Isabelle (Animal Crossing)
{{short description|Fictional character from the Animal Crossing franchise}}
{{italic title|noerror|string=Animal Crossing|all=yes}}
{{Infobox character
| image = Isabelle AF.png
| image_upright = 0.55
| caption = Isabelle from Animal Crossing: New Horizons
| name = Isabelle
| series = Animal Crossing
| first = Animal Crossing: New Leaf (2012)
| last =
| creator =
| voice =
| origin =
| gender = Female
}}
{{nihongo|Isabelle|しずえ|Shizue|Shizue in the original Japanese version}} is a fictional character from the Animal Crossing series of video games. She is a gentle Shih Tzu that debuted in the 2012 release Animal Crossing: New Leaf, where she serves as the secretary to the player character.
She has featured in several other game franchises, including as a playable character in Mario Kart 8 and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. Isabelle has received positive reception, to the point of becoming one of the most prominent characters in the Animal Crossing franchise and its de facto mascot.
Concept and creation
Isabelle is a golden-coloured Shih Tzu,{{Cite web|url=https://www.polygon.com/e3/2019/6/12/18662876/isabelle-animal-crossing-new-horizons-nintendo-switch-e3-2019-return|title=Hooray: Isabelle will be in Animal Crossing: New Horizons|last=Hernandez|first=Patricia|date=2019-06-12|website=Polygon|language=en|access-date=2019-12-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101163840/https://www.polygon.com/e3/2019/6/12/18662876/isabelle-animal-crossing-new-horizons-nintendo-switch-e3-2019-return|archive-date=2020-01-01|url-status=live}} originally named Shizue in Japanese.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendojo.com/features/editorials/evaluating-localization-in-defense-of-noa-treehouse |title=Evaluating Localization: In Defense of NOA Treehouse |work=Nintendojo |last=Pelone |first=Anthony |date=April 6, 2016 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606092001/http://www.nintendojo.com/features/editorials/evaluating-localization-in-defense-of-noa-treehouse |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} The development team of New Leaf created her after deciding that the player-controlled mayor needed an assistant. They focused on making a "very affectionate" character who was loyal and helpful, and thus chose to make a female dog who was "a little bit clumsy... but still very cute".{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANtzEYDu1Y8|title=Nintendo 3DS - PAX Developer Video Presentation - Animal Crossing: New Leaf|publisher=Nintendo Australia|website=YouTube|date=July 24, 2013|access-date=August 19, 2021|time=10:48|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820044331/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ANtzEYDu1Y8|url-status=live}}{{cite video|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o05XBoz9ljM|title=Animal Crossing 3DS Developer Roundtable|publisher=1UP.com|website=YouTube|date=December 5, 2011|access-date=August 19, 2021|time=4:59|archive-date=August 20, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210820044330/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o05XBoz9ljM|url-status=live}} Animal Crossing designers wanted players to reject Isabelle's offer of a ceremony for various accomplishments as mayor at least once so that they feel bad about having done so.{{cite web |url=http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/1 |title=Nintendo 3DS |work=Nintendo |last=Iwata |first=Satoru |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190622234955/http://iwataasks.nintendo.com/interviews/#/3ds/animalcrossing-newleaf/0/1 |archive-date=June 22, 2019 |url-status=dead }} Animal Crossing director Katsuya Eguchi and New Leaf producer Aya Kyogoku both enjoyed Isabelle; Eguchi appreciated her for her smile, friendliness, and clumsiness.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/25/we-asked-splatoons-producers-to-pick-sides-in-splatfest |title=We Asked Splatoon's Producers to Pick Sides in Splatfest |work=IGN |date=August 25, 2016 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606064041/https://www.ign.com/articles/2016/08/25/we-asked-splatoons-producers-to-pick-sides-in-splatfest |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/2467124/animal-crossing-favorite-characters/ |title='Animal Crossing' Developers Pick Their Favorite Characters |work=MTV |last=Cipriano |first=Jason |date=May 15, 2013 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606091956/http://www.mtv.com/news/2467124/animal-crossing-favorite-characters/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=dead }}
