View source for Animal Crossing (series)

The '''''Animal Crossing''''' video game series is a series of communication simulation games, exclusively for [[Nintendo]] consoles (except for {{PC}}, which is a mobile game). All games in the series are non-linear similar to ''[https://zelda.fandom.com/wiki/The_Legend_of_Zelda_(series) The Legend of Zelda]'' franchise, in the sense that they have a somewhat set beginning, but no middle or end. The [[player]] takes the role of a human in a [[Town|village]] of anthropomorphic animals, with the human itself being a self-insert avatar in later titles, giving a unique feel. The series is non-violent, and rated 'E' for Everyone by the ESRB (3+ by PEGI). The player may take on tasks from [[villager]]s, pay off their [[mortgage]], garden, [[fish]], catch [[bug]]s, and more.

==Objectives of the game==
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 [[Furniture|items]]. The player may also interact with other characters in the game to build social relationships with each other, positive or negative, with no dramatic consequences. Items can be used to assist the player with gameplay interaction and/or decorative purpose. Customization of the player's own house and their surroundings can be done to improve their environment.

Prior to {{NL}}, the first player moves into a town of a designated name and randomized layout, supported by the help of [[Tom Nook]] to settle them to any available house of their choice. Afterwards, Tom Nook begins to introduce the player to paying off house loans, and tells them to pay off his loans at any given pace, all without any backstabbing of any sort. The player can also plant [[tree]]s and [[flower]]s to make their town look appealing. Exploring different areas outside of town is possible too, which grants access to certain aspects of gameplay that are not available on the main island.

In {{NL}}, the first player will eventually become [[Mayor]] once they create their town. [[Isabelle]] guides the player along the way by introducing basic skills of the game. Once the player reaches their mayoral approval goals, they will be able to gain access to [[Public Works Projects]], and now can place any Public Works Project outdoors to expand gameplay and allow a limited decoration of the town outside of planting [[tree]]s, [[flower]]s, and [[design|custom path designs]].

In {{NH}}, the first player starts with a deserted island, builds up a small residential society there with the help of [[Tom Nook]], and upgrades the entire island into a small village consisting of a several key buildings plus the residential houses of at least three [[villager]]s and the player themselves. It takes a minimum of 14 days for most features to become available in {{NH|nolink}}.

==Villagers==
In every town in the Animal Crossing series, the village itself is entirely composed of a population of animals (excluding the [[player]], who is the only human being in the whole series along with other players). Villagers serve as interactable characters, who are assigned [[Villager#Personalities|personalities]] and traits, and this affects the way they communicate with the player 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 the player 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 anthropomorphic, 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 (eg. because the player have exchanged animals with another village over Wi-Fi, or simply because they aren't 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.

==Customization==
Although the earlier games offered little or no service in terms of customization, more recent games feature the ability to not only customize the player's own clothes, but also [[wallpaper]], [[flooring]], and even [[paintings]]. It is also possible to decorate the ground in-game with the player's 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.

==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 [[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 including bug/fish catching..
==Timeline==

In the following timeline, games with a bold titles are those considered main series games. These are, in chronological order: {{AF}}, {{AF+}}, {{GC}}, {{AFe+}}, {{WW}}, {{CF}}, {{NL}} and {{NH}}.

===First generation===
The first generation (2001-2005) games were mainly Japanese-exclusives, with the exception of {{GC}}. These games introduced [[Tom Nook]] and the [[Able Sisters]]. 

