Developer Sunblink has just launched a new update for Hello Kitty Island Adventure on mobile called the City Classics update, bringing new stories and activities for players to try. Hello Kitty Island Adventure first launched as an iOS Apple Arcade exclusive title, but was later brought to PC and Nintendo Switch.
While "slow life" simulators, best exemplified by games like Animal Crossing, have been around for decades, it was the launch of Animal Crossing: New Horizons on the Switch that helped turbocharge the genre for a new generation. The game incorporated the modern trend of regular updates and new content pioneered by live service titles, and rapidly became one of the top Animal Crossing series entries. Its success also inspired a wave of competitors looking to attract new players, including 2023's Hello Kitty Island Adventure, which successfully translated the Animal Crossing formula to the stable of characters owned by Sanrio, including the iconic Hello Kitty herself. Island Adventure distinguished itself from Animal Crossing thanks to its greater focus on character stories and by having interesting twists on activities, including underwater adventures and a regular cadence of updates.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure Proves Animal Crossing Should Return to New Horizons' Ideals
Hello Kitty Island Adventure proves that the next Animal Crossing title should travel the unbeaten path, just like New Horizons did.
The latest update for Hello Kitty Island Adventure has launched via Apple Arcade for players on iOS, and it's called the City Classics update. The City Classics update brings Hello Kitty Island Adventure up to version 2.7, and adds the ability for players to open up a tourist shop on the City Town island. City Town launched for Hello Kitty Island Adventure version 2.0 back in 2024, adding a region with a more urbanized aesthetic for players to adventure in. As part of the City Classics update, players will be able to unlock Kuromi-themed furniture sets, start a band with Retsuko, and take photos with Tsunoda. The City Classics update isn't available yet for the Switch and PC versions of the game, but is expected to launch for those versions soon.
Hello Kitty Island Adventure iOS Gets City Classics Update While Sunshine Celebration Returns to Switch and PC
Though the City Classics update hasn't launched yet on the Switch and PC versions of Hello Kitty Island Adventure, fans playing on those platforms aren't left in the cold. On July 10, the summer-themed Sunshine Celebration event launches for all players, adding tropical clothing and furniture to the selection and seaside relaxation activities for players and their Hello Kitty Island Adventure companions.
Despite initially being criticized as an Animal Crossing also-ran, Hello Kitty Island Adventure is holding its own by continuing to engage players with regular updates like the recent Under the Sea Celebration update and its incorporation of diving-themed activities. Many fans cite its other updates that added snowy mountain activities as evidence of the ways Island Adventure is building on its inspirations to bring something new and distinct to the cozy life sim genre.
- Released
- July 28, 2023
- ESRB
- E For Everyone
- Developer(s)
- Sunblink
- Publisher(s)
- Sunblink
- Engine
- Unity
WHERE TO PLAY
- Genre(s)
- Adventure, Life Simulation
