Difference between revisions of "Drawn to Life Series"

From Drawn to Life Wiki
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(Reworking page to sound more professional, currently lacking sources but would like to add them later on. Added ReadMores to each section, revised up to Bankruptcy. Plan on adding "Future of Series" after Two Realms heading soon.)
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{{Disambig|[[Drawn to Life]]}}
 
{{Disambig|[[Drawn to Life]]}}
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The Drawn to Life series is a line of video games for the Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Switch, Steam, and mobile devices. Originally created by 5th Cell, other developers including Altron, Planet Moon Studios, WayForward Technologies, and Digital Continue have all developed titles within the series. In 2013, the series IP was sold to 505 Games after the previous publisher THQ declared bankruptcy.
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The '''Drawn to Life series''' is a series of video games that appear on a variety of consoles, including [[:wikipedia:Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS]], [[:wikipedia:Wii|Nintendo Wii]], [[:wikipedia:Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch]], [[:wikipedia:Steam (service)|Steam compatible devices]], and most mobile devices running [[:wikipedia:Android (operating system)|Android]] or [[:wikipedia:iOS|iOS]]. The original series was created and developed by [[5th Cell]], with guest developers such as [[Altron]] and [[Planet Moon Studios]] working on ''[[Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition]]'' and ''[[Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii)]]'' respectively. In 2013, the series IP was sold to [[505 Games]] after the previous publisher, [[THQ]], declared bankruptcy. Since this transfer, both [[WayForward]] and [[Digital Continue]] have developed games in the series.
  
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The series revolves around players creating their own playable characters alongside weapons and other helpful tools. The games are 2D platformers with a focus on collecting additional items to aid the Raposa.
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Most games in this series are 2D platformers, with only ''[[Drawn to Life: Two Realms]]'' being more of a puzzle game with a platformer twist. Each game also has a "village mode", where the player can interact with the various [[Raposa]] and access the map menus. With the exception of ''[[Drawn to Life: Two Realms]]'' each game has a focus on rescuing Raposa from the levels, while also collecting various objects ranging anywhere from [[Template]]s, [[Stamp]]s, or [[Heather's Pendant|Valuable Artifacts]]. In every game, the player can also create their own graphics, with the main pull of the series being the ability to "Drawn Your Hero!". The player is also able to draw various level objects, village objects, and even some enemies in ''[[Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition]]''.
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The main series revolves around the story of the [[Raposa]], fox-like humanoids that live in [[Rapoville]], a village closely linked to the Raposa's deity - the [[Creator]]. You play as the Creator and as the [[Hero|Creation Hero]], a character sent to help the Raposa with their struggles. In the DS games, the Raposa focus on defeating [[Wilfre]], an antagonistic Raposa who challenged the Creator and created the [[Shadow]], the primary malicious force in the series. The Raposa also find two interesting characters along their journey, [[Heather]] - a Raposa with Shadow scarring half of her body, and Mike - a [[Human]] stuck in Rapoville with no memory of how he got there.
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Other main characters include [[Mayor]] - the Mayor of Rapoville, [[Mari]] - the Mayor's daughter and the last Raposa to continue believing in the Creator, and [[Jowee]] - Mari's best friend and a Raposa that loves adventure. Other antagonists include [[Aldark]] - a pure-Shadow creature that is set on taking revenge on the Raposa - and [[Salem]] - an opera fanatic that rigged a challenge in an attempt to destroy the faraway village of [[Watersong]].
  
