Porter NL.png| '''[[Porter]]'''<br>[[Train Station]]
 +
</gallery>
  
 +
===Villagers===
 +
{{See also|Villager/New Leaf}}
 
There are a total of 333 villagers in {{NL|short|nolink}}, which is 123 more than {{CF}}. 100 new villagers have been added, 24 have returned after being absent from {{WW|short|nolink}} and {{CF|short|nolink}}, and one—[[Champ]]—has been removed. Additionally, two new personality types—[[big sister]] and [[smug]]—and two new villager species—[[hamster]] and [[deer]]—have been added.
 
There are a total of 333 villagers in {{NL|short|nolink}}, which is 123 more than {{CF}}. 100 new villagers have been added, 24 have returned after being absent from {{WW|short|nolink}} and {{CF|short|nolink}}, and one—[[Champ]]—has been removed. Additionally, two new personality types—[[big sister]] and [[smug]]—and two new villager species—[[hamster]] and [[deer]]—have been added.
  
=====New Villagers=====
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====New villagers====
<gallery mode="" heights=80px widths=80px>
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<gallery mode="" widths=80px>
 
Agnes NLWa.png| '''[[Agnes]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[pig]]
 
Agnes NLWa.png| '''[[Agnes]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[pig]]
 
Annalisa NLWa.png| '''[[Annalisa]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[anteater]]
 
Annalisa NLWa.png| '''[[Annalisa]]'''<br>[[Normal]] [[anteater]]
Line 94: Line 145:
 
Colton NLWa.png | '''[[Colton]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[horse]]
 
Colton NLWa.png | '''[[Colton]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[horse]]
 
Cranston NLWa.png | '''[[Cranston]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[ostrich]]
 
Cranston NLWa.png | '''[[Cranston]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[ostrich]]
Croque NLWa.png | '''[[Croque]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[frog]]
+
Croque NLWa.png | '''[[Croque]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[frog (species)|frog]]
 
Deirdre NLWa.png | '''[[Deirdre]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[deer]]
 
Deirdre NLWa.png | '''[[Deirdre]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[deer]]
 
Deli NLWa.png | '''[[Deli]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[monkey]]
 
Deli NLWa.png | '''[[Deli]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[monkey]]
 
Diana NLWa.png | '''[[Diana]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[deer]]
 
Diana NLWa.png | '''[[Diana]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[deer]]
Diva NLWa.png | '''[[Diva]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[frog]]
+
Diva NLWa.png | '''[[Diva]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[frog (species)|frog]]
 
Drago NLWa.png | '''[[Drago]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[alligator]]
 
Drago NLWa.png | '''[[Drago]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[alligator]]
 
Erik NLWa.png | '''[[Erik]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[deer]]
 
Erik NLWa.png | '''[[Erik]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[deer]]
Line 116: Line 167:
 
Hans NLWa.png | '''[[Hans]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[gorilla]]
 
Hans NLWa.png | '''[[Hans]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[gorilla]]
 
Hazel NLWa.png | '''[[Hazel]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[squirrel]]
 
Hazel NLWa.png | '''[[Hazel]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[squirrel]]
Henry NLWa.png | '''[[Henry]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[frog]]
+
Henry NLWa.png | '''[[Henry]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[frog (species)|frog]]
 
Hippeux NLWa.png | '''[[Hippeux]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[hippo]]
 
Hippeux NLWa.png | '''[[Hippeux]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[hippo]]
 
Jacques NLWa.png | '''[[Jacques]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[bird]]
 
Jacques NLWa.png | '''[[Jacques]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[bird]]
Line 147: Line 198:
 
Pietro NLWa.png | '''[[Pietro]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[sheep]]
 
Pietro NLWa.png | '''[[Pietro]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[sheep]]
 
Quillson NLWa.png | '''[[Quillson]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[duck]]
 
Quillson NLWa.png | '''[[Quillson]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[duck]]
Renee NLWa.png | '''[[Renée]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[rhinoceros]]
+
Renée NLWa.png | '''[[Renée]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[rhinoceros]]
 
Rocket NLWa.png | '''[[Rocket]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[gorilla]]
 
Rocket NLWa.png | '''[[Rocket]]'''<br>[[Big sister]] [[gorilla]]
 
Rodney NLWa.png | '''[[Rodney]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[hamster]]
 
Rodney NLWa.png | '''[[Rodney]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[hamster]]
Line 169: Line 220:
 
Walt NLWa.png | '''[[Walt]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[kangaroo]]
 
