Information--
System: Nintendo DS
Developer: HAL Laboratories
Publisher: Nintendo
Release Year: 2005

Introduction--
Kirby: Canvas Curse is a revolutionary experience that single-handedly establishes the new "Sketch" genre. It introduces gameplay skill not found in other games and is one of the first games to fully utilize the strengths of the DS. Kirby fans and newcomers alike must try this game as it will start an underground revolution in games and must be experienced to be understood. Here is a synopsis from Nintendo (http://www.nintendo.com):

"Your DS stylus has been magically infused with the power to paint! When Kirby gets turned into a ball by an evil witch, your hand-drawn rainbow paths become the only way he can find power-ups and reach the gates of each world. Draw loops to make him speed up, make ramps to jump danger, and draw walls to block laser beams and cannon blasts as you explore seven levels packed with adventure."

Gameplay--10/10
The gameplay is Kirby: Canvas Curse's largest strength. It defines the new "sketch" genre in all of its fast-paced skill and liberal potential. It is also very successful as a platformer and not just because of the sketch elements. The game's structure consists of 8 levels, each containing 3 stages (with the exception of Level 8 that only has a brief and unchallenging level followed by the final boss). Each level ends in one of three types of boss battles (race, enemy defeating, and sketch boss battle). Gameplay consists of side-scrolling through the levels to get to the door at the end. Kirby is round and thus remains constantly rolling. The only way to manipulate Kirby is by tapping him to speed up his spinning (or to use a borrowed attack if you have one) and using the magical paintbrush to draw paths for Kirby to follow. So the majority of the gameplay consists of platforming using the paint function. You have to have Kirby avoid obstacles such as lava or spikes. You also have to make sure he is either sped up or the enemies are stunned before you run into them. The levels are central to the gameplay in K:CC and thankfully they are perfect. Each one is perfectly designed so that there is enough challenge without any frustration. The paint function is based around a commonly used game design style. That is to provide a simple rule- Kirby follows and cannot go through the rainbow paint- and to allow anything else that doesn’t break that rule. The paint can be used in thousands of ways to traverse a level or to defeat enemies and to reach power ups. For example the ability to stop Kirby’s roll by drawing a square around him possibly was emergent and unplanned. This allows the player to truly participate in gameplay unlike many other games. Kirby, like in all of his games, can utilize borrowed powers. There are 11 unique powers in all ranging from beam to tornado. These powers all have uses and are thus truly balanced into the game. The boss battles at the end of the levels are also well-designed. The paint roller stages stand out among these battles as they involve a lot of sketch gameplay. The others are of course a race and enemy killing. After each stage there is also a dash jump challenge in which you try to speed Kirby up and also use a paint stream to further the distance of the jump. The final boss battle against Drawcia is in essence the first sketch boss battle. You have to deflect missiles and energy balls with paint as well as dodge attacks. Drawcia paints enemies for the player to fight as well. The battle is very impressive in its complete utilization of sketch gameplay. The sketch gameplay relies on the game’s superb physics to create balance. Overall Kirby: Canvas Curse has perfect gameplay. It perfects a new genre, adds life to platformers and should be played by all gamers.

Graphics--10/10
Kirby: Canvas Curse also excels in graphics. Nothing is truly wrong with them. The sprites are all colorful and detailed and are stunning in their appeal. The backgrounds are also very detailed and creative. The art brings the world of Kirby: Canvas Curse alive. The animation further complements the excellent sprites and backgrounds by being cartoon-worthy and smooth with no inconsistencies between frames. The effects of Kirby’s powers and the paintings are also a plus. They use lighting and color to create very unique effects. There are also some minor cutscene-esque sequences and like everything else about the graphics they are colorful, detailed and well-animated.

Sound--8/10
Kirby: Canvas Curse has one minor weakness and that is the sound. First of all the music is perfect to create the attitude of the game as well as the felling of the level. It is bright and magical and elicits more joyful emotions. Unfortunately there is not much variance in the songs. While they have notable differences they still sound overly similar. The sound effects are the other issue one might have. They are effective in some situations but they are overused in others to the point of losing their purpose. For example using abilities creates a similar sound and thus you cannot distinguish the abilities by sound. A lot of the impact sound effects are also overused. Other than the minor problem with effects and the lack of distinct song difference, the sound does what it should do, immerse you into Kirby’s world in sounds and emotions.

Value--10/10
Kirby: Canvas Curse is a game with a lot of value, not only in production or replay value, but also in value to gaming. The game establishes the sketch genre. It defines the skillful playing of it as well as its liberal qualities that leave it open for creativity. This game is of value to gaming as it adds yet another great legacy to the growing list of genres and may even be a crucial part of the upcoming (it is indeed coming) alternative revolution in gaming. Aside from this the game has a lot of production value in that it has a lot of adjustable options, a training mode, and a fancy Kirby look. The game has a lot of replay value as well. One can use medals that they find in levels to purchase unlockables. These unlockables include songs, characters and even levels. Thus Kirby: Canvas Curse is a game packed tightly with loads and loads of value in all forms.

Reviewer’s Tilt--10/10
I love the game. It appeals to me for many reasons. I enjoy uniqueness in gameplay whenever I play games, especially when it is implemented the right way. I also appreciate what it can do for gaming. It creates a new genre and adds to the DS’s growing library. I have always been a Nintendo fan and despite many mistakes this year, I am proud to be a Nintendo fan yet again all because of the excellence that is this game.