Beat Sketcher Review for PlayStation 3 (PS3)

System: PS3
Dev: Will Co.
Pub: SCEA
Release: November 23, 2010
Players: 1
Screen Resolution: 480p - 720p

Instead, this should be relegated to moments when you want to have a few moments of fun sketching some funny objects around your body. And in this respect this could be a fun game to boot up for family game night. The adults could try some more complex things, or just sit back and watch the kids draw stink lines around each other's images.

Beat Sketcher Screenshot

You can also superimpose outlined images onto the screen for guidance. For instance, you can trace the outline of a cat on one side of the screen if you need help, and that leaves the other side of the screen open for free drawing.

It's a real shame that Beat Sketcher is such a dainty package, because its rhythm-based gameplay has loads of potential. For a mere $15, it's good enough that curious PlayStation Move owners will want to give it a shot. Unfortunately, it just doesn't have a whole lot of functionality beyond its roots as a tech demo.

But for game-starved hardcore gamers this might be one of the only options out there on the Move. It's one of the few games yet released that actually offers a unique experience that you can't find on the Nintendo Wii. It's also a genuinely fun gameplay experience for the time that it lasts.

Here's the bottom line: if you're bored, Beat Sketcher will fill an afternoon. If you don't mind only getting a small amount of gameplay, then Beat Sketcher works fine as an experimental tech demo. The real value is for families who have kids with an artistic bent. If you're lucky, Beat Sketcher may even satisfy that innate childish urge to paint all over the walls. Just hope that they don't take to painting on the TV instead.

By Andrew Groen
CCC Freelance Writer

RATING OUT OF 5

RATING DESCRIPTION

4.0

Graphics
There really aren't any, except for the ones you make yourself. But the game gives you ample opportunities to make quality graphics, I suppose.

3.9

Control
The controls work pretty well, but it can be tough to draw a really accurate line.

4.5

Music / Sound FX / Voice Acting
There's a neat soundtrack attached to this, and the music aids in your creation of the art. Top notch.

3.0

Play Value
The biggest pitfall. There's just not a ton of stuff to do. The challenge mode and match mode might be decent for a family game night, but they won't last beyond that. You could power through them in a short evening.

3.8

Overall Rating - Good
Not an average. See Rating legend below for a final score breakdown.

Review Rating Legend
0.1 - 1.9 = Avoid	2.5 - 2.9 = Average	3.5 - 3.9 = Good	4.5 - 4.9 = Must Buy
2.0 - 2.4 = Poor	3.0 - 3.4 = Fair	4.0 - 4.4 = Great	5.0 = The Best

Game Features:

Play in challenge mode as you sketch pictures in line with the music in engaging rhythm gameplay.

You can also free-sketch using the screen as your canvas or have an outline placed on the screen to help.

Fun family gameplay will have you up off the couch and sharing the fun as everyone adds their unique brush stroke to the final product!