UDraw GameTablet
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uDraw GameTablet is a creativity and gaming accessory exclusively for the Nintendo Wii video game console, developed by global video game publishing company THQ Inc. Connecting with the Wii Remote, the uDraw GameTablet uses a pressure-sensitive stylus allowing users to intuitively draw and see their creations on screen. The connected Wii Remote also allows the uDraw GameTablet to make use of motion-sensors, giving the users the ability to tilt and roll the tablet for a variety of game play experiences. The uDraw GameTablet was introduced on November 14, 2010. It is bundled with an art-based video game, uDraw Studio. Two other games were also introduced simultaneously with the launch of the uDraw: Pictionary and Dood's Big Adventure.
THQ plans to release additional titles for the uDraw GameTablet in 2011.
Creation and Development
The uDraw GameTablet was developed by THQ Inc. as a first-of-its-kind gaming accessory to provide a unique way for kids and families to play with the Wii. It is the first drawing, creativity and gaming device created for the Wii.
The uDraw GameTablet has a 4 by 6-inch drawing surface on which users can create free-form drawings and artwork, as well as play games designed specifically for the uDraw GameTablet, using an attached pressure-sensitive stylus pen. The stylus also has a dual-function seesaw button that emulates the C and Z buttons on the Wii Nunchuk. The Wii Remote docks snugly in the uDraw GameTablet, which draws power directly from the Wii Remote’s battery. The uDraw GameTablet also takes advantage of the Wii Remote’s motion sensors and tilt movement options, allowing users to control their characters by moving and directing them throughout levels of the game.[1]
uDraw Studio
The uDraw GameTablet comes with uDraw Studio (developed by Pipeworks Software), a video game that allows users to draw, color, paint and create works of art. Players can use the available tools and features to draw, paint and color simple shapes, or experiment with different painting styles, layers and shading.
Due to its versatile nature, players have the freedom to create any kind of art – from basic doodles to intricate paintings. There are 12 different painting and drawing brushes in uDraw Studio. The game also comes with a huge library of more than 100 stamps and more than 10 post-processing effects, including black-and-white, sepia and neon. Players get the most precise painting options by being able to zoom in up to 400 percent. Sliders and toggles adjust brush size, paint drop-off and opacity.
Activities
Features on uDraw Studio include:
- Painting – Paint or draw using 12 media options.
- Toolbox – Change colors, brushes or canvases.
- Canvases – Select from 11 canvas types from notebook paper to sidewalk.
- Environments – Create art in eight different environments such as a beach house overlooking the ocean.
- Coloring Book – Color in or outside the lines and choose from a variety of styles and themes.
- Replay – Watch the creation of art stroke-by-stroke at normal, 2x and 4x speeds.
- Gallery – Go through previous art works or replay and augment the art already created.
- Save and Share – Use an SD card to save, share and print artwork.
uDraw Pictionary
uDraw Pictionary for the uDraw GameTablet is a new twist to the popular board game Pictionary, which involves guessing words from sketches made by other members of your team. Words can be objects, people, actions, animals or “difficult.” Users play the game in three game modes: Pictionary Game Show, Pictionary Mania and Free Draw. It also comes with more than 3,000 clues and various drawing styles, shape tools and colors.
uDraw Dood's Big Adventure
Dood's Big Adventure lets users draw, tilt and maneuver to defeat enemies and beat different levels. Players can customize their Dood, baddies, and obstacles and use the uDraw GameTablet to draw a line and have Dood bounce through levels on a trampoline, roll the Dood through the level by tilting the uDraw GameTablet, or have the Dood float on bubbles to get through challenges.
Reception
The uDraw GameTablet hardware and uDraw Studio video games have generally received positive reviews. In August 2010 at the announcement of uDraw, analysts predict that uDraw could “sell up to one million units,” [2] with the potential to be a sleeper hit during the 2010 holiday season.[3]. THQ also showcased uDraw at GamesCom 2010, and reviewers noted that the clean user interface and simple design “makes it accessible to the widest audience possible.”[1]
Joystiq stated that the uDraw GameTablet’s “simple mostly-white design makes it a perfect companion for the Wii”, noting that the replay function is a cool feature: “In the hands of a capable artist, this will undoubtedly make for some mesmerizing videos.”[4] USA Today's review stated that “navigating with the stylus feels easy,” and both the tablet and stylus handled coloring and stroke moves well.[5]
See Also
References
- ^ a b ""Gamescom 2010: THQ innovates with uDraw GameTablet for the Wii."". EL33TONLINE. 2010-08-21. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
- ^ Batchelor, James (2010-11-03). "uDraw is a 'platform, not a fad'". MCV. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
- ^ Goldman, Tom (2010-10-16). "THQ Letting Kids uDraw This Holiday Season". The Escapist. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
- ^ Yoon, Andrew (2010-10-20). "uDraw preview: Hands-on with THQ's GameTablet". Joystiq. Retrieved 2010-11-08.
- ^ Molina, Brett (2010-09-21). "First impressions: uDraw GameTablet". USA Today. Retrieved 2010-11-08.