Why is animal crossing so dark?

[Wholockian]

I was heading to the island and I started to wonder why Kapp'n (the kappa) was always hitting on every girl that went
Then I found this:

Kappa are usually seen as mischievous troublemakers or trickster figures. Their pranks range from the relatively innocent, such as loudly passing gas or looking up women's kimonos, to the malevolent, such as drowning people and animals, kidnapping children, and raping women

Isn't this a little dark for a game that is aimed at kids?

 

[LambdaDelta]

I'm pretty sure they toss out any dark mythos and such.

Hell if they kept mythos and animal behaviors irl as is, pretty much all towns would be bloodbaths by now.

 

[Wholockian]

I'm pretty sure they toss out any dark mythos and such.

Hell if they kept mythos and animal behaviors irl as is, pretty much all towns would be bloodbaths by now.

I still find it kind of creepy though ;-;

 

[Leopardfire]

That's like saying Cinderella is dark because in the original story, the sisters cut of their heels. Kapp'n is clearly only trying to harmlessly flirt with you. I don't think he intends to do anything more.

 

[TeeTee]

Lol Genji is based off of...

Tale-of-Genji... Often the "selection" by today's standards would be considered rape, incest or even pedophilia. Behind the civilized tradition of poetry exchanges, scented clothing, refined music and the modest hiding behind screens is an aggressive, possessive, often brutal bartering of women. There was plenty of opportunity in this environment for a female novelist to find subject matter in romantic intrigue, unrequited love, jealousy and tragedy. All of which are covered relentlessly in The Tale of Genji.

I think the creators are just appreciating their culture and heritage, when they add Japanese fables in.

 

[LambdaDelta]

I still find it kind of creepy though ;-;

Welcome to the world of ancient fictional folktales.

 

[MayorMudkip]

Kappa are a Japanese mythological figure. Although the kappa of myth may be inclined to engage in...not so savory activities, Kapp'n is surely only intended to be slightly rowdy in comparison. Like many things in AC, a kind of nudge nudge, wink wink reference for adults that might fly over the heads of kids. When I was little playing the Gamecube version I just thought he was a turtle, until I had my weaboo phase. For more mischievous kappa please read Kuroro Gunso it's great I actually love what AC does with the kappa, as mythology adaptions are absolutely my jam. and what i kinda do for a living

 

[Teru]

There's a lot of wacky stuff that isn't as censored in Japan as it is elsewhere, and that kids come in contact with at a younger age (without it seeming as inappropriate or anything; it's just normal to them not to make a fuss). As for kappa, my impression is that it's like the bogeyman in Western culture; adults use them to scare little kids into behaving and it's not presented as a real or serious threat.

I like what AC has done with a lot of these little bits of tradition and folklore, including with the myth of tanukis that they are tricksters that can transform themselves and other items into/using leaves. Although in folklore some of them can be dark or threatening, AC turns them into something quirky and playful.

I think the creators are just appreciating their culture and heritage, when they add Japanese fables in.

This!

 

[Wholockian]

There's a lot of wacky stuff that isn't as censored in Japan as it is elsewhere, and that kids come in contact with at a younger age (without it seeming as inappropriate or anything; it's just normal to them not to make a fuss). As for kappa, my impression is that it's like the bogeyman in Western culture; adults use them to scare little kids into behaving and it's not presented as a real or serious threat.

I like what AC has done with a lot of these little bits of tradition and folklore, including with the myth of tanukis that they are tricksters that can transform themselves and other items into/using leaves. Although in folklore some of them can be dark or threatening, AC turns them into something quirky and playful.

I guess

 

[TeeTee]

Opppsss... I forgot the AC:NL creators don't only appreciate Japenese cultures. They appreciate history and folklure from the world... I mean Julian is an unicorn from Greek mythology (basically a violent battle horse). Phoebe the phoenix is from Slavic folklore (creature of death and rebirth). Hans the yeti from Nepal+Tibet folklore (monster who prey on the lost and weak). Also Drago the jade dragon is from Chinese folklore (massive dragon boss who fought Goku). I am sure all these creatures are formed by our ancestor's darkest imaginations. I think the AC:NL is a game that celebrates every history and folklore.

 

[Liquid Ocelot]

Lol. "Dark".

Barely.

 

[ApolloJusticeAC]

O.O

 

[Sanaki]

It isn't dark directly.. A little kid would not know that kappas are like that.

 

[Saylor]

I'd hardly call Animal Crossing dark, but I wish it had a few more of those elements. I love little details like the gyroids and aliens on your tv at 3:33am, I wish they included more stuff like that.

 

[captainofcool]

You have to consider that Kapp'n is also a salty sailor, so he's going to be raunchy like that. He's obviously joking. Not to mention he's married with a kid.

 

[AppleBitterCrumble]

Thanks for ruining my child hood....

*deletes game*

 

[Luna_Solara]

I've always thought what they did with Kapp'n was fine, I mean he's a sailor lol. I've never thought of his character as a problem, I actually think it's kinda cute and a little silly (or in CF going back and forth to the city, a little motonous). Maybe that's just me lol.
I remember when I used to babysit and we'd all play CF, the kids' mom wouldn't let them read anything that Kapp'n said on the bus, good times lol.

 

[RayOfHope]

Just like how Luna is a baku, which explains why she's always saying "mmmmm." She eats dreams. Kind of like a Drowzee from Pokemon.

 

[moonchu]

i don't find it to be much of an issue, those it would 'scare' with its darkness are too young to notice the subtle hints / to look up what it means.

i prefer the less than savoury, perhaps, backgrounds of charas and stories as a result of a depth to animal crossing that would otherwise be lacking. i wish they had put more stories in it after learning about sable and able (i haven't played any other animal crossing games).

 

[Bulbadragon]

In Harvest Moon: Friends of Mineral Town, you could marry a Kappa. I'm pretty sure he never acted like a spouse and only showed up on big events like your birthday and anniversary. Oh, and to inform you that you are pregnant with a Kappa-human crossbreed. I would consider that more dark than AC.