Isabelle's appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is based on fellow Animal Crossing character Villager. However, Super Smash Bros. series director Masahiro Sakurai chose not to make Isabelle an "Echo Fighter" (a character with relatively minor differences from another) of Villager because of her different animations and her proportions being based on character models in Animal Crossing: New Leaf, as opposed to earlier Animal Crossing character models.{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2018/09/29/sakurai-talks-about-why-isabelle-isnt-an-echo-fighter-and-the-chaos-that-is-smash-bros/ |title=Sakurai Talks About Why Isabelle Isn't An Echo Fighter, And The Chaos That Is Smash Bros. |work=Siliconera |last=Wong |first=Alistair |date=September 29, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606071437/https://www.siliconera.com/2018/09/29/sakurai-talks-about-why-isabelle-isnt-an-echo-fighter-and-the-chaos-that-is-smash-bros/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}
Appearances
Isabelle first appeared in the 2012 video game Animal Crossing: New Leaf along with her twin brother Digby. In the game, she acts as the secretary to the player character, who becomes the town mayor, and assists them with various tasks. She has appeared in several Animal Crossing games since, including Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer, Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival, Animal Crossing: Pocket Camp, and Animal Crossing: New Horizons. Outside of the Animal Crossing franchise, Isabelle has also appeared in the Super Smash Bros. series, first appearing as an assist trophy in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U before becoming a playable fighter in the Nintendo Switch sequel Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. As a playable fighter, multiple of Isabelle's moves reference commonly used items in the Animal Crossing series, for example, a fishing rod, and a net.{{Cite web |date=2018-09-18 |title=Isabelle - Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Guide |url=https://www.ign.com/wikis/super-smash-bros-ultimate/Isabelle |access-date=2025-02-14 |website=IGN |language=en}} Isabelle also appears in the Wii U video game Mario Kart 8 as a downloadable racer, as well as in its Nintendo Switch port Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/4/1/8328155/mario-kart-8-animal-crossing-dlc-release-date-price |title=Mario Kart 8's Animal Crossing DLC arrives early on April 23 |work=Polygon |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=April 1, 2015 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322194837/https://www.polygon.com/2015/4/1/8328155/mario-kart-8-animal-crossing-dlc-release-date-price |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} Player costumes based on Isabelle appear in Super Mario Maker and Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/5/8737331/monster-hunter-4-animal-crossing-devil-may-cry |title=Animal Crossing, Devil May Cry and more come to Monster Hunter 4 this month |work=Polygon |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=June 5, 2015 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322194837/https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/5/8737331/monster-hunter-4-animal-crossing-devil-may-cry |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} Isabelle also appears as part of Nintendo's amiibo line of toys-to-life figures. She has two figures from the Animal Crossing line, one from the Smash Bros. line, and five Animal Crossing amiibo cards.{{cite web|url=https://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/line-up/|title=amiibo Character List Lineup|website=Nintendo|access-date=April 11, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006231741/http://www.nintendo.com/amiibo/line-up/|archive-date=October 6, 2015|url-status=live}}
=In other media=
Isabelle appears in a one-off gag manga in the magazine CoroCoro.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/animal-crossing-sure-looks-different-in-manga-form-1250063591 |title=Animal Crossing Sure Looks... Different in Manga Form |work=Kotaku |last=Ashcraft |first=Brian |date=September 4, 2013 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322200001/https://kotaku.com/animal-crossing-sure-looks-different-in-manga-form-1250063591 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} Nintendo's official Animal Crossing Twitter account was named after Isabelle before the account was turned over to Tom Nook. While under Isabelle, the account tweeted in the style of the character in order to remind players about current or forthcoming Animal Crossing titles.