Important Importables: 5 entertaining Hello Kitty games

Hello Kitty is undoubtedly an icon, and definitely a worldwide success. I mean, how many mascots have stationary, clothing, cartoons, CDs, movies, makeup, video games, electronics devices, their own maternity hospital, appear on a credit card, are declared a UNICEF Special Friend of Children and are named a tourism ambassador.

Today, we’re here to talk about her video games. There have been quite a few Hello Kitty flops in the gaming world, with many of the titles pandering to young girls or simply cashing in on the Hello Kitty name. And yet, there are some titles bearing Hello Kitty’s name that aren’t all bad. They may not be world class games you’d preorder and dream about, but they’re fun. Important Importables looked back and played some of games based on Sanrio’s beloved cat, and picked out the ones that have the most redeeming qualities.

Title: Hello Kitty Online
System: Windows PC
Release Date: currently in beta-testing phase in the US
Genre: MMORPG
Description: Hello Kitty Online is basically your standard MMO. You create an avatar, explore a virtual world online filled with Sanrio residents and other Hello Kitty fans and outfit your character in attire in various shades of pink. Its currently in the beta phases, but looks promising.
Hello Kitty Game Rating: 8/10

Title: Hello Kitty no Hanabatake
System: NES
Release Date: Japan, 1992
Genre: Action
Description: It’s been at least 10 years since I played Hello Kitty no Hanabatake, so some of the game’s failing points may have been overlooked as the years passed by an nostalgia sugar-coated everything. (In fact, I had to consult the original owner of the game to find out the title.) Basically its a planting platformer. You play as Hello Kitty as you attempt to water all the plants in the level. It wasn’t horribly challenging, but for the most part it was just a fun way to pass the time. It looked good, and it was fun. I wish it had been released in the US, but it was only available in Japan. If you hunt online or actually live in Japan, you may still be able to find a copy.
Hello Kitty Game Rating: 7/10

Title: Hello Kitty: Big City Dreams
System: DS
Release Date: US – November 17, 2008
Genre: Simulation/Mini-game collection
Description: Hello Kitty: Big City Dreams is a little like MySims for the DS, or a little like Animal Crossing. You play as Hello Kitty as she finds her place in the city, among all of the other Sanrio characters. You play mini-games, decorate her home and basically live her life in the city. It isn’t horribly challenging, but then, what Hello Kitty brand game is? It’s cute, fun and filled with character cameos. That’s enough for me.
Hello Kitty Game Rating: 8.5/10

Title: Hello Kitty: Happy Party Pals
System: GBA
Release Date: October 11, 2005
Genre: Casual/Mini-game collection
Description: It may sound silly, but I actually really adored Hello Kitty: Happy Party Pals. The goal in the game is to throw parties for Hello Kitty’s friends, and you can earn party items and such by playing mini-games. Some of the mini-games were rip-offs of other titles, like Bust a Move, but they still had some merit. It was cute, offered a brief challenge and, if I remember right, was cheap.
Hello Kitty Game Rating: 9/10

Title: Hello Kitty’s Sunny Day
System: PC (Flash)
Release Date: unknown
Genre: Shooter
Description: I won’t lie to you – Hello Kitty’s Sunny Day isn’t dazzling. Its incredibly simplistic, and finicky when it comes to avoiding rain drops. But, its challenging, free and a decent time killer. If you need a quick Sanrio fix, and you don’t want to actually pay for a game, Hello Kitty’s Sunny Day isn’t all that bad.
Hello Kitty Game Rating: 4/10

COMING NEXT WEEK: Important Portables looks at some of the special edition PSPs released in Japan.

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT: Last week Important Importables reviewed import items that protect a PSP’s screen.

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