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. 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.
  2. 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
  3. Roscar
    Nov 18, 2022
    8
    Really interesting and beautiful (by the 2005 DS game standards) game.
    It can get really frustrating from time to time and it doesn't have the best level design but the controls are fun and the sub-modes are really good.
  4. 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.
  5. 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
  6. JPK
    Jun 20, 2019
    9
    Very Unique
    Canvas Curse does it's own thing with a very interesting concept.
  7. 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
  8. GamecubeLover
    Jul 19, 2016
    9
    This game is great with it's unique plot and great gameplay. This is great but still can be flawed at some points. I highly recommend this amazing fun game!
  9. Mynameiscool
    Jun 14, 2014
    10
    By 10 I mean 9.50... Well, canvas curse is everything you want: fun and graphics, right? Yes, but the game play is hard and the game is punishingly difficult!! If you wan't to go hardcore, you can play as other characters, who have less health... They made it even harder!! God!
  10. Thegamingstar
    Feb 27, 2013
    4
    Not a Good Kirby Game. It is not the same as any other it is not a platformer. The game to me just is not that great. its not the worst kirby game. but its not the best.
  11. Serin
    Dec 19, 2012
    4
    Loved Mass Attack, so I thought I'd pick up a used copy of this one for another fun, stylus driven Kirby game. But Mass Attack it is not. Kirby feels clunky to control; I'm constantly scribbling underneath him just to get him to go the right way or actually do what I want. Frequently I try to use his powers and end up getting hit or dying. The game also feels very...small. There's no worldLoved Mass Attack, so I thought I'd pick up a used copy of this one for another fun, stylus driven Kirby game. But Mass Attack it is not. Kirby feels clunky to control; I'm constantly scribbling underneath him just to get him to go the right way or actually do what I want. Frequently I try to use his powers and end up getting hit or dying. The game also feels very...small. There's no world map, very few unlockables. The music is good as always and it still looks bright and cheerful like a Kirby game should, but it's way more frustrating than fun.… Expand
  12. SuperKurzacz
    Dec 13, 2011
    9
    this game is awesome ! I got it and beat it and I had so much fun !!!!! it is awesome !!!!!!!!!! so it is given a perfect ................ 9/10.....
  13. NemoP
    Jan 15, 2010
    10
    Best Kirby game I've played so far. My favorite part is the amazing art and music. It's one of those games that you have to try! : )
  14. SeriE
    May 10, 2009
    10
    This game is amazing. Maybe the best Kirby game. The control style is innovative and easy to learn, the levels are replayable, the music / graphics are cheerful and bright and it's Kirby!!! Who doesn't love the cute little guy?
  15. RoverT
    Dec 27, 2008
    9
    An excellent and very innovative game. I love the "painting" to get around, instead of using the buttons. This game is definatly a candidate for a sequel. The game is nice and long, and also includes minigames to play after youve beat it. Although once youve beaten it as Kirby, beating it as the other characters is redundant and boring. And dont try to get a perfect score on every single An excellent and very innovative game. I love the "painting" to get around, instead of using the buttons. This game is definatly a candidate for a sequel. The game is nice and long, and also includes minigames to play after youve beat it. Although once youve beaten it as Kirby, beating it as the other characters is redundant and boring. And dont try to get a perfect score on every single Rainbow Run, it is very difficult and you will just get frustrated.… Expand
  16. AlejandroG.
    Aug 10, 2006
    9
    Really fun and original game. Good replayability, and really good minigames. Lacks multiplayer support and a higher difficulty.
  17. JasonT.
    Jul 29, 2006
    8
    a very innovative game that uses the touch screen to a great usage, above most titles. It can seem somewhat boring since you ONLY use the stylus, and it doesn't have as much action as the GBA titles, but it's a clevar idea, nontheless.
  18. CoreyS.
    May 20, 2006
    8
    Out of all the adventure games for the DS, this one has the best use of the touch screen.
  19. RedL.
    May 5, 2006
    8
    Very fun but not particularly challenging or long. Basically, if your willing to pay $30.00 for a game that'll last about a day or two go ahead. If not, give it a rent. Either way you'll have a pretty good time with it.
  20. AndrewI.
    Jan 21, 2006
    9
    A very good and beautifull game. It uses the touch screen just perfect and its fun to play it all the time. Its a very good chalenge to make it out 100% and there are some goodies!
  21. CameronK.
    Dec 23, 2005
    9
    This game is the best that I own for the DS right now. Great use of the touch screen, not so easy it bores you, and fun gameplay. This would be a 10 if they had made the graphics a little better than the previous games.
  22. DonaldDuck
    Dec 1, 2005
    2
    This game was fun for about 10 minutes. Then all of the sudden it becomes more boring than waitng in line to get a root canal. I feel that Nintendo riped my of with this game.
  23. TongG.
    Nov 9, 2005
    5
    Fun for about 20 min. cool idea boring gameplay. still think the gba titles are alot more fun.
  24. RobinH.
    Sep 10, 2005
    8
    Fun, with a few difficult sections. Later levels are especially well designed with engaging puzzle portions. Beautiful backgrounds - plenty of replay value. And Kirby is so cute!
  25. mortenjohs
    Aug 30, 2005
    9
    Brilliant! Utterly brilliant graphics and inventive gameplay!
  26. Highscore
    Aug 30, 2005
    10
    My Best Game ever! Its so fun!!!
  27. Tomt.
    Aug 21, 2005
    10
    This game is soooooo gooood its like the best game i ever played u gotta get it.
  28. AlexH.
    Aug 13, 2005
    9
    It is very simple game that is easy to just pick up and play.
  29. DavidH.
    Jul 9, 2005
    9
    I would give this game a 9.5 if I could, being nearly everything I could want of it, but just short of perfect. I haven't liked any of the DS games released to date until Kirby came out, as it is the first to not feel like a glorified tech demo game. It handles very well, in my opinion, though the subgame where you have to connect the dots seems a hair off. Plenty of unlockables and I would give this game a 9.5 if I could, being nearly everything I could want of it, but just short of perfect. I haven't liked any of the DS games released to date until Kirby came out, as it is the first to not feel like a glorified tech demo game. It handles very well, in my opinion, though the subgame where you have to connect the dots seems a hair off. Plenty of unlockables and getting 100% will keep you busy. The later levels are downright challenging as well. I'm very pleased with this product and would recommend it, hands down. This game is a lot of fun, even for this 26 year old who has never touched a Kirby game before.… Expand
  30. JesseS.
    Jul 4, 2005
    10
    I was skeptic of the DS and the whole touch screen deal. This game makes me a believer. Abstoundingly Amazematude! (I just made those words up)
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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

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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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