Who higher to evaluation a Hi there Kitty sport than a middle-aged Ohioan, proper? Effectively, imagine me; I’ve reviewed loads of video games even additional faraway from my quick demographic. It’s simply a part of the job.
It helps that Hi there Kitty and Associates Happiness Parade just isn’t dangerous, relying upon what you’re searching for from both Sanrio’s Hi there Kitty herself or rhythm video games generally.
I don’t need to let you know who Hi there Kitty is, proper? We’re all accustomed to her? Good, as a result of the sport doesn’t let you know something, both. There’s mainly no introduction or story right here, simply the premise that Hi there Kitty and her associates are holding parades to unfold happiness around the globe. I discover this ironic contemplating parades have the precise reverse impact on me. Perhaps that wouldn’t be the case in the event that they concerned fewer native politicians in convertibles and extra furries tripping over fences.
The gameplay facilities round Hi there Kitty and a few associates as they march down a avenue to the beat of the music. They transfer ahead mechanically all through every stage, but it surely’s your job to assist them keep away from traps and obstacles which are being laid out by Kuromi. There are a few methods to do that. If you wish to transfer together with Kitty and associates, you possibly can swing the Pleasure-Cons up and down with every beat like drumsticks, flicking them left or proper to make the lead character swap lanes.
The opposite possibility is to press the B button with every step as you march ahead, then Y to maneuver left and A to maneuver proper. I discovered this model to be extra correct, however maybe not as participating.
Every of the characters you’ll unlock via the sport has a special means. You may take three whole into the parade, however solely the parade chief’s means can be utilized. So, if you wish to flip cash into hearts to replenish your well being, it’s a must to transfer My Melody to the entrance with the L button, then hit the R button to set off her means. There’s a cooldown interval, so these particular talents can’t be used on a regular basis.
Success requires a mix of rhythm expertise and fast pondering to keep away from obstacles and enemies alongside the best way. End a stage, and also you’re introduced with a fast bonus spherical the place you possibly can mash a button for extra ability factors. Throughout ranges, you possibly can often interact in timing-based photoshoots.
That’s actually it for gameplay, but it surely’s approached in an oddly roguelite method. You may push ahead throughout a number of ranges, selecting your route by problem stage. Characters disappear as they’re eradicated, and also you’ll have to start out from scratch if all three are worn out. In fact, you possibly can stage up your characters’ expertise as you go, making it simpler to push additional with subsequent playthroughs. The primary profit right here is the discount of the cooldown time for every character’s particular expertise. Play lengthy sufficient, and also you’ll be capable of summon Pompompurin’s invincibility sufficient that you simply’ll be capable of simply stroll via most of the rolling bombs, swinging hammers, and so on.
The replay loop does get repetitive, but it surely’s mitigated considerably by permitting you to decide on the track you wish to hear whereas taking part in; having to start out from scratch with the identical track could be maddening. The overwhelming majority of the sport’s 40 songs simply sound like cheerleader competitors music, however there are sure to be a pair you received’t thoughts biking via in your solution to the top.
Followers of Hi there Kitty will certainly delight on the sport’s presentation. The graphics are shiny, however smooth, and every little thing concerning the interface is pleasant and upbeat. Unlocking acquainted characters will push gamers via, as will the assorted rewards you possibly can unlock to decorate them.
Nonetheless, there are solely 23 ranges to the sport with out a lot replay worth. A number of endings might be reached by taking totally different paths, however they’re neither rewarding nor various sufficient to warrant a number of playthroughs.
Additionally, I really feel the problem received’t problem older followers of rhythm video games, whereas youthful audiences could discover it a bit too irritating. There’s a candy spot between the 2, and I’m too far faraway from it to understand how massive it’s.
These points apart, Hi there Kitty and Associates Happiness Parade succeeds at being an upbeat, breezy, and bouncy rhythm sport that’s satisfying sufficient to spend a while with. In the event you’ve obtained a Netflix account, you possibly can strive it out without spending a dime in your cellular system. I recommend doing so earlier than agreeing to attend this specific parade.