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

Games in the Animal crossing franchises are known for their welcoming social simulation gameplay, which offers a variety of activities to do, items to collect, and characters to collect. The formula for each main entry is one that many fans are familiar with, and the next game will likely be as well. But if Nintendo decides to walk away from it with a spin-off, then a classic Animal crossing NPCs could serve an important purpose in providing a fun and interesting new way to play.

While the Animal crossing the franchise is no stranger to trying something different gameplay-wise, they are always from the point of view of the player or a controllable human character. If Nintendo ever decides to make a spin-off, then Tom Nook could be the key to a gameplay style similar to investing and city management. Moving away 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.

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 the money tree holes. I spent too much time burying just 1,000 stars to make 3,000.

What kind of gameplay could an Animal Crossing spin-off starring Tom Nook have?

Those who have played even just one game should soon realize Tom Nook's entrepreneurial mentality and see how his entrepreneurial characteristics could lead to a new type of gameplay. While the character has always had a supporting role that helps the player, he has the skills and background that allow him to be an interesting protagonist for a spin-off. If next Animal crossing allows players to put themselves in Tom Nook's shoes, so there are a few ways he can do this:

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

If it's a spin-off, next Animal crossing the game shouldn't let Tom Nook be the evil landlord that some make him out 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 put him in the spotlight and make a new game that could change some people's perception of the franchise.

Why a Tom Nook spinoff could benefit the Animal Crossing franchise

If a Tom Nook spin-off game manages to achieve success, it opens up avenues for sequels. Tom Nook's business-oriented mentality means there are plenty of things he's capable of doing, which also means he has the potential to be responsible for even more games outside of the mainline entries. It can also lead to games involving Timmy and Tommy Nook, the lovable employees they work for Animal crossingthe iconic tanuki. While there are many unanswered questions about the Nooks, it's clear that they all have the same entrepreneurial mindset that warrants them having spinoffs together or separately.

Next Animal crossing The game should not miss the golden opportunity to use an established character like Tom Nook to introduce a new side to the series. A spinoff involving the character can attract the attention of current and potential fans, letting people know that the franchise has the potential to move beyond the social simulation genre.