{| class="roundy" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}}; width: 40%;" |Name
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Boxart
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Release dates
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Type
|-
| '''{{AF}}'''<br>どうぶつの森<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori''
| [[File:AF N64 Front.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} April {{d|14}}, 2001
| Nintendo 64 game
|-
| '''{{AF+}}'''<br>どうぶつの森＋<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori+''
| [[File:AF+ Front.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} December {{d|14}}, 2001
| GameCube game
|-
| '''{{GC}}'''
| [[File:Animal Crossing.jpg|64px]]
| {{NA}} September {{d|16}}, 2002<br>{{AU}} October {{d|17}}, 2003<br>{{EU}} September {{d|24}}, 2004
| GameCube game
|-
| '''{{AFe+}}'''<br>どうぶつの森ｅ＋<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori e+''
| [[File:Doubutsunomorieplus.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} June {{d|27}}, 2003
| GameCube game
|-
| ''[[Dōbutsu no Mori 4koma Gag Battle|4koma Gag Battle]]''<br>どうぶつの森 4コマギャグバトル<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori Yonkoma Gaggu Batoru''
| [[File:Dobutsu no Mori e+ "4koma Gag Battle" Part.1.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} 2003
| Manga
|-
|}

===Second generation===
The second generation games (2005-2012) introduced the 'rolling log' perspective, a series staple ever since, as well as online play. 

{| class="roundy" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}}; width: 40%;" |Name
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Boxart
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Release dates
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Type
|-
| '''{{WW|long}}'''<br>おいでよ　どうぶつの森<br>''Oideyo Dōbutsu no Mori''
| [[File:Animal Crossing Wild World.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} November {{d|23}}, 2005<br/>{{NA}} December {{d|5}}, 2005<br/>{{AU}} December {{d|8}}, 2005<br/>{{EU}} March {{d|31}}, 2006<br/>{{SK}}December {{d|6}}, 2007
| Nintendo DS game
|-
| {{HMD}}<br>どうぶつの森 ホヒンダ村だより<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori: Hohinda Mura Dayori''
| [[File:1106069657.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} November {{d|28}}, 2005 - December {{d|27}}, 2013
| Manga series
|-
| ''[[Oideyo Dōbutsu no Mori (manga)|Animal Forest: Come on Over]]''<br>おいでよ　どうぶつの森<br>''Oideyo Dōbutsu no Mori''
| [[File:Oideyo.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} ''Unknown''
| Manga
|-
| {{AM}}<br>どうぶつの森<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori''
| [[File:Animalcrossingfilm poster.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} December {{d|16}}, 2006<br> {{JP}} July {{d|25}}, 2007 (DVD)
| Animated movie
|-
| '''{{CF|long}}'''<br>街へいこうよ　どうぶつの森<br>''Machi e Ikō yo Dōbutsu no Mori''
| [[File:Cityfolkbox.jpg|64px]]
| {{NA}} November {{d|16}}, 2008<br>{{CA}} November {{d|17}}, 2008<br>{{JP}} November {{d|20}}, 2008<br>{{AU}} December {{d|4}}, 2008<br>{{EU}} December {{d|5}}, 2008<br>{{SK}} January {{d|28}}, 2010
| Wii game
|-
| ''[[Minna no Dōbutsu no Mori|Everyone's Animal Forest]]''<br>みんなのどうぶつの森<br>''Minna no Dōbutsu no Mori''
| [[File:Minna no Dōbutsu no Mori.png|64px]]
| {{JP}} 2008
| Manga
|-
| ''[[Animal Crossing Clock]]''
| [[File:Animal Crossing Clock.jpg|64px]]
| {{NA}} May {{d|4}}, 2009<br>{{EU}} May {{d|4}}, 2009
| DSiWare app
|-
| ''[[Animal Crossing Calculator]]''
| [[File:Animal Crossing Clock.jpg|64px]]
| {{NA}} May {{d|4}}, 2009<br>{{EU}} May {{d|4}}, 2009
| DSiWare app
|-
| ''[[Animal Crossing: Sweet Day]]''<br>どうぶつの森 キャンディーまつり<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori Kyandī Matsuri''
| [[File:SweetDayLogo.png|64px]]
| {{NA}} November {{d|18}}, 2012<br>{{EU}} November {{d|30}}, 2012<br>{{JP}} December {{d|8}}, 2012
| Nintendo Land minigame
|}

===Third generation===
The third generation games (2012-2020) introduced exterior design in the form of [[public works projects]], as well as the character [[Isabelle]].

