Hello Kitty Online

Infobox VG
title =


developer = Sanrio Digital
publisher = [cite web|title=Burda Interactive Communities: Sanriotown|publisher=Burda:IC|url=http://www.burda-ic.com/index.php?id=8|accessdate=2008-07-31]
release= Q4 2008 (Open Beta)cite web|url= http://news.mmosite.com/content/2008-07-19/20080719201204068,3.shtml|title=Chinajoy 2008: Hello Kitty Online Interview – Page 3|publisher=MMOsite|accessdate=2008-07-31|date=2008-07-19]
genre=Fantasy MMORPG
modes=Multiplayer, Online
platforms=Windows
media = 1 DVD, download
requirements = Windows
* Windows 2000, Windows Vista or Windows XP
* Intel Pentium 4 or equivalent
* 512 MB or more (1GB Recommended)
* Display card with support for Direct X 8.0 or higher
* Any sound card with support for DirectSound
* 2 GB free HD space
* 4× DVD-ROM drive
* 56 kbit/s or faster Internet connectioncite web|url=http://www.hellokittyonline.com/us/index.php?c=support&s=support_faq|title=Hello Kitty Online FAQ|accessdate=2008-07-31]
input = Keyboard, mouse

"Hello Kitty Online" (acronymed as "HKO") is a free-to-playcite web |title=Hello Kitty Online |publisher=IGN.com|url=http://pc.ign.com/objects/712/712477.html |accessdate=2008-07-31] Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Game (MMORPG) that tells the story of a hero (the player) helping Hello Kitty and her friends wake up from eternal slumber and defeat a "mysterious and malevolent power" [cite web |author=Maris, Daisy |title=Hello Kitty Online Closed Beta Testing Starts Tonight! |date=2008-04-22 |url=http://www.sanriodigital.com/archives/67 |publisher=Sanrio Digital |accessdate=2008-07-31] . "HKO" was developed by Sanrio Digital, Typhoon Games and Dream Cortex.cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/876/876701p1.html |last=Devries |first=Jack |title=Hello Kitty Online Hands-on — Page 1 |publisher=IGN.com |date=2008-05-29 |accessdate=2008-07-31] The game's Closed Beta ended on June 1, 2008 [cite interview |last=Aslanbaigi |first=Ali |url=http://news.mmosite.com/content/2008-07-19/20080719201204068,1.shtml |title=Chinajoy 2008: Hello Kitty Online Interview - Page 1 |publisher=MMOSite.com |date=2008-07-19 |accessdate=2008-07-30] while another beta test begin on October 8, 2008.

Unlike most combat-oriented games, "HKO" focuses more on resource collecting and social interaction. Players can mingle and adventure in different locales based on (and named after) famous cities such as Beijing, Paris, London, Moscow and Tokyo; in addition, there are several wholly original and explorable areas.cite interview |url=http://news.mmosite.com/content/2008-07-19/20080719201204068,2.shtml |last=Aslanbaigi |first=Ali |title=Chinajoy 2008: Hello Kitty Online Interview - Page 2 |publisher=MMOSite.com |date=2008-07-19 |accessdate=2008-07-30]

"Hello Kitty Online" is tied to the SanrioTown web site: as of Open Beta a SanrioTown membership will be required to register for and play "HKO" [cite web |url=http://www.hellokittyonline.com/us/index.php?c=about&s=about_gameIntro |title=About Hello Kitty Online |publisher=Hellokittyonline.com|accessdate=2008-08-08] . Both "HKO" and SanrioTown are free of charge, but provide options to purchase paid upgrades.

Gameplay

All players are represented by customizable human avatars. Available options during character creation include gender, hairstyle, eyes, skin tone, face and even blood type.

