The Animal Crossing games are well-known for letting players progress in their digital world whenever they please. Being able to work on or enjoy participating in certain activities at one’s own pace is why many consider them some of the best in the social simulation genre. However, some have concerns regarding players abusing their system’s clock to speed up when events happen to acquire rewards they were not meant to have yet. There is a way for the developers to address such an issue, one that benefits players who want to play normally and those who want to speed up their progress. If it were to happen, the next Animal Crossing game could become the most replayable entry in the series.
Time traveling in the world of Animal Crossing is something that many players do regularly. Being able to leap forward or backward a few days, hours, or even years can have benefits, but some believe it ruins the integrity of a game meant to be simulated in real time. There is a way to give players the best of both worlds, and that is by giving them the option to choose between two different modes. One can be locked to follow events in real-time and the other more freedom for those who enjoy traveling in time whenever they please. Though such additions may be tricky to implement, they may just be something that will appeal to fans.
Why the Next Animal Crossing Should Have Two Different Modes for Regular and Time-Travelling Play
Many players have time traveled in Animal Crossing: New Horizons and the previous iterations, and it’s expected that they will still do so with the next mainline entry. Some might see this as a form of cheating, as it arguably robs the satisfaction of earning rewards when they’re supposed to. Having two modes that allow fans to play regularly or involve time travel erases such concerns, ensuring everyone enjoys their way of play. Such a structure could be quite beneficial:
- The new modes can let people enjoy the advantages of time traveling in Animal Crossing and regular play, allowing them to try new experiences without worry
- The two modes are perfect options for those who either don’t have enough time to play but want to progress fast, or those who have lots of time and want to take things slow
- Those who want to play the game in real-time will at least have a way to see just what kind of rewards they can look forward to getting without facing consequences
Though it might still come with unexpected issues, such additions are something Nintendo should consider, as it could attract more fans to both the franchise and the social simulation genre.
Why Animal Crossing’s Potential Two Modes Should Be Separate Files Instead of One
While fans of the franchise are used to playing on only one file, having two new modes with their individual saves could open up more opportunities. One good example is that the feature would make restarting in Animal Crossing less scary, as having another world means fans can build or decorate however they please without worrying about losing their work should they wish to start over. Also, it can help ensure fair play, as those who choose the time-traveling mode can be restricted from accessing online features and transferring items to other saves. This way, players who enjoy leaping forward and backward through time don’t end up mixing with those who play in real-time, removing any concerns about unfair advantages.
Adding a time-traveling and regular play mode is a golden opportunity that the next Animal Crossing should not pass up on. Although it will have its issues, the benefits both can bring could lead to attracting new fans to the franchise, while ensuring that the current ones are given better experiences with every playthrough they choose to do.