Drawn to Life

 DS
Metascore
73

Mixed or average reviews - based on 34 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 34
  2. Mixed: 15 out of 34
  3. Negative: 0 out of 34
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  1. GamePro
    90
    Drawn to Life is a must-have for every DS owner's library. [Oct 2007, p.87]
  2. GamesRadar+
    80
    An extremely solid little sidescroller, with intricately designed levels, hidden items you'll love and originality to spare.
  3. Modojo
    80
    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.
  5. Cheat Code Central
    80
    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.
  6. GameTap
    80
    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.
  7. DarkStation
    80
    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.
  8. Digital Entertainment News
    80
    It's a brilliant kid's game, and I'm surprise nobody came out with a game like it sooner.
  9. Maxi Consolas (Portugal)
    80
    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]
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  10. IGN
    79
    It's really a blend of unique and unconventional aspects that either will or won’t appeal to a given audience.
  11. Nintendo Gamer
    77
    Has more than enough inspired moments to help you see past the shortcomings. [Dec 2007, p.61]
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  12. NZGamer
    77
    Drawn to Life is by no means a bad game, it's just a simple one with innovative mechanics thrown into the mix.
  13. GameSpot
    75
    Though it's a fairly rote platformer with some coloring-book underpinnings, Drawn to Life's drawing mechanic is undeniably unique.
  14. GameZone
    75
    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.
  15. Nintendo Power
    75
    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]
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  16. Worth Playing
    75
    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.
  17. PALGN
    75
    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.
  18. Game Revolution
    75
    Drawn To Life features some excellent sound and music.
  19. Game Chronicles
    75
    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.
  20. DailyGame
    75
    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.

Awards & Rankings

43
#43 Best DS Game of 2007
22
#22 Most Discussed DS Game of 2007
19
#19 Most Shared DS Game of 2007

User Reviews

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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 46 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 30 out of 46
  2. Mixed: 9 out of 46
  3. Negative: 7 out of 46
  1. starmarx39
    Nov 29, 2014
    8
    Yeah, these games are DEEPLY flawed. Some levels feel too long, you can play as a doodle of a vulgar organ if you choose and there's REALLYYeah, these games are DEEPLY flawed. Some levels feel too long, you can play as a doodle of a vulgar organ if you choose and there's REALLY unresponsive controls in the wii and mobile releases.

    BUT. You must buy the ORIGINALS of both Drawn to Life and Drawn To Life: The next chapter. Do not get the double pack, the story is butchered in that one. The original two, will seem cheesy at times. Token, weird, startlingly dark at some moments. But when you reach the end of the second game, WITHOUT a lets play or any nonsense like that and you'll get a surprisingly deep and disturbingly heavy conclusion so satisfying your tears will fill your shoes and you'll go sterile from shock. It's good. REAL good.

    Yeah, it's generic sometimes. DON'T CONFUSE THAT. 5th cell are absolute masters of being the strangest things in my DS library, and this fantastic hidden gem, while a pretty darned fun plat former to begin with has a much deeper story than it lets on. Do not underestimate this game. This is art in its finest form.    … Full Review »
  2. DrewtheDude85
    Apr 29, 2014
    9
    Drawn to Life is a very creative type of game. It combines platforming with drawing which I think is really cool. I like the fact that thisDrawn to Life is a very creative type of game. It combines platforming with drawing which I think is really cool. I like the fact that this game basically involves you drawing things around in the world like your character and things you can interact with in the levels. The platforming, while not much to it, was fun and the story was very well done, it had both some emotional and dark elements in it's story; I even cried at the ending. The game also features good humor in it as well and a cool world to explore both in 2D and 3D. Drawn to Life is an awesome Nintendo DS game, I'd highly recommend it.… Full Review »
  3. ZangBang
    Feb 17, 2023
    3
    The ways in which Drawn to Life breaks the fourth wall make the experience sweet and endearing, and its unique presentation delights withThe ways in which Drawn to Life breaks the fourth wall make the experience sweet and endearing, and its unique presentation delights with soothing tunes and exquisitely animated pixel art. However, the story is too bland to leave an impact, and gameplay is even more vapid: with extremely basic and mostly dull stages, platforming rarely gets interesting in challenge or structure, and while the drawing mechanic offers a charming degree of customization, it's nothing but a superficial facet.… Full Review »
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