Difference between revisions of "Animal Crossing (series)"

From Nookipedia, the Animal Crossing wiki
m (→‎Mainline series: correcting JP release date for New Leaf)
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{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Animal Crossing'' (series)}}
 
{{DISPLAYTITLE:''Animal Crossing'' (series)}}
 
[[File:Animal-Crossing-(logo).png|thumb|right|The Animal Crossing series logo]]
 
[[File:Animal-Crossing-(logo).png|thumb|right|The Animal Crossing series logo]]
{{wrongpage|the series as a whole|the game of the same name|Animal Crossing (GCN)}}
+
{{wrongpage|information|the game of the same name|Animal Crossing (GCN)}}
The '''''Animal Crossing''''' (どうぶつの森, ''Dōbutsu no Mori'', lit. ''Animal Forest'') video game series is a series of communication adventure games exclusively for [[Nintendo]] consoles. The game is non-linear, in the sense that it has a somewhat set beginning, a middle, and no end. The [[player]] takes the role of a human in a village of animals. The game is non-violent and is rated 'E' for Everyone by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI. The player may take on tasks from villagers, pay off their mortgage, garden, fish, catch insects, and more.
+
The '''''Animal Crossing''''' (どうぶつの森, ''Dōbutsu no Mori'', lit. ''Animal Forest'') video game series is a series of communication adventure games exclusively for [[Nintendo]] consoles. The game progresses in [[Wikipedia:real time (media)|real time]] in a [[wikipedia:Nonlinear gameplay|nonlinear]] format. All of the games are rated 'E' for Everyone by the [[wikipedia:Entertainment Software Rating Board|ESRB]] and 3+ by [[wikipedia:Pan European Game Information|PEGI]]. The [[player]] takes the role of a human in a [[Town|village]] of [[Villager|animals]] and may take on tasks from villagers, pay off their [[mortgage]], [[Flora (plants)|garden]], [[fish]], catch [[Bug|insects]], and more.
  
==Objectives of the game==
+
==Objectives==
As an open-ended life simulation, the ''Animal Crossing'' series does not have a set objective - as such, after an introductory sequence at the beginning of the games, players are free to do as they like. The only 'objective' in the game, if any, is to pay off the mortgage placed upon the player's house - but, like most things within the game, this is entirely optional and does not incur any consequences other than having less space to store items.
+
As an [[wikipedia:Nonlinear gameplay|open-ended]] [[wikipedia:life simulation game|life simulation game]], the {{SER|nolink}} does not have a set objective. As such, after an introductory sequence at the beginning of the games, [[player]]s are free to do as they like. The only 'objective' in the game, if any, is to pay off the [[mortgage]] placed upon the player's [[House (player)|house]]—but, like most activities within the game, this is entirely optional and does not incur any consequences, other than having less space to store items.
  
 
==Villagers==
 
==Villagers==
In every town in the ''Animal Crossing'', the village itself is entirely composed of a populi of animals (excluding the player, who is the only human child in the whole series). Villagers serve as interactable characters who are assigned personalities and traits, and this affects the way they communicate with you and among themselves. Villagers are capable of speech (despite being animals), and live in their own domains within the villages. Villagers, in the later games, are also capable of playing games such as hide and seek, and most often than not they will usually ask you to perform tasks for them (which ranges from delivering presents to sending a message to another human player), which can incur a reward if executed in the set time. Villagers are also anthropormorphic, and as such, they are able to walk in a humanoid state, and can also wear clothes. Villagers move in and out regularly due to certain factors (e.g. because the player has exchanged animals with another village over Wi-Fi or simply because they are not satisfied with their current life). It is also said that they enjoy receiving letters, and if sent a gift they will usually send one back.
+
{{main|Villager}}
 +
In every [[town]] in the {{SER|nolink}}, the village itself is populated entirely by [[:Category:Species|animals]] (excluding the [[player]], who is the only human shown in the entire series). Villagers are [[wikipedia:Anthropomorphism|anthropomorphic]], and as such, are able to speak, walk in a humanoid manner, use [[tool]]s, and wear clothes. They serve as interactive characters who are assigned [[Villager#Personalities|personalities]] and traits, and this affects the way they communicate with you and among themselves. Villagers are capable of [[conversation]], have unique interests and [[catchphrase]]s, and live in their own [[House (villager)|domains]] within the town.
  
