Chroma Spirits

Chroma Spirits is a 2D platform puzzle game for the Nintendo DSi. The game is designed to appeal to a young casual audience, and is rated E for Everyone. You are charged with guiding a boy named Art as he attempts to overthrow an evil king. To do so, he needs to collect 7 pieces of a magic canvas. Each piece is hidden in a separate part of the kingdom, and is protected by cunning puzzles, deadly traps, and the king's minions. Art has a secret weapon - a magical paintbrush that can draw out the latent powers found in ordinary paint. Armed with this tool and a few pots of paint, can you help Art overthrow the evil king and return peace to his world?

Art is a young and athletic artist, dressed in an artist's smock and beret. Underneath, he dresses like any modern middle-school youth, save for the tall climbing boots. He carries a number of paint pots on his belt, which fuel his brush's powers. Art is upset over what Chroma has turned his homeland into - a military machine, where magic paints (formerly used to create beautiful works of living art) are being misused. Chroma is using Artista to build an army to conquer the world, and he has thus far squelched any and all resistance. Art is all that remains, and he is resolute about his mission.

Each world that Art visits has it's own unique style. The first world resembles a water-color painting, with light colors and occasional smudges. As Art journeys through the worlds, he'll encounter ones made from oil paints, magazine clippings, comic book inking, and more. Each world is designed to be visually different from the others, giving them personality. Art himself clashes with these worlds - he is drawn in a "manga"-esque style. Chroma and his minions resemble old video-game sprites, and clash heavily with all but Chroma's palace, which is pixel art themed.

Each world presents a new set of challenges that must be overcome to progress. The first world acts as a tutorial - it is designed to teach the player how to use the powers given to him to progress. Each new world improves upon lessons from earlier worlds - the puzzles are built around the same concepts, but require different approaches that challenge the player to think creatively.

Art has access to 6 different colors of paint. Red paint creates billowing flames. Blue paint summons running water. Yellow paint calls forth gusts of wind. Green paint causes lush vegetation to spring forth. Black paint reflects projectiles and breaks Art's fall. White paint generates snow and ice. Art will need to make use of all of these (as well as his athletic abilities to run and jump) to defeat Chroma's puzzles.

Chroma Spirits is a treat for all ages, and challenges players to think critically and creatively. With it's unique play style and striking visual appeal, it's sure to appeal to any and all who pick it up and play it.