Combat, though not the primary focus of the game, is still relevant. Weapons take the form of various blunt implements such as brooms, flyswatters and microphone stands.cite web |url=http://www.mmorpg.com/gamelist.cfm?FEATURE=1992&BHCP=1&GAME=334&bhcp=1 |title=Hello Kitty Online Beta Preview |last=Koh |first=Carolyn |publisher=MMORPG.com |date=2008-06-12 |accessdate=2008-07-30] Players enter combat by right-clicking on a nearby monster, at which point the avatar and the monster will begin to exchange blows. Monsters don't die in "HKO", but when their health bar is fully depleted they become dizzy, pass out and are defeated, allowing players to loot them.cite web |url=http://www.tentonhamster.com/node/1685 |title=Hello Kitty Online: An Exclusive Preview of Closed Beta |publisher=TenTonHamster.com |date=2008-06-24 |accessdate=2008-07-30 |last=Fuller |first=Padma]

A main quest chain develops the plot as players progress. Sanrio characters such as Badtz-Maru and Keroppi are placed throughout the game world, handing out quests to willing players. [cite web |url=http://generationgamerz.com/v2/game-news/hello-kitty-online-closed-beta-report.php |last=Rick |first=Christophor |title=Hello Kitty Online - Closed Beta Report |publisher=Generationgamerz.com |date=2008-06-05 |accessdate=2008-07-30]

Resource Collection Skills

In the majority of MMORPGs players receive experience points and level increments by defeating opponents and completing quests; this is not the case in "HKO", where players level-up primarily through resource collection and item crafting.cite interview |url=http://www.tentonhamster.com/node/1420 |last=Aslanbaigi |first=Ali |interviewer=Padma Fuller |title=Hello Kitty Online Exclusive Interview - Part 1 |publisher=TenTonHamster.com |date=2008-05-27 |accessdate=2008-07-30]

Collecting resources is an important aspect of "HKO" because many items found in the game are obtained by crafting or purchasing from NPC vendors. Crafted items are generally superior to items bought from NPC vendors. Players must have the appropriate ingredients and/or resources in their inventory if they wish to craft.

Resource collection has four subtypes of skill: Woodcutting, Gathering, Planting and Mining. Players must choose a primary and a secondary skill from these four subtypes. A character's chosen skills can reach much higher levels than skills not chosen. Since higher-level resources require a higher corresponding level, players are encouraged to trade amongst each other for resources. In order to gather resources players must equip a resource gathering tool such as a pick-axe and click on an available resource node. Resource tools have level requirements in respective skills (e.g., an advanced pick-axe would require a higher level in the Mining skill).cite web |url=http://pc.ign.com/articles/876/876701p2.html |last=Devries |first=Jack |title=Hello Kitty Online Hands-on — Page 2 |publisher=IGN.com |date=2008-05-29 |accessdate=2008-07-31]

Item Crafting

Item crafting is a key feature of "Hello Kitty Online" and, like resource collection, is divided into four skill subtypes: Cooking (food items that replenish health, energy or both); Tools/Weapons (weapons in "HKO" are not available from NPC vendors), Clothes (like weapons, clothes need to be created by the players themselves but can be traded to other players) and Furniture.

Farming

Each player receives a starter farm upon entering the game for the first time. The farm serves as the primary form of income in the game. Crops grown on the farm can be sold, traded to other players, or crafted into different items. Players can also purchase bigger and nicer (and pricier) farms. Successful farming requires players to take into consideration variables such as land fertility, pests and growth factors.

Pet System

Every defeated monster in "HKO" has a chance of dropping a rare pet card that can be used to gain that monster's service, effectively making that monster a player's pet. Players may own a maximum of 3 pets in total, and only one pet can be used at any time.cite interview |url=http://www.tentonhamster.com/node/1421 |last=Aslanbaigi |first=Ali |interviewer=Padma Fuller |title=Hello Kitty Online Exclusive Interview - Part 2 |publisher=TenTonHamster.com |date=2008-05-29 |accessdate=2008-07-30] Pets have a variety of roles: they can act as mules, providing extra inventory space; some pets provide a buff to player stats while they are in service; lastly, they are able to help when it comes to collecting resources. Pets gain levels from food: when pets are fed regularly, their stats and level will increase over time.

Player versus Player (PvP)

"Hello Kitty Online" contains no direct PvP, though players may choose to compete amongst themselves in a number of available minigames.

Minigames

Minigames available in-game and in SanrioTown web site member's area provide players a chance to compete with each other.

Housing System

Each player's farm has an allotted space on which the farm's owner can build a house. In order to build a house, players require a land certificate, which can be bought from an NPC or received as a quest reward. Construction can begin after sufficient amounts of the required resources have been accumulated. There is a variety of different houses; the more elaborate and extravagant, the more expensive.

