Animal Crossing in Smash Brothers Brawl

Smash Bros. Dojo announced today that an Animal Crossing stage will be available for combatants in Smash Brothers Brawl due out for the Wii this December. The stage itself changes and tracks specific events utilizing the Wii's internal clock. Nothing has indicated whether or not these changes will be anything more than cosmetic, though concerts by Animal Crossing's resident canine guitarist, K.K. Slider, have been promised for every Saturday night.

The release of this stage makes it highly likely that an Animal Crossing character will also enter the fray as a Brawl combatant. Up to this point, there has never been a game themed stage in the Smash Brothers series which did not have a combatant from the game it represents in competition. Tom Nook, one of Animal Crossing's most recognized characters, seems the strongest candidate. The raccoon already served as a trophy in Smash Brothers Melee demonstrating that, at the very least, the developers are aware of him. The only indication otherwise is that it seems as if Nook can be seen as a prop in one of the screenshots of the stage. If Nook or another Animal Crossing resident will be in the game, however, don't expect to hear an announcement about it any time soon. My bet is that Animal Crossing's competitor will be a secret unlockable character.