Kirby: Canvas Curse
Recently, I picked up a copy of this game because I read good reviews on it and I like Kirby. This is the first Kirby game of it's kind (excluding Air Dash and non-adventure Kirby games) that goes off the beaten path of convention. What we have here is a perfect example of a game that uses the functions of a DS to play the game. The stylus is the only thing you need to get started!
Sound:
The music in Kirby: Canvas Curse strays away from the convential Kirby themes, which you will notice after playing the game for a while. Many new songs are heard, many of which contain tidbits of the Kirby themes that we know and love. I didn't really pay attention to the music because it's not really that catchy, but maybe others will like it.
Graphics:
The graphics are the same Kirby graphics that we've seen on the past Kirby games. Nothing too fancy, just some 2D stuff.
Story:
The story is weak, even for a Kirby game. There is absolutely no introduction, rather, you jump right into the first level. After the final boss, you see some dialogue that gives a tiny explanation of the story. Basically, Kirby went to the paint world and saved the day. I got more info from the back of the box -_-. Kirby games don't normally have an in depth story, so this doesn't really take away much from the gaming experience.
Gameplay:
This is where Kirby: Canvas Curse shines. Since Kirby has no legs, it's up to the gamer to control him by drawing paint lines with the trusty magic paintbrush. You have an unlimited amount of paint, but you have a limited amount that can be used at once. It recharges in seconds by going on the ground. With your lines, you can guide Kirby over gaps and obstacles, change his direction, or even block lasers and cannonballs. The paint disappears quickly, so you must quickly guide Kirby on those lines. He'll automatically stick to the line and go in the direction of the stroke, which helps as well (paint up, he goes up. paint right, he goes right and etc.). Kirby can attack by touching him with the stylus, which causes him to quickly spin and take out enemies. Another way to do attack is to tap the enemies, which stuns them. Kirby can then walk right into the enemies for the kill. In this way, Kirby gets a variety of powers.
After beating a world, you are taken to a boss fight, where you can choose 3 different fights. The first choice is a game where Kirby is a pinball and you draw lines to bounce him around. Take him through the level and fight Kracko at the end (the big cloud eye guy). Another option is to challenge King DeDeDe to a race, in which Kirby picks up food to speed up. Another is to fight the paint guy on rollerblades by copying the shapes he draws.
Once you beat a world, you can access the time trial and line challenges of the Rainbow Runs. The first is self explanatory, you have to beat the level in a certain amount of time for bronze coins. The second is to beat the level using a limited amount of paint. This also gets you coins. With these coins from Rainbow Runs and found in levels, you can buy things from the shop, such as songs, special levels, and extra life bars.
Overall, the gameplay of this game is excellent and addicting.
Drawbacks:
One spiff I had was the lack of a variety of powers. There were only a few powers: beam, burning, freeze, wheel, balloon, crash, tornado, needle, lighting, and stone. I probably missed one or two, but it's still a severe lack of powers. What ever happened to suplex, hammer, sword, laser, UFO, and the others?! I would have liked to see a lot more powers in this game.
Another problem in the game was the multiplayer, or rather, the lack of it. There is a lot of potential for multiplayer because of its minigames (the boss battles). Hal didn't implement a multiplayer, which would have been enjoyable to play with others. At least they added a PictoChat detector.
Overall, this game is an excellent buy, despite the many shortcomings it has. It is a quintessential game for any DS owner. It also has a lot of replay value, since it can be played with the secret characters that you can unlock and that you need some to get all of the bronze coins. For a full, in depth review, you should check out the reviews of this game at IGN and GameSpot. Finally, the moment you've all been waiting for:
pached gives Kirby: Canvas Curse a
4.35/5
Kirby: Canvas Curse Review 
