Originally written for Forge Today (August 2014), read it here.
Kim Kardashian’s app is my new obsession. The game, Kim Kardashian Hollywood, let’s you crawl up the celebrity ladder from ‘zero’ to A-List, essentially giving you an insight into Kim’s own journey to Vogue cover star.
You meet Kim when you are working in a boutique in downtown LA, give her a dress for free and she, overwhelmed with gratitude, gives you the world in return, setting you up with modelling jobs and your own manager, Simon. With Simon’s help, you are then bombarded with magazine shoots, ad campaigns, public appearances and more in order to propel you to the top spot. To do well in these challenges, you have to get as many stars as you can, making sure you gain enough fans to keep moving upwards, and to make sure you can get more jobs. These challenges are dependent on how much “energy” you have, which often runs out far too quickly. This is bit of a drawback as the tasks you get given are pretty relentless and it takes a while for your energy to recharge, so there’s a limit on how long the game can be played in one stretch.
Having said that, the game is really addictive. It’s very easy to play and there’s quite a lot of freedom to do and buy whatever you want, although certain purchases will earn you more rewards. There are opportunities to network and date as another way to level up easily, with the progressive option to date either men or women available (I advise you choose women, as the men in the game are dressed horrendously). There is also a really hilarious rival called Willow Pape, who pops up occasionally to say you look terrible and ask if Kim has mentioned her recently. She’s no real threat to the outcome of the game but you do lose fans if you badmouth her in an interview.
I’m not really an avid gamer, so the best part for me is the dress up element. Your look is entirely customisable and there is a wide range of skin, eye and hair colours to pick from – although unfortunately there’s no option to change your body type or size. You can unlock more outfits and accessories as you reach higher levels, the inspiration for which comes directly from Kim’s real life wardrobe.
This game is great for people already familiar with everything Kardashian (ahem, like me), as it includes little references to the TV show – Kim’s “momager” and the infamous diamond earring incident are mentioned pretty early on – and characters who look a lot like Anna Wintour and Mario Testino can also be spotted at higher levels. But even if you aren’t a diehard fan, the game is addictive enough that that won’t really matter. The graphics are cute and cartoony and the music is only slightly annoying. The path from E list to A list is exhilarating, and your desire to get to the top becomes pretty all-consuming. Maybe Kim is making a comment on the rapaciousness of capitalism and the unattainability of the American Dream? No? Whatever, the dress I just bought is super cute.
