Summary
WhileAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsmay have been a fantastic experience, it also left out many fan-favorite mechanics from pastAnimal Crossingtitles. One such mechanic comes in the form of Booker the Police Dog and the Police Station. Even though his removal did not necessarily ruin the game, series veterans sorely missed him. And while Nintendo probably has no plans to add him toAnimal Crossing: New Horizonsnow, the nextAnimal Crossingtitle should really run wild with him.
Booker has been a part ofAnimal Crossingever since the original game, yet he was left out of the biggestAnimal Crossingto date. He did not even crop up in the game’s massive expansion, which is a shame because he has become a staple of the franchise. However, that omission could be rectified if Nintendo expanded his functionality immensely with the next title. Not only couldthe nextAnimal Crossingfeature his grand return, but it could bring with it new mechanics, including mysteries and the ability to arrest troublesome villagers.
The Next Animal Crossing Should Go All in On Booker the Police Dog
Who Exactly is Booker?
Booker is a bulldog that has appeared ineveryAnimal CrossinggamebesidesNew Horizons. He serves as either the police officer of the town or as a guard at the gate. He often works alongside his partner Copper and is a vital part of anyone’s town. While he has never really been the most useful, he still feels like the perfect addition to theAnimal Crossingformula. Most real towns have a police station, so it would only make sense that a fictional one would too.
In the firstAnimal Crossing, Booker ran the lost and found inside the Police Station building. Players could come in and claim any lost item, even if it was not actually their item. InWild World, he also ran the lost and found, but from the town gate instead. Along with that, he would also tell players if they had any special visitors and was in charge of the flag’s design. He serveda similar role inCity Folkand would assume his original role as a police officer inNew Leafas long as the Police Station was constructed.
The Next Animal Crossing Can Do So Much With the Police Station
Booker has appeared throughout the mainline series and inthe spin-offHappy Home Designer, so it seems strange that he did not get to appear inNew Horizonsoutside of an Amiibo card. There is not even a lost and found or mention of a police station, which is a shame as he was a great addition to the cast. Instead, lost items simply appear on the ground and can be picked up as players go about their day-to-day life. That may make for a fine system, but Booker really deserves to run that feature, and he could so much more if given the chance.
The nextAnimal Crossingshould bring back many missing features, including Booker and his partner Copper. While Nintendo could simply add the lost and found, it should further expand his functionality as well. For starters, he should actually be able to utilize his status as a police officer by letting players solve mysteries. Every week, players could work alongside him to solve some random problem that seems to be plaguing the city. Maybe a villager lost their keys, someone stole the flag, rodents are sneaking into the museum, or maybe Booker simply misplaced his hat. Whatever the case may be, these mysteries could be a fun way to earn new items.
Along with mysteries, players should also be able to arrest troublesome villagers if they want. While they may not be able to arrest anyone they want, there should be a system in place that allows them to toss a criminal or annoying villager in prison for a little bit. Even if that is simply something that happens after a mystery is solved, it could make for a fun little mechanic. It could also be the perfect way to finally deal with villagers that are unable to take the hint.
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.
