Summary
- Animal Crossing can learn from Palia's Potato Pods distribution method to make acquiring Gyroids more exciting and rewarding.
- Introducing mystery bags for Gyroids could incentivize daily gameplay and lead to more variety in collectible items.
- Implementing a gacha-like machine in Nook's shop for Gyroid packs could increase player engagement and emphasize the shop's importance in the game.
Animal Crossing is a franchise that has evolved over the years, and the vast changes and improvements in each succeeding video game it has produced are proof of that. Given everything it has already accomplished, asking what else can be improved would be a valid question. For one, the next game may want to consider a different way of handling a franchise staple, Gyroids. This is where the fantasy life simulation title, Palia, comes in, as it has an item that, whose method of distribution is properly taken inspiration from, could help the next Animal Crossing take the unique furniture item to the next level.
In the world of Palia, there is a decor that players can obtain named Potato Pods. The unique thing about them is that they cannot be acquired normally, as collecting them requires a Potato Pod Prize Bag, which is only available through daily log-in rewards or Twitch drops. Also, what's interesting is that one can never tell which of the 27 different versions of the item they'll get from opening the bag, as it's completely randomized. Since Potato Pods play a similar role to Gyroids, in that they're both special collectibles in their respective games, Animal Crossing can take some notes on the former's distribution method and use it to change how it handles one of the franchise's staple furniture. Doing so would certainly attract the attention of fans, while opening up doors of opportunities for the next game.
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Why Animal Crossing’s Gyroids Should Consider Following Palia’s Potato Pod's Distribution
There are a few differences when one compares how to get Gyroids in Animal Crossing New: Horizons and from the other previous entries, but the main method of getting them is the same: digging. While that is indeed a unique way of acquiring an item, something can be done to freshen it up. Following how Palia's Potato Pods are obtained via prize bags will not only help do so, but it will also lead to a few other benefits for both Gyroids and the next Animal Crossing:
- If Gyroids come in mystery bags that are obtained through daily rewards, then players would have an easier time collecting them, incentivizing them to play every day, and helping the next game to have a long lifespan
- It would incentivize the team behind the next Animal Crossing to create even more types of Gyroids to be randomly collected, allowing the item to stand out and potentially become one of the main driving forces of the next Animal Crossing
- Gyroids being obtained via a mystery bag could introduce a unique and creative animation when opening them, one that can generate excitement and anticipation from players and compel them to play more to relive the feeling
The Gyroids of Animal Crossing would likely never be the same if they followed Palia's Potato Pod Prize Bag's footsteps, but as seen from the benefits, it might be for the best. If done right, it could even become one of the main reasons for the next game in the franchise becoming more relevant than ever, making the move something Nintendo should consider.
How the Next Animal Crossing Could Introduce a New Method of Handling Gyroids
Should the next Animal Crossing decide that its Gyroids will be obtained through something like a mystery bag, then there is one way in which it can be introduced that could pique the interest of players. The game's main shop, managed by any of the Nooks, could have a gacha-like machine that dispenses Gyroid packs as log-in bonuses or during special events. Each one could provide at least three random possibilities, aside from the standard one that's normally expected, making the new method of obtaining the item akin to purchasing and opening up trading card sets.
Something like that can lead to new levels of excitement and make the Gyroid truly feel like a collectible, while also emphasizing the importance and usefulness of the shop. By making it the only place for players to acquire the unique decor from, they will be incentivized to visit the structure frequently, which may lead to finding other items that can make playthroughs easier or more fun.
If there's one thing that the next Animal Crossing could work wonders with, it's changing how it handles its Gyroids to work similarly to Palia's Potato Pods. While it would mean something different from what longtime fans are used to, there's no doubt that the move would lead to some interesting and perhaps game-changing results, ones that may be in the franchise's best interest.
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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.
- Genre(s)
- Simulation
