System: DS
Dev: 5th Cell
Pub: THQ
Release: Sept. 10, 2007
Players: 1
ESRB Rating: Everyone
Review by Nathan Meunier

---

Review Rating Legend
1.0 - 1.9 = Avoid
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor
2.5 - 2.9 = Average
3.0 - 3.4 = Fair
3.5 - 3.9 = Good
4.0 - 4.4 = Great
4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
5.0 = The Best

The 2-D platformer aspect of Drawn to Life is perhaps the most old-school area of the game, as it sends your hero hopping, swimming, flapping, blasting, and kung-fuing through simplistic side-scrolling levels. The colorful, detailed visuals and interesting designable interactive elements make each level unique, as do the myriad obstacles your hero must face, but the gameplay within a sequence of similar areas wears thin after a while.

Essentially, in each area you must clean off black gunk and whomp evil goo monsters while hunting for missing Raposa and pages torn from the Book of Life. At the same time you'll be collecting coins, trying to stay alive, and hunting for various un-lockable items which can later be purchased in town. Though occasionally repetitive, the platforming action is not entirely monotonous, and it's interesting to see what new twists will be thrown your way in terms of what features can be drawn.

Overall, the game's stylish graphics are bright and attractive. The background music is actually rather catchy, and it's especially cute when the Raposa let out a grumble or a cheerful yelp during your interactions with them. Like most other areas of the game, the controls are simple enough for kids to grasp and easy to pick up on.

It's clear that Drawn to Life is partially geared towards younger gamers, but that doesn't mean there's not a lot here for everyone. On the contrary, Drawn to Life is a great example of a game that successfully walks the line between new and older territory, offering a package that appeals to a broad age-group. Despite a few areas which could be improved on, it's a great entry title into what hopefully becomes a new franchise. It's a title we'd love to see grow and expand into the future.

By Nathan Meunier
CCC Freelance Writer

Features: