10/06 Update: Since we no longer write for the Edmond Sun, this section is temporarily housing our podcast links for our iTunes feed. All of the columns are in the archives menu if you feel like exploring.

These columns (as well as the 'releases') come from weekly content that we write for the Edmond Sun, out of Edmond, OK (though we live in Chicago). This page contains the archives for said column, many of which are in their pre-published, unedited state. Some titles and editing by Brendan Sinclair.

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Kirby Canvas Curse review
Tuesday, August 30, 2005

Since I first started playing video games on my Intellivision almost 20 years ago platformers have been my favorite genre. From swinging on ropes as Pitfall Harry to jumping on Goomba's heads with Mario, there was no greater joy to be found in gaming than simply running from left to right with the occasional jump thrown in. As systems became more powerful, developers have grown away from the 2D action of the past, changing my beloved games to 3D collect-a-thons. And, honestly, who can blame them? Platfomers reached perfection in 1991 with the release of Super Mario World. Since then, Yoshi's Island added more style and Donkey Kong Country had the best secrets around, but nothing could match the sheer joy of traversing the world in Mario's greatest adventure. 14 years later, it seems Mario has finally met his match.

Kirby: Canvas Curse is not only the most original platformer I have ever played, it is simply the most fun I have had playing one since Super Mario World. Believe me, reviewing a game two months after release is not something I would do unless I felt it was imperative that everyone knows about its existence.

Like Mario World, the fun in KCC is derived primarily from simply moving around on screen. What's different about this game is that players don't actually have direct control over the hero. Instead, your job is to draw platforms. Using the stylus on the touch screen, you have to draw paths through the increasingly difficult levels trying to keep helpless Kirby alive so he can once again save Dreamland. Kirby's life is in your hands because an evil Sorcerer (aren't all sorcerers evil?) somehow took his precious appendages away. As a simple ball, Kirby is at the mercy of gravity, so it is up to you to make sure he doesn't meet his untimely end on the points of spikes.

The only time you have some direct control over Kirby is when you tap him with your stylus. This causes him to perform a speed dash which kills any enemy he runs into. If you run into certain enemies you will be able to steal their power. While the powers are just as diverse as past Kirby adventures - you can turn into anything from a bullet to a wheel - they aren't quite as fun as they used to be. Admittedly, in a title that is nearly perfect, its one noticeable blemish is the poor implementation of super powers. I found myself purposefully getting rid of most powers immediately unless I needed one to pass a level.

Other than that minor hiccup, Kirby is simply a blast to play. Though the game seems like it places strong limitations on itself by being so simple, the variety in levels is quite complex. While early levels stick close to simple platform conventions (roll left to right) later levels have you diving underwater, using air currents to your advantage, and even getting through levels that don't allow you to draw at all.

And like any good platformer, there are a ton of secrets for those who crave a greater challenge. Every level has a hidden medal. While some are insultingly easy, others either require a chunk of skill or brain that will cause players to curse their own ineptitude. With 12 bonus levels to unlock as well as four more playable characters, this takes much longer to complete than Super Mario World. And if you think finishing a game completely is a waste of time, I defy anyone to play this title and not want to milk it for all its worth. I find myself whipping out my DS before class starts, anxious to get a minute or two more play time in.

I never like to place a numerical score on a title because the difference in scores seems like it relies on a reviewer's mood at the time as much as the quality of the game in question. So, while I won't give Kirby the perfect score I may have if I was forced to rate it, I can say that, if you have any interest in platformers, you should not miss this game. This is not only one of the best games of this year, but is an instant classic that will be enjoyed for years to come.


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