It was almost by chance that I came across Hello Kitty and Friends: Freeze Tag Party, a game that not many people seem to know about. I was browsing upcoming Switch releases when I noticed one centered around Hello Kitty. Since my daughter is a big fan of the fluffy cat, I decided to see if the game was worth checking out. What really caught my attention, though, was Kuromi—my daughter’s favorite character, and honestly, who doesn’t love her?
Anyway, getting to the point, the game’s concept sounded interesting. A freeze tag game featuring Sanrio’s adorable cast seemed full of potential, so I had to give it a try. Now that I’ve played it, here’s the bottom line: whether it’s worth getting depends on how much you value the Hello Kitty and Sanrio world. Because, as charming as it looks, the game itself is unfortunately a bit shallow when it comes to depth.
In Hello Kitty and Friends: Freeze Tag Party, there are two main game modes to play. One is Challengers (runners), and the other is Hunters (chasers). Each mode features different lead characters—for example, Kuromi leads the Hunters, while Hello Kitty leads the Challengers. The goal is simple: either tag the other team or escape from them. The maps are straightforward, but what truly stands out are the visuals. The developers have done an excellent job capturing the charm and art style of the Sanrio characters, and the soft, shaded look is very appealing. In my opinion, it’s actually a better-looking game than the recent Hello Kitty Island Adventure port from mobile to console.
That said, the game does have a few drawbacks. If you’re planning to play for long sessions, chances are you won’t. The gameplay lacks the depth needed to keep players engaged for extended periods. Playing with CPU teammates quickly becomes repetitive and dull. Thankfully, the game supports local and split-screen co-op, which was a much better experience when playing with my daughter. It makes the simple gameplay feel more enjoyable and adds a bit of replay value. Still, beyond these two modes, there isn’t much else on offer. There are missions to complete—split evenly between both modes—but they mainly exist to unlock collectibles rather than introduce meaningful new challenges.
Another reason to keep playing is the chance to unlock dozens of different Sanrio characters. Admittedly, that part is quite enjoyable. There are around 35 characters in total, though only a few are available at the start. You can also unlock various customization options for them, which kids will definitely appreciate. Each character feels distinct, with unique abilities that set them apart. However, as mentioned before, the game still feels like a short, bite-sized experience—fun in co-op, but it gets dull quickly when played with CPU teammates.
While it’s not a difficult game for kids, I did notice that the camera can be a bit of a problem during gameplay. The controls for it feel clunky at times, especially when moving around fast. On the brighter side, the special powers each character can use are a nice touch, adding a bit of variety and fun beyond just running and tagging.
In the end, the game has its charm, especially if the main goal is to let kids play together. The art style is delightful, and it captures the Sanrio spirit perfectly. Still, the limited variety in challenges and gameplay makes it less engaging in the long run. Overall, it’s a solid effort, but the price feels a little high for what’s offered. That said, if your children love Hello Kitty, this is a fun and harmless time-killer that fits nicely into the Switch’s co-op and local multiplayer lineup.
Hello Kitty and Friends: Freeze Tag Party Game Information
- Price: $39.99
- Publisher: Nighthawk Interactive
- Developer: Imagineer
- Platform: Switch (Reviewed)
- Disclaimer: A review code was given by the publisher