 +
Villagers will often ask the player to perform tasks for them (ranging from delivering [[presents]] to sending messages to another human player). Players can incur a reward if tasks are executed in the set time. In later games, they are also capable of playing games with the player, such as [[hide-and-seek]].  Villagers [[Moving|move]] in and out of the town regularly due to certain factors (e.g. because the player has exchanged animals with another village over [[wikipedia:Wi-Fi|Wi-Fi]]), or simply because they are not satisfied with their current life). It is said that they enjoy receiving [[letters]], and if sent a gift, they will usually send one in return.
 
==Customization==
 
==Customization==
Although the earlier games offered little or no service in terms of customization, more recent games feature the ability to not only customize your own clothes, but also wallpapers, flooring and even paintings in your home. It is also possible to decorate the ground in-game with your own patterns. The term 'customization' can also include the variety of items and furniture available to collect, allowing the user, in a sense, to "customize" their houses and themes.
+
Although earlier games offered few options in terms of customization, more recent games feature the ability to not only customize [[Shampoodle|appearance]], but also [[wallpaper]]s, [[carpets]] and [[furniture]] in their [[House (player)|home]], as well as the home's [[house customization|exterior]]. It is also possible to decorate the ground outdoors with [[design]]s.
  
 
==Activities==
 
==Activities==
Despite being an open-ended game, ''Animal Crossing'' does provide some activities to pass the time and help 'complete' certain aspects of the gameplay (such as completing the bug exhibit within the town museum). Some of these said activities include bug-catching, fossil-hunting and even item-collecting (the latter an objective to complete the player's catalogue). Players can also interact in games of hide-and-seek with villagers, participate in festivals and town events, and generally do as they like within the game.
+
Despite being an [[wikipedia:Nonlinear gameplay|open-ended game]], ''Animal Crossing'' does provide some activities to pass the time and help "complete" certain aspects of the gameplay (such as completing exhibits within the [[museum]]). Some of these activities include [[Bug|bug-catching]], [[fishing]], [[Fossils|fossil-hunting]], and even item-collecting (the latter an objective to complete the player's [[catalog]]). Players can also interact in games of [[hide-and-seek]] with [[villagers]], participate in festivals and town [[events]], and generally do as they like within the game.
  
 
==Games==
 
==Games==
{| width="100%" class="fetable" style="background:#78AB46; {{roundy}}" cellspacing="2"
+
===Mainline series===
 +
{{GameListTop}}
 
|-
 
|-
! style="{{roundytl}}; background:#91C16D;" | Boxart
+
|colspan=6 align="center" | <font face="Coustard" size=3>First Generation</font>
! style="width:15%; background:#91C16D;" | English title
 
! style="width:15%; background:#91C16D;" | Japanese title
 
! style="background:#91C16D;" | Platform
 
! style="background:#91C16D;" | Release date(s)
 
! style="{{roundytr}};background:#91C16D;" | Notes
 
 
|-
 
|-
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[File:AF N64 Front.jpg|100px|center|link=Dōbutsu no Mori (game)]]
+
{{GameList
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Animal Forest]]
+
| image = [[File:AF N64 Front.jpg|100px|center|link=Doubutsu no Mori (game)]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | ''[[Dōbutsu no Mori (game)|Dōbutsu no Mori]]''
+
| name = ''[[Doubutsu no Mori (game)|Dōbutsu no Mori]]''
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Nintendo 64]]
+
| japanese = {{JN|どうぶつの森|Dōbutsu no Mori}}<br><small>lit. ''Animal Forest''</small>
| style="background:#A5D97B" | {{JP}}April 14, 2001
+
| platform = [[Nintendo 64]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | The first game of the series.
+
| release =  
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> April 14, 2001
 +
| notes = The first game of the series. Released exclusively in Japan.
 +
}}
 