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/28/5555682/animal-crossing-interview-new-console-version-smartphones |title=Animal Crossing's creators on new console versions, mobile connectivity and fatigue |work=Polygon |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=March 28, 2014 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322111930/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/28/5555682/animal-crossing-interview-new-console-version-smartphones |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} In July 2020, Isabelle returned to the official Animal Crossing Twitter account.{{Cite tweet|user=animalcrossing|number=1279037236172865536|date=July 3, 2020|title=Hi, everyone! It's Isabelle! It feels like it's been forever, doesn't it? Well, starting this month, I'll be taking charge of these Twitter posts for Mr. Nook. I promise I'll do my very best to support everyone here as well as at Resident Services. It's so nice to be back!|language=en}}
Promotion and merchandise
The official Animal Crossing Twitter account was designed to appear as if it is Isabelle's,{{cite web |url=https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/7635-animal-crossing-devs-taking-questions-via-twitter-for-gdc-panel |title=Animal Crossing Devs Taking Questions via Twitter for GDC Panel |work=Game Revolution |last=Bischoff |first=Daniel |date=March 13, 2014 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190607011622/https://www.gamerevolution.com/news/7635-animal-crossing-devs-taking-questions-via-twitter-for-gdc-panel |archive-date=June 7, 2019 |url-status=live }} until the release of Animal Crossing: New Horizons, when it was turned over to Tom Nook. However, as of July 2020, it is once again under ownership of Isabelle.{{Cite tweet|title=Hi, everyone! It's Isabelle! It feels like it's been forever, doesn't it? Well, starting this month, I'll be taking charge of these Twitter posts for Mr. Nook. I promise I'll do my very best to support everyone here as well as at Resident Services. It's so nice to be back!|user=animalcrossing|number=1279037236172865536|date=July 3, 2020|access-date=July 7, 2020}} Two Animal Crossing-brand Isabelle amiibo, each wearing a different outfit, were produced in conjunction with the release of Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2015/6/16/8789807/animal-crossing-amiibo-festival-wii-u |title=Animal Crossing: amiibo Festival coming to Wii U, plus four new Animal Crossing amiibo |work=Polygon |last=Sarkar |first=Samit |date=June 16, 2015 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150618181008/http://www.polygon.com/2015/6/16/8789807/animal-crossing-amiibo-festival-wii-u |archive-date=June 18, 2015 |url-status=live }} A Super Smash Bros. amiibo based on her appearance in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate was announced for 2019.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/2018/11/1/18051804/super-smash-bros-ultimate-amiibos-release-dates |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's next wave of amiibo includes Isabelle, Pichu |work=Polygon |last=Radulovic |first=Petrana |date=November 1, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181101201124/https://www.polygon.com/nintendo/2018/11/1/18051804/super-smash-bros-ultimate-amiibos-release-dates |archive-date=November 1, 2018 |url-status=live }} The Isabelle amiibo sold out immediately, which caused writer Chris Carter surprise due to otherwise low sales of Animal Crossing amiibo.{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/the-next-wave-of-smash-amiibo-are-on-sale-now-isabelle-sells-out-instantly-550768.phtml |title=The next wave of Smash amiibo are on sale now, Isabelle sells out instantly |work=Destructoid |last=Carter |first=Chris |date=April 19, 2019 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-date=August 22, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200822184235/https://www.destructoid.com/the-next-wave-of-smash-amiibo-are-on-sale-now-isabelle-sells-out-instantly-550768.phtml |url-status=live }}
New Nintendo 3DS owners were able to swap out the default faceplates for faceplates featuring Isabelle.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/8/29/6084277/nintendo-3ds-themes |title=Themes are coming to Nintendo 3DS to make your old 3DS prettier |work=Polygon |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=August 29, 2014 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322111928/https://www.polygon.com/2014/8/29/6084277/nintendo-3ds-themes |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} A Nendoroid figurine of Isabelle was released by Good Smile.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/12/15/animal-crossings-isabelle-now-in-nendoroid-form |title=Animal Crossing's Isabelle, Now in Nendoroid Form |work=IGN |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=December 15, 2015 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322111926/https://www.ign.com/articles/2015/12/15/animal-crossings-isabelle-now-in-nendoroid-form |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} A crossover promotion between Sanrio and Animal Crossing lead to a digital menu theme depicting Hello Kitty and Isabelle in a truck.