Inchworm Animation for the Nintendo DS offers a promising concept, allowing users to create unique digital paintings and animations in the palm of their hand. Developed by Arc System Works and published by Flat Black Films, this full-featured paint and animation system holds the potential for unleashing your creative juices.
One notable feature is the integration of the Nintendo DSi Camera application, which allows users to record video, stop-motion animations, and even time-lapse photography. This adds a dynamic element to your creations, offering a range of possibilities for experimenting with different visual styles.
The paint functionality of Inchworm Animation is also commendable. With transparent and smooth anti-aliased brushes, users can achieve clean and professional-looking artwork. Additionally, the ability to create images up to a whopping 9,999-by-9,999 pixels gives artists the freedom to work on larger and more detailed projects.
For those looking to add intricate designs to their artwork, the easy-to-use pattern editor allows for the creation of cool repeating patterns. This feature adds a level of detail and complexity that enhances the overall aesthetic appeal of the animations.
However, Inchworm Animation falls short in certain aspects. The interface can be a bit clunky and unintuitive, requiring a steep learning curve for users to navigate through the different tools and features. Additionally, the lack of advanced editing options, such as more sophisticated layer blending modes or advanced transform options, limits the creative possibilities that seasoned artists may be seeking.
The layer system in Inchworm Animation offers some level of complexity, allowing users to create structured animated scenes. Each layer can have its own independent frame loop, adding depth and dimension to your animations. Another intriguing feature is the ability to draw on your animation as it plays, allowing for real-time adjustments and edits.
Although Inchworm Animation has its fair share of strengths, its overall execution falls short of expectations. The comprehensive tutorials provided are helpful, but they only alleviate some of the frustration caused by the clunky interface. Additionally, the export options, limited to Flash or BMP image sequences saved to an SD card (sold separately), feel outdated and restrict the potential for sharing your masterpieces with a wider audience.
In conclusion, Inchworm Animation for the Nintendo DS holds promise as a creative tool, but its execution leaves much to be desired. While the integration of the camera application and the paint functionality are commendable, the clunky interface and limited editing options hinder the user experience. Overall, Inchworm Animation receives a video game rating of 3.5/10. Retro gaming enthusiasts may find some nostalgic appeal in this title, but it falls short of its full potential.
