Nintendo Direct on 20 February gave us a 25-minute presentation on the upcoming Animal Crossing New Horizons on Nintendo Switch. Scheduled for March 20, 2020, here is a summary of the unpublished information to wait.
Beginning of the game
The 25-minute presentation introduced us the beginning of Animal Crossing New Horizons.
At the beginning of the game, you will be able to choose the configuration of your island among 4 models, and whether you want to live in the Southern or Northern hemisphere. Don't worry, the seasons will always be present.
You will disembark with 2 Villagers (at random) and Tommy will give you a tent that you can place wherever you want on the island. Two buildings will be very important at the beginning of the game :
- The Resident Services building: it allows you to craft items by choosing a DIY recipe, but also to customize them (change the color for example).
The Airport: the first place you will visit. It allows you to visit other islands (of your friends) or to open your island online. It also serves as a post office.
The Dodo
This presentation allowed us to discover the two Dodo at the head of the airport.
- Orville is located in the airport and manages the online functionalities as well as the sending of mail.
- Wilbur manages excursions to other tropical islands.
Nook Inc
- Nookphone: your free mobile phone at the beginning of the game. It allows you to access different features and other applications will be added as you progress through the game.
- Island report: Tom Nook reports every morning on the island.
- Nook Miles: a kind of loyalty program to earn rewards by completing missions. Simply redeem Nook Miles through the Nook Stop in the Residents' Office.
Visit other islands
By redeeming Nook Miles, you can get Nook Tickets. These allow you to visit other tropical islands on your way to the airport.
Villagers on the island
Initially, you will have only two Animals as a villager. As time goes by, you will be able to welcome other inhabitants by choosing in advance the location of the houses.
The Shops
A short 15-second trailer had already leaked and told us about the return of the Fairy Finger Sisters to our deserted island.
The Museum, the Camping and shop are also back.
Crafting
Crafting is a new feature added to Animal Crossing New Horizons. Thanks to Nintendo Treehouses in June 2019, we were already able to make a list of the DIY recipes available in the game. But today, Nintendo Direct confirms that a huge database of crafting recipes will be available!
Not only will you be able to craft objects using materials found on the island (branches, stones, iron etc...) but you'll also be able to customise them!
Return of Special Characters
While Tom Nook, Timmy and Tommy and Marie are indeed back in this game on Nintendo Switch, the presentation on 20 February allowed us to meet other characters emblematic of the franchise.
We also find Gulliver asleep on the beach but also Reseti who is at the head of the Rescue team! If you are lost, you can call him to return home in the blink of an eye.
And if Tom Nook is the head of the island management, Marie will also be there to help him!
All the other special characters are considered Tourists who will visit you from time to time. While the others will obviously be there to manage seasonal events such as fishing tournaments.
Creative Mode
You will be able to unlock a Building Permit to reshape the island your way!
Amiibos
Amiibo figures and Amiibo cards are supported by the game.
Play as a Family
Up to 8 accounts can join the same island on the same console.
Nook Link
With a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you'll be able to access an application that allows you to transfer old designs (via QR Code) or chat with other players.
More information
- The OST of the game is obviously renewed with new music every hour.
- At night, you can run into ghosts!
- It's possible to use a ladder to go from one floor to another on the island (no more need to use the slopes)
- There will be free updates after the launch of the game.
Redesigned colors, improved rendering and fully modified clothing: more than 100 villagers had a facelift before joining the adventure on Animal Crossing New Horizons!
