I recently picked this game up, after waiting to find it in person for $20 or less. I cry for the days I went without having played this game. And for what, a few dollars? Buy this game! Then buy a DS, if need be.
Here's why:
Story
Fluff.
Graphics
Fine. Nothing ground breaking, but certainly acceptable. Doesn't ever detract from gameplay.
Sound
Fitting. Not too annoying. What do you expect from a Kirby game?
Gameplay
Here's the gold mine. The game which makes the greatest use of the DS' ability, with really no feeling of being gimmicky.
The mechanics are simple. Touch an enemy to stun them. Touch Kirby to dash (or use abilities). Dash into an enemy or roll into them when they are stunned to acquire their ability. There are 11 abilities in all, mostly typical fair. They are often used to access special areas or collect medals.
What really differentiates this game is the magic paintbrush. Kirby has been turned into a ball, and is constantly moving. You solely use the touch screen for this game, drawing lines to manipulate Kirby's movement indirectly. Need to get over a gap? Draw a bridge. Need to reverse directions? Draw a wall. Need to protect Kirby from projectiles? Draw a line to act as a shield.
People visiting this thread have most likely already played the game, so I won't go into much more of the mechanics, but they really are very tight, smooth, and intuitive.
The game has fantastic level progression, with a lot neat variations on the basic gameplay. The levels can get fairly difficult, but certainly never frustrating. It's a prime example of a game where when you die, it's your fault. New twists are thrown at you in each level, the level design is fantastic, and it's just all around an incredibly enjoyable, unique platformer.
The only issue I had was with the boss battles. Only 3 bosses who you fight twice, and then a final boss. The boss battles are fun, but fairly gimmicky. I would have rather seen all unique bosses which fit in more with the core gameplay mechanics.
Replay Value
250 medals to collect, 5 playable characters, a couple of minigame bosses and a fair amount of unlockable courses. There are 8 levels consisting of 3 levels each. Each level typically consists of 3 areas. It won't take you long to beat it, but it's incredibly fun, and there's quite a bit of replay value, and decent incentives to replay. Well worth the money.
Reviews
IGN -- 9.0 out of 10
1UP -- 9.0 out of 10
Gamespot -- 8.6
Game Rankings Average -- 88%
Where to Buy
I got mine at Toys 'R Us for $20. You can probably find it even cheaper if you search. Gamestop/EB still had it for $30, I believe. Doesn't matter, just buy it.
Conclusion
Kirby: Canvas Curse is easily one of my top 5 DS games, and really impressed me with it's mechanics, level design, and gameplay. A fantastic game, and a fantastic portable game.
What Do You Think of Kirby: Canvas Curse for the Nintendo DS?
What Do You Think of Kirby: Canvas Curse for the Nintendo DS?
