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

Games in Animal Crossing franchises are known for their cozy social simulation that offers a variety of activities, 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 through a spin-off, then one classic Animal Crossing An NPC could serve an important purpose in providing a fun and interesting new way to play.

While Animal Crossing the franchise is no stranger to trying something different when it comes to gameplay, they are always from the perspective of the player or controllable human characters. If Nintendo ever decides to make a spin-off, then Tom Nook could be the key to the investment and urban style of the game. 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.

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

I wish someone had told me that you can bury up to 10,000 bells and get three times as many bells from the holes in the money trees. I spent way too long just burying 1000 bells to earn 3000.

What Kind of Game Could a Tom Nook-Lead Animal Crossing Spin-Off Have?

Those who have played even one entry should quickly recognize the business Tom Nook and see how his entrepreneurial qualities could lead to a new type of game. Although the character has always played a supporting role that helps the player, he has the skills and background to make him an interesting protagonist for a spin-off. If another Animal Crossing allows players to walk in Tom Nook's shoes, then there are several ways to do it:

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

If it's a spin-off, another Animal Crossing the game shouldn't let Tom Nook be the villainous landlord that some make him out to be, but instead embrace what makes the character special. The highly recognizable tanuki has a lot to offer, and it's up to Nintendo to push it into the spotlight and deliver 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 the Tom Nook spin-off game succeeds, it opens the way for sequels. Tom Nook's business mindedness means he is able to do many things, which also means he has the potential to be responsible for even more games outside of the main line. It can even lead to games involving Timmy and Tommy Nook, the adorable employees they work for Animal Crossingiconic tanuki. While there are many unanswered questions about the Nooks, it's clear that they all have the same business mindset that warrants them having a spin-off together or separately.

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