 
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__TOC__
  
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<!--GUY'S REQUEST: If possible, could we find sources for a lot of this information? I know sources exist, but I'm too busy to comb through the Miah interview, documents, press tours, etc to find sources for this page-->
 
=={{Icon|Book}} Initial Concepts ==
 
=={{Icon|Book}} Initial Concepts ==
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When developer 5th Cell transitioned from mobile games to the Nintendo DS, series Creative Director Jeremiah Slaczka was inspired by the company's need to make something that would use the DS's features in a unique way. The original concept of drawings coming to life was in Slaczka's head for roughly six months before the company began prototyping it.
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When mobile developers [[5th Cell]] wanted to transition from mobile games to the [[:wikipedia:Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS]], Series Director [[Drawn to Life Credits|Jeremiah Slaczka]] was determined to make something that would use the DS's features in a unique way. The original concept of drawings coming to life was in Slaczka's head for roughly six months before the company began prototyping it.
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From that initial concept, the developers began incorporating a platforming aspect, and tied it to the village and story. During development, 5th Cell wanted playing the game to be an experience deeper than just the gimmick of having drawings come to life, and made sure players were always drawing something new and unique to add to the game world. The biggest technical challenge was making the drawing tool easy to understand yet not limiting how players could draw, although they eventually felt confident with the results.
  
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From that initial concept, the developers began incorporating the platforming aspect, and tied it to the village and story. Whilst in development 5th Cell wanted playing the game to be an experience deeper than just the gimmick of having drawings come to life, and made sure players were always drawing something new and unique to add to the game world. The biggest technical challenge was making the drawing tool easy to understand yet not limiting how players could draw, although they eventually felt confident with the results.
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Multiple early documents and milestone builds of the original game have been released to the public, with information on them available here:
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{{ReadMore|Unused & Removed Features/DTL1#3/16/2006 Game Design Document}}
  
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=={{Icon|DTL}} [[Drawn to Life|Drawn to Life ]] ==
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=={{Icon|DTL}} [[Drawn to Life]] ==
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In September 2007, the first game in the series was released exclusively on the Nintendo DS. Developed by 5th Cell and published by THQ, it was received well by critics and went on to sell 820,000 copies by March of the following year. In Japan, the game was published by Agatsuma on December 4th 2008, releasing under the title ''Drawn to Life: God's Marionette''. In Korea, the game launched as: ''Geuryeora, Touch! Naega Mandeuneun Sesang''.
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On September 10th, 2007, the original '''Drawn to Life''' was released exclusively on the [[:wikipedia:Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS]]. Developed by [[5th Cell]] and published by [[THQ]], it was received well by critics and went on to sell 820,000 copies by March of the following year. In Japan, the game was published by [[:wikipedia:Agatsuma Entertainment|Agatsuma Entertainment]] on December 4th 2008, releasing under the title '''Drawn to Life: God's Marionette'''. In Korea, the game launched on January 15th, 2008 as: '''Geuryeora, Touch! Naega Mandeuneun Sesang'''.
  
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On May 21st, 2014, a port developed by WayForward Technologies and published by 505 Games was released for iOS. This port received harsh backlash from fans for its poor quality, and it has since been delisted.
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{{ReadMore|Drawn to Life}}
  
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=={{Icon|DTLSB}} [[Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition|Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition]] ==
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=={{Icon|DTLSB}} [[Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition]] ==
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During this time, series publisher THQ was looking to produce more games themed around Nickelodeon IPs. When the first ''Drawn to Life'' released, they noticed the conceptual similarities between it and the Spongebob Squarepants episode "Frankendoodle." As a result, a Spongebob-themed version of ''Drawn to Life'' was envisioned. Due to the fact 5th Cell was busy with other projects at the time, developer Altron was contracted to develop this new spin-off. THQ apparently wanted each level to give players something new to do.
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During the development of the original game, series publisher [[THQ]] was looking to produce more games themed around their [[:wikipedia:Nickelodeon|Nickelodeon]] IPs. When ''[[Drawn to Life]]'' released, they noticed the conceptual similarities between it and the [https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/SpongeBob_SquarePants_(series) Spongebob Squarepants] episode "[https://spongebob.fandom.com/wiki/Frankendoodle Frankendoodle]." As a result, a [[Spongebob]]-themed version of ''Drawn to Life'' was envisioned. Due to [[5th Cell]] working on ''[[:wikipedia:Lock's Quest]]'', Japanese developer [[Altron]] was contracted to develop this new spin-off. The game was released on September 15th, 2008 in North America, on the 25th in Europe, and on the 26th in Australia. On November 3rd, 2008, the game was released in Japan.
  
