APP STORE AWARDS

Apple Arcade Game of the Year

Apple Arcade

Hello Kitty Island Adventure

Island adventures await!

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From the moment you float into Hello Kitty Island Adventure (clutching a bunch of colorful balloons, of course), you’re reminded there’s one thing that truly makes the world go round: kindness.

—App Store Editors

Wholesome, adorable, and overflowing with good vibes, this open-world adventure sets you free in a wondrous island teeming with delightful activities. This is the stuff of dreams for Sanrio fans—and a chance to get to know Hello Kitty and her pals like never before.

There are countless ways to help these beloved characters. One minute you’re designing cabins with the sweet bunny My Melody; the next, you’re concocting the perfect sports drink for fitness enthusiast Pochacco. Perfect your cotton‑candy‑spinning skills on Cloud Island, or sing your heart out with heavy‑metal fan (and fuzzy red panda) Retsuko. Doing favors doesn’t just feel good: It helps you form stronger bonds with the island’s residents.

You’ll find all sorts of surprises—and plenty of companions—while wandering the adorable open world.

In fact, leveling up your friendships through acts of generosity is how the island expands—literally. Shower the fuzzy goth Kuromi with enough gifts, for example, and you’ll be able to explore the surrounding waters. And that means you can finally visit Hangyodon at his underwater comedy club and cheer him on despite his terrible jokes!

It’s been nearly half a century since Hello Kitty first introduced us to a world where kindness should be the only currency that matters. That spirit is very much alive in this feel-good adventure, which asks a question that’s just as relevant today as it was in 1974:

How will you spread some kindness today?

Read more about the 2023 winners

Quick tip

Don’t explore alone! Bring along a friend for a unique buff. Pekkle lets you walk faster, Chococat gives you the ability to craft multiple items at once, and Hello Kitty duplicates your cooking rewards.

Fun fact

The elusive alligator Big Challenges has been missing from Sanrio’s roster since 1978 but makes its return 45 years later in Hello Kitty Island Adventure. In a sweet touch, both of the goofy gator’s eyes are on one side of its head—perfectly capturing the original 2D design.

Meet the creator

Hello Kitty Island Adventure is developer Sunblink’s second game. Based in Boulder, Colorado, the studio previously released the action-packed Apple Arcade game HEROish.

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2023 App Store Award Winners