Animal Crossing: New Horizons was a major hit for the franchise, surpassing even the success of Animal Crossing: New Leaf in 2012. Its launch during a global pandemic, along with the ability for players to create their own customized island, contributed to its status as one of Nintendo's top-selling games for the Switch. The game's friendly atmosphere, extensive customization options, and adorable animal inhabitants provided a unique and satisfying experience for many players.
Despite the immense popularity of the last Animal Crossing game, Nintendo still has numerous possibilities to explore for the series' sixth installment. With 488 villagers available in Animal Crossing, but only 413 featured in Animal Crossing: New Horizons (excluding characters like Isabelle and Tom Nook), there are plenty of options to introduce. While the latest game did not introduce any new species, it did provide many new villagers to interact with. However, reintroducing a few nostalgic characters from previous games could be a welcome addition for long-time fans.
Dozer the Lazy Bear
Dozer, a character in the Animal Crossing franchise, is known for his lazy personality, much like Joey, Derwin, and Broccolo. He is often seen with his eyes closed, which perfectly matches his name. Interestingly, his Japanese name, Surīpu, translates to Sleep in English. Despite being a laid-back character, Dozer has not been given enough attention in games like Animal Forest, Animal Crossing, and Animal Forest e+. It's high time for Dozer to make a comeback and become a fan favorite in a future Animal Crossing title.
Woolio the Jock Sheep
Woolio, a famous character from the first Animal Crossing game Dobutsu no Mori, which was released on the Nintendo 64 in Japan, is widely known as the "cool sheep" among followers due to his sunglasses and rock star outfit. He takes an intense interest in fitness and sports, but his habit of criticizing other residents can make him appear impolite. As most of the franchise's sheep are female, adding another male sheep to the lineup could be just what Nintendo requires for its next release.
Belle the Peppy Cow
Belle the peppy cow stands out as one of the rarest villager types in Animal Crossing: New Horizons, ranking second only to the elusive octopus. Despite the existence of eight cow villagers in the franchise, Belle's normal white cow appearance with black spots sets her apart from the likes of Naomi, Petunia, and Norma. Her enthusiastic and energetic personality makes her a perfect fit for the positive and vibrant world of Animal Crossing: New Horizons' successor.
Cupcake is a bear cub with a distinctive appearance, featuring pink fur and purple accents, reminiscent of Ursala. Although some players may find her self-centered attitude a bit off-putting, Cupcake's eloquence and refined manner of speaking may win them over. Despite being a snooty type of villager in Animal Crossing, Cupcake's love for makeup and interest in gossip might endear her to those who are patient enough to get to know her.
It's disappointing to learn that there won't be any new villagers added to Animal Crossing: New Horizons following the 2.0 update. However, fans can still hold out hope that these beloved characters will make a comeback in the future. For long-time players and newcomers alike, the return of nostalgic faces would surely be a welcome addition to the franchise. Animal Crossing: New Horizons can currently be enjoyed on Nintendo Switch.