Kirby: Canvas Curse

 DS
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 117 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 81 out of 117
  2. Mixed: 23 out of 117
  3. Negative: 13 out of 117
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  1. TongG.
    Nov 9, 2005
    5
    Fun for about 20 min. cool idea boring gameplay. still think the gba titles are alot more fun.
  2. BasilZero
    Mar 21, 2019
    7
    Game: Kirby Canvas Curse
    Genre: Adventure Platformer/Touchscreen
    Developer: HAL Publisher: Nintendo System: Nintendo DS (DS) Year of Release: 2005 Length of Playthrough: 5 Hours Total Score: 71/100 Value Score: 7.1/10 • Story: 5/10 • Characters: 7/10 • GamePlay: 7/10 • Graphics: 8/10 • Sound: 9/10 • Music: 9/10 • Length: 4/10 • Replay Value: 7/10 • Player Value: 5/10    Game: Kirby Canvas Curse
    Genre: Adventure Platformer/Touchscreen
    Developer: HAL
    Publisher: Nintendo
    System: Nintendo DS (DS)
    Year of Release: 2005
    Length of Playthrough: 5 Hours

    Total Score: 71/100
    Value Score: 7.1/10

    • Story: 5/10
    • Characters: 7/10
    • GamePlay: 7/10
    • Graphics: 8/10
    • Sound: 9/10
    • Music: 9/10
    • Length: 4/10
    • Replay Value: 7/10
    • Player Value: 5/10

    Pros
    +Unique gameplay style using touchscreen controls with no need for the face buttons
    +22 levels across 8 worlds/areas
    +Boss battles play like mini games
    +Play as additional of 4 characters alongside Kirby (must unlock them)

    Cons
    -Game's difficulty is too easy in the beginning but difficulty spike increases last two worlds
    -There are only 4 boss battles (three of which are repeats)
    -Touchscreen controls are not responsive all the time and causes frustration at times
    -Very Short    … Expand
  3. Onioncreature
    Dec 8, 2021
    7
    A flawed but enjoyable touch-based Kirby spin-off title. I find the core gameplay to be somewhat unwieldy, especially when compared with the spiritual sequel to this game, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. I didn't ever feel quite comfortable controlling Kirby in Canvas Curse, which isn't something I experience in Rainbow Curse. Abilities are present, and do offer novelty to the experience,A flawed but enjoyable touch-based Kirby spin-off title. I find the core gameplay to be somewhat unwieldy, especially when compared with the spiritual sequel to this game, Kirby and the Rainbow Curse. I didn't ever feel quite comfortable controlling Kirby in Canvas Curse, which isn't something I experience in Rainbow Curse. Abilities are present, and do offer novelty to the experience, but their use tends to be very situational. The visuals and audio are quite nice, the paint theming is effective much of the time. Canvas Curse does reuse a few too many elements from previous titles, specifically enemy sprites and music. The game's soundtrack consists almost entirely of remixes of previous songs from the series, and those these are all well done, they do make the game feel as though it has less of it's own identity. Kirby: Canvas Curse is not one of my preferred Kirby spin-off games, but it still offers a quality experience, and though flawed is still worthwhile.… Expand
  4. PPko
    Dec 1, 2022
    7
    Gameplay is unique, especially for the era. It's quite fun once you get a handle on it and can pull off more advanced maneuvers. Underwater sections are sometimes vexing but a welcomed change of pace for such a short game. The end-game difficulty ramps up oddly fast with spikes galore and narrow passages to navigate but the challenge is nice for a change. Backgrounds are an artisticGameplay is unique, especially for the era. It's quite fun once you get a handle on it and can pull off more advanced maneuvers. Underwater sections are sometimes vexing but a welcomed change of pace for such a short game. The end-game difficulty ramps up oddly fast with spikes galore and narrow passages to navigate but the challenge is nice for a change. Backgrounds are an artistic hodgepodge and occasionally a tad gaudy but it fits the theme and certainly is distinct. The music is surprisingly underwhelming for a Kirby game. Other than the final boss, every boss deviates from typical gameplay with more of a minigame-type offering. I would've liked more boss fights using the magical brush. There are lots of reasons to return after beating the game including other minigames, time trials, and collecting all the in-game medals.… Expand
  5. CinzaColorido
    Aug 29, 2022
    5
    Looks cute, makes a good use of the system. I just didn't liked the way it plays, often times I'm just flinging Kirby around without coordination because it goes too fast and I can make it go where I want it.
  6. Yojimbo2015
    Jun 5, 2023
    6
    AKA Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush, this touchscreen-based puzzle game sees you guiding the lovable blob through traps and enemy infested levels in a similar but better way to Yoshi's Touch & Go thanks to more variety and powerups.

Awards & Rankings

5
#5 Best DS Game of 2005
10
#10 Most Discussed DS Game of 2005
25
#25 Most Shared DS Game of 2005

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
86

Generally favorable reviews - based on 48 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 45 out of 48
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 48
  3. Negative: 0 out of 48
  1. Detroit Free Press
    75
    But there is some nice innovation, such as levels that are completely black until Kirby bumps into lanterns that put off light. And as we all know, in dark places like this, it's good to have a friend.
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  2. Da Gameboyz
    87
    With great 2D graphics, good sound and an awesome use of the touch screen, Canvas Curse is a must buy for anyone who owns Nintendo’s dual-screened wonder.
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  3. 1UP
    90
    A genuinely excellent game. It impresses on many levels, perhaps most of all for the simple fact that it's the first example of a traditional 2D platformer that genuinely works with no input besides a stylus.
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