Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii) Overview

Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii) is a creative platformer developed by Planet Moon Studios and published by THQ, released in October 2009. While the original installment launched on the Nintendo DS under 5th Cell, this Wii iteration offers a distinct narrative and refined mechanical approach. The game invites players to step into a highly interactive sandbox where imagination directly shapes the adventure. By blending traditional platforming with robust creative tools, it establishes itself as a unique entry in the console action genre.

Genre and Core Gameplay Mechanics

Positioned as an action-adventure platformer, the title revolves around a central premise: drawing your own hero to navigate the world. Unlike its handheld predecessor, this version introduces an Action Drawing mode that allows players to sketch directly into the game environment using the Wii Remote. This shift in input method fundamentally changes how designs are implemented. While the DS version relied on the precision of a stylus and touch screen for intricate artwork, the Wii control scheme often results in plainer, more straightforward character designs. The gameplay loop involves completing tasks for villagers, solving environmental puzzles, and traversing varied levels. A notable mechanic involves the character's health system, where taking damage gradually removes pieces of clothing until the hero is left exposed, at which point a life is lost. Level progression requires constant trekking, which can occasionally feel lengthy during early exploration.

Story and Setting

The narrative unfolds in a world distinct from the previous game, focusing on the feline-like Raposa race. You play as a divine figure tasked with protecting this community. The story begins with Mari, the mayor of Rapoville, and her assistant Circi noticing that the village's creations are being stolen. To resolve the crisis, The Creator dispatches your drawn hero into the field. Early missions guide you toward Jangala to investigate a suspect named Zsasha, only to discover she has been captured by the Monkey King. As you dig deeper, the plot reveals that the true threat is the return of Wilfre, an antagonist seeking to destroy The Creator. The journey leads you through locations like Shadow City, where you uncover an ink factory manufacturing Shadow Creatures and locate Wilfre's Journal, which details his destructive plans. The opening sequence also features a unique creation phase where players draw the Sun, Moon, and a home planet, ultimately resulting in a floating house in space.

Notable Features and Platform Availability

  • Enhanced Creative Tools: Expanded drawing capabilities allow for in-game world building and character customization.
  • Action Drawing Mode: A Wii-exclusive feature enabling direct sketching during gameplay to interact with the environment.
  • Wii Platform Exclusive: Available solely on the Nintendo console, with releases spanning Australia, Europe, and North America in October 2009.
  • Immersive World Creation: Players actively shape their surroundings and protagonists, blending player agency with platforming challenges.

Who It Appeals To

This title is primarily designed for a younger demographic and families seeking a lighthearted, creative gaming experience. Its emphasis on artistic expression, straightforward objectives, and whimsical setting make it highly accessible to children and casual platforming enthusiasts. However, the initial pacing relies heavily on text-based tutorials, and the reliance on lengthy level traversals may test the patience of players accustomed to faster-paced action. Despite the trade-offs between stylus precision and motion-based drawing, the game remains a compelling showcase of how console hardware can support imaginative gameplay loops.