Once a house is completed, players can furnish the interiors with different appliances, furniture and interior elements such as wallpapers and floorboards.

ocializing

"HKO" advocates the concept of "social networking". Players can view other players" blogs, send email, and watch uploaded videos from in-game or on the Sanriotown web site.

Players can also band together to form a guild. Guildmates can help each other build to speed up the construction of houses. Group Quests will be available in the future updates to the game.

Future Plans

"HKO" is scheduled to hold another Closed Beta for North America and Europe in the third or fourth quarter of 2008. An Open Beta will be held during Q4 and will be followed by the commercial launch near the end of 2008 or in early 2009.

Community

The design of "Hello Kitty Online" emphasizes the use of the game and SanrioTown web site as a social community platform. [cite web|url=http://www.hellokittyonline.com/us/index.php?c=about&s=about_gameIntro|title=Game/Community Integration|accessdate=2008-07-31] A number of social features found on SanrioTown were integrated directly into the game client, and HKO players are able to access SanrioTown’s video sharing service, blogs and emails. Players can also participate in the discussions posted on the community forums.

Item Mall

The "Item Mall" will be located both on the SanrioTown website and will also be accessible while playing the game. At the "Item Mall" players will purchase premium items including unique clothes, pets, weapons and house designs. Purchases will require "Sanrio Loyalty Points" (which are gained from using SanrioTown services such as blogs), and "Sanrio Cash Points" (which are purchased using real money). Another method is paying money in exchange for points using game cards.

Reception

"Hello Kitty Online’s" Closed Beta garnered mixed, though mostly positive, reactions from the media and players. "Noctalis.com" called it “a cloyingly sweet pink-filled wonderland of talking animals set to a chirpy soundtrack”.cite web|url=http://noctalis.com/dis/hello_kitty/review_hko_closed_beta.shtml|title=Hello Kitty Online Closed Beta Review - Gateway MMOG|publisher=Noctalis.com|accessdate=2008-07-31|date=2008-05-30] The game’s sprite-based and isometric perspective 2.5D graphics were criticized as 10-year old technology, and the lack of customization options for each character (e.g. dye kits or ways to change the color of the home items) was noted.

IGN’s hands-on review of the Closed Beta was largely favorable, concluding:

With the SanrioTown blog feature, gamers were able to share their experiences while playing the game. The players were also responsible for helping out the newbies with their blog and video tutorials. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/hkotest302:hellokitty.com|title=HKO Tutorial Slide|journal=Codename Tom|date=2008-05-14|accessdate=2008-07-31] Generally, players found other players and the HKO staff to be pleasant and helpful, citing the "HKO" environment as a breather from the “griefing” and PvP-confrontations that affect most online games. [cite web|url=http://generationgamerz.com/v2/game-news/hello-kitty-online-closed-beta-report.php|title=Hello Kitty Online - Closed Beta Report|publisher=Generationgamerz.com|author=Rick, Christopher|accessdate=2008-07-30|date=2008-05-06]

House building was found to be difficult and players complained that they had to ask their guild mates to help."Hello Kitty Online"’s Closed Beta was praised for being largely free of bugs; the help and support provided by the developers was praised by players as swift and earnest, and it was considered a remarkable achievement by one reviewer.

A post on the Outblaze Blog dated February 15, 2008 summarized several online reactions to the closed beta announcement, and included humorous comments from influential game blog Kotaku, ValleyWag, InventorSpot, Japanator, and others. [cite journal|url=http://blog.outblaze.com/2008/02/15/hello-kitty-mmorpg-storms-through-blogosphere/|title=Hello Kity Online Storms Through Blogosphere|author=El-Mouelhy, Ibrahim|accessdate=2008-07-30|date=2008-15-02]

HKO Insider

On April 1, 2008, the "World of Warcraft" news and strategy web site WoW Insider announced that it would no longer cover "World of Warcraft", but would switch to "Hello Kitty Online". The banner that originally read “WoW Insider” was replaced with one that read “HKO Insider”, with images of Hello Kitty on both ends. [cite web|url=http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/01/wow-insider-is-now-hko-insider/|title=Anouncement: WoW Insider is now HKO Insider|publisher=WoW Insider|author=Schramm, Mike|accessdate=2008-07-29|date=2008-04-01] WoW Insider’s April 1 content consisted exclusively of satirical articles (at least 26 of them) based on Hello Kitty Online. In the 28th article to be posted to the web site, an announcement was made that the site would revert back to WoW Insider. [cite web|url=http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/01/wow-insider-is-back/|title=WoW Insider is back, HKO Insider cancelled|publisher=WoW Insider|author=Schramm, Mike|accessdate=2008-07-29|date=2008-04-01]

