Animal Crossing Plaza

Last updated

Animal Crossing Plaza
Animal Crossing Plaza.png
Developer(s) Nintendo EAD
Publisher(s) Nintendo
Producer(s) Aya Kyogoku
Series Animal Crossing
Platform(s) Wii U
Release
Genre(s) Simulation
Mode(s) Single-player

Animal Crossing Plaza was a free to play social networking service developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U. It was a spin-off of the Animal Crossing series, associated with Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the Nintendo 3DS. The application allowed players to socialize via Miiverse, Nintendo's now-defunct social networking service; players could share images from their New Leaf save file and interact with others, among other features. It was announced and released on August 7, 2013, in Japan and North America and the following day in Europe. The application is no longer actively supported by Nintendo, and was removed from the Nintendo eShop on December 22, 2014.

Contents

Gameplay

Various non-player characters populating the plaza Animal Crossing Plaza Gameplay.jpg
Various non-player characters populating the plaza

Animal Crossing Plaza was an internationally free to play social networking application for the Wii U, similar to the Wii U's own Wara Wara Plaza . [2] The network was tied to the Miiverse community forum for the Animal Crossing series. [3] With Plaza, players import images from their save file on Animal Crossing: New Leaf for the Nintendo 3DS via SD card. [4] [5] These images could be organized into albums, and QR codes could be made for image sharing. [4] Depicted on-screen was a plaza, populated with various non-player characters from the Animal Crossing series, which the player could interact with. By interacting with certain characters, the player could make posts about them, which other players could see when interacting with that same character. [6] The game also held monthly community polls where players would rank characters based on a specific question, such as who make the best secretary. [7] The game also detailed players with news regarding New Leaf. [8] [9]

Development

Animal Crossing Plaza was announced in a Nintendo Direct by Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata on August 7, 2013, [10] [11] and was released digitally on the Nintendo eShop that same day. [6] Plaza was planned as a limited-time application, with Nintendo stating in its announcement of the application that it would only be supported through the end of 2014. [4] It received one update the following November, adding additional Miiverse functionality among other quality of life changes. [9]

On December 8, 2014, New Leaf game director Aya Kyogoku released a public statement confirming that it would cease ongoing support for Plaza, as well as its associated Miiverse forum. The application was removed from the Nintendo eShop on December 22, 2014, and the ability to create new posts within the application was removed on December 31, 2014. Plaza remains accessible to users who downloaded the application prior to its discontinuation, though its social features are no longer usable. [12]

Reception

Although critics received the game positively, most questioned and even criticized both its usefulness and lack of functionality. [1] [13] Nintendo World Report's Alex Culafi praised the image import feature, but beyond this feature they expressed a lack of interest in the game beyond being a novelty. [1] Both Culafi and Nintendo Force praised the visuals and its prospect for the looks of a future mainline Animal Crossing game on the Wii U. [1] [13] Stephen Totilio and Mike Fahey of Kotaku questioned the necessity of the application when New Leaf was available instead; however, Mahey jokingly appreciated that it was a "neat, free way to look at animals." [14]

See also

Related Research Articles

Super Smash Bros. is a crossover platform fighting game series published by Nintendo. The series was created by Masahiro Sakurai, who has directed every game in the series. The series is known for its unique gameplay objective which differs from that of traditional fighters, in that the aim is to increase damage counters and knock opponents off the stage instead of depleting life bars.

<i>Animal Crossing</i> Video game series developed by Nintendo

Animal Crossing is a social simulation video game series developed and published by Nintendo. The series was conceptualized and created by Katsuya Eguchi and Hisashi Nogami. In Animal Crossing, the player character is a human who lives in a village inhabited by various anthropomorphic animals and can do various activities like fishing, insect catching, and fossil hunting. The series is notable for its open-ended gameplay and use of the video game console's internal clock and calendar to simulate real passage of time.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mii</span> Avatar on several Nintendo video game consoles and mobile apps

A Mii is a customizable avatar used on several Nintendo video game consoles and mobile apps. The name Mii is a portmanteau of "Wii" and "me", referring to them typically being avatars of the players. Miis were first introduced on the Wii console in 2006 and later appeared on the DS, 3DS, the Wii U, the Switch, and various apps for smart devices such as Miitomo. Miis can be created using different body, facial and clothing features, and can then be used as characters within games on the consoles, either as an avatar of a specific player or in some games portrayed as characters with their own personalities. Miis can be shared and transferred between consoles, either manually or automatically with other users over the internet and local wireless communications.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo video game consoles</span> Overview of the various video game consoles released by Nintendo

The Japanese multinational consumer electronics company Nintendo has developed seven home video game consoles and multiple portable consoles for use with external media, as well as dedicated consoles and other hardware for their consoles. As of September 30, 2021, in addition to Nintendo Switch, Nintendo has sold over 863.07 million hardware units.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">K.K. Slider</span> Fictional character from the Animal Crossing franchise

