It's like Drawn to Life but with more recognisable charactersYou might have noticed that this review looks slightly different to other reviews on VideoGamer.com. That's because we look at games clearly designed for younger gamers in a slightly different way to other games. We'll endeavour to tell you just what you need to know in a clear and concise way so you'll be confident it's the right purchase for whatever your situation.
What is it?
A rather original game called Drawn to Life hit the DS in 2007, allowing gamers to draw many of the objects and characters in the game. At its core it was a fairly traditional 2D platformer, but the drawing elements made it one of the most unique releases of the year. THQ's follow-up, Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition ditches the story and characters of the first game, and instead focusses on the well known cartoon series. Again a 2D platformer with plenty of drawing, the story revolves around an evil drawing that comes to life and you play as one of Patrick's doodles that's come to life in order to stop the evil drawing.
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There are two distinct parts to SpongeBob's latest video game. The running and jumping on platforms and enemies and collecting tokens is all pretty simple stuff, with the odd bit of touch screen scribbling required to get rid of some ink. Players of the original Drawn to Life will find this very familiar and it's not too tricky, even for younger gamers. There is a fair amount of text to read throughout the game, with the characters often telling you what's going on - under sevens may find the game a little too text heavy.
The game asks you to draw lots of items, from the main character you play as to the house you live in, and this is the other part of the game that younger gamers might struggle with. The interface here is fairly simple and the game provides decent outlines for you to draw within, but it's certainly more complex than the basic platforming.
Suitability
Whereas the original Drawn to Life featured an entirely original story and characters, SpongeBob SquarePants Edition has been created with fans of the TV show in mind. It pays to enjoy the TV show and be familiar with the characters. The game's art style is also very similar to the show, which will please fans.
Great for kids who love drawingProduction value
The look of the game will vary from person to person, with talented artists ending up with a better looking game than basic scribblers. A fairly sketchy style to the pre-done visuals helps your creations blend more seamlessly and you'll be drawing far more items than in the original Drawn to Life. The only real negative comes from the rather unimpressive audio - in particular the lack of voices for the main characters from the show.
Anything for adults?
Simple 2D platforming and doodling might not sound like perfect gaming material for adults, but Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition is surprisingly good fun and certainly isn't a chore to play if you're asked to get past a tricky section. Just be warned that the game parades your terrible drawings for all to see.
VideoGamer.com's Verdict
Considering the majority of licensed titles for kids fail to offer even a glimmer of originality, Drawn to Life: SpongeBob SquarePants Edition comes highly recommended. Although it's based on an idea we've seen before, the use of SpongeBob gives it a much broader appeal and the gameplay here seems slightly more refined. If you've got budding artists or SpongeBob fans in the family, this is worth a look.
Dakota wrote at 22:53 on 01 October 2008
I have played Drawn To Life, and I loved it. But when I first heard about the Spongebob version, I thought it wouldn't be any good. But, I guess IK will have to play it to find out.
not telling wrote at 06:44 on 05 October 2008
I have drawn to life spongebob for ds. IT IS GREAT FUN.(for me anyway). U do doodling and draw stuff it cool
Mia prokopetz wrote at 15:44 on 11 October 2008
hey,
I have a quetion where can u buy ds charger's cuz i lost mine!
Anonymous wrote at 16:45 on 19 October 2008
in a game counsel shop
Lindsay wrote at 00:53 on 22 November 2008
It's really cool and you will defintly like it if you like drawing it's like it is drawn but you have got a magical pencil the pencil gave life to it
briee wrote at 23:46 on 27 November 2008
hello
Tyler wrote at 17:35 on 30 November 2008
I want this game but i dont have a ds.
casey wrote at 03:16 on 03 December 2008
can you draw rude stuff in the drawn to life 1? is that the same with the spongebob edition?
sally wrote at 07:51 on 27 December 2008
i love my game sponge bob to life because you can doodle things with a magic pencial and kill people and they exspload into a lot of money you should really get it but when you get to the junck yard part it is not fun because it keeps bringing you back to the spike pallet and then you die die die and it takes along time to get back there the graphics are horrible