|-
 
|-
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[File:AF Cover.jpg|100px|center|link=Dōbutsu no Mori +]]
+
{{GameList
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Animal Forest+]]
+
| image = [[File:AF Cover.jpg|100px|center|link=Doubutsu no Mori+]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | ''[[Dōbutsu no Mori +]]''
+
| name = ''[[Doubutsu no Mori+|Dōbutsu no Mori+]]''
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Nintendo GameCube]]
+
| japanese = {{JN|どうぶつの森+|Dōbutsu no Mori+}}<br><small>lit. ''Animal Forest+''</small>
| style="background:#A5D97B" | {{JP}}December 14, 2001
+
| platform = [[Nintendo GameCube]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | Remake of the original.
+
| release =  
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> December 14, 2001
 +
| notes = GameCube port of the first game. Released exclusively in Japan.
 +
}}
 
|-
 
|-
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[File:Animal Crossing.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing (GCN)]]
+
{{GameList
| style="background:#A5D97B" | ''[[Animal Crossing (GCN)|Animal Crossing]]'' Subtitled ''Animal Crossing: Population Growing''  
+
| image = [[File:Animal Crossing.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing (game)]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | --
+
| name = ''[[Animal Crossing (game)|Animal Crossing]]''
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Nintendo GameCube]]
+
| japanese = {{JN|どうぶつの森+|Dōbutsu no Mori+}}<br><small>lit. ''Animal Forest+''</small>
| style="background:#A5D97B" | {{NA}}September 15, 2002<br>{{AUS}}October 17, 2003<br>{{EU}}September 24, 2004
+
| platform = [[Nintendo GameCube]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | First game released outside Japan.
+
| release =  
 +
[[File:Flag of the United States small.png]] <small>{{tt|NA|North America}}</small> September 16, 2002<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Australia small.png]] <small>{{tt|AU|Australasia}}</small> October 17, 2003<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Europe small.png]] <small>{{tt|EU|European Union}}</small> September 24, 2004
 +
| notes = Localized version of ''Dōbutsu no Mori+'' with numerous aesthetic and gameplay changes and regional events.
 +
}}
 
|-
 
|-
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[File:Doubutsunomorieplus.jpg|100px|center|link=Dōbutsu no Mori e+]]
+
{{GameList
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Animal Forest e+]]
+
| image = [[File:Boxart Doubutsu no Mori e+.jpg|100px|center|link=Doubutsu no Mori e+]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | ''[[Dōbutsu no Mori e+]]''
+
| name = ''[[Doubutsu no Mori e+|Dōbutsu no Mori e+]]''
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Nintendo GameCube]]
+
| japanese = {{JN|どうぶつの森e+|Dōbutsu no Mori e+}}<br><small>lit. ''Animal Forest e+''</small>
| style="background:#A5D97B" | {{JP}}June 27, 2003
+
| platform = [[Nintendo GameCube]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" |A translation of ''Animal Crossing'' with more e-Reader functions.
+
| release =  
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> June 27, 2003
 +
| notes = Japanese version of localized Animal Crossing with additional changes and updates, including new [[villager]]s and enhanced [[e-Reader]] support. Released exclusively in Japan.
 +
}}
 
|-
 
|-
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[File:Animal Crossing Wild World.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: Wild World]]
+
|colspan=6 align="center" | <font face="Coustard" size=3>Second Generation</font>
| style="background:#A5D97B" | ''[[Animal Crossing: Wild World]]''
 
| style="background:#A5D97B" | おいでよどうぶつの森 <br>''Oideyo Dōbutsu no Mori''
 
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Nintendo DS]]
 
| style="background:#A5D97B" | {{JP}} November 23, 2005<br>{{NA}} December 5, 2005<br>{{AUS}} December 8, 2005<br>{{EU}} March 31, 2006
 
| style="background:#A5D97B" | First released on a handheld system, first released worldwide.
 
