Summary
- Balloon popping in Animal Crossing: New Horizons is a simple task but could use some excitement to make present gathering more engaging.
- Adding new gameplay mechanics like tougher balloons or special abilities could make shooting down presents more fun in the next title.
- Nintendo should consider expanding present gathering options to include underground, fishing, tree drops, and mini-games for a more lively experience.
While nothing has been officially announced yet, based on the success of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, another chapter of this relaxing franchise is no doubt on the horizon. And with a new title, Nintendo will likely want to spruce things up considerably with new gameplay mechanics, a whole new style, and dozens of new things for players to discover. Even though there are plenty of areas that the studio could improve in the next Animal Crossing, there is one simple side activity that definitely needs to be spiced up a bit.
As players do their daily tasks in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, they will occasionally be greeted by a balloon carrying a present. After they shoot it down, they are given whatever the present holds, which is usually some type of furniture or clothing item. This can be a fun way to earn new cosmetic items while simply playing the game, but it also leaves much to be desired. It does not have to be the most advanced mini-game in the world, yet it could benefit from something more.
Animal Crossing's Present Hunting Needs to be Injected With Some Life
The Balloon Popping Could Be Spruced Up a Bit
There is nothing inherently wrong with Animal Crossing: New Horizon's balloon popping, as it is an extremely simple and relaxing task. That said, some players may be looking for a more exciting way to gather mysterious presents. And while there is likely room for new present gathering mini-games, the balloon popping could simply get a bit of a facelift in the next title.
Instead of being a random side activity in New Horizons, these balloons could require players to put more effort into shooting them down. Maybe they need to spend more time aiming, maybe some of the balloons are fake, or maybe more than one balloon is carrying some presents. Additionally, there may be varying balloon sizes that require stronger ranged attacks to take down or even balloons that have special wild abilities that make hitting them a bit harder. While Nintendo would have to balance these additions so that they are still fun to shoot down, it could make things a lot more engaging and unique if done well.
Other Present Hunting Activities May Also Help the Game Shine
Improving the balloon popping could go a long way in making present gathering more fun, but if Nintendo wants to take it even further, then it could expand the gathering options considerably. These presents could be hidden underground, they could come from fishing, they could wash up on the beach, they could fall from trees, or they could come from brand-new mini-games like slot machines or the classic shell game. No matter where they come from, having more options would spruce up Animal Crossing considerably.
Not only should presents be obtained in more ways, but they should also contain even more exciting and unique items. They should still be filled to the brim with furniture and clothing, with even more pieces being introduced to the pool.
However, along with that, the presents could include items themed after other Nintendo games, villager-exclusive items, house designs, and maybe even a series of collectibles that build to something greater.
There are likely plenty more ways that Nintendo could make the activity more exciting. And even if it chooses not to, the balloon popping is still a fun little addition to the world. Since each Animal Crossing tends to expand the core concept immensely, it feels like the perfect time to build upon presents.
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