Walt NLWa.png | '''[[Walt]]'''<br>[[Cranky]] [[kangaroo]]
 
Zell NLWa.png | '''[[Zell]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[deer]]
 
Zell NLWa.png | '''[[Zell]]'''<br>[[Smug]] [[deer]]
Zucker NLWa.png | '''[[Zucker]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[octopus]]
+
Zucker NLWa.png | '''[[Zucker]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[octopus (species)|octopus]]
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
=====Returning=====
+
====Returning villagers====
24 villagers return from {{DnM}}, {{PG}}, and the Japan-exclusive {{DnMe+}}. Seven villagers (marked {{E+ icon}} below) initially only appeared in the latter game and receive localized names for the first time. Seven of the returning villagers have their personalities changed.
+
24 villagers return from {{DnM}}, {{DnM+}}, {{PG}}, and the Japan-exclusive {{DnMe+}}. Seven villagers (marked {{E+ icon}} below) initially only appeared in the latter game and receive localized names for the first time. Seven of the returning villagers have their personalities changed.
<gallery mode="" heights=80px widths=80px>
+
<gallery mode="" widths=80px>
 
Anicotti NLWa.png| '''[[Anicotti]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[mouse]]
 
Anicotti NLWa.png| '''[[Anicotti]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[mouse]]
 
Annalise NLWa.png| '''[[Annalise]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[horse]]
 
Annalise NLWa.png| '''[[Annalise]]'''<br>[[Snooty]] [[horse]]
Line 186: Line 237:
 
Cheri NLWa.png| '''[[Cheri]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[bear cub]]
 
Cheri NLWa.png| '''[[Cheri]]'''<br>[[Peppy]] [[bear cub]]
 
Cobb NLWa.png| '''[[Cobb]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[pig]]
 
Cobb NLWa.png| '''[[Cobb]]'''<br>[[Jock]] [[pig]]
Curlos NLWa.png| '''[[Curlos]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Smug]] sheep<br><small>(formerly [[cranky]])</small>
+
Curlos NLWa.png| '''[[Curlos]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Smug]] [[sheep]]<br><small>(formerly [[cranky]])</small>
 
Doc NLWa.png| '''[[Doc]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[rabbit]]
 
Doc NLWa.png| '''[[Doc]]'''<br>[[Lazy]] [[rabbit]]
 
Frank NLWa.png| '''[[Frank]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Cranky]] [[eagle]]
 
Frank NLWa.png| '''[[Frank]]''' {{E+ icon}}<br>[[Cranky]] [[eagle]]
Line 201: Line 252:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
====Events====
+
==Release==
{{Section}}
+
[[File:Nintendo 2DS NL.jpg|thumb|210px|right|[[Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo 2DS]] bundled with {{NL|short|nolink}}.]]
Many [[events]] return from {{CF}}, while several minor ones are added.
+
 
 +
==={{NL|nolink}}===
  
====Items====
+
{{NL|nolink}} was first released on November 8, 2012 in Japan, and in South Korea on February 7, 2013.<ref name="JPN release date"/><ref name="KOR release date"/> The game was released internationally across June 2013, releasing in North America on June 9, <ref name="USA release date"/> in Europe on June 14, and Australia on June 15, 2013.
{{NL|short|nolink}} introduces several new items, such as [[sea creatures]] that can be donated to the museum, statues that can be donated to the museum as [[art]], wall-mounted [[furniture]], bottoms, socks, and shoes. Additionally, the appearance of furniture can now be [[Furniture customization|customized]] at [[Re-Tail]].
 
  
====Miscellaneous====
+
===Special edition consoles===
{{NL|short|nolink}} introduces many other new features for the {{SER}}, some of the most notable being:
+
{{Main|Nintendo 3DS#Animal Crossing models and bundles}}
* Each personality now has its own pitch of [[Animalese]]; in previous games, the variants were limited to male, female, and [[cranky]] male.
 
* The player can now pick the town layout while on the train when the game starts, rather than being assigned a random map.
 
* House exteriors can now be [[House customization|customized]] to reflect various styles.
 
* Flowers now drip with water once a watering can has been 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.
 
* The player can communicate with another player even if they are in a different town.
 
* Villagers are now more active in the town environment, being capable of fishing, shaking trees, entering buildings, and more.
 
* The player can now choose where they want their house.
 