{{cite web |url=https://www.siliconera.com/2016/11/04/isabelle-meets-hello-kitty-animal-crossing-x-sanrios-3ds-collaboration-themes/ |title=Isabelle Meets Hello Kitty In Animal Crossing X Sanrio's 3DS Collaboration Themes |author=Casey |date=November 4, 2016 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606065925/https://www.siliconera.com/2016/11/04/isabelle-meets-hello-kitty-animal-crossing-x-sanrios-3ds-collaboration-themes/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} Multiple Line digital stickers featuring Isabelle were released on the app.{{cite web |url=http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/41215/animal-crossing-characters-available-in-line-messaging-app |title=Animal Crossing Characters Available in LINE Messaging App |work=Nintendo World Report |last=Abou-Nasr |first=Adam |date=September 14, 2015 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606073836/http://www.nintendoworldreport.com/news/41215/animal-crossing-characters-available-in-line-messaging-app |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}
Critical reception
Isabelle has received generally positive reception since her debut, to the point that she has become the mascot of the Animal Crossing series.{{cite web |url=https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-13-animal-crossing-headed-to-nintendo-switch |title=Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch finally confirmed |work=Eurogamer |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=September 13, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606075333/https://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2018-09-13-animal-crossing-headed-to-nintendo-switch |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/animal-crossing-switch-tom-nook-memes/ |title='Animal Crossing' is coming to Switch—and the news sparked Tom Nook memes |work=The Daily Dot |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |date=September 15, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404181749/https://www.dailydot.com/parsec/animal-crossing-switch-tom-nook-memes/ |archive-date=April 4, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=September 14, 2018 |title=Smash Bros. Ultimate New Challenger Spotlight: Animal Crossing's Best Girl Gets a Chance to Shine on Nintendo's Big Stage |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/smash-bros-ultimate-new-challenger-spotlight-animal-crossings-best-girl-gets-a-chance-to-shine-on-nintendos-big-stage |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180915194711/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/smash-bros-ultimate-new-challenger-spotlight-animal-crossings-best-girl-gets-a-chance-to-shine-on-nintendos-big-stage |archive-date=September 15, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |work=US Gamer}}{{cite web |url=https://www.geek.com/games/the-ultimate-super-smash-bros-character-guide-isabelle-1761623/ |title=The Ultimate Super Smash Bros. Character Guide: Isabelle |work=Geek.com |last=Minor |first=Jordan |date=November 20, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190602213400/https://www.geek.com/games/the-ultimate-super-smash-bros-character-guide-isabelle-1761623/ |archive-date=June 2, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/every-costume-in-super-mario-maker-1730084595 |title=Every Costume In Super Mario Maker |work=Kotaku |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=September 11, 2015 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606073836/https://kotaku.com/every-costume-in-super-mario-maker-1730084595 |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}{{cite web |url=https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/06/21/animal-crossing-amiibo-appear-on-nintendo-website/155384/ |title=Animal Crossing amiibo Appear on Nintendo Website |work=Hardcore Gamer |last=Whritenour |first=Jacob |date=June 21, 2015 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606073839/https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2015/06/21/animal-crossing-amiibo-appear-on-nintendo-website/155384/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} She was ranked as one of the best video game characters of the 2010s by Polygon staff; writer Nicole Carpenter called her a "pure, helpful pal" and a "very real icon."