Now that Animal Crossing: New Horizons is out, fans can finally admit it: Tom Nook is basically the Robert De Niro of all islands. The raccoon is a tempter of fate, a holder of futures, and, more so than anything else, a deviant loan shark. While it seems he would have the best interest of the player at hand, in truth, he seeks nothing more but to make money off those who just want to start a life for themselves. Is it too hard to ask just to be given a house the size of a shed on a small plot of land?
While players are given the option to pick an island, it all becomes clear soon enough that their job is not to better their quality of life... But to better the island's life. Rather than plant flowers and spend hours catching fish while our fishing poles break 12 times a day, players are encouraged to pay back loans... for the island's sake. But is there a method to this madness? Is Tom Nook teaching players something about island life... and life in general? Perhaps...
10 Having A Home Will Cost You... But Don't Worry, There's A Payment Plan
Hey, homeownership! For roughly 98,000 bells. It's bad enough this news comes right after paying off the right to exist on the island (goodbye, 5,000 Nook Miles), but now players must officially begin the pact... The pact, that is, to owe Tom Nook everything, including their livelihood. It's not enough to just agree to remain on his island, now, every debt must be paid, in blood... Oops, we mean bells.
9 There Is Somewhat Of An Education Going On While Players Get Loan-Sharked
Granted, it's a small one, as most people already know how it is to owe money. Animal Crossing is just a cute imitation of life, in the sense that people just want a normal, successful life... And then suddenly owe roughly 250 years of a yearly salary in order to have it. Thanks for the lesson, Tom Nook.
8 The Sheer Fact That ABD Exists Is Not For The Player's Benefit
It's awesome to have an in-game bank account, no? No! Absolutely not! An ABD account merely means that loan payments can be made via the tiny machine masquerading as an ATM when in reality, it's only there to strip players of their financial bell freedom. No, Tom Nook, no one in their right mind wants to give you 300,000 of our hard-earned bells... It took a lot of bugs for that money.
7 Earning Money Happens In The Most Relaxing Way Possible (Tarantulas Aside)
However, IRL, everyone wishes they could make money by catching bugs, going fishing, or selling weeds for ten bucks each. There is an astounding number of ways to make money in this game which makes the debt minor, but catching Dace and Loaches (and hearing awful puns each time) for eight hours gets a bit... tedious.
6 Tom Nook Needs Ratings! Publicity! Residents! But That Also Comes With A Price
Let's get one thing straight. Tom Nook parades around singing praises of his island and how much players truly do to make it what it is. Ceremonies are even held to commemorate such brilliant efforts. However, the dark side of this is one no one cares to acknowledge: Who's paying for all those bridges, inclines, homes, and shops? The players. The players pay for it all.
5 With Most Of Us In Staggering Debt, It Feels Good To Pay Something Off, Anyway
With all that being said, it still feels great when Tom Nook graces players with his inevitable praise for a job well done. In fact, whenever so much as a slightly negative comment occurs in this game, it's enough to make anyone nervous - mainly because it's so dang wholesome. Although it's a revolving circle of debt, each payment feels like freedom.
4 So, Players Can Sell Plots Of Land... But Need To Pay For It First?
There must be a mistake somewhere. Tom Nook craves new blood but while he tempts a player with the idea of a burgeoning population, he turns around only seconds later to add, "... But that'll cost 10,000 bells." To sell a piece of land.
What sense, Tom Nook? Have you no shame in your money game?
3 Socializing Is Encouraged To Implore Other Residents To Help Out
No one is in it alone, that's for sure. The more villagers on the island, the better the rating, the more chance at earning Nook Miles, and, the best part, the more chance of monetary help. While most island residents are too busy "working up a sweat" or "dancing all night" (scandalous no-gooders), that's not to say they won't provide the player with things to sell. Goodbye, fifth striped shirt.
2 Oh, A Bridge So That Everyone Can Enjoy The Rest Of The Island? It's Still 228,000 Bells
It no longer is a matter of whether or not a bridge will help unify and beautify the island. It's a matter of how many times can a player get bitten by a tarantula before catching enough to pay off that debt to build another bridge.
Residents will never admit it, but everyone is low-key terrified of the short car dealership blowup man who reminds all residents, constantly, that he is still waiting for "donations".
1 If All Else Fails, Tom Nook Teaches The Importance Of Selling All Material Items To Pay Off Debt
A simple rule of thumb: It pays to avoid getting attached to any and all material possessions. A fancy espresso maker can be displayed proudly, but it can also be sold for a could thousand bells. Choose wisely, island residents... The teachings of Tom Nook claim that for every bell earned, that's another bridge that could be built. What does debt mean, anyway? It's not like any of us are ever leaving the island... Not if Tom Nook has anything to say about it.