Pièce de Résistance- Art Academy Review

Twentieth-century social commentator Will Rogers once wrote, “Many only learn in two ways- one by reading, and the other by association with smarter people.” For the last four years, Nintendo’s executives have been eagerly attempting to add their own addendum to the adage with a stream of self-improvement software. Between coaching participants in the nuances of math, cooking, exercise and fostering an appreciation of classic literature, the Redmond-based corporation has been slyly coaxing players  into becoming sophisticates. With a frequently reduced price point and a distinguishing degree of first-party polish, Nintendo’s Touch Generations titles are often a welcome respite from our decidedly low-brow amusements.

The most recent venture  to spur intellectual and creative growth is Art Academy, a cartridge forged from two DSIWare titles: Art Academy First and Second Semester. Each offered a handful of lessons to prospective Picasso’s, gently guiding players through the process of undersketching and brush painting. Regrettably, the download-only nature of the titles meant that owners of the original DS as well as DS Lite owners were prohibited from enrolling in the Art Academy. Now on cartridge, all owners of Nintendo’s portable are able to matriculate in this compelling, and often rewarding package.

As player’s journey through Art Academy’s ten main tutorials (along with a handful on mini-lessons), they be guided by Vince, a perpetually patient and bubbly instructor who displays none of the dolefulness of his Dutch post-impressionist namesake. Generally, Vince offers a verbal explanation followed by a real-time example using an on-screen stylus. Like any good art instructor, he asks participants to examine the nature of a subject, rather than merely following rigid stroke techniques. When imagining an apple tree, the painting professor asks students to picture the limbs like the trajectories of fireworks hurtling through the sky. Each lesson is broken down into easily digestible segments; although the pace might seem dawdling to some, each step is thoroughly explained.

Yet, Vince isn’t likely to send art teachers to the unemployment lines. He’s obsessed with brush selection and color choice, pausing incessantly so that players choose the correct tools. While that may be an admirable lesson, Vince’s efforts are undermined by a flashing yellow box, constantly alerting players to the correct pick.  Although players can reply each tutorial, there’s no way to ask for additional guidance. Players accustomed to the feedback given through the Touch Generations title might be disappointed in the absence of criticism; for better or worse, beauty is the eye of the beholder.

Without assessment, it might seem that Art Academy offers little more than what an off the shelf art book might provide.  Yet, the title’s true strength lay in its fastidious simulation of natural media, circumventing the need for expensive canvases, brushes, and pencils. Complemented by sound effects representing the sporadic scratch of lead on paper or the daubing of paint, every stroke of the stylus articulates speed and amazingly- pressure. Drawing with a 2B pencil, adding brushstrokes or even using a clean, wet brush for blending colors all feels incredibly lifelike. Those with a DSi or DSi XL can even use their portable’s camera to acquire reference material. Sadly, Art Academy doesn’t allow players to save their creations to an SD card, making each masterpiece a one of a kind.

Those with the slightest curiosity in painting or sketching are recommended to enroll in Art Academy. Forgoing the title of narrow win/lose dynamic of many titles, I found myself revisiting each lesson, gradually mastering a variety of techniques. Whereas most games impart a superficial satisfaction upon conquering, mastery of Art Academy involves an extended, deliberate process with a true sense of fulfillment.