{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon |title=The 70 best video game characters of the decade |work=Polygon |last=Carpenter |first=Nicole |date=November 27, 2019 |access-date=December 30, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101231120/https://www.polygon.com/features/2019/11/27/20974490/greatest-video-game-characters-2019-2010-skyrim-witcher-splatoon |archive-date=January 1, 2020 |url-status=live }} Writer Amy Valens explains that her popularity was due to her being "wholesome, positive, and adorable." Writer Nadia Oxford praised her for her intelligence and selflessness, stating that she is "guaranteed to turn your heart into a crimson puddle of pulsating goo." She also noted that all Nintendo has to do to get her to go back to playing New Leaf is for them to "release a sketch of Isabelle the shih tzu sitting forlornly at her cobweb-covered desk, a cup of coffee turning to ice by her elbow."{{cite web |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=August 8, 2013 |title=Why Does Everyone Keep Playing Animal Crossing? |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/why-does-everyone-keep-playing-animal-crossing |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606074727/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/why-does-everyone-keep-playing-animal-crossing |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |work=US Gamer}} Kotaku's Patricia Hernandez called Isabelle adorable and her "beloved," while expressing sadness at how difficult it was to obtain her amiibo card.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/i-bought-five-packs-of-animal-crossing-amiibo-cards-and-1733079601 |title=I Bought Five Packs of Animal Crossing Amiibo Cards And Didn't Fucking Get Isabelle |work=Kotaku |last=Hernandez |first=Patricia |date=September 25, 2015 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518075209/https://kotaku.com/i-bought-five-packs-of-animal-crossing-amiibo-cards-and-1733079601 |archive-date=May 18, 2019 |url-status=live }} Nadia Oxford of USGamer has named Isabelle as her "best new Nintendo character of the past decade", stating that "We've acknowledged and recalled so many great characters in this list, but Isabelle's universal appeal can't be denied".{{Cite web|last=Oxford|first=Nadia|date=2020-05-28|title=Who Is the Best New Nintendo Character of the Past Decade?|url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/who-is-the-best-new-nintendo-character-of-the-past-decade|access-date=2021-08-23|website=USgamer|language=en|archive-date=2021-11-18|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211118014334/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/who-is-the-best-new-nintendo-character-of-the-past-decade|url-status=dead}} TheGamer also included Isabelle on their "Iconic Video Game Characters", stating that "Canonically the Shih Tzu breed, Isabelle quickly won over every player's heart with her officious nature and killer style."{{Cite web|url=https://www.thegamer.com/iconic-video-game-characters-last-decade/|title=10 Iconic Video Game Characters Introduced In The Last Decade|date=September 12, 2021|website=TheGamer|access-date=September 19, 2021|archive-date=November 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211104153623/https://www.thegamer.com/iconic-video-game-characters-last-decade/|url-status=live}}
GamesRadar's Henry Gilbert called her his favorite resident in Animal Crossing due to her cute appearance and reliability.{{cite web |url=https://www.gamesradar.com/animal-crossing-figure-cute-it-versatile/ |title=This Animal Crossing figure is as cute as it is versatile |work=GamesRadar |last=Gilbert |first=Henry |date=August 22, 2014 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606080108/https://www.gamesradar.com/animal-crossing-figure-cute-it-versatile/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} Writer Brittany Vincent called Isabelle one of the most adorable Animal Crossing characters.{{cite web |url=https://www.destructoid.com/this-isabelle-purse-is-absolutely-adorable-281999.phtml |title=This Isabelle purse is absolutely adorable |work=Destructoid |last=Vincent |first=Brittany |date=October 1, 2010 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160405024841/http://www.destructoid.com/this-isabelle-purse-is-absolutely-adorable-281999.phtml |archive-date=April 5, 2016 |url-status=live }} Writer Jaime Carrillo called her the best helper in video games.{{cite web |url=https://www.dailydot.com/bazaar/isabelle-plush/ |title=This Isabelle plush is the most precious mayor's assistant ever |work=The Daily Dot |last=Carrillo |first=Jaime |date=March 22, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606080004/https://www.dailydot.com/bazaar/isabelle-plush/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} Author Ashley Brown discussed Animal Crossing{{'}}s systems where characters in the game are designed to be aware of the passage of time. She discussed Isabelle's dialogue in particular, where she will become flustered if the player chooses to try and delete the town. She brings up the residents and the town's history, which Brown says is a novel concept but one that may cause distress.