Island Adventure Pack

On April 1, 2008, Sanrio Digital issued an April Fools' Day announcement revealing the first Hello Kitty Online expansion pack, entitled "“Island Adventure”", scheduled for release in 2009. The news was posted on the main SanrioTown blog [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/blog/2008/04/01/hello-kitty-online-announces-island-adventure-expansion-pack/|title=Hello Kitty Online Announces Island Adventure Expansion Pack|journal=SanrioTown Official BLOG|date=2008-04-01|accessdate=2008-07-31] as well as the official "HKO" "Blog". [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/04/01/hello-kitty-online-announces-island-adventure-expansion-pack/|title=Hello Kitty Online Announces Island Adventure Expansion Pack|journal=Hello Kitt Online Blog|date=2008-04-01|accessdate=2008-07-31] The title of the fictional expansion pack is a reference to the South Park episode "Make Love Not Warcraft". in which the character Butters states that he prefers “Hello Kitty Island Adventure” to more violent and competitive games such as World of Warcraft [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/webfashion:hellokitty.com/2008/04/02/hello-kitty-island-adventure/|title=Hello Kittty Island Adventure|journal=Fashion Blog|date=2008-04-02|accessdate=2008-07-31]

According to Sanrio Digital’s April Fools release:

The fake news was used as material for a humorous article on WoW Insider. [cite web|url=http://www.wowinsider.com/2008/04/01/breaking-news-hello-kitty-island-adventures-expansion-announced/|title=Breaking News: Hello Kitty Island Adventures expansion announced!|publisher=WoW Insider|author=Whitcomb, Daniel|accessdate=2008-09-02|date=2008-04-02]

Closed Beta

The closed beta screening process began through mailing list subscription on the official game site. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/02/21/last-chance-to-subscribe-for-hko-closed-beta/|title=Last Chance to Subscribe for HKO Closed Beta|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-02-21|accessdate=2008-07-31] Before the end of the subscription period, the number of sign-ups reached over 40,000, an unexpectedly high number and one wholly unmanageable for a first Closed Beta version of the game. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/02/20/more-buzz-on-hello-kitty-online/|title=More Buzz on Hello Kitty Online|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-02-20|accessdate=2008-07-31] The subscription period ended on February 22, 2008. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/02/22/hello-kitty-online-game-subscriptions-closed/|title=Hello Kitty Online Game Subscriptions Closed|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-02-22|accessdate=2008-07-31]

On February 25, 2008, instructions were posted on the official "HKO" blog, announcing that subscribers were required to apply by video to enter the closed beta testing. Applications were made through Sanriotown’s Dream Studio video sharing service, in which the applicant needed to answer the question “Why do you think you should be selected for the closed beta testing?” [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/02/25/instructions-for-our-closed-beta-subscribers/|title=Instructions for Our Closed Beta Subscribers|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-02-25|accessdate=2008-07-31] The application period ended on March 10, 2008. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/03/10/hko-dream-studio-closed-beta-application-period-is-over|title=HKO Dream Studio closed Beta Application Period is Over|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-03-10|accessdate=2008-07-31]

The initial beta period officially began on April 23, 2008, allowing access to 200 chosen closed beta applicants. [cite journal|url=http://www.sanriodigital.com/archives/75|title=Hello Kitty Online Closed Beta Testing Starts Tonight!|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|author=Daisy Maris|date=2008-03-10|accessdate=2008-07-31] The beta was eventually extended until May 25, 2008 as more people were given access to the game. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/05/06/hko-closed-beta-extended/|title=HKO Closed Beta Extended!|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-05-06|accessdate=2008-07-31] During this extension period, 2 in-game events were launched, awarding winners with actual Hello Kitty products and in-game items for the open beta launch. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/hkoevent:hellokitty.com/2008/05/19/event-calling-all-hunters-and-farmers/|title=Event: Calling All Hunters and Farmers!|journal=Hello Kitty Online Event Blog|date=2008-05-19|accessdate=2008-07-31] A rewards system was also launched for those who could complete their in-game houses before the end of closed beta. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/05/21/rewards-for-our-closed-beta-testers/|title=Rewards for our Closed Beta Testers!|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-05-21|accessdate=2008-07-31]

