Video screenshot via LEGO
Having retreated to the pixelated abysses of Animal Crossing: New Horizons during the lockdown, this writer—like many players—was taken by sheer surprise when LEGO announced that it was transporting this beloved immersive world to our desks, some time after Nintendo stopped rolling out updates to the game.
The trailer, resplendent with gift-carrying balloons, houses, and fruit-bearing trees in brick form, was promising. Even more so for the character designs, which are probably the most colorful LEGO minifigs we’ve ever seen.
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It turns out things can get better—your imagination is truly the limit with both LEGO and Animal Crossing. The collaboration, unveiled on Tuesday, comprises five playsets that encourage builders to craft their own unique settings and stories by swapping elements between structures with a simple click.
Image via LEGO
For better or for worse, there’s no mystery island-hopping for residents here. You get to choose who lives on your property—evict Tom Nook if you want. Not only that, but you can also customize the façades of your houses in a way that isn’t possible in the games. This is the LEGO world, after all.
“To us, Animal Crossing is all about creativity and roleplay, so bringing that to life in physical form using LEGO bricks and creating new minifigures has been fun for the team,” says Simon Kent, creative lead and design director at the LEGO Group. “One of the challenges was to make sure that customization of the sets was simple so builders could experience the freedom they have in the game. Additionally, creating the minifigures to make sure they were accurately representing the characters in the video games was very important for us.”
Here’s a sneak peek at what to expect.
Isabelle’s House Visit (389 pieces)
Image via LEGO
Resident Services are only a visit away with this build, which also lets you customize Fauna’s house, as well as engage in activities like opening balloon presents, crafting tools, or harvesting fruits and flowers.
Nook’s Cranny & Rosie’s House Set (535 pieces)
Image via LEGO
This kit offers two iconic locations—the Nook’s Cranny general store and Rosie’s house. Role-play as you stock up the shop or savor freshly baked cookies at Rosie’s place.
Julian’s Birthday Party Set (170 pieces)
Image via LEGO
Join Julian in celebrating his birthday with cupcakes and presents in this delightful set.
Bunnie’s Outdoor Activities Set (164 pieces)
Image via LEGO
Escape to the great outdoors by setting up a tent, roasting marshmallows, jumping across water with the vaulting pole, and using familiar tools from the video game series.
Kapp’n’s Island Boat Tour Set (233 pieces)
Image via LEGO
Board the boat with Kapp’n and Marshal, embark on island adventures, search for coconuts and bamboo, and discover wildlife. Or simply relax and enjoy the fire.
“Putting the sets together is only the beginning,” notes Aya Kyogoku, game producer of Nintendo Co., Ltd. “Kids can use the furniture, plants, and more, included with each set, to customize them or even combine multiple sets to create their own village… We hope that the world of Animal Crossing and its characters, now also in the form of LEGO bricks, can bring smiles to people’s faces by being a part of their day-to-day lives.”
The LEGO Animal Crossing sets will be available globally through LEGO retailers and the official website starting from March 1, 2024. Prices will range from US$14.99 to US$74.99.
by rrollins
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