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It was released in September 2008 in America, Europe, and Australia. Two months later, it was released in Japan.
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{{ReadMore|Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Editon}}
  
 
=={{Icon|TNC}} [[Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter|Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (DS)]] ==
 
=={{Icon|TNC}} [[Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter|Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (DS)]] ==
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Following the success of the prior two entries, and the growth of 5th Cell in the time since, a mainline sequel entered development for the Nintendo DS. Being far more ambitious than the previous title, it sought to top the original in every way. Although publisher THQ also contracted a version for the Nintendo Wii by Planet Moon Studios, the DS version is the canon sequel. Released in October 2009, it was received positively by fans.
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Following the success of the prior two entries, and the growth of [[5th Cell]] in the time since, a direct sequel began development on the [[:wikipedia:Nintendo DS|Nintendo DS]]. Being far more ambitious than the previous title, it sought to top the original in every way. Releasing on October 8th, 2009 in North America, on the 16th in Europe, and on the 27th in Australia, the game was received well by fans and critics alike. Strangely, it did not receive a Japanese release.  
  
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Due to a content complaint from the ESRB, the game received a revision which controversially altered the game's ending. This revised ending was later confirmed to be non-canon.
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{{ReadMore|Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter}}
  
 
== {{Icon|Wii}} [[Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii)|Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii)]] ==
 
== {{Icon|Wii}} [[Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii)|Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii)]] ==
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While 5th Cell was busy developing the Nintendo DS version of the game, publisher THQ contracted Planet Moon Studios to develop a version of the game for the Nintendo Wii. Despite sharing the same name, the game is completely different from its Nintendo DS counterpart, and is considered non-canon. The development process was particularly tough, and the developers were forced to crunch during the final six months of development, resulting in what fans consider to be the weakest entry in the series.
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While [[5th Cell]] developed the Nintendo DS version of ''[[Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter]]'', [[THQ]] contracted [[Planet Moon Studios]] to develop a version of the game for the [[:wikipeida:Wii|Nintendo Wii]]. Despite sharing the same name, the game has very little in common with its DS counterpart, and the game is considered non-canon to the series. The development process was particularly rough, with developers citing weeks of crunch and poor organization as contributing factors. Despite this, it remains one of the best selling games in the series, behind ''[[Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition]]''. It released simultaneously with the DS version.
  
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It was released in October 2009, alongside the Nintendo DS version.
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{{ReadMore|Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii)}}
  
 
== {{Icon|Collection}} [[Drawn to Life Collection]] ==
 
== {{Icon|Collection}} [[Drawn to Life Collection]] ==
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In 2010, a compilation of both the original ''Drawn to Life'' and the Nintendo DS version of ''Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter'' was released for the Nintendo DS. It makes use of the controversial revision of the latter.
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On November 3rd, 2010, a compilation of the orignal ''[[Drawn to Life]]'' and ''[[Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter]]'' was released under the title '''Drawn to Life Collection'''. Due to an ESRB complaint, the ending of the sequel game was changed to depict a child falling out of a tree instead of the more brutal car crash. This is the only major change in either title. Strangely, [[5th Cell]] did not help develop this compilation, leaving [[THQ]] to change the sequel alone.
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{{ReadMore|Drawn to Life Collection}}
  
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<!--GUY'S NOTE: Not done editing yet, just leaving this comment here so i can come back after my class today and finish-->
 
== {{Icon|Book}} THQ Bankruptcy ==
 
== {{Icon|Book}} THQ Bankruptcy ==
 
In 2013, THQ declared bankruptcy and subsequently auctioned off their remaining IPs to top bidders. The Italian game publishing company, 505 Games, bought the rights to the Drawn to Life series in April of that year.
 