  
==Release==
+
A special edition {{SER|short}}-themed [[Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo 3DS XL]] console was released alongside {{NL|short|nolink}} in North America, Europe, and Japan, circa 2013. It contained a copy of {{NL|nolink}} pre-installed. A standard red-and-white themed [[Nintendo 3DS|Nintendo 2DS]] bundled with {{NL|short|nolink}} was also released in Europe.
{{NL|nolink}} was released on November 8, 2012 in Japan<ref name="JPN release date"/> and on February 7, 2013 in South Korea.<ref name="KOR release date"/> It was released internationally in June 2013, releasing in North America on June 9,<ref name="USA release date"/> in Europe on June 14, and in Australia on June 15.
 
  
===Bundles and special edition console===
+
==Reception==
An ''Animal Crossing''-themed Nintendo 3DS XL that contained the game pre-installed was released in North America, Europe, and Japan in 2013.{{Citation Needed}}
+
===Critical reception===
 +
{| class="styled color-series" style="float: right; text-align: center;" |
 +
|-
 +
!Publication
 +
!Rating
 +
|-
 +
|{{wp|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>
 +
|-
 +
|{{wp|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>
 +
|-
 +
|{{wp|IGN|IGN}}
 +
|9.6/10<ref>[http://www.ign.com/articles/2013/06/04/animal-crossing-new-leaf-review IGN - New Leaf Review]</ref>
 +
|-
 +
|{{wp|Metacritic|Metacritic}}{{note|at an average of 70 reviews}}
 +
| 88%<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/animal-crossing-new-leaf ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' on Metacritic]</ref>
 +
|}
 +
{{NL|short|nolink}} 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.
  
===Promotion===
+
===Sales===
{{Wp|GAME}}, a UK-based video game retailer, offered a pre-order bonus that contained a free Isabelle and Town Hall figurine.{{Citation Needed}}
+
In Japan, {{NL|short|nolink}} 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. The game has sold 13.05 million global units as of September 30, 2023, making it the second best-selling game in the {{SER}} behind {{NH|short}}.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|title=IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software|site=Nintendo}}</ref>
  
 
==Update history==
 
==Update history==
Line 231: Line 292:
 
<div align=center style="font-size: 1.4em;>Ver. 1.5 (Released December 8, 2016 in {{Flag|USA}} and {{Flag|EUR}})'''</div>
 
<div align=center style="font-size: 1.4em;>Ver. 1.5 (Released December 8, 2016 in {{Flag|USA}} and {{Flag|EUR}})'''</div>
  
{{NL|nolink}} was the first game in the {{SER|nolink}} to receive updates via the Nintendo eShop. These updates, however, were primarily focused on fixing bugs in the game, with the exception of {{NLWa}}, which added new features and items to the game.
+
{{NL|nolink}} was the first game in the {{SER|nolink}} to receive updates via the Nintendo eShop, which primarily focused on fixing bugs in the game, with the exception of {{NLWa}}.
  
 
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:left; width:100%; line-height:14px"
 
{| class="mw-collapsible mw-collapsed" style="text-align:left; width:100%; line-height:14px"
Line 240: Line 301:
 
|changelog=
 
|changelog=
 
:''Official changelog:''
 
:''Official changelog:''
*Fixed a bug that results in error code [004-6006] to be displayed when receiving a present from [[Town Hall]] or from the [[Campground]].
+
*Fixed a bug that results in error code [004-6006] to be displayed when receiving a present from [[town hall]] or from the [[campground]].
 
*Additional issues were adjusted to make the game more comfortable to play.
 
*Additional issues were adjusted to make the game more comfortable to play.
 
}}
 
}}
Line 247: Line 308:
 
|date = {{Flag|JPN}}/{{Flag|USA}}/{{Flag|EUR}} November 2, 2016
 
|date = {{Flag|JPN}}/{{Flag|USA}}/{{Flag|EUR}} November 2, 2016
 
|changelog=
 
|changelog=
:[[File:NLa Home Menu Icon.png|20px|link=]] '''[[Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo|''Welcome amiibo'' Update]]'''
+
:[[File:NLa Home Menu Icon.png|20px|link=]] '''''[[Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo]]'''''
 
