An iconic Animal Crossing character could be the key to a bold spin-off

Games in Animal Crossing franchise is known for its cozy social simulation gameplay, which offers a variety of activities to do, items to collect, and characters to collect. The formula for each mainline entry is one that many fans are familiar with, and the next game will likely have it as well. But if Nintendo decides to deviate from it via a spin-off, then a classic Animal Crossing NPCs can serve an important purpose in ensuring a fun and interesting new way to play.

While Animal Crossing franchise is no stranger to trying something different in terms of gameplay, they are always from the perspective of either the player or a controllable human character. If Nintendo ever decides to make a spin-off, Tom Nook could be the key to an investment and city management style of play. Deviating from the usual formula and trying something different is something that could help the franchise expand into other genres, and it's possible that the iconic tanuki could lead the charge.

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What do you wish someone had told you before playing Animal Crossing: New Horizons?

I wish someone had told me that you could bury up to 10,000 Bells and get three times as many Bells from money tree holes. I spent far too long just burying 1000 Bells to earn 3000.

What Kind of Gameplay a Tom Nook-Lead Animal Crossing Spin-off Could Have

Those who have played even one entry should quickly recognize the business-minded Tom Nook and see how his entrepreneurial qualities can lead to a new type of game. Although the character has always played a supporting role helping the player, he has the skills and background to make him an interesting protagonist for a spin-off. About the next one Animal Crossing lets players take a walk in Tom Nook's shoes, there are a few ways to do it:

A game that involves using Tom Nook's business skills to decide which companies players should invest in, giving players the freedom to succeed or fail as they wish
A spin-off that allows players to help Tom Nook decide on his next business venture, giving a variety of options for what players can potentially do
A new title whose gameplay revolves around Tom Nook managing all the different cities whose development he is responsible for, allowing for a management-type simulation game

If it's a spin-off, next Animal Crossing The game shouldn't let Tom Nook be the villainous landlord that some consider him to be, but should instead embrace what makes the character special. The highly recognizable tanuki has a lot to offer, and it's up to Nintendo to push him into the spotlight and create a new game that could change some people's perception of the franchise.

Why A Tom Nook Spin-off Game Could Benefit The Animal Crossing Franchise

If a Tom Nook spin-off game succeeds, it opens up avenues for sequels. Tom Nook's business-oriented mindset means there are many things he can do, which also means he has the potential to be responsible for even more games outside of the mainline. It can even lead to games involving Timmy and Tommy Nook, the adorable employees who work for Animal Crossings iconic tanuki. While there are many unanswered questions about the Nooks, it's clear that they all have the same business mindset that motivates them to have spin-offs together or separately.

Next Animal Crossing the game should not miss the golden opportunity to use a well-established character like Tom Nook to introduce a new side of the series. A spin-off involving the character could grab the attention of current and potential fans, letting people know that the franchise has the potential to go beyond the social simulation genre.