Animal Crossing: New Horizons has a lot of things for players to collect. From the decor that can be purchased to the fossils that can be dug up, there's a seemingly endless amount of items to enjoy obtaining. While acquiring collectibles can be a good way to pass time, some would also like to learn more about what they've acquired. This is where acquiring Blathers and his museum comes in, as doing so allows players to obtain information on what they've donated and have it displayed for all to see. While Blathers provides valuable facts, his feature in New Horizons could benefit from an improvement.
Blathers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a character that lives to offer players information on any museum donations he's given. If he is given an item that has yet to be donated, he will provide interesting facts about it before setting it up for display. The details he shares can be quite fascinating, but they're only shared once per each new item given. While Blathers can share the information again if the player provides him with another of the same item, doing so can be tedious and underutilizes the point of the museum. The structure should allow people to go over the facts they've been given and the next Animal Crossing may just help to ensure that it does.
How Should Nintendo Change Animal Crossing Going Forward?
Animal Crossing: New Horizons's success was bigger than anyone could've ever predicted. Many fans would consider it the perfect Animal Crossing game, and it was improved further when the expansion pack came out. Nevertheless, there were certain aspects that gamers pointed out Nintendo could've done differently to create an even better game. I would love it if Nintendo added a way for us to contact villagers who have moved out. I stuck with most of my villagers throughout New Horizons because I didn't want to let them go, especially my favorites. I don't regret this decision, but I felt like I missed out on meeting more villagers.
Why Animal Crossing’s Museum Should Allow Players to Easily Reread Facts They’ve Learned
The museum and Blathers' changes throughout the Animal Crossing series show that the games are evolving to make things better for the players. However, the latest iteration of both makes it difficult to go over collectible information that's already provided. Learning about something through its initial donation and then possibly never hearing about it again is something about New Horizons that needs to be changed. This is why the next mainline entry's museum must allow players to reread any facts Blathers provides them. There are more reasons why the structure must have the option:
- It gives players more reason to revisit the museum and check up on what they've donated
- It lets the museum live up to its potential as a place of learning rather than just for relaxing
- It provides more incentive to gather and donate collectibles, as storing more information can feel like more in-game progress
These benefits could compel Nintendo to consider the change, which would be all for the better for both the series and its fans. If executed well, the museum and Blathers could be the next Animal Crossing's secret weapon.
How an Update to How Information Is Handled in the Museum Can Benefit the Next Animal Crossing
Allowing players access to information they've gathered can open up opportunities for new modes within the museum. For example, the next Animal Crossing has a golden opportunity to introduce quizzes about items within the museum. Another would be a feature that allows Blathers to provide tours on different sections and perhaps provide more insight on certain donations. Such ideas utilize the information the players have collected and give the museum more things to do. If Nintendo were to add such a major change in the next mainline entry, then it would only lead to enhancing the players' experience.
If the successor to Animal Crossing: New Horizons gets a museum makeover, then one of the ways to do it is by changing how it handles information. Such a change can lead to more content for Nintendo to develop, and it gives the community more to do while playing. Although it might be difficult to implement, the series can only stand to benefit from this kind of update.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
- Released
- March 20, 2020
WHERE TO PLAY
Escape to a deserted island and create your own paradise as you explore, create, and customize in the Animal Crossing: New Horizons game. Your island getaway has a wealth of natural resources that can be used to craft everything from tools to creature comforts. You can hunt down insects at the crack of dawn, decorate your paradise throughout the day, or enjoy sunset on the beach while fishing in the ocean. The time of day and season match real life, so each day on your island is a chance to check in and find new surprises all year round.
Show off your island utopia to family and friends—or pack your bags and visit theirs. Whether playing online** or with others beside you***, island living is even better when you can share it. Even without hopping on a flight, you’ll meet a cast of charming animal residents bursting with personality. Friendly faces like Tom Nook and Isabelle will lend their services and happily help you grow your budding community. Escape to your island getaway—however, whenever, and wherever you want.
- ESRB
- Everyone / Comic Mischief, Mild Fantasy Violence, Users Interact, In-Game Purchases
- Developer(s)
- Nintendo EPD
- Publisher(s)
- Nintendo
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer, Local Multiplayer
- Expansions
- Animal Crossing: New Horizons — Happy Home Paradise
- Franchise
- Animal Crossing
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
- How Long To Beat
- 100 Hours