In 2013, THQ declared bankruptcy and subsequently auctioned off their remaining IPs to top bidders. The Italian game publishing company, 505 Games, bought the rights to the Drawn to Life series in April of that year.
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== {{Icon|TR}} [[Drawn to Life: Two Realms]] ==
 
== {{Icon|TR}} [[Drawn to Life: Two Realms]] ==
 
'''Drawn to Life: Two Realms''' is the third canonical addition to the Drawn to Life series. The game was released as a digital download for Nintendo Switch, Steam, iOS, and Android on December 7th, 2020. The game takes place several years following the events of [[Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter]] and takes place in the Raposa and [[Human]] worlds. The game is developed by Digital Continue (with many of the same creators working on it as the first two Nintendo DS games) and published by 505 Games. It is available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish (Spain), Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
 
'''Drawn to Life: Two Realms''' is the third canonical addition to the Drawn to Life series. The game was released as a digital download for Nintendo Switch, Steam, iOS, and Android on December 7th, 2020. The game takes place several years following the events of [[Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter]] and takes place in the Raposa and [[Human]] worlds. The game is developed by Digital Continue (with many of the same creators working on it as the first two Nintendo DS games) and published by 505 Games. It is available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish (Spain), Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese.
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This entry to the series however, was received poorly as it derived from the 2D platforming of the other titles, and went with puzzle based gameplay. Fans are split on this game, and the resulting reception of this game leaves the series in a state of uncertianty.
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This entry to the series however, was received poorly as it derived from the 2D platforming of the other titles, and went with puzzle based gameplay. Fans are split on this game, and the resulting reception of this game leaves the series in a state of uncertainty.
  
 
[[Category:Browse]]
 
[[Category:Browse]]

Revision as of 13:03, 25 October 2023

Not to be confused with Drawn to Life.


The Drawn to Life series is a series of video games that appear on a variety of consoles, including Nintendo DS, Nintendo Wii, Nintendo Switch, Steam compatible devices, and most mobile devices running Android or iOS. The original series was created and developed by 5th Cell, with guest developers such as Altron and Planet Moon Studios working on Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition and Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii) respectively. In 2013, the series IP was sold to 505 Games after the previous publisher, THQ, declared bankruptcy. Since this transfer, both WayForward and Digital Continue have developed games in the series.

Most games in this series are 2D platformers, with only Drawn to Life: Two Realms being more of a puzzle game with a platformer twist. Each game also has a "village mode", where the player can interact with the various Raposa and access the map menus. With the exception of Drawn to Life: Two Realms each game has a focus on rescuing Raposa from the levels, while also collecting various objects ranging anywhere from Templates, Stamps, or Valuable Artifacts. In every game, the player can also create their own graphics, with the main pull of the series being the ability to "Drawn Your Hero!". The player is also able to draw various level objects, village objects, and even some enemies in Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition.

The main series revolves around the story of the Raposa, fox-like humanoids that live in Rapoville, a village closely linked to the Raposa's deity - the Creator. You play as the Creator and as the Creation Hero, a character sent to help the Raposa with their struggles. In the DS games, the Raposa focus on defeating Wilfre, an antagonistic Raposa who challenged the Creator and created the Shadow, the primary malicious force in the series. The Raposa also find two interesting characters along their journey, Heather - a Raposa with Shadow scarring half of her body, and Mike - a Human stuck in Rapoville with no memory of how he got there.

Other main characters include Mayor - the Mayor of Rapoville, Mari - the Mayor's daughter and the last Raposa to continue believing in the Creator, and Jowee - Mari's best friend and a Raposa that loves adventure. Other antagonists include Aldark - a pure-Shadow creature that is set on taking revenge on the Raposa - and Salem - an opera fanatic that rigged a challenge in an attempt to destroy the faraway village of Watersong.

Book Icon.png Initial Concepts

When mobile developers 5th Cell wanted to transition from mobile games to the Nintendo DS, Series Director Jeremiah Slaczka was determined to make something that would use the DS's features in a unique way. The original concept of drawings coming to life was in Slaczka's head for roughly six months before the company began prototyping it.