{{cite web |url=https://e-channel.med.utah.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/digra2015_BROWN.pdf |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf and theDiversity of Horror in Video Games |work=University of Skövde |last=Brown |first=Ashley |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606090832/https://e-channel.med.utah.edu/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/digra2015_BROWN.pdf |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }}
Isabelle has been a popular suggestion for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate among fans.{{cite web |url=https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/09/13/super-smash-bros-ultimate-isabelle-animal-crossing/ |title='Animal Crossing' Favorite Isabelle Joins 'Super Smash Bros. Ultimate' Roster |work=Comic Book |last=Hayes |first=Matthew |date=September 13, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606090846/https://comicbook.com/gaming/2018/09/13/super-smash-bros-ultimate-isabelle-animal-crossing/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} Electronic Gaming Monthly writer Mollie L. Patterson praised her inclusion in Mario Kart 8, calling her adorable and stating her infatuation with the character.{{cite magazine |url=http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-animal-crossing-new-leaf/ |title=Animal Crossing: New Leaf review |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |last=Patterson |first=Mollie L. |date=June 4, 2013 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606074726/http://www.egmnow.com/articles/reviews/egm-review-animal-crossing-new-leaf/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=dead }}{{cite magazine |url=https://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/upcoming-mario-kart-8-dlc-brings-link-isabelle-new-tracks-and-more/ |title=Upcoming Mario Kart 8 DLC brings Link, Isabelle, new tracks, and more |magazine=Electronic Gaming Monthly |last=Patterson |first=Mollie L. |date=August 27, 2014 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606081835/https://www.egmnow.com/articles/news/upcoming-mario-kart-8-dlc-brings-link-isabelle-new-tracks-and-more/ |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=dead }} Nadia Oxford considered Isabelle as part of one of the best downloadable content packs in 2015, calling her adorable.{{cite web |url=https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-best-dlc-for-2015 |title=The Best DLC for 2015 |work=US Gamer |last=Oxford |first=Nadia |date=October 1, 2015 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606092008/https://www.usgamer.net/articles/the-best-dlc-for-2015 |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} Writer Gita Jackson called Isabelle her "precious angel" and that Isabelle appearing in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate constituted a birthday gift to her.{{cite web |url=https://kotaku.com/the-internet-reacts-to-animal-crossings-isabelle-in-sma-1829058022 |title=The Internet Reacts To Animal Crossing's Isabelle In Smash |work=Kotaku |last=Jackson |first=Gita |date=September 14, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606074713/https://kotaku.com/the-internet-reacts-to-animal-crossings-isabelle-in-sma-1829058022 |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} Game Informer{{'}}s Jeff Cork noted that Isabelle was a particular favorite for him among Ultimate{{'}}s newcomers.{{cite magazine |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/12/06/wheres-our-super-smash-bros-ultimate-review |title=Where's Our Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Review? |magazine=Game Informer |last=Cork |first=Jeff |date=December 6, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606073839/https://www.gameinformer.com/2018/12/06/wheres-our-super-smash-bros-ultimate-review |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} Writer Jeremy Parish ranked Isabelle as his 11th best character in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He called her the "most lovable, loyal, hard-working character" Nintendo has.{{cite web |url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings |title=We rank the Smash Bros. (and friends) |work=Polygon |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=December 3, 2018 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322075054/https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |url-status=live }} She is also his favorite character in Mario Kart 8 Deluxe.