 
|-
 
|-
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[File:Cityfolkbox.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: City Folk]]
+
{{GameList
| style="background:#A5D97B" | ''[[Animal Crossing: City Folk]]''
+
| image = [[File:Animal Crossing Wild World.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: Wild World]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | 街へいこうよどうぶつの森<br>''Machi e ikouyo: Dōbutsu no Mori''
+
| name = ''[[Animal Crossing: Wild World|Animal Crossing:<br>Wild World]]''
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Wii]]
+
| japanese = {{JN|おいでよどうぶつの森|Oideyo Dōbutsu no Mori}}<br><small>lit. ''Animal Forest: Come Here''</small>
| style="background:#A5D97B" | {{NA}}November 16, 2008<br>[[File:Canada.gif|20px|Canada]]November 17, 2008<br>{{JP}}November 20, 2008<br>{{AUS}}December 4, 2008<br>{{EU}}December 5, 2008<br>{{SK}}January 28, 2010
+
| platform = [[Nintendo DS]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | First to include the city.
+
| release =  
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> November 23, 2005<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of the United States small.png]] <small>{{tt|NA|North America}}</small> December 5, 2005<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Australia small.png]] <small>{{tt|AU|Australasia}}</small> December 8, 2005<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Europe small.png]] <small>{{tt|EU|European Union}}</small> March 31, 2006
 +
| notes = First game released on a handheld console, first to be released worldwide, first to feature online multiplayer (via [[Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection]])
 +
}}
 
|-
 
|-
| style="{{roundybl}}; background:#A5D97B" | [[File:New Leaf Boxart for North America.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]
+
{{GameList
| style="background:#A5D97B" | ''[[Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]''
+
| image = [[File:Cityfolkbox.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: City Folk]]
| style="background:#A5D97B" | とびだせどうぶつの森<br>''Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori''
+
| name = ''[[Animal Crossing: City Folk|Animal Crossing:<br>City Folk]]''
| style="background:#A5D97B" | [[Nintendo 3DS]]
+
| japanese = {{JN|街へいこうよどうぶつの森|Machi e ikouyo: Dōbutsu no Mori}} <br><small>lit. ''Let's Go to the City: Animal Forest''</small>
| style="background:#A5D97B" | {{JP}}November 8, 2012<br>{{SK}}February 7, 2013<br>{{NA}}June 9, 2013<br>{{EU}}June 14, 2013<br>{{AUS}}June 15, 2013
+
| platform = [[Wii]]
| style="{{roundybr}}; background:#A5D97B" | First released in 3D.
+
| release =
|}
+
[[File:Flag of the United States small.png]] <small>{{tt|NA|North America}}</small> November 16, 2008<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> November 17, 2008<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Australia small.png]] <small>{{tt|AU|Australasia}}</small> December 4, 2008<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Europe small.png]] <small>{{tt|EU|European Union}}</small> December 5, 2008<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of South Korea small.png]] <small>{{tt|KR|South Korea}}</small> January 28, 2010
 +
| notes = First game to be released in South Korea. Some copies of the game were bundled with [[Wii Speak]].
 +
}}
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=6 align="center" | <font face="Coustard" size=3>Third Generation</font>
 +
|-
 +
{{GameList
 +
| image = [[File:New Leaf Boxart for North America.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: New Leaf]]
 +
| name = ''[[Animal Crossing: New Leaf|Animal Crossing:<br>New Leaf]]''
 +
| japanese = {{JN|とびだせどうぶつの森|Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori}} <br><small>lit. ''Jump Out Animal Forest''</small>
 +
| platform = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
 +
| release =  
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> November 8, 2012<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of South Korea small.png]] <small>{{tt|KR|South Korea}}</small> February 8, 2013<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of the United States small.png]] <small>{{tt|NA|North America}}</small> June 9, 2013<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Europe small.png]] <small>{{tt|EU|European Union}}</small> June 14, 2013<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Australia small.png]] <small>{{tt|AU|Australasia}}</small> June 15, 2013<br>
 +
| notes = First game to utilise stereoscopic 3D visuals.
 +
}}
 +
|-
 +
{{GameList
 +
| image = [[File:New Leaf Welcome amiibo Boxart for UK.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: New Leaf Welcome amiibo]]
 +
| name = ''[[Animal Crossing: New Leaf Welcome amiibo]]''
 +
| japanese = {{JN|とびだせ どうぶつの森 amiibo+|Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori amiibo+}} <br><small>lit. ''Jump Out Animal Forest amiibo+''</small>
 +
| platform = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
 +
| release =
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> November 23, 2016<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of the United States small.png]] <small>{{tt|NA|North America}}</small> November 25, 2016<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Europe small.png]] <small>{{tt|EU|European Union}}</small> December 2, 2016
 +
| notes = Expansion pack for ''New Leaf'', adding new [[villager]]s, [[furniture]], areas and [[amiibo]] functionality. Also released as a standalone updated version of the game.
 +
}}
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=6 align="center" | <font face="Coustard" size=3>Fourth Generation</font>
 +
|-
 +
{{GameList
 +
| image = [[File:Animal Crossing 2019 announcement logo.png|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch]]
 +
| name = ''[[Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch]]''
 +
| japanese = Unknown
 +
| platform = [[Nintendo Switch]]
 +
| release = <center>TBA</center>
 +
| notes = Upcoming installment in the Animal Crossing series, exclusively for the [[Nintendo Switch]]. It will be the first mainstream title since 2012's {{NL}}.
 +
}}
 +
{{GameListBottom}}
 +
 
