If there was one DS game this year that really had me expecting great and unusual things, it was Drawn To Life, an original platformer title from THQ. While it only lives up to part of the hype, drawing aspects are really great and hopefully will be more strongly implemented in future iterations – I smell a Wii-quel!

What sets Drawn to Life apart from any other platformer/action adventure though is the creation aspect. You play the stylus-wielding role of “The Creator” as you draw in the “Book of Life” and even design, draw, and paint the main hero. The game is technically very impressive; when I first drew in my character and saw my “Shadow” as a fully animated character in the story, I was impressed.

As the game progresses and you begin your platforming journey collecting pages from the “Book of Life,” freeing Raposa prisoners (the species in the story that you’re are helping), and destroying shadow goo you’ll draw in various objects in the world on the fly. For instance, maybe you approach a chasm; the game will then say you need to draw a fluffy cloud to carry you across. A painter’s palate will appear with a little template in the general shape of the cloud, which you proceed to color in.  While you can’t draw anything exactly in the beginning (only within the lined template), creative minds out there will have no problem exploring within the limits.

While that is the shining part of the game, Drawn To Life is not so brilliant when it comes to the actual gameplay part. The game switches between a 2-D top-down overworld map and 2-D platforming levels. The platforming itself is inherently uninspired, as opposed to the creation aspect, and for the older gamer it’s pretty boring. There is coin collecting and hidden hearts scattered throughout, but you’ll be racing through these clichés to get to the next interesting cloud or bobsled that you’ll have to draw. Obviously the developers were focused on the creation mechanic, and not the platforming. But it’s simple for a reason, and that brings me to my next point…

This game is for kids. The bubblegum-color scheme, simple mechanics, and monosyllabic dialogue all reflect the puerile direction of THQ with this title. While I was playing it, I couldn’t help but wonder how awesome this game would be if the story was more mature, let you alter levels with the touch of a stylus, and featured New Super Mario Bros. graphics. But, the younger gamer will absolutely love this game. The story plays like a Saturday morning cartoon and will instantly be engaging for that age group (if you’re 40 and consider that to describe your age group, more power to you).

The touch screen is used very effectively to draw, but during the platforming you are required to keep your thumbs on the buttons while also “scratching” out the shadow blobs. It’s awkward and almost impossible to do without reconfiguring your grip somehow. Most younger gamers, and this game is intended for them, will get sheer joy just from doodling on the touch screen.

In the following breakdown of Gameplay, Concept, etc… it is very important to not just read the numbers. This game does different things; some well, some not so much. Drawn To Life is strongly recommended for younger gamers, but because it didn’t appeal to me as an experienced gamer (reflecting the readership of this gaming site) I’m giving it an average score.

Gameplay: 7.0
The drawing mechanic excels and is the highlight of the game; however, the platforming is excruciatingly simple.

Graphics: 7.0
Simple, cartoony graphics. Having your drawings animate, though, is very impressive.

Sound: 8.0
Very solid soundtrack and effects.

Difficulty: Easy

Concept: 7.0
Again, the concept of creating pieces of the game is fantastic; the platforming is the low point, however. 

Multiplayer: N/A
Aside from multi-card sharing, this game has none.

Overall: 7.5
This game has a very solid presentation and is absolutely perfect for younger gamers seeking an animated coloring book; however, I think older gamers will be somewhat disappointed. Hopefully THQ can continue this great new franchise with some more interesting uses of the creation mechanic.