{| class="roundy" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}}; width: 40%;" |Name
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Boxart
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Release dates
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Type
|-
| '''{{NL|long}}'''<br>とびだせ　どうぶつの森<br>''Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori''
| [[File:North America New Leaf box-art.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} November {{d|8}}, 2012 <br/>{{SK}} February {{d|7}}, 2013<br/>{{NA}} June {{d|9}}, 2013<br/>{{EU}} June {{d|14}}, 2013 <br/>{{AU}} June {{d|15}}, 2013
| Nintendo 3DS game
|-
| {{MDSML}}<br>とびだせ どうぶつの森<br>みんなでせせらぎ村ライフ<br>''Tobidase Dōbutsu no Mori<br>Minna de Seseragi Mura Life''
| [[File:Tobidase.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} 2012 - unknown
| Manga series
|-
| ''[[Animal Crossing Plaza]]''
| [[File:ACPLogo.png|64px]]
| {{NA}} August {{d|7}}, 2013<br>{{EU}} August {{d|8}}, 2013 <br>{{AU}} August {{d|8}}, 2013<br>
| WiiU app
|-
| ''[[Photos with Animal Crossing]]''<br>いっしょにフォト どうぶつの森<br>''Issho ni Foto Dōbutsu no Mori''
| [[File:Photos With Animal Crossing ENG Title.PNG|64px]]
| {{JP}} 2014 <br> {{EU}} September {{d|2}}, 2015
| Nintendo 3DS app
|-
| {{HHD|long}}<br>どうぶつの森 ハッピーホームデザイナー<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori: Happī Hōmu Dezainā''
|[[File:PS 3DS AnimalCrossingHappyHomeDesigner EAP.jpg|64x64px]]
| {{JP}} July {{d|30}}, 2015<br/>{{NA}} September {{d|25}}, 2015<br/>{{EU}} October {{d|2}}, 2015<br/>{{AU}} October {{d|3}}, 2015
| Nintendo 3DS game
|-
| {{AmF|long}}<br>どうぶつの森 amiiboフェスティバル<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori: amiibo Fesutibaru''
| [[File:Amiibo Festival NA Boxart.png|64px]]
| {{NA}} November {{d|13}}, 2015<br>{{EU}} November {{d|20}}, 2015<br/>{{JP}} November {{d|21}}, 2015<br>{{AU}} November {{d|21}}, 2015
| WiiU game
|-
| {{PC|long}}<br>どうぶつの森 ポケットキャンプ<br>''Dōbutsu no Mori: Poketto Kyanpu''
| [[File:Pocket Camp logo en.png|64px]]
| {{AU}} October {{d|25}}, 2017<br />'''WW''' November {{d|22}} 2017
| Mobile game
|}

===Fourth generation===
The fourth generation games (2020-present) introduced full exterior customization and decoration. For the first time, the main series games were updated frequently.

{| class="roundy" style="width:100%; text-align:center;"
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}}; width: 40%;" |Name
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Boxart
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Release dates
! style="background-color:#{{game color}}; {{roundy}};" |Type
|-
| '''{{NH|long}}'''<br>あつまれ　どうぶつの森<br>''Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori''
| [[File:Animal-crossing-new-horizons.jpg|64px]]
| '''WW''' March {{d|20}}, 2020
| Nintendo Switch game
|-
| ''[[Assemble! Animal Crossing]]''<br>あつまれ どうぶつの森<br>～のんびり島だより～<br>''Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori<br>Nonbiri Shima Dayori''
| [[File:Manga-Atsumare Dōbutsu no Mori Nonbiri Shima Dayori.jpg|64px]]
| {{JP}} March 2020
| Manga
|-
|}

{{Video Games}}
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