Kirby: Canvas Curse

"This is a great game, but don't expect to be playing this for long..."

Another fun Kirby-themed adventure released by HAL Laboratories, don't expect this to be like any other game from the franchise you've played so far. In Canvas Curse, you control Kirby who, as a ball, cannot move much on his own. So, you have to use the stylus to control him. Sounds easy, right? It usually is, but it can sometimes be very time-consuming and a little challenging.

STORYLINE

Luckily, the plot DOES make sense! Yay! So you're NOT rolling around endlessly! :3

Anyways, at the start of the game, you're treated to an intro with some uniquely-done graphics (the effect almost makes it look painted on) telling the story of how some evil witch-person-thing named Drawcia turns Kirby's home, Dream Land, into a paint realm and gets rid of Kirby's limbs so he's helpless. Just then, the magical paintbrush-which is really just your stylus-appears to help Kirby, and the journey begins!

Overall, this is a nice storyline. It's nice to see a female boss for the second time (and one we actually see in America). I sure couldn't think of a better one, anyways. :/

OVERALL: 9/10

GRAPHICS

The graphics are, to say the least, great. Not quite breathtaking, but they're certainly better than I'd expect for them to be. Backgrounds are vibrant, even items and stars have excellent detail, and Waddle Dees look better than ever before. Going through stages, I can assure you you'll never want to turn your head away from the graphics while you're playing...I guess. Oh, and there's nice shading too, but that's the last thing you'd really care about when it comes to this.

OVERALL: 9/10

SOUND/MUSIC

This game has, in my opinion, the best music I've ever heard in a Kirby game. From the second level (the first level uses an original-ish Kirby tune, I think), you can tell the music is at a very high level of quality. You might just find yourself humming it every once in a while. Now, there's probably gonna be that tune you don't like, or that remix or which the original tune is better-for me, the Volatile Volcano and Paletto Polis tunes-but overall the music is excellent. Plus, you can unlock older Kirby tunes for the song player, making this even better.

I almost forgot! The sounds are awesome in their own awesome way. How exactly can a sound effect get any better than these standard sounds, I ask? HOW!?!?!? But Drawcia laughs a little too much, especially in her second form...

OVERALL: 9/10

GAMEPLAY

As I said before, you guide Kirby around stages with the stylus. You can poke him to make his touch-dash, or drag the stylus across the screen for Kirby to roll across. However, you'll have trouble doodling a smiley face: there's a limit of ink you have to use (which can refuel over time), and if you draw two lines the first one will quickly vanish. This provides some extra challenge while going through large stages, particularly Spectacle Space and the two ice stages.

Though the touch sensitivity reaches its low point on the Paint Panic minigame/boss level (particularly on the frustratingly hard third level), the simple controls are very natural and gentle on your hands. *glares at Pokemon Ranger*

Once you beat the game with Kirby (which isn't too hard, seeing as they give you more and more extra lives after every level (thus destroying a little of the game's challenge level)), you'll have to use a few other-um, spheres-to fully complete the game. There're also time and line trials, where you have to complete levels and special stages using a certain amount of lines or in a certain amount of time. These medals can unlock other spheres, new line pattern (they're useless, but the bead line is pretty cool. :P), and more!

The gameplay is truly awesome. Though it does have minor flaws, particularly in said minigame-boss level-whatever-it-is. Just compare it to, uh, E.T. for the Atari 2600 or something.

OVERALL: 8/10

REPLAY VALUE

There is some replay value in this game, but not the most. Plan on spending a month while just playing this game? Nah, don't, it gets a little boring and repetitive. But if you REALLY want to win that troublesome Paint Panic and get EVERY single medal, then YOU MUST BUY IT!!!!!

OVERALL: 7/10

Pros:

+ Probably the most unique Kirby game yet
+ Pretty nice controls
+ Multiple characters to play as...
+ ...as well as a bunch of other unlockable stuff
+ Reasonably awesome music
+ Awesome graphics

Cons:

+ Gameplay is overly easy (though very time-consuming to 100%)
+ Touch screen is not always as responsive as it should be, mostly in Paint Panic subgame

BOTTOM LINE:

Storyline: 9/10
Graphics: 9/10
Sound/Music: 9/10
Gameplay: 8/10
Replay Value: 7/10

Total: 84%

If you're not a die-hard Kirby fan, you may be better off renting this first. Otherwise, it's a must-have for any collector!

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 09/02/08

Game Release: Kirby: Canvas Curse (US, 06/13/05)