I know one other game that is like Animal Crossing, but this is only if the Wii U plays Wii games. (I'm only saying that because most consoles that evolve tend to forget how to play the old cds.)
You can try Harvest Moon Tree of Tranquility and Harvest Moon Animal Parade (the new Harvest Moon series will be called Story of Seasons due to the company switching it'll be the same concept but new name).
Harvest Moon: Tree of Tranquility
In this game your character moves to a new town called Waffle Town, there you learn the Mother Tree is dying and it's up to you to revive it with the help of Harvest Sprites and collecting recipes for rainbows.
Harvest Moon: Animal Parade
In this one you move to Harmonica Town but upon arriving you learn that the elements are weak and dying and the land is in peril. You must collect each bell to restore the land. Another plot is to rescue all Circus Animals (but I have yet to do that one).
The games are really fun and entertaining, in both games you can fish, grow crops, own farm animals, mine, cook, upgrade your house, make friends, and even get married and start a family!
And you don't need previous knowledge of the games.