The new Switch game is the closest thing to Animal Crossing.
It is unlikely that we will receive a new Animal Crossing game for Switch, but Hello Kitty: Island Adventure is an equally appealing alternative.
The situation for Nintendo Switch games is currently at a pause, as the company's next console is on the horizon, and new releases for the current one have declined. It is anticipated that Metroid Prime 4: Beyond and Pokémon Legends: Z-A will be the last major titles for this platform, while in the meantime, only a few adaptations of old games are being released. For those accustomed to receiving a major game each month, the coming months may feel somewhat tedious. Nonetheless, external publishers are making an effort to fill that gap.
Recently, Nintendo Switch owners had the chance to enjoy one of what could be the last must-have titles available: Hello Kitty: Island Adventure. This life simulation game is the closest thing to a new Animal Crossing game on the platform. Since Nintendo has no scheduled titles for release until March, this game presents itself as a very appealing alternative.
Originally launched as an exclusive on Apple Arcade in 2023, Hello Kitty: Island Adventure captures the essence of Animal Crossing but replaces Nintendo characters with Sanrio favorites like My Melody and Kuromi. This combination has proven to be very successful for Apple, which claims it has become one of the most popular games on its service. Now that it is also available on Nintendo Switch and PC, with a release planned for PlayStation and Xbox, it's easy to understand its appeal.
At first glance, Island Adventure may seem like a standard game of the genre. Players can buy clothes, fish, bake treats, and decorate cabins, all in the style of Animal Crossing. However, the game's true originality lies in its differences from its inspiration. While it maintains the life simulation format, it also features a small open world where users can explore an island with various themed biomes, from spooky zones to underwater areas. Each part of the island has narrative missions, and in certain areas, there are puzzle shrines reminiscent of Breath of the Wild, collectibles, and time trials.
Additionally, Island Adventure introduces a character bonding system that allows players to enhance their relationship with each NPC through gifts and mission completion, surpassing the flatter approach of New Horizons. This detail reveals that Sanrio cares about its characters, giving them unique personalities and ensuring that players feel more connected to them.
Even with these novel features, it is important to have realistic expectations. The game was initially designed for mobile devices, so some mechanics may seem somewhat simplistic. The platforming shrines focus on uninspired box-pushing puzzles, and the social cycle is designed to encourage users to log in daily. This can become repetitive, which has led some players to lose interest, especially when they feel they are only collecting similar resources day after day.
Despite these limitations, Hello Kitty: Island Adventure fits perfectly on the Nintendo Switch, offering friendly gameplay, soft visuals, adorable characters, and accessible gameplay. It is a cozy delight that can keep players entertained until the expected Nintendo event in April regarding the new console. Hello Kitty: Island Adventure is now available on Nintendo Switch, PC, and iOS via Apple Arcade.