Totakeke, more commonly known as K.K. Slider or K.K., is a fictional character within the Animal Crossing franchise. One of the franchise's most popular characters, he debuted in the title Animal Crossing, and has appeared in every installment since. K.K.'s main role is as a musician who performs to the townsfolk, through live performances and purchasable in-game albums. He is based on Nintendo video game voice actor and composer Kazumi Totaka – his Japanese nickname "Totakeke" being a contraction of "Totaka K." – and has been said to be an animal caricature of Totaka.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo 3DS</span> Handheld game console

The Nintendo 3DS is a foldable handheld game console produced by Nintendo. The console was announced in March 2010 and unveiled at E3 2010 as the successor to the Nintendo DS. The system features backward compatibility with Nintendo DS video games. As an eighth-generation console, its primary competitor was Sony's PlayStation Vita.

<i>Animal Crossing: New Leaf</i> 2012 video game

Animal Crossing: New Leaf is a 2012 social simulation game developed and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS. In the game, the player controls a human character who takes on the role of mayor in a town populated with anthropomorphic animals. As the fourth main title in the Animal Crossing series, it was released in Japan in November 2012, and in 2013 in international territories.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo 3DS system software</span> Operating system for the Nintendo 3DS

The Nintendo 3DS system software is a updatable operating system used for the Nintendo 3DS handheld system. The Nintendo Switch system software is believed to have evolved from the Nintendo 3DS operating system.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii U</span> Home video game console by Nintendo

The Wii U is a home video game console developed by Nintendo as the successor to the Wii. Released in late 2012, it is the first eighth-generation video game console and competed with Microsoft's Xbox One and Sony's PlayStation 4.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nintendo eShop</span> Online service for Nintendo Switch

The Nintendo eShop is a digital distribution service for the Nintendo Switch, and formerly available via the Nintendo Network for the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS. The Nintendo eShop was first launched in June 2011 on the Nintendo 3DS via a system update that added the functionality to the HOME Menu. It is the successor to both the Wii Shop Channel and DSi Shop. Unlike on the Nintendo 3DS, the eShop was made available on the launch date of the Wii U, although a system update is required in order to access it. It is also a multitasking application, which means it is easily accessible even when a game is already running in the background through the system software, though this feature is exclusive to the Wii U and the Nintendo Switch. The Nintendo eShop features downloadable games, demos, applications, streaming videos, consumer rating feedback, and other information on upcoming game releases.

<i>Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS</i> and <i>Wii U</i> Pair of 2014 video games

Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, both commonly referred together as Super Smash Bros. 4, are 2014 crossover platform fighter video games developed by Bandai Namco Studios and Sora Ltd. and published by Nintendo for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U video game consoles. It is the fourth installment in the Super Smash Bros. series, succeeding Super Smash Bros. Brawl. The Nintendo 3DS version was released in Japan on September 13, 2014, and in North America, Europe, and Australia the following month. The Wii U version was released in North America, Europe, and Australia in November 2014 and in Japan the following month.

<i>New Super Mario Bros. U</i> 2012 video game

New Super Mario Bros. U is a 2012 platform game developed and published by Nintendo as a launch title for the Wii U. The game is a sequel to New Super Mario Bros. Wii and is the first entry in the Super Mario series to feature high-definition graphics.

The Nintendo Network was an online service run by Nintendo which provided free online functionality for the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U systems and their compatible games. Announced on January 26, 2012, at an investors' conference, it was Nintendo's second online service after Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. Former president of Nintendo Satoru Iwata said, "Unlike Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, which has been focused upon specific functionalities and concepts, we are aiming to establish a platform where various services available through the network for our consumers shall be connected via Nintendo Network service so that the company can make comprehensive proposals to consumers."

<i>New Super Mario Bros. 2</i> 2012 video game

New Super Mario Bros. 2 is a 2012 platform game developed by Nintendo EAD Group No. 4 and published by Nintendo for its Nintendo 3DS handheld video game console, being first released in Japan on July 28. It is a direct sequel to the 2006 Nintendo DS game New Super Mario Bros. and is the first Nintendo-published game to be released simultaneously in both downloadable and physical forms.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Miiverse</span> Defunct social network for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U

Miiverse is a discontinued social network for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U that was created by Nintendo System Development and Hatena, and powered by the Nintendo Network. Integrated into many games, Miiverse allowed players to interact and share their experiences by way of handwritten messages or drawings, text, screenshots, and sometimes game videos in dedicated communities. It was available via any web browser, and a dedicated app version was originally planned for tablets and smartphones. All users who signed up for a Nintendo Network ID were automatically given a Miiverse profile per account, represented by the Mii avatar connected to said Nintendo Network ID.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wii U system software</span> Operating system for Nintendos Wii U home video game console

The Wii U operating system is the official firmware version and system software for the Nintendo's Wii U home video game console. Nintendo maintains the Wii U's systemwide features and applications by offering system software updates via the Internet. Updates are optional to each console owner, but may be required in order to retain interoperability with Nintendo's online services. Each update is cumulative, including all changes from previous updates.

