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Review of Drawn to Life on Nintendo DS

by Jay Aborro Jay Aborro photo Sep 2007
Cover image of Drawn to Life on DS
Gamefings Score: 7.5
Platform: DS DS logo
Released: 10 Sep 2007
Genre: Action-adventure, Platform
Developer: 5th Cell
Publisher: THQ

Introduction

In an era where video game innovation is sometimes as elusive as the last pizza slice at a party, "Drawn to Life" stands out like a neon sign in a thrift store. This Nintendo DS title airy-fies the conventional platforming narrative by allowing players to unleash their inner Picasso. Yes, you get to create your hero, platforms, and even weapons with the magical touch of your stylus. The result is a whimsical adventure that merges creativity with classic gameplay, paving way for a colorful experience that makes you wonder if you mistook the DS for an art easel.

Gameplay

At its core, "Drawn to Life" hinges on the very fun concept of creativity. The game is split into two main modes: Village Mode and Adventure Mode. In Village Mode, you're tasked with restoring a village overtaken by darkness by helping its quirky inhabitants, the fox-like Raposa. This is where your creativity flows as you draw objects and characters that bring your village back to life. Don't worry if your artistic skills make a toddler's finger painting look like the Mona Lisa-there's a tracing feature for the shadow artist hidden in all of us. Grab your stylus, sketch new creations, and voila! You've just contributed another masterpiece to the universe. Adventure Mode turns the DS into your playground (not literally, do not throw your console out the window), taking you through levels filled with enemies, secrets, and collectibles. Here, you'll run, jump, and of course, draw platforms to assist your gaming shenanigans. Don't expect to speed through the levels without some drawing, however; your journey heavily relies on quick sketches to build the platforms you'll jump on or to craft weapons to defend yourself from the baddies.

Graphics

Visually, "Drawn to Life" attempts to dazzle with 2D graphics that are both charming and imaginative. The colorful palette creates an enchanting atmosphere that complements the whimsical art style. As you progress, watching your gruesome stick figures transform into quirky creatures navigating the landscapes provides an oddly satisfying experience. Particularly, the backgrounds are brimming with life, a testament to the creative power of doodles when harnessed effectively. If a cartoon and a doodle pad had a baby, it would be the art style of this game, so swing your stylus with confidence-you might just become the next Van Gogh (but without the ear incident).

Conclusion

In summary, "Drawn to Life" is a delightful romp that marries creativity with engaging gameplay. Sure, it may not be perfect-some levels feel disjointed, and sometimes drawing a perfectly functional platform can be as tricky as trying to walk straight after a merry-go-round-but its charm outweighs any minor flaws. The ability to craft your own hero and interact with the world in such a personal way tugs at the heartstrings of anyone who ever doodled in class. Whether you're a seasoned platformer or a rookie artist, this game delivers a unique, colorful experience that proves art can indeed save the day. So grab your stylus and let your imagination take the wheel-just remember that actual art classes build better portfolios than DS gameplay, no matter how impressive your pixelated superhero might look.

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