 +
===Spin-off titles===
 +
{{GameListTop}}
 +
|-
 +
{{GameList
 +
| image = [[File:Happy Home Designer Boxart for North America.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer]]
 +
| name = ''[[Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer|Animal Crossing:<br>Happy Home Designer]]''
 +
| japanese = {{JN|どうぶつの森:ハッピーホームデザイナ|Dōbutsu no Mori: Happī Hōmu Dezainā}}
 +
| platform = [[Nintendo 3DS]]
 +
| release =
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> July 30, 2015<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of the United States small.png]] <small>{{tt|NA|North America}}</small> September 25, 2015<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Europe small.png]] <small>{{tt|EU|European Union}}</small> October 2, 2015<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Australia small.png]] <small>{{tt|AU|Australasia}}</small> October 3, 2015
 +
| notes = Based on ''New Leaf'', this spin-off focuses on designing homes and gardens.
 +
}}
 +
|-
 +
{{GameList
 +
| image = [[File:ACaF - Box art.jpg|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival]]
 +
| name = ''[[Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival|Animal Crossing:<br>amiibo Festival]]''
 +
| japanese = {{JN|どうぶつの森amiiboフェスティバル|Dōbutsu no Mori: amiibo Fesutibaru}}
 +
| platform = [[Wii U]]
 +
| release =
 +
[[File:Flag of the United States small.png]] <small>{{tt|NA|North America}}</small> November 13, 2015<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Europe small.png]] <small>{{tt|EU|European Union}}</small> November 20, 2015<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> November 21, 2015<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Australia small.png]] <small>{{tt|AU|Australasia}}</small> November 21, 2015
 +
| notes = A multiplayer party game that utilises [[amiibo]].
 +
}}
 +
|-
 +
{{GameList
 +
| image = [[File:Animal_Crossing_Pocket_Camp_logo.png|100px|center|link=Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp]]
 +
| name = ''[[Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp|Animal Crossing:<br>Pocket Camp]]''
 +
| japanese = {{JN|どうぶつの森 ポケットキャンプ|Dōbutsu no Mori: Poketo Kyanpu}}
 +
| platform = iOS<br>Android
 +
| release =
 +
[[File:Flag of Australia small.png]] <small>{{tt|AU|Australasia}}</small> October 25, 2017 (Beta)<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Japan small.png]] <small>{{tt|JP|Japan}}</small> November 21, 2017<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of the United States small.png]] <small>{{tt|NA|North America}}</small> November 21, 2017<br>
 +
[[File:Flag of Europe small.png]] <small>{{tt|EU|European Union}}</small> November 21, 2017
 +
| notes = First game to be released on mobile devices. Receives regular [[Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp/Update History|content updates]].
 +
}}
 +
{{GameListBottom}}
 +
 
