Kirby Canvas Curse, also known as Kirby: Power Paintbrush in Europe, is a video game developed by HAL Laboratory and released for the Nintendo DS in 2005. The game is a unique twist on the classic Kirby formula, as it features a unique control scheme that utilizes the DS stylus. Instead of directly controlling Kirby, players must draw lines on the touch screen to guide him through each level. However, despite its innovative gameplay mechanics, Kirby Canvas Curse has also developed a reputation for being a difficult and challenging game. Many players have found the unique control scheme to be unwieldy and difficult to master, leading to frustration and disappointment. Some have even dubbed this difficulty the "Kirby Canvas Curse curse.
There are minor aesthetic differences, such as the title screen graphics.
Japan International Level 2 Aronge Valley Level 2 Arange Gorge Level 3 Ieras Adventure Level 3 Iello Adventure Level 4 Neo Geneo Level 4 Neo Greo Level 5 Buel Hills Level 5 Bloo Hills Level 6 Oltram Area Level 6 Omarine Zone Level 7 Wonder Vilet Level 7 Wonder Lilane. The first two maps are especially wide compared to most normal maps from this mode, with various enemies and special blocks in very high quantities hinting at the testing purpose of the map.
Some have even dubbed this difficulty the "Kirby Canvas Curse curse." The main challenge in Kirby Canvas Curse comes from the fact that players cannot directly control Kirby's movements. Instead, they must rely on drawing lines to guide him through each level, avoiding obstacles and enemies along the way.
Kirby xanvas curse
by Jonathan Metts - June 21, 2005, 6:45 pm EDT
This time, Kirby doesn't suck.
Kirby: Canvas Curse marks a big departure from the series norm. Kirby has starred in plenty of games in which he doesn't use his trademark inhalation and flying moves, but they've all been silly pinball or golf offshoots. Canvas Curse is the first true Kirby action game to take away those abilities, and it feels a bit odd at first. In this game, Kirby is just a pink ball, and you control him with the touch screen. You can tap Kirby to make him dash, and you can change his rolling path by drawing lines on the screen.
The weird controls work very well, though not perfectly. The game's physics are picky enough that you'll run into frustration when your line-drawing isn't perfect. The swimming controls are serviceable, but not great, since fast flowing water pushes Kirby around and makes drawing lines less effective than simply dashing/diving. Still, these cases are the exception rather than the rule; in general, the game's controls are so good as to restore some of my faith in the DS touch screen's long term viability.
Even though Kirby has no mouth in Canvas Curse, he can still absorb some enemies' abilities by dashing into them. There are about a dozen familiar abilities, including Beam, Missile, and Stone, but some of the old classics are missing, such as Sword, Cutter, and UFO. Abilities are activated by tapping Kirby, so his normal dash is replaced. The dash is required to navigate many parts of the game, so most of the copy abilities are followed by a little dash of their own. It's a cheap fix, and it can be confusing due to the delayed dash, especially when Kirby is underwater. The result is that copy abilities tend to be more annoying than useful in many cases, and I found myself often discarding them immediately.
Kirby's trademark copy ability may be limited (and annoying), but simply moving him around in the wonderful level designs is challenging and really fun. It's a great contrast to other Kirby games, in which Kirby's mobility (including unlimited flight) is almost overwhelming. In Canvas Curse, just getting Kirby across a pit or up to a higher platform takes concentration and motor skills, especially if you're trying to be fast or draw short lines.
Those situations will come into play often in the game's Rainbow Run mode, in which you try to beat levels as fast as possible or with as little drawing as possible. Beating these challenging tasks will earn medals, which are also hidden in each level of the main adventure. The medals are used to unlock goodies such as bonus levels, health extensions for Kirby, and secret playable characters with their own ball physics. Though the main game is typically short, Canvas Curse will stay in your DS for a long time thanks to the Rainbow Run exercises and the difficult task of finding all the secret medals.
With its fresh new approach to the series, Kirby: Canvas Curse is an excellent turn for Nintendo's venerable character. It's also a great showcase for your DS, with eye-popping 2D graphics and touch screen controls applied to a real, full-length game.
Score
| Graphics | Sound | Control | Gameplay | Lastability | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.5 |
The final boss fight was nothing I expected from a Kirby game. I spent an hour just trying to beat the first stage of the boss fight. My celebration was cut short when I realized there was a second half to the fight.
This can be especially challenging in later levels, where the difficulty ramps up significantly. Another factor that contributes to the game's difficulty is the time limit. Each level must be completed within a certain time frame, adding an extra layer of pressure and intensity to the gameplay. This, combined with the need for precise line drawing and quick thinking, can make Kirby Canvas Curse a frustrating experience for some players. Despite its difficulty, Kirby Canvas Curse has also been praised for its unique gameplay and charming art style. The game features vibrant, hand-drawn graphics and a catchy soundtrack, which adds to its charm and appeal. Additionally, the game's level design is inventive and varied, offering a wide range of challenges for players to overcome. In conclusion, Kirby Canvas Curse is a unique and challenging game that offers a different take on the classic Kirby formula. While the game's control scheme and difficulty level may be off-putting to some, it is still worth experiencing for fans of the series or those looking for a unique and innovative gaming experience..
Reviews for "The Legacy of Kirby Canvas Curse: Influence and Inspiration"
1) Jonathan - 2/5
I was really excited to play Kirby xanvas curse, but I have to say I was disappointed. The controls felt clunky and unresponsive, making it difficult to maneuver Kirby around the levels. The graphics were also underwhelming, with pixelated visuals that detracted from the overall experience. I found the gameplay to be repetitive and lacked any real challenge. Overall, I was hoping for a more polished and enjoyable game, but unfortunately, Kirby xanvas curse fell short of my expectations.
2) Emma - 1/5
Kirby xanvas curse was a complete letdown for me. The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, making it difficult to stay engaged. The characters felt flat and lacked any sort of depth. The game mechanics were also frustrating, with constant glitches and lags that ruined the experience. I also found the levels to be uninspiring and repetitive, with little variation in gameplay. Overall, I would not recommend Kirby xanvas curse to anyone looking for an exciting and immersive gaming experience.
3) Alex - 2/5
I have been a fan of the Kirby series for a while now, but Kirby xanvas curse didn't live up to my expectations. The level design felt uninspired and lacked creativity. The puzzles were overly simplistic, and I found myself bored halfway through the game. The music, usually a highlight in Kirby games, was forgettable and didn't add any depth to the overall experience. While the game did have some enjoyable moments, it ultimately fell short in delivering a captivating and entertaining gameplay experience.