}}
 
}}
 
{{Changelog
 
{{Changelog
Line 267: Line 328:
 
|}
 
|}
  
==={{NLWa|nolink}}===
+
==Related media==
{{Main|Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo}}
+
{{NL|nolink}} received three tie-in [[List of Animal Crossing manga|manga]] in Japan: ''[[Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori: Minna de Seseragi Mura Life]]'', ''[[Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori (manga)|Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori]]'', and ''[[Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori: Harikiri Sonchō Ippē!]]''.
In July 2016, an update for {{NL|short|nolink}} including [[amiibo]] support was announced.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Damien McFerran|date=July 20, 2016|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2016/07/autumn_animal_crossing_new_leaf_update_to_bring_amiibo_figure_and_card_support|title=Autumn Animal Crossing: New Leaf Update To Bring amiibo Figure And Card Support|site=Nintendo Life}}</ref> On November 2, the update was fully revealed as the {{NLWa|short|nolink}} update in a 16-minute ''Animal Crossing'' Direct, and it released the same day.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Nintendo|date=November 2, 2016|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Bk3dAR0M68|title=Animal Crossing Direct 11.2.2016|site=YouTube}}</ref>
 
 
 
The {{NLWa|short|nolink}} update several new features. One feature is the [[Campground]], where the player can purchase items from [[Harvey]] with [[MEOW Coupon]]s, a new secondary currency, and visit the [[RV]]s of villagers and special characters. Additionally, [[Wisp]] returns, now allowing the player to scan amiibo card or figures; the player can choose to either bring the respective character to the Campground in their RV if they are compatible, or if they are a villager, have them move into town. The update increases the villager count from 339 to 399, with 14 new villagers and 46 returning after being absent from {{WW|short|nolink}}, {{CF|short|nolink}}, and the base version of {{NL|short|nolink}}.
 
 
 
==Reception==
 
{| class="styled color-series" style="float: right; text-align: center;" |
 
|-
 
!Publication
 
!Rating
 
|-
 
|[[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]]{{note|at an average of 70 reviews}}
 
| 88%<ref>[http://www.metacritic.com/game/3ds/animal-crossing-new-leaf ''Animal Crossing: New Leaf'' on Metacritic]</ref>
 
|}
 
{{NL|short|nolink}} 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.
 
 
 
===Sales===
 
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, {{NL|short|nolink}} has sold 12.97 million units as of September 30, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/en/finance/software/3ds.html|title=IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software|site=Nintendo}}</ref>
 
  
 
==Gallery==
 
==Gallery==
 
{{Gallery}}
 
{{Gallery}}
 
<gallery>
 
<gallery>
BoyBCC NL.png|A [[player]]
+
BoyBCC NL.png|Male [[player]]
NLGirl1.png|A player
+
NLGirl1.png|Female player
 
Isabelle NL.png|[[Isabelle]]
 
Isabelle NL.png|[[Isabelle]]
 
Bill NL.png|[[Bill]]
 
Bill NL.png|[[Bill]]
Line 310: Line 345:
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
== Music ==
+
==Videos==
 +
===Trailers===
 +
{{YouTube|tgIy5YZKp-8|250|left|E3 2011 Trailer (June 7th, 2011)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|895koqZvihI|250|left|2012 Trailer (October 25th, 2012)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|M_UmQ0S1C10|250|left|2013 Trailer (February 14th, 2013)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|GC80YgCckog|250|left|Tourism Trailer (April 8th, 2013)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|z09iRo44Mcs|250|left|Launch Trailer (June 5th, 2013)|height=230px}}
 +
{{YouTube|H_75G1cRw9Q|250|left|North America TV Commercial (2013)|height=230px}}
 +
{{clear}}
 +
 
 +
==Music==
 
{{TableTop Music|title={{NL|nolink}}}}
 
{{TableTop Music|title={{NL|nolink}}}}
 
|-
 
|-
Line 326: Line 371:
  
 
==Trivia==
 
==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.
+
*In the Wii U version of ''[[mariowiki:Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze|Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze]]'' , one of [[mariowiki:Donkey Kong|Donkey Kong]]'s idle animation sees him pull out a blue Nintendo 3DS XL. Sound effects from one of four games, including {{NL|nolink}}, can be heard. This easter egg does not return in the Nintendo Switch port.
*Unlike {{CF}}, {{NL|short|nolink}} does not have separate American and European localizations for French and Spanish, instead having the European localizations for both regions. As a result, characters are referred to by their European names for a language instead of their American names used in {{CF|short|nolink}}, which were the same as in English for both languages. This name change affected the franchise's marketing for Quebec and Latin America, as well as other titles that did receive separate American and European localizations, such as the [[Animal_Crossing_(series)#Spin-off_titles|spin-off titles]] and {{NH}}.
 