From that initial concept, the developers began incorporating a platforming aspect, and tied it to the village and story. During development, 5th Cell wanted playing the game to be an experience deeper than just the gimmick of having drawings come to life, and made sure players were always drawing something new and unique to add to the game world. The biggest technical challenge was making the drawing tool easy to understand yet not limiting how players could draw, although they eventually felt confident with the results.

Multiple early documents and milestone builds of the original game have been released to the public, with information on them available here:


Drawn to Life Link Drawn to Life

On September 10th, 2007, the original Drawn to Life was released exclusively on the Nintendo DS. Developed by 5th Cell and published by THQ, it was received well by critics and went on to sell 820,000 copies by March of the following year. In Japan, the game was published by Agatsuma Entertainment on December 4th 2008, releasing under the title Drawn to Life: God's Marionette. In Korea, the game launched on January 15th, 2008 as: Geuryeora, Touch! Naega Mandeuneun Sesang.


Spongebob Logo 2.png Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition

During the development of the original game, series publisher THQ was looking to produce more games themed around their Nickelodeon IPs. When Drawn to Life released, they noticed the conceptual similarities between it and the Spongebob Squarepants episode "Frankendoodle." As a result, a Spongebob-themed version of Drawn to Life was envisioned. Due to 5th Cell working on wikipedia:Lock's Quest, Japanese developer Altron was contracted to develop this new spin-off. The game was released on September 15th, 2008 in North America, on the 25th in Europe, and on the 26th in Australia. On November 3rd, 2008, the game was released in Japan.


Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter Link Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (DS)

Following the success of the prior two entries, and the growth of 5th Cell in the time since, a direct sequel began development on the Nintendo DS. Being far more ambitious than the previous title, it sought to top the original in every way. Releasing on October 8th, 2009 in North America, on the 16th in Europe, and on the 27th in Australia, the game was received well by fans and critics alike. Strangely, it did not receive a Japanese release.


Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii) Link Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter (Wii)

While 5th Cell developed the Nintendo DS version of Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter, THQ contracted Planet Moon Studios to develop a version of the game for the Nintendo Wii. Despite sharing the same name, the game has very little in common with its DS counterpart, and the game is considered non-canon to the series. The development process was particularly rough, with developers citing weeks of crunch and poor organization as contributing factors. Despite this, it remains one of the best selling games in the series, behind Drawn to Life: Spongebob Squarepants Edition. It released simultaneously with the DS version.


DtLCollectionLogo.png Drawn to Life Collection

On November 3rd, 2010, a compilation of the orignal Drawn to Life and Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter was released under the title Drawn to Life Collection. Due to an ESRB complaint, the ending of the sequel game was changed to depict a child falling out of a tree instead of the more brutal car crash. This is the only major change in either title. Strangely, 5th Cell did not help develop this compilation, leaving THQ to change the sequel alone.


Book Icon.png THQ Bankruptcy

In 2013, THQ declared bankruptcy and subsequently auctioned off their remaining IPs to top bidders. The Italian game publishing company, 505 Games, bought the rights to the Drawn to Life series in April of that year.

On May 21st, 2014, the original Drawn to Life was ported to iOS by 505 Games and WayForward Technlogies. After this, the series sat dormant for six years.

TR Logo.png Drawn to Life: Two Realms

Drawn to Life: Two Realms is the third canonical addition to the Drawn to Life series. The game was released as a digital download for Nintendo Switch, Steam, iOS, and Android on December 7th, 2020. The game takes place several years following the events of Drawn to Life: The Next Chapter and takes place in the Raposa and Human worlds. The game is developed by Digital Continue (with many of the same creators working on it as the first two Nintendo DS games) and published by 505 Games. It is available in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish (Spain), Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian, and Simplified and Traditional Chinese. This entry to the series however, was received poorly as it derived from the 2D platforming of the other titles, and went with puzzle based gameplay. Fans are split on this game, and the resulting reception of this game leaves the series in a state of uncertainty.

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