As promised from yesterday’s post, here’s my review of the uDraw GameTablet from Wii. I got the chance to trial the uDraw, which comes bundled with the uDraw Studio software – a drawing, colouring and art-based program. For those of you who haven’t heard of uDraw, it’s a GameTablet that combines a handheld drawing pad and pressure-sensitive stylus to provide a drawing surface that can be used to create pieces of artwork, keep minds active and play games. Included with my trial were two other games “Pictionary” and “Dood’s Big Adventure“. According to THQ Asia Pacific Managing Director, Rodney Block, “uDraw fosters creative expression and freedom, with the ability to bring family and friends together”. So, like with most new technology that’s on offer out there, I was really keen on having a go at using this new device.

It is easy enough to put pen to paper and see what you’ve written automatically (unless of course you’ve run out of ink), with the tablet though, you’ve got to get used to the idea of looking at the television screen and writing on the tablet. So, some hand eye co-ordination is needed here. On the plus side, kids can also practice on their pencil grip whilst playing, which is great for Master 5 who has just started school and as I’ve recently found out, is lacking a little bit in the confidence department when it came to writing.

• uDraw Studio

This featured a myriad of tools for the kids to choose from, there were more than nine painting and drawing media to allow them to draw simple lines with a pen. You could also add character with the airbrush tool or chalk. There’s also the “paint fill” tool that allows you to fill in the areas with the colour of their choice. Speaking of which, there were so many choices of colours, textures and surfaces, which is great for those who love to experiment with different hues, textures and environments. There’s also soothing music that plays in the background whilst you draw or colour, which according to Justin from yesterday’s post, fosters positive feelings. If your child is not into drawing, there are also images that they can choose to colour from the program that acts like a virtual colouring book.

This software reminded me a little bit of Photoshop on the computer, but the difference I guess is the fact that you’re using a pen like tool (the stylus) to draw. I still prefer the real deal when it comes to art – as in using real tools for painting, colouring and adding texture. But, this is a great software to have to encourage creativity instead of having them sit in front of the television or play games that really don’t teach them much.

 

• Pictionary

I love love love this game! It’s the same deal with the original non technological kind, but the upside is, you save  on paper. There are over 3000 clues to choose from and two levels – Adult and Junior. With three modes of play – Pictionary, Pictionary Mania and Free Draw, you can create endless fun with this program! There are also a number of drawing tools you can use to create your masterpieces and all to be solved within a limited amount of time. If you’re into something more challenging, then Pictionary Mania is definitely for you. It’s challenging when you have to concentrate on drawing your clue under different rules. For instance, the instructions might tell you to draw your clue in the One Line mode. This requires you to draw your clue in one continuous line WITHOUT lifting up your stylus off the board! TRICKY!! Or, drawing whilst the image on the screen rotates in Rotation Frustration. My kids loved this game too, and it’s pretty funny seeing what they come up with from the clues they get!

• Dood’s Big Adventure

Another game I actually enjoyed. There are 60 levels of fun with 4 different game modes – Pen Panic, Roly Poly, Bubble Trouble and Fan Frenzy. The aim is to get Dood to the finish line, with the different tools provided. In Pen Panic, you have to use your stylus to draw lines and create a trampoline for Dood to bounce off to get to his destination, whilst avoiding the his enemies. In Roly Poly, you use the tablet to roll, Dood through each level by tilting the tablet left or right. Bubble Trouble sees Dood in a bubble and using the stylus, we have to lead Dood through to the next level, avoiding all the bumps, sharp surfaces and enemies – TRICKY! For Fan Frenzy, like what the name states, the stylus acts like a fan. The aim is to “blow” and move Dood, who has been inflated like a balloon, around to the different levels. There’s also a Paint Dood, where you can personalise your “Dood”, the baddies, obstacles and much more!

The thing I loved about this game is the fact that you actually have to think and strategise the best way to get Dood moving, in each of the four modes. You will have to experiment with the length of line and direction of line to draw in Pen Panic, in order to get him moving. Each of the modes also have a chance for you to score bonus points by getting him to the end of that level before the bonus points run out! Master 5 loved this game and yes, so did I. I found him advising (ok telling me) which direction to draw the lines in or what to do or how to get to another spot without getting “injured”, and this was the first time ever that he’s actually seen the game. A definite must if you want your child to develop their lateral thinking.

There’s one new game on the market, Spongebob Squigglepants, I know this is something Miss 9 would love as she is a HUGE fan of Spongebob. I guess we’ll just have to wait for Christmas or her birthday to get her this. Too bad we had to return the uDraw GameTablet, this could probably be next on the birthday list – for me? Oh and a word of advice, try not to play with it for too long at a time – I got writer’s cramp from playing with it! This is where the discussion about time limit should come in.

Details

The uDraw GameTablet is available at all major retailers.It retails for $119.95, which comes bundled with the uDraw Studio software. The individual games retail for $59.95 each.