Animal Crossing: New Horizons has become a smash hit for the Nintendo Switch. Yet, it was the lesser-known, and more obscure Nintendo 64 romp from Japan two decades ago - which was later ported to GameCube - which started it all. This delightful lifestyle sim may look simple to the modern eye, especially compared to New Horizons.
Yet, this originator holds a subtle complexity and appealing charm that's rarely matched. As one might expect with an older game that's as unique as this, the original Animal Crossing has its share of bizarre trivia and unique details surrounding it.
This list will highlight 10 of the most interesting facts related to this colorful title.
10 One Of The Best-Selling GameCube Games Of All Time
In an era dominated by complex and often gritty games, Animal Crossing brought a more cheery and user-friendly sensibility. This made it more appealing to a mass-market audience. Its passive and addictive gameplay help give this unique title a wide appeal that would last to this day.
Though its sales are small potatoes compared to the likes of Nintendo's most recent AC hit on Switch, it managed to sell a respectable 2.42 million on GameCube, with 1.58 million being in the US. Given its much smaller userbase, this is an impressive number - taking the number 6 spot on the GameCube's top 10 best-selling software.
9 It's Actually An Enhanced N64 Port
Animal Crossing was never about grandiosity or sleekness, as the first game on GameCube clearly illustrates. Yet, its simpler and cruder visuals make more sense given that this actually is a converted N64 title. In fact, it's essentially a localized version of Dobutsu no Mori (Animal Forest), which was released exclusively in Japan for the N64 in early 2001.
This version was then enhanced and re-released for the Cube later that year in Japan. The localized version of that game is the Animal Crossing debut that Western audiences know.
8 The Nature Of The Playable NES Games
There are many neat elements to Animal Crossing that give it such a unique charm and appeal. One of the most prominent comes in the form of the playable NES games, which technically totals 19. Yet, players will really only be able to access 15 of these without using a cheat device or outside source.
In addition to the 15 playable classics such as Donkey Kong and Excitebike, four additional titles are not obtainable in-game. Ice Climber and Mario Bros could be booted up via e-Reader cards, while Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda were part of promos and are no longer accessible.
How the rest of these games are obtained varies, and the titles available also differ depending on the regional release.
7 Skin Will Tan In Summer
ACÂ is known for its organic feel, thanks to the lifestyle gameplay and its internal clock which shifts the conditions and events in-game. Yet, there are also some subtle features that add to this realistic feel. One such inclusion is the ability to get a tan.
In fact, players can increasingly obtain a tan, which is achieved by playing the game for consecutive days in the summer months or simply standing in the sun long enough. This is assuming the skies are clear and that this exposure is during the daytime. There are five variants of these darkening tones.
6 The Japanese Version Allows Players To Get Into Nook's Shop At Night
It's always frustrating to be looking to pay a visit to Tom Nook's shop only to remember that it's officially after-hours and the store is closed. Yet, at least in the Japanese version of AC, it's possible to make your way into the shop after pestering him a bit.
When his shop is closed, have a shovel in-hand and tap the window of his shop 3 times. Doing so will trigger the light to go on, which will allow players to walk inside and gaze upon a sleepy Nook dressed in pajamas. It would seem that Nook is far more patient and generous in the Japanese version...
5 Obtaining The Golden Shovel
As is the case in New Horizons, Golden items are quite useful, given their value and crazy-durable nature. But this also means there are often obscure and/or tricky methods involved to get them. Such is the case with the Golden Shovel in the original AC.
To get this shovel, one must seek out a Sparkling Spot, which then must be dug up before burying a shovel inside. After a few days, a tree bearing the coveted gold shovel will grow.
4 The Origin For Coco's Blank Face
One of the more peculiar villagers, the blank-faced rabbit named Coco, is said to be inspired by a unique feature in the original AC. Players that didn't save their game while visiting another player's village would basically be "penalized" by having their avatar sport a similar-looking expression.
This eerie, void expression would also initiate if a player happened to reset their game without saving with the Gyroid. This peculiar feature has brought an added element of lore to this iconic title.
3 Almost Didn't Make It To Europe
Given AC's unique Japanese-style flair, it's perhaps not surprising that the initial release on N64 never saw a Western release, and that it reached Western shores over a year later. Yet, the game almost never made it to Europe at all, as there were no initial plans by Nintendo to do so.
Eventually, though, the success was apparent and the demand for the game was prominent enough for the game to finally reach Europe in September 2004.
2 The Reason For The Blank NES
Many players assume the blank, unusable NES in AC is merely meant to be a decorative flair for gamers to show off in their house. Yet, it seems as though this actually did have a purpose, or was intended to by Nintendo.
A software engineer by the name of James Chambers discovered that interacting with this item was meant to draw from NES ROMs that were to be loaded onto GameCube memory cards. Apparently, Nintendo was looking to release memory cards loaded with NES games, but these plans never materialized.
1 Warping To An Empty "Beta Map"
Players that initiate a series of specific events related to the Post Office can warp to an area best described as an empty, random AC void. This was seemingly meant to be a Beta testing area.
To achieve this, players have to first enter the building and speak to Pelly on the top of the hour, just as the hourly music fades during the day of the Sports Fair. You'll also have to pay off your debt, after which time the debt dance will trigger at the same moment the sports fair announcer calls the upcoming event. This clashing of events will cause a glitch in the game, teleporting players to a largely vacant area that can actually be explored.
A hard reset is required to escape it though - so be sure to make sure to save beforehand.