On May 23, 2008, another announcement was posted, extending the closed beta again until June 1, 2008.cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/05/23/hko-closed-beta-extended-again/|title=HKO Closed Beta extended, again!|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-05-23|accessdate=2008-07-31] During this period, Sanrio Digital tied-up with the game community MMOSite [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/05/14/hello-kitty-online-on-mmosite/|title=Hello Kitty Online on MMOSite|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-05-14|accessdate=2008-07-31] to give away more accounts to aspiring beta testers [cite web|url=http://contest.mmosite.com/giveaway/hello_kitty/|title=Hello Kitty Closed Beta Account Giveaway Event|publisher=MMOsite|accessdate=2008-07-31]

Closed Beta Package Issue

For the Closed Beta, Sanrio Digital distributed the game installer DVD to selected testers through air mail delivery. A preview of the installer package was posted on the official blog on April 4, 2008. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/04/04/message-to-our-closed-beta-testers/|title=Message to our Closed Beta Testers|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-04-04|accessdate=2008-07-31] . On April 20, 2008, the owner of the site Hello Kitty Junkie posted a blog with images of the package she received, which appeared to contain far more than the standard publicized beta package. [cite journal|url=http://www.hellokittyjunkie.com/2008/04/20/my-hko-cb-package/|title=My HKO CB Package!|journal=Hello Kitty Junkie|date=2008-04-20|accessdate=2008-07-31] The difference in packages received by Closed Beta testers became an issue for a number of players. [cite web|url=http://forumus.sanriotown.com/scripts/mb2/mb2.cgi?rm=show_topic&period=0&topic_id=33441|title=How unbelievably unfair and frustrating!|publisher=SanrioTown Forums|date=2008-04-22|accessdate=2008-07-31] On April 23, 2008, an announcement was posted on the official "HKO" blog, addressing the issue and explaining the reason for sending out different packages. [cite journal|url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/04/23/hello-kitty-online-closed-beta-package-concerns/|title=Hello Kitty Online Closed Beta Package Concerns|journal=Hello Kitty Online Blog|date=2008-04-23|accessdate=2008-07-31]

Founders' Beta

On September 12, 2008, news was posted on the Official Blog announcing a Beta stage called "Founders' Beta" scheduled to run from October 8, 2008 to November 5, 2008. Players who are selected for the Founder's Beta will be given special rewards, and will be able to keep characters and possessions at the end of the Founder's Beta. cite web|url=http://www.tentonhamster.com/node/2489|title=Exclusive Hello Kitty Online Interview With Abigail Reyes|publisher=Ten Ton Hamster|accessdate=2008-09-19] The announcement stated that there would be improvements to the client and game systems.cite web |url=http://blog.sanriotown.com/onlinegame:hellokitty.com/2008/09/12/wanted-founders-for-hello-kitty-online/ |title=Wanted: Founders for Hello Kitty Online! |publisher=Hello Kitty Online Official Blog |date=2008-09-12 |accessdate=2008-09-14] A press release was also posted on the Sanrio Digital blog. Applications to participate in the Founders' Beta were accepted through email, through which 20,000 accounts would be issued. [cite web |url=http://www.sanriodigital.com/archives/110 |title=Hello Kitty Online announces Founders' Beta |publisher=Sanrio Digital |last=Maris |first=Daisy |date=2008-09-12 |accessdate=2008-09-14]

When the Founder's Beta ends, a final open beta test is expected to be announced in December.

References

External links

Official Links
* [http://www.hellokittyonline.com Hello Kitty Online: Official Game Site]

* [http://blog.hellokitty.com/onlinegame Hello Kitty Online: Official Announcement Blog]

* [http://blog.hellokitty.com/hkoevent Hello Kitty Online: Official Event Blog]

Community Links
* [http://www.sanriotown.com Hello Kitty Online: Official Community Portal]

HKO Game Master Blogs
* [http://blog.hellokitty.com/smoarrr Game Master Blog: Neverender]

* [http://blog.hellokitty.com/abbyfries Game Master Blog: Abby]