Drawn to Life

An extremely solid little sidescroller, with intricately designed levels, hidden items you'll love and originality to spare.

Drawn to Life has a color and personality far beyond the majority of platformers, and is a perfect fit for the DS functionality to boot, already giving it a good headstart on its competitors quality.

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.

Ultimately, however, the uniqueness and enjoyment of being able to create so much of the world yourself makes this one worth playing, even if the gameplay isn't as original and entertaining as the artistic parts.

In the end Drawn to Life may not be the most impressive all around experience, however it is certainly a unique and fun game to play.

It's a brilliant kid's game, and I'm surprise nobody came out with a game like it sooner.

Its original concept and great execution makes something more of what might have been just another platformer. It’s quite a treat to see our own creations in the game world. [Nov 2007]

It's really a blend of unique and unconventional aspects that either will or won’t appeal to a given audience.

Has more than enough inspired moments to help you see past the shortcomings. [Dec 2007, p.61]

Drawn to Life is by no means a bad game, it's just a simple one with innovative mechanics thrown into the mix.

Though it's a fairly rote platformer with some coloring-book underpinnings, Drawn to Life's drawing mechanic is undeniably unique.

This game has a very solid presentation and is absolutely perfect for younger gamers seeking an animated coloring book; however, I think older gamers will be somewhat disappointed.

If you have no interest in art or DIY game design, then you should steer clear of DTL, but if you're itching to cook up some digital art, you'll have a blast. [Nov 2007, p.105]

The drawing is spot-on, and if they could clean up the platforming, make a more intricate plot and present us with characters we care about, they could have a true classic on their hands.

Drawn to Life offers up some solid, yet safe, platforming. Where it really shines is in the concept behind its world and the ability to draw sections it. There are few games that let you get creative, but this is definately one of them.

Drawn To Life features some excellent sound and music.

Something of a bizarre mash-up between a classic 2D platformer and a coloring book, it may not be perfect, but it’s a fun and innovative title that makes great use of the DS’s unique capabilities and that will hopefully grow into a continuing franchise that builds on this strong start.

Drawn to Life makes excellent use of the DS touch pad by allowing you to easily design your own characters, weapons, and various transports. Unfortunately, the rest of the game can become quite a chore and often becomes redundant.

It shows that there is huge potential for games that let users create more than just a standard character – if only other companies would grow a set and let their developers use their imaginations more.

While many gamers may not be drawn to Drawn to Life, the youngsters will probably enjoy seeing their creations in the game and the simple gameplay.

Older gamers will likely find it too cutesy, but younger gamers -- especially budding videogame artists -- will find a lot to like here.

However, your illustrative prowess doesn't affect gameplay, so in the end you're a little more than a window dresser for what is otherwise a familiar retread. [Oct 2007, p.127]

It's always good to see innovation like this. [Issue#19, p.89]

Older players may find that the generic platforming isn’t enough to hold their interest past the drawing and coloring, but younger players who weren’t raised on Mario will find plenty to love.

Whether you see the drawing as innovative or gimmicky will determine if you'll like this. [Nov 2007, p.72]

It's a great game for a younger DS audience who will be thrilled simply by seeing their creations run around the screen and get wrapped up in the narrative (and maybe even trade creations with their friends), but older gamers will find disappointment around every turn in the creative freedom that it hints at but never truly delivers on.

It doesn’t matter what kind of artistic talent you may or may not have... absolutely anyone can be proud of the products of their imagination.

Unfortunately, the worthwhile drawing concept is let down by some rather ropey platforming action. Levels are somewhat uninspired, reminding us of the doldrums of the Amiga era. Jumping feels too floaty, and shooting imprecise. More irritating, you can't save mid-way through the longish levels.

Cutesy game based on a fun and original idea of drawing your own world. But, despite lots of innovation, the underlying game is unlikely to captivate older players.

Drawn to Life is perfect for younger or novice gamers who enjoy the artistic aspects the game offers and prefer their action lightweight. It’s a great concept and overall, done well, but once you get over the stylus drawing and coloring pad gimmick.

Drawn to Life is a great example of a game which uses the DS very well. Being able to create the look of the main character, and the environment around him, is a great feature, but unfortunately it’s the only exceptional aspect of the game.

Designing your own gaming world has so much potential, sadly let down by limited vision and scope. It doesn't help that the gameplay is about as exciting as our bank statements. [Dec 2007, p.86]