Summary
- In Animal Crossing: New Horizons, the game world remains active even when the player isn't playing, leading to unexpected and humorous encounters.
- For example, a player recently witnessed their Villager Marina behaving suspiciously near a knocked-out Gullivarrr, sparking a crime mystery.
- Despite Marina's suspicious actions on the menu screen, the 'evidence' isn't actually something to take seriously, as Gullivarrr is known for being thrown overboard by his crew and can't be attacked by Villagers.
An Animal Crossing: New Horizons player loads their game just in time to accidentally witness Marina walking away from a crime scene. Animal Crossing: New Horizons offers a world that doesn't stop when the player quits playing, often resulting in some hilarious encounters when they do return.
Since the first Animal Crossing game was released, the series has featured Villager characters that interact with the world around them whether a gamer is playing or not. This is enabled by the in-game clock and tasks that Villagers are programmed to do. When players load a fresh instance of their New Horizons island, the logo is displayed above in-game footage that follows one of the characters. Villagers can be found anywhere on the island, including inside Animal Crossing: New Horizons' Nook's Cranny, the Museum, the Able Sisters, or their homes. However, one gamer has spotted their Villager Marina suspiciously walking away from an unconscious Gullivarrr.
Reddit user SamFromSolitude recently shared an Animal Crossing: New Horizons clip focusing on Marina when their island loads. Marina is immediately seen standing over Gullivarrr before she turns around and hides behind her Rainbow Umbrella next to a beach house. Other than the player, Kapp'n was also a witness to the event. Marina is a classic Villager with the Normal personality in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, and she's known to sing without needing a stereo. This combination may make her unsuspecting to other Villagers in a crime mystery story. Although some players ignore Gullivarrr when he's washed up on the beach, this introduction may have inspired the Reddit user to interact with him.
Since the first Animal Crossing game was released, the series has featured Villager characters that interact with the world around them whether a gamer is playing or not.
Did This Animal Crossing: New Horizons Villager Commit a Crime?
An Island Village Crime Mystery
Despite Marina walking away from the crime scene, Gullivarrr is known for being thrown overboard by his crew. This obviously makes it unlikely that Marina was involved in any way, but her suspicious act may be why SamFromSolitude thought something else happened as they logged in. While Gullivarrr offers his own pirate-themed Animal Crossing: New Horizons loot, players are most likely familiar with his standard form as Gulliver. Gulliver has been featured in the series since the first game, and he rewards players with world landmark-related items for helping him. This used to involve simply waking the seagull from his beach slumber, but it requires digging up or diving for Communicator parts in New Horizons.
As Animal Crossing: New Horizons Villagers act in specific ways, it's unlikely that Marina even interacted with the passed-out Gulivarrr. Fans anticipate a sequel to release on the Nintendo Switch's successor that may expand on Villagers' activities, and if it does, perhaps genuine interactions between Villagers and Gullivarrr will be introduced.
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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
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.
- Franchise
- Animal Crossing
- Platform(s)
- Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
- How Long To Beat
- 100 Hours