 +
== External links ==
 +
[http://animal-crossing.com/ Official website]
  
 
{{Animal Crossing}}
 
{{Animal Crossing}}
[[Category:Animal Crossing series]]
+
[[Category:Animal Crossing series|*]]

Revision as of 11:07, September 16, 2018

File:Animal-Crossing-(logo).png
The Animal Crossing series logo
This article is about information. For the game of the same name, see Animal Crossing (GCN).

The Animal Crossing (どうぶつの森, Dōbutsu no Mori, lit. Animal Forest) video game series is a series of communication adventure games exclusively for Nintendo consoles. The game progresses in real time in a nonlinear format. All of the games are rated 'E' for Everyone by the ESRB and 3+ by PEGI. The player takes the role of a human in a village of animals and may take on tasks from villagers, pay off their mortgage, garden, fish, catch insects, and more.

Objectives

As an open-ended life simulation game, the Animal Crossing series does not have a set objective. As such, after an introductory sequence at the beginning of the games, players are free to do as they like. The only 'objective' in the game, if any, is to pay off the mortgage placed upon the player's house—but, like most activities within the game, this is entirely optional and does not incur any consequences, other than having less space to store items.

Villagers

Main article: Villager

In every town in the Animal Crossing series, the village itself is populated entirely by animals (excluding the player, who is the only human shown in the entire series). Villagers are anthropomorphic, and as such, are able to speak, walk in a humanoid manner, use tools, and wear clothes. They serve as interactive characters who are assigned personalities and traits, and this affects the way they communicate with you and among themselves. Villagers are capable of conversation, have unique interests and catchphrases, and live in their own domains within the town.

Villagers will often ask the player to perform tasks for them (ranging from delivering presents to sending messages to another human player). Players can incur a reward if tasks are executed in the set time. In later games, they are also capable of playing games with the player, such as hide-and-seek. Villagers move in and out of the town regularly due to certain factors (e.g. because the player has exchanged animals with another village over Wi-Fi), or simply because they are not satisfied with their current life). It is said that they enjoy receiving letters, and if sent a gift, they will usually send one in return.

Customization

Although earlier games offered few options in terms of customization, more recent games feature the ability to not only customize appearance, but also wallpapers, carpets and furniture in their home, as well as the home's exterior. It is also possible to decorate the ground outdoors with designs.

Activities

Despite being an open-ended game, Animal Crossing does provide some activities to pass the time and help "complete" certain aspects of the gameplay (such as completing exhibits within the museum). Some of these activities include bug-catching, fishing, fossil-hunting, and even item-collecting (the latter an objective to complete the player's catalog). Players can also interact in games of hide-and-seek with villagers, participate in festivals and town events, and generally do as they like within the game.

Games

Mainline series

Boxart English title Japanese title Platform Release date(s) Notes
First Generation
Dōbutsu no Mori どうぶつの森
Dōbutsu no Mori

lit. Animal Forest
Nintendo 64 File:Flag of Japan small.png JP April 14, 2001 The first game of the series. Released exclusively in Japan.
Dōbutsu no Mori+ どうぶつの森+
Dōbutsu no Mori+

lit. Animal Forest+
Nintendo GameCube File:Flag of Japan small.png JP December 14, 2001 GameCube port of the first game. Released exclusively in Japan.
PG Box NA Player's Choice.jpg
Animal Crossing どうぶつの森+
Dōbutsu no Mori+

lit. Animal Forest+
Nintendo GameCube File:Flag of the United States small.png NA September 16, 2002

File:Flag of Australia small.png AU October 17, 2003
File:Flag of Europe small.png EU September 24, 2004