  
 
==Names in other languages==
 
==Names in other languages==
 
{{Foreignname
 
{{Foreignname
 
|ja=とびだせ どうぶつの森
 
|ja=とびだせ どうぶつの森
|ja-r=Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori
+
|ja-r=Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori
 
|ja-m=Animal Forest: Jump Out
 
|ja-m=Animal Forest: Jump Out
 
|es=Animal Crossing: New Leaf
 
|es=Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Line 358: Line 402:
 
| wikipedia = 1
 
| wikipedia = 1
 
}}
 
}}
*[http://animal-crossing.com/newleaf/ Official North American website]
+
*[https://www.animal-crossing.com/newleaf/ Official North American website]
*[http://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/egdj/index.html Official Japanese website]
+
*[https://www.nintendo.co.jp/3ds/egdj/index.html Official Japanese website]
  
{{Animal Crossing}}
+
{{Navbox NL}}
 +
{{Navbox Animal Crossing series}}
 
[[Category:Animal Crossing series]]
 
[[Category:Animal Crossing series]]
 
[[Category:Video games]]
 
[[Category:Video games]]
[[Category:Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]
+
[[Category:Animal Crossing: New Leaf|*]]
 +
[[Category:Nintendo 3DS]]
 +
 
 +
[[es:Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]

Latest revision as of 10:14, March 18, 2024

English logo
North American game cover
North American game cover
Main theme
Developer(s) Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Director(s) Isao Moro
Aya Kyogoku
Platform(s) Nintendo 3DS
Release date(s) Japan November 8, 2012[1]
South Korea February 7, 2013[2]
United States of America June 9, 2013[3]
Europe June 14, 2013
Australia June 15, 2013
Genre(s) Simulation
Language(s) United States of America English, French, Spanish
Japan Japanese
Europe Australia English, French, Italian, German, Spanish
South Korea Korean
Modes Single-player
Multiplayer (1–4 player local wireless/online)
Ratings ACB:  G
CERO:  A
ESRB:  E
GRAC:  All
PEGI:  3
RARS:  0+
USK:  0
Media Nintendo 3DS Game Card
Nintendo eShop digital download
File size 6,002 Blocks (digital download only)

Guide at StrategyWiki

Animal Crossing: New Leaf[nb 1] is a simulation game for the Nintendo 3DS released on November 8, 2012. It is the fourth main installment in the Animal Crossing series released outside of Japan.

An open-ended game, New Leaf follows a player-controlled human living in a town populated with animals and performing various tasks, such as interacting with characters and collecting items. As is with all games in the Animal Crossing series, the game is synced to the system clock, which affects gameplay based on the current time and day. New Leaf sees the introduction of the player undertaking the role as mayor of the town, allowing for added freedom and customisation.

In November 2016, New Leaf received a free expansion titled Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo. It was first released on November 2, 2016. The update included new gameplay features and the inclusion of amiibo support.

Development and unveiling[edit]

See also: List of Animal Crossing: New Leaf staff
Early footage of New Leaf revealed at E3 2010.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf was first unveiled during E3 2010, on June 15th, 2010.[4] During Nintendo's E3 2010 conference, a non-playable demo showcased footage of the game, and it was announced that the player would undertake the role as mayor of the town,[5] with the goal of making it a better place to live.[6] At this time, the game was then untitled, given a working title of just Animal Crossing. Additional gameplay footage was released on September 29, 2010 at the Nintendo 3DS Conference.[7]

Early work and planning for the English localization of New Leaf began in late 2010, according to Reiko Ninomiya of Nintendo Treehouse. Ninomiya explained, "We worked with the development team and brainstormed ideas for events and items, and even how some of the old characters and events could be twisted and changed and have them evolve as well." [8] New gameplay footage was revealed at the Nintendo World Expo in January 2011.[9]

On June 7, 2011, New Leaf received its first full-length gameplay trailer as part of E3 2011.[10] An additional trailer was released as part of the Nintendo 3DS Conference in September 2011.[11] A developer roundtable hosted in September 2011 revealed additional information about the game, such as expanded clothing and customisation options, and formally introduced Isabelle as the mayor's assistant.[12]

Full localization of New Leaf began in March 2012, according to Reiko Ninomiya; "The actual translation we started in, I'd like to put the pin right around March 2012. So we did English, French, and Spanish for our region and we got to work really closely together with Nintendo of Europe as well." [8]

