Animal Crossing: New Horizons has achieved remarkable success as the highest-selling game in the Animal Crossing franchise. However, it still notably lacks several beloved characters and features from earlier installments. Among the most significant absentees is Katie, a charming cat villager whose narrative revolves around reuniting with her mother, Kaitlin. Over the years, Katie has become a recognizable figure not just in the Animal Crossing series but also in various Super Smash Bros. titles, where she has made appearances as a spirit along with her mother in ‘Ultimate.’
With her delightful brown bangs, rosy cheeks, and stylish blue denim dress, Katie stands out as one of the cutest characters in the franchise. Initially introduced as a lost child, she later grows into a self-sufficient traveler eager to explore new towns. Despite her absence in New Horizons, it is a missed opportunity that future installments should rectify by reintroducing Katie as a full-fledged villager.
Katie’s Long-Beloved Legacy in Animal Crossing
An Endearing Presence Since 2005
Katie’s journey in the Animal Crossing universe has spanned over two decades. She made her debut in Animal Crossing: Wild World as a young cat lost without her mother, prompting players to assist her in reuniting with Kaitlin. Her character is widely recognized for her childlike innocence, frequently lagging behind players, tripping, and shedding tears. Upon the reunion, players received a heartfelt thank-you gift in the mail.
Following her initial introduction in Wild World, Katie’s adventures continued in City Folk, where her storyline remained consistent. However, by the time New Leaf was released, she had matured into a solo traveler seeking a new town to explore. Unfortunately, this marked her last appearance as a fully-developed NPC in the main series game.
Katie made a few appearances in Pocket Camp as a garden-party host, but she was barely featured in New Horizons. At launch, she received little recognition, and although a poster of her was introduced in the 2.0 update alongside the Happy Home Paradise DLC, her role essentially became non-existent, with players only able to invite her for coffee at The Roost using her Amiibo card.
Katie’s Return is Long Overdue
A Future Game Should Celebrate Her Legacy
The content in New Horizons feels somewhat limited, particularly in terms of visitor NPCs. The game primarily features characters with shop or service-oriented roles, leading to the exclusion of special villagers like Katie who offer unique side missions. Despite her special status, there is so much more potential for her character.
Players have witnessed Katie’s transformation from a childhood character to a young adult looking for adventure. Thus, it would be fitting for her to be reinstated as a full-time villager in future games. Reintroducing Katie could not only revive the essence of past villagers’ interactions, including mentions of her mother, but also provide players with the delightful experience of seeing one of the series’ most adorable characters each day. As the franchise evolves, it is imperative that the next installment of Animal Crossing enhances its roster of villagers, and prioritizing Katie’s return would honor her enduring legacy.
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