Closing Comments
The best Kirby games seem to be the ones that don't follow the traditional design model of the pink puff's platforming history. Though he started his life out as a run-and-jump hero, it's when he's thrust into much more atypical situations where he really struts his stuff. Games like Kirby's Dream Course and Kirby's Tilt 'n Tumble are fantastic examples of successful yet unusual design concepts for HAL Laboratory's creature.
Chalk Kirby Canvas Curse as another one of these successful departures from the usual Kirby offerings. It's an outstanding design that captures what the Nintendo DS platform is all about: unique and creative gameplay, and speaks volumes of the potential this system can offer gamers down the line.
Presentation: 8.0
The story's a little on the rediculous and unnecessary side, but at least the developer poured all its efforts into the actual experience instead.
Graphics: 8.5
Purely 2D, but oh, it's beautiful 2D. Absolutely fits the Kirby style on the Nintendo DS.
Sound: 8.0
Happy and energetic audio throughout the eight levels. Might be too cheerful for some, but if it is, what are you doing playing a Kirby game, anyway?
Gameplay: 9.0
A true platformer that only requires touchscreen input, and it works like a champ. Incredibly innovative, and amazingly fun all the way through.
Lasting Appeal: 8.5
The only thing missing is a multiplayer mode. Other than that, there are a ton of different gameplay challenges that extend the design beyond the standard level structure.
9.0 OVERALL
9.0 Reader Average