During a Nintendo Direct hosted on April 21, 2012, the game's Japanese title was announced [nb 1] and the game was given a release window of Fall 2012. A Japanese exclusive Animal Crossing Direct premiered on October 5, 2012, showcasing more of the game's new features.[13] On October 25, 2012, a Nintendo Direct announced the game's localized subtitle as Animal Crossing: New Leaf and was set to launch overseas in early 2013.[14] The definitive release dates of the game for North America, Europe, and Australia, were announced in a Nintendo Direct on February 14, 2013.[15]

Gameplay[edit]

Like previous Animal Crossing games before it, New Leaf is an open-ended simulation game where the player takes the role of a human moving into a town of animals. Tasks the player can partake in include socializing with villagers, collecting items, catching fish and bugs, and paying off their home loan. The game takes place in real-time, meaning the in-game time of day and year matches that of the Nintendo 3DS. The time of day and year affects aspects of gameplay such as whether or not shops are open or villagers are awake, seasonal events, and the availability of certain fish, bugs, and items. Up to four players can live in a town, with each one having their own house.

Premise[edit]

Rover talking to the player during the opening introduction to New Leaf.

The game begins with the player's train ride moving into their new town. On the train, they are greeted by Rover, whose questions determine the player's appearance. When the first player arrives in town, they are greeted by Isabelle and three villagers, who believe them to be the new mayor of the town; all subsequent players are instead greeted as standard residents.

Isabelle welcoming the new mayor to town.

The mayor's secretary, Isabelle, takes the player to the town hall, where she gives the player their Town Pass Card and encourages them to visit Nook's Homes on main street to find a place to live. The player is then introduced to Tom Nook, who offers to build them a house.

After choosing a location for their new home, Isabelle informs the player they need to increase their town approval rating as mayor, which is done by performing various day-to-day tasks in the town. When a player's approval rating reaches one hundred percent, the ability to build public works projects and enact ordinances as mayor is unlocked.

Mayor[edit]

Main article: Mayor#The player as mayor (New Leaf)

As the mayor of the town, the player is given the task to make it a better place to live and achieve a "perfect town" environment rating status. This can be done through the mayor's ability to build public works projects, which are outdoor structures (such as bridges, benches, and various amenities) that can be placed around town, for a new level of added customisation to the Animal Crossing series. The mayor can also enact ordinances, which changes an aspect of the town, such as the opening hours of stores or the price of items. Only the first player to move to the town is mayor; all subsequent players are standard residents and cannot perform the duties of mayor.

Multiplayer[edit]

Main article: Multiplayer#In Animal Crossing: New Leaf
New Leaf supports four-person multiplayer.

The town can facilitate up to four playable residents on the same game cartridge, with four-person simultaneous multiplayer supported through online means and local wireless. New Leaf places heightened emphasis on multiplayer and connection features due to the added online functionality of the Nintendo 3DS, compared to past Nintendo systems.

New Leaf introduces the "best friend" system, which allows for an instant message-exchange function, the ability to play online mini-games through Club Tortimer, visit other player's towns via the Dream Suite, and view player's homes at the Happy Home Showcase. New Leaf co-director Aya Kyogoku explained this was done in order to "feel the presence of others" within the game, building upon the original mission of Doubutsu no Mori - "encouraging communication among different players." [16]

On October 4, 2023, it was announced that Nintendo will discontinue online play and functionality for the Nintendo 3DS by early April 2024, after which it will no longer be possible to play New Leaf online.[17] Online play will end on April 8, 2024 at 4 PM PDT, but StreetPass functionality will remain available.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo[edit]

The campground as introduced in Welcome amiibo.
Main article: Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo

New Leaf received a free major content expansion titled Welcome amiibo in November 2016. The update was previously announced on July 20, 2016, with the promise of added amiibo figure and card support, with a release date announced for that autumn.[18] On November 2, 2016, the update was fully unveiled as Welcome amiibo in a 16-minute Animal Crossing Direct, and was released that same day.[19]

The Welcome amiibo update saw several new features added to the game; notably, the addition of the campground, run by Harvey, a new location that facilitates amiibo support. Wisp also returns to the Animal Crossing series, allowing the player to scan in amiibo cards and figures, to invite villagers and special characters to the campground. Additionally, the update increases the total villager count from to 399; with 14 entirely new villagers, and 46 returning from Doubutsu no Mori.

Features[edit]

Locations[edit]

New locations in New Leaf include Main Street, Timmy and Tommy's store, Nook's Homes, Kicks, Club LOL, the Garden Shop, Photo Booth, Dream Suite, Happy Home Showcase, Tortimer Island, and Re-Tail. Several locations from previous games, such as the museum and the Able Sisters, return as well.

