WhileDisney Dreamlight Valleymight be one of the newer hits in the simulation genre,Animal Crossingremains an absolute giant. Though it may be one of the most iconic simulation games of all time, theAnimal Crossingfranchise can always take inspiration from its competitors in the genre.Disney Dreamlight Valleyis no exception, with at least one key feature that could spice upAnimal Crossinggameplay for players in a future installment.
Animal CrossingandDisney Dreamlight Valleyhave several similarities, as is expected due to their shared genre. However, both games have different ways of spicing up the quests and tasks players must complete.Disney Dreamlight Valley’s approach to this critical aspectof both games could be a game-changing inspiration forAnimal Crossing’s next installment.
Disney Dreamlight Valley’s Hang-Outs are One of its Best Features
The core gameplay ofDisney Dreamlight Valleyis befriending the classic Walt Disney Animation andPixar Studios charactersthat inhabit the Valley. With ten Friendship levels for all the game’s villager characters, players unlock new rewards for each level they complete. While the most iconic Friendship Rewards are the character-themed motifs, clothing, and pieces of furniture players obtain upon hitting a new Friendship level, players can access an even more valuable reward upon hitting Level 2 of any character’s Friendship Rewards.
Once a player reaches Level 2 of a villager’s Friendship Rewards, that character and the player can now Hang Out. Players must also assign a role to the character, like Digging, Gardening, Fishing, Foraging, Mining, Timebending (A Rift in Time DLC),or Snippet Catching (Storybook Vale DLC). Based on which role is assigned to the villager, the villager can find more items while searching for resources.
However, the most interesting aspect of Hanging Out gameplay is that the assigned villager will follow the player around the village, including into anyDisney Dreamlight Valleycharacter’s houses or locations. While this feature does not take these villagers to other Realms, it remains a fun aspect ofDisney Dreamlight Valley’s gameplay.
Once a player ends a Hang-Out or restarts the game, villagers may resume their regular schedule.
Animal Crossing Has a Lot of Potential for Hang-Outs
Disney Dreamlight Valley’s version of Follow the Leader would be perfect forAnimal Crossingand could be a great way to spice up activities like daily tasks. With the amount ofresource hunting inAnimal Crossing, giving players more opportunity and reason to interact with villagers would likely generate a significant fan response.
First introduced inAnimal Crossing: New Horizons, the latest entry in theAnimal Crossingfranchise also has aFriendship system likeDisney Dreamlight Valley. Though the game’s system is slightly different as it is points-based,Animal Crossing’s Friendship system is similar enough in concept that it could be tailored to introduce this new follow-the-leader gameplay. Perhaps acquiring a certain amount of points per day with a villager could lead them to follow the player around their island. This would make the follow-the-leader system more closely related toPokémon GO’s buddy system, which makes buddies follow their trainer around town after being fed a certain amount of treats.
Animal Crossing’s Dreamies Could Benefit from this Feature
Animal Crossinghas dozens more villagersthan are currently available onDisney Dreamlight Valley’s character roster. The franchise, and especiallyNew Horizons, is already known for its ruthless player base’s dedication to certain villagers. With such loyalty already built for these villagers, players would be thrilled to spend more time with these characters while doing tasks like catching fish, shaking trees, and digging up fossils.
Though thenext installment in theAnimal Crossingfranchiseremains in the dark, sources of inspiration for the game have spotlights shining down on them. Hopefully, this newAnimal Crossinggame will take inspiration from this small, but delightful,Disney Dreamlight Valleyfeature.
Animal Crossing: New Horizons
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.