Localized version of Dōbutsu no Mori+ with numerous aesthetic and gameplay changes and regional events.
Dōbutsu no Mori e+ どうぶつの森e+
Dōbutsu no Mori e+

lit. Animal Forest e+
Nintendo GameCube File:Flag of Japan small.png JP June 27, 2003 Japanese version of localized Animal Crossing with additional changes and updates, including new villagers and enhanced e-Reader support. Released exclusively in Japan.
Second Generation
Animal Crossing:
Wild World
おいでよどうぶつの森
Oideyo Dōbutsu no Mori

lit. Animal Forest: Come Here
Nintendo DS File:Flag of Japan small.png JP November 23, 2005

File:Flag of the United States small.png NA December 5, 2005
File:Flag of Australia small.png AU December 8, 2005
File:Flag of Europe small.png EU March 31, 2006

First game released on a handheld console, first to be released worldwide, first to feature online multiplayer (via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection)
CF Box NA.jpg
Animal Crossing:
City Folk
街へいこうよどうぶつの森
Machi e ikouyo: Dōbutsu no Mori

lit. Let's Go to the City: Animal Forest
Wii File:Flag of the United States small.png NA November 16, 2008

File:Flag of Japan small.png JP November 17, 2008
File:Flag of Australia small.png AU December 4, 2008
File:Flag of Europe small.png EU December 5, 2008
File:Flag of South Korea small.png KR January 28, 2010

First game to be released in South Korea. Some copies of the game were bundled with Wii Speak.
Third Generation
NL Box NA.jpg
Animal Crossing:
New Leaf
とびだせどうぶつの森
Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori

lit. Jump Out Animal Forest
Nintendo 3DS File:Flag of Japan small.png JP November 8, 2012

File:Flag of South Korea small.png KR February 8, 2013
File:Flag of the United States small.png NA June 9, 2013
File:Flag of Europe small.png EU June 14, 2013
File:Flag of Australia small.png AU June 15, 2013

First game to utilise stereoscopic 3D visuals.
Animal Crossing: New Leaf Welcome amiibo とびだせ どうぶつの森 amiibo+
Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori amiibo+

lit. Jump Out Animal Forest amiibo+
Nintendo 3DS File:Flag of Japan small.png JP November 23, 2016

File:Flag of the United States small.png NA November 25, 2016
File:Flag of Europe small.png EU December 2, 2016

Expansion pack for New Leaf, adding new villagers, furniture, areas and amiibo functionality. Also released as a standalone updated version of the game.
Fourth Generation
Animal Crossing 2019 announcement logo.png
Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch Unknown Nintendo Switch
TBA
Upcoming installment in the Animal Crossing series, exclusively for the Nintendo Switch. It will be the first mainstream title since 2012's Animal Crossing: New Leaf.


Spin-off titles

Boxart English title Japanese title Platform Release date(s) Notes
Animal Crossing:
Happy Home Designer
どうぶつの森:ハッピーホームデザイナ
Dōbutsu no Mori: Happī Hōmu Dezainā
Nintendo 3DS File:Flag of Japan small.png JP July 30, 2015

File:Flag of the United States small.png NA September 25, 2015
File:Flag of Europe small.png EU October 2, 2015
File:Flag of Australia small.png AU October 3, 2015

Based on New Leaf, this spin-off focuses on designing homes and gardens.
Animal Crossing:
amiibo Festival
どうぶつの森amiiboフェスティバル
Dōbutsu no Mori: amiibo Fesutibaru
Wii U File:Flag of the United States small.png NA November 13, 2015

File:Flag of Europe small.png EU November 20, 2015
File:Flag of Japan small.png JP November 21, 2015
File:Flag of Australia small.png AU November 21, 2015

A multiplayer party game that utilises amiibo.
PC Logo English.png
Animal Crossing:
Pocket Camp
どうぶつの森 ポケットキャンプ
Dōbutsu no Mori: Poketo Kyanpu
iOS
Android
File:Flag of Australia small.png AU October 25, 2017 (Beta)

File:Flag of Japan small.png JP November 21, 2017
File:Flag of the United States small.png NA November 21, 2017
File:Flag of Europe small.png EU November 21, 2017

First game to be released on mobile devices. Receives regular content updates.


External links

Official website