Gamestyle reports:
''The Nintendo DS continues to cross boundaries and appeal to all ages, not just because of its unique experiences, but titles that cater for the very young or those at the opposite end of the lifespan spectrum. Crayola Treasure Adventures sets its sights on those just old enough to pick up their first crayon or DS stylus.
It would be incredibly straightforward and naïve to rip apart Crayola Treaure Adventures, as being one of the most limited and short-lived experiences Gamestyle has played in recent memory. For an adult the main mode can be completed in one fairly modest sitting, but a youngster will enjoy the overall presentation, which is reminiscent of children's TV show. This adventure mode sees you deciphering a treasure map by overcoming challenges at certain highlighted locations to find the Color Crystals. These mythical items are hidden across three levels, based on an Aztec jungle, pyramids and a Treasure Island type environment.''
Andrew Fisher writes:
''Can the crayon manufacturer Crayola bring a colourful experience to the Nintendo DS? This is a game aimed squarely at younger players and is split into two main activities.
The Adventure mode tells a simple story of the Colour Crystals being stolen from the world and colours starting to fade. With the help of a friendly red crayon, the player must track down the three robbers who have stolen the Crystals. The first location is the Jungle, and as the adventure progresses the red crayon and the creatures he meets narrate the story on the top screen. On the bottom screen the map shows the journey, with bubbles showing each task.''
Gamecell Uk reports:
''It's not often I get to play a game that's genuinely not sophisticated enough for me, but at last I've found one in Crayola Treasure Adventures! It says 3+ on the box but realistically I think it's aimed at a narrow demographic; the real tinytot DS-ers out there, 4-7 year olds (at least I hope it is). The game has a simple adventure mode which tells a story in speech bubbles (so being able to read helps) and has a mini game that needs you to be able to count to 10, so I was just about okay.''
There's little to really recommend Crayola Treasure Adventures for. While there's nothing wrong aesthetically – the visuals are bright and clear, the music and sound chirpy and catchy – the short and repetitive story mode and the crucially flawed colouring book mode don't offer enough to warrant spending £30 on the game.
There is fun to be had here for children who are particularly fond of colouring and puzzles, but if they're that keen, you can get the real thing for a tiny fraction of the cost of this (as well as being able to look at your work later), and so there's little reason to buy Crayola Treasure Adventures. Nice idea, but flawed and ultimately a little pointless.
