This is a Kirby: Canvas Curse Review for the Nintendo DS by Guitarwizard.

GRAPHICS:

Beautiful, Vibrant, Old school.... these are the terms that come to mind when describing the Graphics of "Kirby: Canvas Curse".  The backgrounds are very attractive, and look hand drawn.. the character animation is fluid... The glory of 2D era Nintendo games is relived with brighter colors, and better resolution (It might just be the smaller screen on which this game is viewed compared to a TV).  If you loved the way Snes games looked then you will appreciate the graphics of this game.

I give the graphics an 8/10

SOUND:

The sound fits the game perfectly... at times cheerful, and at times frantic.  The game sounds very good on the DS speakers, but it sounds better on headphones (this is the case with virtually all handheld games).  The subtle sound of the lines being drawn is a nice touch.  You may not realize how much the music adds to the feel of the game until you arrive at a point where there is no music to be heard.  The sound effects for special powers are nicely done... overall very good sound that suits the game perfectly.


The sound gets an 8/10

GAMEPLAY:

This is where the game really shines... tight, and fun gameplay.  If you have never played a game like this it may take a little getting used to, but the learning curve is not steep.  To make Kirby dash forward you simply tap him and destroy an enemy (this also activates a special power if you have one).  Tapping an enemy will stun him for a few seconds so that Kirby can destroy him merely by coming into contact with him.  You will also need to utilize the stylus to break bricks, and other assorted obstacles.  Touching the stylus to the screen on neither Kirby nor an enemy will result in the creation of a paint line.  Drag the stylus across the screen, and a line will appear wherever you decide.  This is how Kirby is moved about for the most part... paint a line under him and draw it wherever you desire Kirby to go, and he will go there.  You can also draw a loop de loop, and Kirby will perform a dash through it.  There is a "paint Bar" that tells you how much paint you have left.  It refills itself very quickly if you are on the ground, or slowly if you are in the air.  Once you have mastered the ways of the stylus then you will be unstoppable...almost.  There are boss fights to be had also... you can fight your choice of three bosses at the end of each level.  You can also choose between different paint colors.

Gameplay receives a 9/10

DIFFICULTY:

This game is easy in the beginning, but it gets harder near the end.  Some of the Time and Line trials are rather difficult.  This game presents an enjoyable challenge, but not a throw your DS against the wall challenge.

I give it a 7/10

REPLAY VALUE:

There are 8 levels in the game... each level has three sub levels contained therein except the 8th level which has only one.  Once you have played through each level you will most likely want to go back, and explore.  Other than the main game, there is also a game called "Rainbow Run" in which you will try to earn medals that can be used to unlock special features such as extra characters.  Each level in Rainbow Run contains 18 medals to be earned…except one which is named "Special Course".  Special Course has 48 medals to be earned.  To earn medals you must complete tests of either "Time Trials," or "Line Trials."  Time Trials is self explanatory... you must complete the level in a certain time to earn a medal. Line Trials is a test where your paint bar does not refill, and you must complete the level using as little paint as possible... which is harder than it sounds.  There are also three "Sub-Games"...one is called "Block Attack" in which you must bounce Kirby into blocks, and defeat enemies to continue.  Another is called "Cart Run" in which you must race King Dedede.  The last is called "Paint Panic" in which you must memorize, and mimic the boss "Paint Roller's" lines.  There is much to be done in this game, and it will keep you interested for a long time.

I give it a 10/10

OVERALL:

Overall this is a very great game.  If you are looking for something different and fun then look no further than "Kirby: Canvas Curse."  A definite must buy for DS owners!

Overall I give it a 9/10