<i>Super Mario 3D World</i> 2013 video game

Super Mario 3D World is a 2013 platform game developed and published by Nintendo for the Wii U. It is the sixth original 3D platform game in the Super Mario series and the sequel to Super Mario 3D Land (2011) for the Nintendo 3DS.

<i>Wii Sports Club</i> 2013 sports video game published by Nintendo

Wii Sports Club is a sports simulation video game, developed by Nintendo and Bandai Namco Studios and published by Nintendo for the Wii U throughout 2013 and 2014. It is the third entry in the Wii Sports series, a part of the larger Wii series. As an enhanced remake of the 2006 Wii launch title Wii Sports, it includes five minigames that replicate Tennis, Baseball, Bowling, Golf, and Boxing, and are controlled with motion controls that replicate the sports. New to the game is additional control schemes using the Wii U GamePad, online multiplayer, and Wii Motion Plus support. Players are organized into clubs that represent different regions, and scores and stats are tracked on Nintendo's social network Miiverse. Players could also communicate with each other during and after online matches using Miiverse. Each sport can be purchased individually or rented for a certain amount of time via a pass.

Amiibo is a toys-to-life platform by Nintendo, which was launched in November 2014. It consists of a wireless communications and storage protocol for connecting figurines to the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and Nintendo Switch video game consoles. These figurines are similar in form and functionality to that of the Skylanders, Disney Infinity and Lego Dimensions series of toys-to-life platforms. The Amiibo platform was preannounced to potentially accommodate any form of toy, specifically including general plans for future card games. Amiibo use near field communication (NFC) to interact with supported video game software, potentially allowing data to be transferred in and out of games and across multiple platforms.

Isabelle (<i>Animal Crossing</i>) Fictional character from the Animal Crossing franchise

Isabelle, known as Shizue (しずえ) in Japan, is a fictional character from the Animal Crossing series of video games. She is a gentle Shih Tzu that debuted in the 2012 release Animal Crossing: New Leaf, where she serves as the secretary to the player character.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Culafi, Alex (August 7, 2013). "Animal Crossing Plaza Hands-On Preview". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on September 1, 2023. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  2. ↑ Sakar, Samit (August 7, 2013). "Mii-like Animal Crossing Plaza now available on Wii U". Polygon . Archived from the original on August 8, 2013. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  3. ↑ "Nintendo Launches Animal Crossing Plaza on Wii U" (Press release). Redmond, Washington: BusinessWwire. Hanabee. August 7, 2013. Archived from the original on February 2, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  4. 1 2 3 Fahey, Mike (August 7, 2013). "Animal Crossing Comes To The Wii U With Animal Crossing Plaza". Kotaku . Archived from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  5. ↑ "Nintendo lance le Animal Crossing Plaza" [Nintendo launches the Animal Crossing Plaza]. Jeuxvideo (in French). August 8, 2013. Archived from the original on November 26, 2020. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  6. 1 2 Suszek, Mike (August 7, 2013). "Animal Crossing Plaza community launches on Wii U". Engadget . Archived from the original on April 12, 2016. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  7. ↑ Brown, Andrew (November 13, 2013). "Exciting New Animal Crossing Plaza Updates". Nintendo World Report. Archived from the original on August 31, 2023. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  8. ↑ O'Brien, Lucy (August 7, 2013). "Animal Crossing: New Leaf to Get its Own Miiverse Community, Plaza". IGN . Archived from the original on February 1, 2020. Retrieved February 2, 2020.
  9. 1 2 McMahon, Connor (November 13, 2013). "Animal Crossing Plaza To Be Updated Tomorrow". Nintendo Life . Archived from the original on February 21, 2024. Retrieved February 20, 2024.
  10. ↑ Nunneley-Jackson, Stephany (August 7, 2013). "Nintendo launches Animal Crossing Plaza on Wii U". VG247 . Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  11. ↑ Whitehead, Thomas (August 7, 2013). "Animal Crossing Plaza and Miiverse Community Open on Wii U". Nintendo Life . Archived from the original on December 2, 2021. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  12. ↑ Doolan, Liam (December 8, 2014). "Animal Crossing Plaza Service Stops At the End of This Month". Nintendo Life. Gamer Network. Archived from the original on October 30, 2020. Retrieved February 1, 2020.
  13. 1 2 Koopman, Daan. "Pokémon Power". Nintendo Force . p. 73. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
  14. ↑ Mike, Fahey (August 8, 2013). "Let's Take A Quick Trip To Animal Crossing Plaza". Kotaku . Archived from the original on August 14, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2024.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.