Drawn to Life The Next Chapter Review (DS)

Building on from the original story, you once again take on the role of the Creator and need to send a hero to save the day. This time the evil Wilfre has stolen the color from much of the world and you have to return the color to progress. While you do control the hero at times you’re not necessarily him. Regardless, it’s a fun and interesting little platformer for a younger crowd that lets us all show a little of our creativity.

Now remember, this game is on the simplistic side in regards to game level design. Mostly because it’s aimed more at the newer gamers who have a far better imagination than some of us older kids. So it’s not going to be extremely challenging, but that doesn’t mean it’s not fun and kind of interesting.

The graphics for the game remind me of watercolor paintings with well defined lines. All of the colors in the main map screens are sedate and extremely well done. Meanwhile the platform levels have a more substantial feel to them.

As the player you control your hero (which you draw yourself and can change later). As you progress you can pickup weapons like the slasher (I drew a huge saber) the shooter (a compact machine gun) and various platforms and elevators. I even made a cloud elevator as a tribute to the old Mario sky levels. The hero even has three forms that it can morph into - standard hero form (your hand-drawn avatar) blob and spider

You alternate between the map level and instanced platform-based levels where you need to walk, jump, swim and generally collect coins and color so you can fill in more of the missing pieces. Of course there are enemies that must be dispatched but it’s all bloodless and even though there’s some minor violence in the game I don’t see most parents having a problem with it. Considering that the player gets to choose how their weapons look, for all you know your son or daughter might draw a rubber chicken or a bright pink flower with which to whack away the baddies.

Truly that’s one of the great features of the game. The creativity input. Sure it’s limited and could have really been played up more, but maybe in the next iteration. The game also features Wireless multi-card play for some head-to-head action between two DS users, but not having anyone else about with a DS I didn’t get to play it as to even see what’s available you need another DS within range. From what I’ve read (neither in the user manual or on the official site mind you) there are several sports themed mini-games available. You can also trade avatars and items with friends who have the game.

Sure the game is on the simplistic side and the challenge level isn’t all that great for most adult gamers, but overall it’s not bad and with continued growth of the franchise I think it could continue to evolve into a superior product great for children and adults alike.