Kirby: Canvas Curse is the newest Kirby game to date, jumping platforms over to the DS. KCC is a game of its own kind-since the DS is the only system with a touch screen, obviously-and it takes full advantage of it. Through the entire game, you use the stylus to move Kirby around, stun enemies, and to draw rainbow paths to guide the little pink fluff around.

Like in previous Kirby games, you can possess other enemy powers just by stunning them and colliding with them. There are a total of 11 powerups Kirby can use, ranging from Wheel Kirby, Spike Kirby, Stone Kirby, etc.

The story behind Canvas Curse is that the world was turned into a painting by Drawcia, the evil witch. Playing as Kirby, you progress through the game to eventually confront Drawcia and duke it out with her. You have to have quick reflexes for this game because sometimes there is so much action going on that you have to react fast to save Kirby from taking the wrong path, getting hurt, or even dying.

The only sections of the game I had problems controlling Kirby were in the underwater levels, where Kirby floats and it's difficult to guide him. Every time you beat a world, which contains three levels, you get to choose one of three boss levels: a connect-the-dots game, a race against King Dedede, or a breakout-style game.

Every level you play in has coins scattered around that you can locate by looking at the map on the top screen. After you beat the game, you can play Rainbow Run that contains two sub-games. Time Trial puts you against the clock to see how fast you can beat a segment of a level. The faster you beat it, the more coins you receive. In Line Trial, you have a certain amount of ink to complete the level segment. The less ink used, the more coins you win. You use the coins to unlock plenty of goodies such as new characters to play, music, line colors, etc.

Overall, one of the best things about KCC is the fact that you can play the boss levels whenever you want after you beat them in story mode. So while the game itself is short, it has plenty of replay value.

KCC is a must-have game for any DS owner. Its awesome gameplay and full support of the DS's touch screen make this game a complete winner.

Sep 26, 2005 | 0 comments
InfectedZero