Max and the Magic Marker – Review
By App Type: Uncategorized
Our rating: 
By: Electronic Arts
Version #: 1.0.9
Date Released: 2011-03-24
Developer:
Price: 1.99
User Rating:
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Obviously, an industry powerhouse like Electronic Arts isn’t going to make a bad game (or at least, they’re version of bad is everyone else’s version of decent), but Max and the Magic Marker has gotten a lot of buzz recently so I decided to try it out. And yes, I have to admit it’s quite addicting.
The game is good for all ages and has an appropriately simple premise. Max has gotten a magic marker in the mail that can draw things in real life. Sadly, one of the first things he drew was a monster which escapes into the real world. Max has to find and stop the monster, getting through various impediments using the marker as he searches. Hopefully Crockett Johnson’s estate (he wrote Harold and the Purple Crayon ages ago) won’t sue for intellectual property theft.
In terms of production quality, the app is on par with the best I’ve seen. The game is a simple search-and-collect game on par with anything starring Mario. The added trick of it is that you can draw shapes that would help you in your quest to find the monster (such as bridges to cross valleys, arcs to help you walk under rain which for some reason ends your life and boulders to drop on levers and project Max upwards to a higher level.
The controls are a little tough to master at first. There are buttons where a virtual joystick would work better (I think it was simplified so kids could play more easily). It would be nice if one could also play iPod music in the background, but that’s more a nice-to-have. Max and the Magic Marker is game for kids to play and worth the investment in that regard.
Quick Take
Value:High.
Would I Buy Again:Quite possibly.
Learning Curve:Low.
Who Is It For:Kids who like Mario and like to draw.
What I Like:Excellent graphics and good concept.
What I Don't Like:Controls are a little tough to master. Would be nice to play iPod music in the background.
Final Statement:Hopefully your kids can have an imagination to match Max's and find the monster.
FUN FOR ALL AGES! One day Max gets a mysterious marker in the mail. The first thing he draws is a monster. As soon as the pen leaves the paper, the monster comes to life and jumps into another drawing. Oh no, it must be stopped! Max draws himself onto the page and the chase begins. Welcome to Max & The Magic Marker, an award-winning physics-based puzzle platformer that plays like a classic - but with a twist!
LET THE DRAWING BEGIN!
You have a magic marker that enables you to draw freehand in the game – everything you draw becomes a real, interactive object within the game world. Master Max’s extraordinary talent and help him overcome enemies, obstacles and puzzles!
FROM SWEET HOME TO A ROBOT FACTORY
This innovative game features 58 awesome levels in 3 unique worlds, rendered in stunning visuals courtesy of Retina Display. Match wits with oodles of puzzles, each offering multiple solutions. Solve them all and earn loads of achievements!
DON’T RUN OUT OF INK!
Collect ink and numerous golden spheres, and if you’re feeling keen, find each elusive black sphere. Overcome the obstacles as quick as you can, and find a way to the evil monster who wants to damage Max's drawings.
