Animal Crossing is a franchise from humble beginnings that has now become one of the biggest for Nintendo. While each mainline game's premise has generally stayed the same, Animal Crossing has constantly experimented with its settings and mechanics, and found success along the way. As its library grows, so does the number of opportunities it has to try new things. Regarding that, there is one in particular that could create an interesting and bold Animal Crossing spin-off game, but whose window is closing in fast. While the franchise can choose to let it slide, it would be a waste for it to do so due to the resources already available and all the potential benefits it can bring by making it.
In October 2023, the LEGO company announced that it would be producing and releasing sets for Animal Crossing. The move was met with success, as to this day, people continue to purchase the products of the toyline and anticipate new releases. With the sets becoming so popular, it opened up the opportunity for Animal Crossing to have a spin-off game based on them. While the idea is sound, its relevancy is limited in time, as eight of the franchise's LEGO sets are scheduled to retire by the end of 2025, and a few more a year after. With them eventually being taken off the shelves, Nintendo would need to move forward with a LEGO spin-off sooner rather than later to ensure that it doesn't end up being outdated and lose out on the current moment.
Animal Crossing Fan Creates Incredible LEGO Animation
A talented animator showcases an adorable animation that features the beloved Animal Crossing LEGO sets in a unique way.
Why an Animal Crossing LEGO Spin-off Game Should Happen Before the Retirement of the Sets
While the retirement of some of the Animal Crossing LEGO sets is still far off, the fact that it will start taking place in 2025 means that any spin-off game only has a short release window. As for why it should take place before the toys are no longer in production, it's for the simple matter of taking advantage of their popularity. By releasing in (or at least near) the sales window of the franchise's LEGO sets, a spin-off would feel closely tied to the active toy line. Making and releasing the title well past the toys' retirement would mean missing out on the audience the toyline attracted, as it's likely that by that point, fans will have had reason to move on to other things. So, while the franchise's LEGOs are still fresh and relevant, Nintendo should capitalize on releasing an Animal Crossing spin-off game based on them before it's too late.
How Animal Crossing Can Make a Spin-off Game Based on Its LEGO Sets
While it's important to create a LEGO spin-off game before the retirement of the toyline, there's still the question of how it should be gone about. If Nintendo does intend to make such a game before the tail end of 2025, then there are a few ideas it could go for:
- It could be a racing game that allows players to customize each of their karts' parts in the same way they would with LEGOs, potentially even leading to a new line of Animal Crossing sets
- The spin-off could be something like a management simulator, allowing players to build and explore the Animal Crossing LEGO sets in-game, while customizing LEGO versions of Animal Crossing's businesses
- Nintendo could make a puzzle game, where players build the LEGO version of each Animal Crossing character piece by piece until they look like they're supposed to
Making the next Animal Crossing game a LEGO spin-off seems the logical choice, given that the franchise's sets are bound for retirement. If any of of the potential spin-off avenues were executed right, it could encourage a new partnership deal with LEGO that leads to even more sets in the future.
If Animal Crossing wants to continue to be one of the biggest Nintendo franchises, then it would be wise to jump at every opportunity. The franchise's LEGO sets, while they're still available, offer an amazing one via a possible spin-off title. Hopefully, Nintendo will consider capitalizing on it, as the idea has a ton of potential and provides the company and the franchise with a lot to gain.
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 90 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- March 20, 2020
- ESRB
- Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Engine
- Havok
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Expansions
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
