The appeal of the “Sumikko Gurashi” series lies in its gentle world view and the endearing, slightly clumsy presence of its characters. Based on the world of the movie The Kingdom of the Sky and Two Travelers, they have been reborn as a “puzzle game” called Play Characross. The gameplay, where you complete dot illustrations of the characters by coloring squares based on numbers, is meticulously crafted to be engaging for both adults and children—it's not too difficult, yet every puzzle provides a sense of achievement. The sheer volume of over 500 questions is impressive, and you'll surely smile as the Sumikko characters gradually take shape.

Many people might feel that puzzle games “seem difficult,” but this title is full of features that neatly eliminate those worries. For instance, it is equipped with functions that gently support the player, such as the fluffy cloud-shaped “Guiding Cloud” which tells you where to color next, the “Hint Roulette” which shows hints randomly, and the “Correct Answer Support” which fixes mistakes immediately. This makes it a welcome feature that not only puzzle beginners but also small children can play with peace of mind.

The game is even more fun because it supports cooperative play with up to 4 players. When the family gathers around to progress through Characross together, it feels like completing a picture book. Dividing the roles and imagining the final picture while giving each other hints creates moments where smiles naturally appear in ordinary conversation. As a “co-play” game that adults and children can enjoy together, it's perfect for holiday playtime.

As you progress through the puzzles in the game, “Treasure Boxes” appear, and you can obtain the characters' “treasures.” These can be viewed anytime in the “Gallery,” and also displayed on the screen as decoration. You can freely arrange your favorite characters to create your own Sumikko World. Furthermore, the characters cheer for you as you progress, which is a unique appeal of this title, allowing you to feel that you are truly “playing together,” not just against a backdrop.

This title prominently features characters that appeared in the movie The Kingdom of the Sky and Two Travelers, such as “Ouji” (Prince) and “Otsuki no Ko” (Attendant). Of course, staple members like Shirokuma, Penguin?, Tonkatsu, Neko, and Tokage are also present. With over 50 types of characters appearing in total, the excitement of wondering which character will show up next is a true pleasure of the game. It is a game full of love and ingenuity, allowing you not only to relive the emotion of the movie but also to feel new episodes.