Items[edit]

New Leaf introduces several new items, such as sea creatures that can be donated to the museum, statues that can be donated to the museum as art, wall-mounted furniture, bottoms, socks, and shoes. Additionally, the appearance of furniture can now be customized at Re-Tail.

Miscellaneous[edit]

New Leaf introduces many other new features for the Animal Crossing series, some of the most notable being:

  • Each personality now has its own pitch of Animalese; in previous games, the variants were limited to male, female, and cranky male.
  • The player can now pick the town layout while on the train when the game starts, rather than being assigned a random map.
  • House exteriors can now be customized to reflect various styles.
  • Flowers now drip with water once a watering can has been 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.
  • The player can communicate with another player even if they are in a different town.
  • Villagers are now more active in the town environment, being capable of fishing, shaking trees, entering buildings, and more.
  • The player can now choose where they want their house.

Characters[edit]

Special characters[edit]

See also: Animal Crossing: New Leaf/Characters
See also: Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo#amiibo and new villagers

Animal Crossing: New Leaf introduces thirteen new special characters, while only one old special character returns after being absent in both Wild World and City Folk.

New special characters[edit]

Returning special character[edit]

Villagers[edit]

See also: Villager/New Leaf

There are a total of 333 villagers in New Leaf, which is 123 more than Animal Crossing: City Folk. 100 new villagers have been added, 24 have returned after being absent from Wild World and City Folk, and one—Champ—has been removed. Additionally, two new personality types—big sister and smug—and two new villager species—hamster and deer—have been added.

New villagers[edit]

Returning villagers[edit]

24 villagers return from Doubutsu no Mori, Doubutsu no Mori+, Animal Crossing, and the Japan-exclusive Doubutsu no Mori e+. Seven villagers (marked DnMe+ Logo Cutout.png below) initially only appeared in the latter game and receive localized names for the first time. Seven of the returning villagers have their personalities changed.

Release[edit]

Nintendo 2DS bundled with New Leaf.

Animal Crossing: New Leaf[edit]

Animal Crossing: New Leaf was first released on November 8, 2012 in Japan, and in South Korea on February 7, 2013.[1][2] The game was released internationally across June 2013, releasing in North America on June 9, [3] in Europe on June 14, and Australia on June 15, 2013.

Special edition consoles[edit]

Main article: Nintendo 3DS#Animal Crossing models and bundles

A special edition Animal Crossing-themed Nintendo 3DS XL console was released alongside New Leaf in North America, Europe, and Japan, circa 2013. It contained a copy of Animal Crossing: New Leaf pre-installed. A standard red-and-white themed Nintendo 2DS bundled with New Leaf was also released in Europe.

Reception[edit]

Critical reception[edit]

Publication Rating
Famitsu 39/40[20]
GameSpot 8/10[21]
IGN 9.6/10[22]
Metacritic[nb 2] 88%[23]

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.

Sales[edit]

In Japan, New Leaf sold over 600,000 copies in its first week,[24] and went on to become the top-selling Nintendo 3DS game in the country at over 2 million units. The game has sold 13.05 million global units as of September 30, 2023, making it the second best-selling game in the Animal Crossing series behind New Horizons.[25]

Update history[edit]

Current Version:
Ver. 1.5 (Released December 8, 2016 in United States of America and Europe)

Animal Crossing: New Leaf was the first game in the Animal Crossing series to receive updates via the Nintendo eShop, which primarily focused on fixing bugs in the game, with the exception of Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo.

Version Changelog
1.5[26]
Japan November 23, 2016
South Korea December 1, 2016[27]
United States of America/Europe December 8, 2016[28]
Official changelog:
  • Fixed a bug that results in error code [004-6006] to be displayed when receiving a present from town hall or from the campground.
  • Additional issues were adjusted to make the game more comfortable to play.
1.4[26]
Japan/United States of America/Europe November 2, 2016
NLWa Home Menu Icon.png Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Welcome amiibo
1.1[26]
Japan/South Korea March 3, 2013[26]
United States of America/Europe June 2013
Isabelle NL Icon.png Initial release for North America and Europe.
Official changelog:
  • Fixed an issue that could cause an error to occur when launching a game
  • Fixed an issue that could result in a error when entering a police station.
  • Additional issues were adjusted to make the game more comfortable to play.
1.0
Japan November 8, 2012
South Korea February 7, 2013
Isabelle NL Icon.png Initial release for Japan and South Korea

Related media[edit]

Animal Crossing: New Leaf received three tie-in manga in Japan: Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori: Minna de Seseragi Mura Life, Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori, and Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori: Harikiri Sonchō Ippē!.