{{cite web |url=https://retronauts.com/article/305/mario-kart-8-deluxe-the-retronauts-review |title=Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: The Retronauts review |work=Retronauts |last=Parish |first=Jeremy |date=April 25, 2017 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606080006/https://retronauts.com/article/305/mario-kart-8-deluxe-the-retronauts-review |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} Paste magazine writer Holly Green ranked her as her least favorite of the newcomers in Ultimate, noting her dislike of some of her moves while praising her Fishing Rod attack.{{cite web |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/12/super-smash-bros-ultimate-new-fighters.html |title=Ranking Super Smash Bros Ultimate's New Fighters |work=Paste Magazine |last=Green |first=Holly |date=December 26, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606085137/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/12/super-smash-bros-ultimate-new-fighters.html |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} Fellow Paste writer Natalie Flores called her the cutest character in Super Smash Bros.{{cite web |url=https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/09/all-the-news-from-the-sept-13-nintendo-direct-draf.html |title=Here's Everything Nintendo Announced at Their Latest Direct |work=Paste Magazine |last=Flores |first=Natalie |date=September 14, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190606075959/https://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2018/09/all-the-news-from-the-sept-13-nintendo-direct-draf.html |archive-date=June 6, 2019 |url-status=live }} IGN's Tom Marks called her "fantastic" and "charming," but lamented her as being similar to Villager.{{cite web |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/06/super-smash-bros-ultimate-review |title=Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Review |work=IGN |last=Marks |first=Tom |date=December 4, 2018 |access-date=June 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190625131149/https://www.ign.com/articles/2018/12/06/super-smash-bros-ultimate-review |archive-date=June 25, 2019 |url-status=live }} Jeremy Parish of Polygon ranked 73 fighters from Super Smash Bros. Ultimate "from garbage to glorious", listing Isabelle as 11th and claiming the character as The most lovable, loyal, hard-working character in the Nintendo pantheon, Isabelle can't be defeated.{{Cite web|last=Parish|first=Jeremy|date=2018-12-03|title=We rank the Smash Bros. (and friends)|url=https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|access-date=2020-11-05|website=Polygon|language=en|archive-date=2021-10-06|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211006074733/https://www.polygon.com/features/2018/12/3/18120401/super-smash-bros-ultimate-character-rankings|url-status=live}} Gavin Jasper of Den of Geek ranked Isabelle as 41st of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate characters, and calling her as adorable dog version of Leslie Knope.{{Cite web|url=https://www.denofgeek.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-ranked/|title=Super Smash Bros. Characters Ranked|date=March 7, 2019|website=Den of Geek|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=June 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210610234650/https://www.denofgeek.com/games/super-smash-bros-characters-ranked/|url-status=live}} In 2019, a 15-year-old female player was noted for pulling off an upset victory with low tier character Isabelle over top-ranking player "Ally", who uses a top tier character Solid Snake during the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament.{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/isabelle-player-proves-she-can-take-solid-snake-in-supe-1835666173|title=Isabelle Player Proves She Can Take Solid Snake in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Upset|date=19 June 2019|access-date=28 July 2021|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728090531/https://kotaku.com/isabelle-player-proves-she-can-take-solid-snake-in-supe-1835666173|url-status=live}}
