An enjoyable experience that matches together a platforming collect-a-thon with a game mechanic that is unique and captivating. The story centres on overcoming one's bullies whilst sharing positivity by painting uplifting murals. As you bring colour back to the town with a magic brush, you choose which art designs to use and add your own vision to the story. These murals all remain on the map as you progress which is a wonderful touch. The genies you get to create are expressive, charming and add an interactional element through their requests that really brings the game up a notch in terms of immersion.

There was room for improvement in places. Occasionally, the map is a little difficult to read, but counteracted as protagonist Ash can easily clamber across many surfaces to reach places to put murals. The story comes to a close a little earlier than anticipated too but there's some replayability. I thought the motion sensor controls were fine and serviceable but they missed a trick by not allowing you to also use an optional PS Move controller! I'd have loved to have been able to use that as a brush. The devs addressed this, slightly, with a VR/Move level (which I haven't played) but it still could have been added to the main game.

Lots of fun and worth playing for its innovation alone.

Reviewed on Apr 21, 2024


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