While the Animal Crossing series has always featured its villagers as a central part of its identity, villagers in Animal Crossing: New Horizons were somewhat controversial among longtime series fans. Past entries in the Animal Crossing series have had diverse personalities ranging from sweet and friendly to cranky and rude, but Animal Crossing: New Horizons toned down these personalities and made them feel too similar to each other to stand out. However, if the series wants to continue this trend, a future Animal Crossing game could make villagers more exciting by borrowing a popular mechanic from the Pokemon series.