And it is particularly true for a series that's iterative

[Weismart]

Why do Leif and Kicks only ever visit? Why not fold them in to Nook's Cranny along with the Able Sisters respectively? Why does the Museum only have description plaques for artwork now? No Gyroids to collect? It's just a great deal of little things that actually accumulate into big things.

And it is particularly true for a series that's iterative for the most part. Good features from previous games are almost always brought to after games. The main exceptions are gimmicks based on the console or smallish characteristics that are awesome but ultimately not match changing. NH ditched a great deal of series staples which really hurts if you've been a long time lover. I believe a good deal of those NH fans have not played the previous games so that they do not have these features to miss. That great for them but it feels hollow .

Yeah, this is sort of how I have been looking at it lately. Like, yes it introduced some really great new ideas in the way of outside decorating (which very much feels like the natural next step for the show ) and the landscaping tools. The crafting system is a pretty nifty way to give players kind of mini-goals. Not perfect but it's a neat idea.

But the pile of missing content and features is actually frustrating. I understand nobody wants to compare this to Pokemon (since Sword/Shield have a lot of different problems beyond missing Pokemon and will cut features more frequently ) but Animal Crossing is a series which has historically had nearly all of it is items/collectibles and features carried forward in some capacity. Even little things like obtaining a reward for saving X amount of money in the bank are directly up dropped.