Google made an elaborate 16-bit video game that pays homage to Japan hosting the Olympics, and you can play it for free right now

• In honor of the Olympics, Google just turned its homepage into a video game platform with one game.
• "Doodle Champion Island Games" is a free, adorable homage to Japan's history of video game production.
• The game was produced in collaboration with Tokyo animation firm STUDIO4°C.

With the Olympic Games kicking off this week, Google is paying homage to its host city of Tokyo with a full-on video game.

If you head over to Google's homepage, you'll find a play button that opens a surprisingly elaborate video game named "Doodle Champion Island Games."

It costs nothing, is fun to play, and even remembers where you left off if you close the window.

Complimentary Tech Event

Transform talent with learning that works

Capability development is critical for businesses who want to push the envelope of innovation.Discover how business leaders are strategizing around building talent capabilities and empowering employee transformation.Know More

Read more: Netflix's new video-game strategy will live or die by how well it can create mega movie and TV franchises

The game - made in collaboration with Tokyo-based animation firm STUDIO4°C - is playable directly in-browser using the arrow keys and space bar. It stars an adorable calico cat named Lucky who's able to participate in a variety of sporting events.

A table tennis event and a skateboarding event were standouts in the short time we spent with the game, but there's a whole bunch more game in there - at least seven games in total, in addition to "extra hidden challenges," according to Google's blog post.

If nothing else, do yourself a favor and enjoy the aggressively charming intro video right here:

Got a tip? Contact Insider senior correspondent Ben Gilbert via email (bgilbert@insider.com), or Twitter DM (@realbengilbert). We can keep sources anonymous. Use a non-work device to reach out. PR pitches by email only, please.