One of the reasons why the Animal Crossing franchise is so well-known and beloved is because of the numerous anthropomorphic creatures tied to it. While its games have many memorable entities, the ones who came out of them that have become known as some of the best Nintendo characters would have to be Tom Nook and Isabelle. Since their introduction, they have established themselves as easily likable and memorable NPCs because of their personalities and how well they do their jobs. However, swapping their roles could lead to fun happenstances.
Tom Nook is a character introduced in the first Animal Crossing title, becoming a famous and even infamous figure due to how he handles the business and development side of the games. Isabelle, an NPC in charge of more secretarial duties, appeared more recently via an introduction in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, but has gained just as much or even more popularity than the sly yet charming tanuki. Therefore, a swap would make for some compelling identity crises.
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What Could Happen if Isabelle and Tom Nook Exchanged Roles?
Tom Nook and Isabelle are arguably the most recognizable mascots of the Animal Crossing franchise, and they will naturally evolve as more games continue to release. While they will likely always stick to the roles that fans have come to know them for, it is fun to imagine what they would be like in each other's shoes:
- Potentially new personalities and appearances for Tom Nook and Isabelle, with the characters shifting their attires and attitudes to better suit their form of employment.
- If Isabelle were to handle the financial side, her helpful personality might make it so that loans have little to no costs or have easier payment plans to eliminate them, giving players an almost trouble-free time in the Bell-managing department.
- With Tom Nook having expertise in business-related matters, he could provide an option that allows things like festivals to be much grander but at a cost, providing new opportunities for players to work towards.
While it could be difficult to even imagine a role swap between the two characters since they're so established in their roles, such a swap would serve as a reminder of just how unique each character in the series is. The next Animal Crossing game has the opportunity to introduce new villagers who have even more distinct personalities, too.
How the Swap Could Make Isabelle and Tom Nook More Popular Than They Already Are
Many people have come to know Tom Nook as the savvy business-minded tanuki, and Isabelle as the kind and sweet Shih Tzu secretary, and these fans love them for it. However, having them swap roles may help them become even more popular and liked than ever, as it lets the two show a side of themselves they might never have been able to if they stuck with what they're known for. If it happens, players might be introduced to a more fun and imaginative Tom Nook, and a serious and perhaps even strict Isabelle, allowing for surprising and possibly enjoyable interactions that could dive deeper into their personalities. If done right, this hypothetical change could end up making the best characters in Animal Crossing even better, and with so many potential NPC candidates available to Nintendo, similar job changes could keep the series fresh for ages.
Having Tom Nook and Isabelle swap roles - even as a brief gag - would likely be something that many fans are open to, and hopefully, a time will come when Nintendo will take the chance to make it happen. Whether it takes place in a mainline entry or a bold Animal Crossing spin-off game, the adjustment would definitely attract attention and give the franchise a fresh coat of paint.
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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
