Animal Forest
The groundbreaking life simulation game that spawned the Animal Crossing series. Players move to a village inhabited by anthropomorphic animals, where they can fish, catch bugs, decorate their home, and interact with charming villagers in real-time according to the console's internal clock.
Platform
nintendo 64
Year
2001
Genre
Life Simulation
Developer
Nintendo EAD
Controls
About This Game
Originally released in 2001 for Nintendo 64 (and later enhanced for GameCube), this title pioneered the concept of persistent worlds synchronized with real time - seasons change, holidays occur, and villagers maintain their own schedules independent of player actions.
The game introduced series staples like Tom Nook's shop, the mortgage system, and the iconic Animalese speech. Players could design custom patterns, send letters to villagers, and participate in seasonal events like the Fishing Tourney.
Though limited by N64 hardware (requiring the 64DD expansion for saving), its innovative real-time gameplay and charming aesthetic laid the foundation for one of Nintendo's most beloved franchises. The GameCube version would later introduce international audiences to the series.