Gallery[edit]

Videos[edit]

Trailers[edit]

E3 2011 Trailer (June 7th, 2011)
2012 Trailer (October 25th, 2012)
2013 Trailer (February 14th, 2013)
Tourism Trailer (April 8th, 2013)
Launch Trailer (June 5th, 2013)
North America TV Commercial (2013)

Music[edit]

Animal Crossing: New Leaf audio tracks

Title Game Track Notes
Animal Crossing: New Leaf Title (E3 2011 Presentation) Animal Crossing: New Leaf
Animal Crossing: New Leaf Title (Tokyo Game Show 2011 Presentation) Animal Crossing: New Leaf

Trivia[edit]

  • In the Wii U version of Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze , one of Donkey Kong's idle animation sees him pull out a blue Nintendo 3DS XL. Sound effects from one of four games, including Animal Crossing: New Leaf, can be heard. This easter egg does not return in the Nintendo Switch port.

Names in other languages[edit]

Japanese とびだせ どうぶつの森
Tobidase Doubutsu no Mori
Animal Forest: Jump Out

Korean 튀어나와요 동물의 숲
Twieonawayo Dongmul-ui Sup
Animal Forest: Jump Out

German Animal Crossing: New Leaf -

European Spanish Animal Crossing: New Leaf -

European French Animal Crossing: New Leaf -

Italian Animal Crossing: New Leaf -

Notes[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Japanese: とびだせどうぶつの森 Hepburn: Tobidase Doubutsu no MoriAnimal Forest: Jump Out
  2. at an average of 70 reviews

References[edit]

  1. 1.0 1.1 sebdu60 (August 28, 2012). "Animal Crossing : Jump Out daté au Japon". Nintendo Master. Archived from the original on August 31, 2012. (French)
  2. 2.0 2.1 https://www.nintendo.co.kr/PR/press_list.php?cPage1=1&cPage2=1&idx=69&press_div=P
  3. 3.0 3.1 https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/archive/02-14-2013/
  4. E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS Announced
  5. Nintendo World Report - Animal Crossing: New Leaf
  6. Official Nintendo Magazine - E3 2010: Animal Crossing 3DS announced
  7. Animal Crossing 3DS - Nintendo Conference 2010
  8. 8.0 8.1 Inside the Treehouse with Animal Crossing: New Leaf - Localizing Animal Crossing (Ep 1)
  9. Animal Crossing 3DS - New Footage 19/1/2011
  10. Nintendo 3DS - Animal Crossing E3 Trailer
  11. Animal Crossing 3DS Trailer (September 13, 2011)
  12. Animal Crossing (3DS) - Developer Roundtable
  13. Animal Crossing Direct (Nintendo 3DS)
  14. Nintendo Direct 10.25.12
  15. Nintendo Direct 2.14.2013
  16. Katsuya Eguchi, Aya Kyogoku. "How to Turn a New Leaf at the Animal Crossing". GDC Vault.
  17. Nintendo Support (October 4, 2023). "Announcement of Discontinuation of Online Services for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U software". Nintendo Support. Retrieved October 4, 2023.
  18. Damien McFerran (July 20, 2016). "Autumn Animal Crossing: New Leaf Update To Bring amiibo Figure And Card Support". Nintendo Life.
  19. Nintendo (November 2, 2016). "Animal Crossing Direct 11.2.2016". YouTube.
  20. Polygon - Japan review check: Animal Crossing, Dynasty Warriors, Silent Hill
  21. GameSpot - Animal Crossing: New Leaf Review
  22. IGN - New Leaf Review
  23. Animal Crossing: New Leaf on Metacritic
  24. GameSpot - Big in Japan November 5-11: Animal Crossing: New Leaf
  25. "IR Information : Financial Data - Top Selling Title Sales Units - Nintendo 3DS Software". Nintendo.
  26. 26.0 26.1 26.2 26.3 https://www.nintendo.co.jp/support/3ds/soft/egdj/update/index.html
  27. https://www.nintendo.co.kr/3DS/software/animal_forest/item/update.html?scorll=1
  28. https://mynintendonews.com/2016/12/08/animal-crossing-new-leaf-has-been-updated-to-version-1-5/

External links[edit]

Animal Crossing: New Leaf on other wikis