QSO Media

A rainbow pride flag background with a CGI Big Challenges on top from Hello Kitty Island Adventure. The text states the character is made by Sanrio, that the asset and game is made by Sunblink Entertainment, and that the image is edited by QSO Media. Big Challenges is a cute cartoon crocodile with his mouth open, spines down his back, and big dark eyes.

Who is Big Challenges? The Unexpected Star of Hello Kitty Island Adventure


Let’s Gaogaogao! Big Challenges Fans!

In July 2023, Hello Kitty Island Adventure launched for Apple Arcade, giving iPad and iPhone users the chance to enjoy sun, sand, and sea with some of Sanrio’s all-stars. A couple of years later, in 2025, PC, Nintendo Switch, and eventually PlayStation 4/5 gamers will also get the chance to meet and make buddies with (most of) their favourite Sanrio sensations. 

A-la Animal Crossing, gamers can enjoy exploring the island, finding collectables, and crafting items while getting to know a little more about Hello Kitty et al. Arguably, the game’s cast is a huge part of the appeal of Hello Kitty Island Adventure, as using the Sanrio IP sets the game apart from other games with similar mechanics – not because it’s necessarily better, but rather because it’s novel.

Sanrio has more than 450 cast members, so to speak, dating back to the company’s launch in 1960. Sadly, not all 450+ get their flowers in Hello Kitty Island Adventure – maybe we can hope for updates or DLC – but as one would expect, fan favourites like Cinnamoroll, Pochacho, and Pompompurin all make appearances. One unexpected appearance is the crocodilian Big Challenges.

Not to be confused with Badtz-Maru’s tiny alligator mate, Pochi, Big Challenges is a rare character who came out of retirement just for Hello Kitty Island Adventure. Although he was first designed in 1978, he hasn’t featured in any official Sanrio content since: No known official merchandising, TV appearances, or features in games like Hello Kitty Roller Rescue. 

Minor Spoilers for Hello Kitty Island Adventure in the following paragraph.

In his character bio in Hello Kitty Island Adventure, Big Challenges is mentioned as having “mysteriously disappeared years ago”, presumably referring to his absence from the Sanrio-verse since the late 1970s. It goes on to mention that little is known about him, but it does say that he’s been waiting to be discovered. 

He may have been waiting to be discovered, but over the past couple of years, Sanrio fans have started taking a shine to Big Challenges on social media. Perhaps this was the discovery he needed all along?

In January 2019, a few years before the Big Man’s reappearance, a Change.org petition calling for his return received nearly one thousand signatures. While the petition didn’t quite meet its numerical goal, it seems like the actual end goal was achieved anyway with the goofy gator appearing on golden shores near you soon.

Big Challenges fans can finally find out a bit more about the mysterious figure now by talking to him and giving him gifts. We’ll not spoil it for you anymore, but I can say that we love to see a strong comeback.

Toni Oisin H.C. is the Head of Audio at QSO Media. Read more of his writing here.

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