New Leaf is a life simulation game that follows the real passage of time. Unlike the previous entries in the series, players are put into the role as mayor of the town. This means that the player has the responsibility to keep the town running, as well as improving it through keeping it clean and updating buildings.
Playing the Mayor
As the mayor, the player has two major roles to fulfill in the game. They are to set Town Ordinances, which are basically the rules by which the town follows. For example, Keep Your Town Beautiful makes it so your town is kept tidy and neat. The other role as the mayor is Public Works Projects, which allow the player to expand on pre-existing buildings, as well as create new features and landmarks in the town.
Customization
Customization has always been a large feature of the Animal Crossing games, and New Leaf is no different. When the player begins the game, they are living in a tent, which can be upgraded over time to turn into a house. As the player gets items, such as furniture, they will be able to customize their house by placing those items in any way they want.
In addition to customizing their house, players will be able to change the appearance of the items themselves, including the clothing they are wearing. One of the functions that is introduced is the ability to create custom patterns for furniture and clothing in one of the shops.
Online Interaction
Players can invite others or be invited to visit other players' towns, where they can interact with about everything in the town, as well as participate in mini-games. A new building is introduced, called the Dream Suite, which is part of the Public Works Projects. Once built, this allows the player to visit other players' towns in a dream, where they will not see any other players.
Towns are shared in this manner by 12 digit codes called Dream Codes. The player is free to do about anything in the town, although they won't be able to access Main Street. Note that any changes done will not be saved for the player who provided the code.
Collectibles
There are many different things to collect in New Leaf, similar to the previous games, such as bugs, fish and paintings. These things are kept track of in the Museum, which is run by Blathers. Once the player collects all of a particular item, they will be rewarded with a special gift.