When Animal Crossing: New Horizons was delayed and ultimately released on the same day as Doom Eternal, fans of both games began creating and sharing artwork depicting Isabelle and Doomguy together as friends, which eventually trended on social media in 2020. Commentators responded positively towards the fan-made pairing,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/01/random_doomguy_and_isabelle_are_fast_becoming_2020s_most_wholesome_duo|title=Random: Doomguy And Isabelle Are Fast Becoming 2020's Most Wholesome Duo|date=January 28, 2020|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609020509/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/01/random_doomguy_and_isabelle_are_fast_becoming_2020s_most_wholesome_duo|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://za.ign.com/doom-eternal/141921/feature/against-all-odds-the-animal-crossing-and-doom-communities-have-united|title=Against All Odds, the Animal Crossing and DOOM Communities Have United|date=February 21, 2020|website=IGN Africa|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609023119/https://za.ign.com/doom-eternal/141921/feature/against-all-odds-the-animal-crossing-and-doom-communities-have-united|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://kotaku.com/doomguy-and-isabelle-are-best-friends-and-i-love-it-1841363319|title=Doomguy And Isabelle Are Best Friends|website=Kotaku|date=2 February 2020|access-date=28 June 2021|archive-date=9 June 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609020153/https://kotaku.com/doomguy-and-isabelle-are-best-friends-and-i-love-it-1841363319|url-status=live}} including acknowledgments from Aya Kyogoku, director of New Horizons,{{Cite web|url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/animal_crossing_new_horizons_director_thrilled_by_the_isabelle_x_doom_slayer_artwork|title=Animal Crossing: New Horizons Director "Thrilled" By The Isabelle X Doom Slayer Artwork|date=March 19, 2020|website=Nintendo Life|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=June 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210625105102/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2020/03/animal_crossing_new_horizons_director_thrilled_by_the_isabelle_x_doom_slayer_artwork|url-status=live}} as well as Doom franchise creator Bethesda.{{Cite web|url=https://www.destructoid.com/bethesda-officially-acknowledges-the-doom-guy-and-isabelle-pairing-again/|title=Bethesda officially acknowledges the Doom Guy and Isabelle pairing again|date=January 4, 2021|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=July 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210701132119/https://www.destructoid.com/bethesda-officially-acknowledges-the-doom-guy-and-isabelle-pairing-again/|url-status=live}} The Isabelle and Doomguy friendship pairing has also been subject to other forms of fan labor, including fan videos and cosplay, also including Metroid character Samus Aran.{{Cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/this-doomguy-and-isabelle-video-is-gut-rippin-gold|title=This Doomguy and Isabelle video is gut-rippin' gold|newspaper=Rock Paper Shotgun|date=March 25, 2020|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609014544/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/this-doomguy-and-isabelle-video-is-gut-rippin-gold|url-status=live}}{{Cite web|url=https://screenrant.com/doom-eternal-animal-crossing-cosplay-doomguy-isabelle/|title=DOOM Eternal Cosplay Combines Doomguy With Animal Crossing's Isabelle|date=April 12, 2021|website=ScreenRant|access-date=June 28, 2021|archive-date=June 9, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210609012313/https://screenrant.com/doom-eternal-animal-crossing-cosplay-doomguy-isabelle/|url-status=live}} In October 2021, after the addition of Doomguy as a Mii Fighter costume in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, together with Isabelle on the roster, the final update of the game was dubbed "friendship" and "love story" by video game publications.{{Cite web |last=Parrish |first=Ash |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Smash Ultimate's final update is a love story |url=https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/19/22734980/smash-ultimate-final-update-available-now |website=The Verge |access-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019234022/https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/19/22734980/smash-ultimate-final-update-available-now |url-status=live }}{{Cite web |last=McWhertor |first=Michael |date=October 19, 2021 |title=Smash Bros. Ultimate's final update finally brings Isabelle and Doomguy together |url=https://www.polygon.com/22734896/super-smash-bros-ultimate-final-dlc-animal-crossing-isabell-doom-slayer |website=Polygon |access-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-date=October 19, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211019234023/https://www.polygon.com/22734896/super-smash-bros-ultimate-final-dlc-animal-crossing-isabell-doom-slayer |url-status=live }}
References
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{{Animal Crossing}}
{{Super Smash Bros.}}
Category:Animal characters in video games
Category:Animal Crossing characters
Category:Mascots introduced in 2012
Category:Anthropomorphic video game characters
Category:Female characters in video games
Category:Fictional secretaries
Category:Super Smash Bros. fighters
Category:Twin characters in video games