What Animal Crossing Game Should I Start With?
The Animal Crossing series has captivated millions of players worldwide with its relaxing gameplay, adorable characters, and endearing gameplay mechanics. With a rich history of games, new and seasoned players alike may find it daunting to choose which game to start with. Fear not, dear reader! In this article, we’ll guide you through the series’ chronological order, highlighting the essential points you need to know before embarking on your Animal Crossing journey.
1. Best Animal Crossing Game Overall
When it comes to recommending the best Animal Crossing game, Animal Crossing: New Horizons stands out as a masterclass in game design, user-friendly interface, and captivating storytelling. Developed by Nintendo, this 2020 release has captured the hearts of many players worldwide, with its relaxing atmosphere, improved crafting mechanics, and innovative island development. As a newcomer to the series, you may find this game to be an excellent starting point.
2. Other Popular Games
While New Horizons might be the most recent release, other titles are worth exploring as well:
* **Animal Crossing: City Folk** (2008) for Wii – This game introduced city-dwelling to the series, adding more depth to the world of Tom Nook's villages.
* **Animal Crossing: Wild World** (2005) for Nintendo DS – As the first handheld entry in the series, Wild World pioneered the use of touch controls and provided an incredible portability experience.
* **Animal Crossing: New Leaf** (2012) for Nintendo 3DS – With the introduction of mayor abilities and further city development, New Leaf elevated the series' civic elements to a new level.3. Playing in Chronological Order
For die-hard fans or those looking for a narrative-driven experience, playing the Animal Crossing games in chronological order may be the most suitable approach:
* **Doubutsu no Mori** (2001) for Nintendo 64 – The original Animal Crossing title, which introduced players to the world of Tom Nook's village life.
* **Animal Crossing** (2002) for GameCube – The Western debut of the series, featuring improved graphics and mechanics.4. Cross-Over Compatibility
For players seeking continuity between games, keep in mind that Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer (2015) for Nintendo 3DS is the only game not compatible with New Horizons. While New Horizons doesn’t support amiibo features from previous games, all other titles are compatible with each other to a certain extent.
5. Console Preference
When deciding which console to play on, consider the following factors:
* **Wii**: Animal Crossing: City Folk and Doubutsu no Mori: Koko ga Hajimaru Monogatari.
* **Nintendo 3DS**: Animal Crossing: New Leaf and Happy Home Designer.
* **Nintendo Switch**: Animal Crossing: New Horizons.Conclusion
As we’ve explored, choosing the best Animal Crossing game to start with can depend on several factors, including your personal preference, gameplay style, and platform choice. Whichever game you decide to play first, you’ll be transported to a charming world filled with lovable characters and countless hours of entertainment.
In this article, we’ve outlined the chronological order of the series, essential game releases, and compatibility information. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to embark on an unforgettable journey through the world of Animal Crossing!