Released in Europe on July 4, 2014 for Nintendo 3DS, Pokémon Art Academy brings Headstrong Games’ Art Academy series to the Pokémon universe. The idea: learn to draw real Pokémon with the stylus, lesson after lesson. A serious, patient and surprisingly effective learning software, aimed at children and adults alike.
A real drawing school
The player enters the Academy, where Professor Andy acts as a guide, joined by a classmate who dreams of illustrating Pokémon cards. The lessons move step by step: sketching construction shapes, laying down the outline, playing with light and shadow, hatching, blending, adding depth. Each step is clearly explained, with the model on the top screen and the canvas on the touch screen.
Pokémon as models
From Oshawott to Mega Charizard X, the lessons have you draw about forty Pokémon, starting from official Pokémon TCG illustrations. Tools unlock as the courses progress: pencil, marker, brush, pastel, airbrush, eraser and blending tool. Free Draw mode, for its part, gives access to all the tools and dozens of models, including your own photos. See the lessons.
Demanding, but rewarding
Pokémon Art Academy takes its time: some lessons last a long while, and the game doesn’t really grade you, it guides you. Those expecting a game will be disappointed; those who want to improve at drawing will be surprised by the results. The 3DS screen is small, but the stylus responds well.
Sharing your artworks
At launch, you could share your drawings on Miiverse and download free models, such as Groudon, Kyogre or Rayquaza. These services are now closed. See the downloadable models.
Our verdict
A real drawing course, serious and well designed, that helps you improve while drawing your favorite Pokémon. Not a game, but a very good tool.
What we like
- A clear and effective drawing method
- About forty Pokémon to draw
- Free Draw and its many tools
- For all ages
What we like less
- A slow pace
- Not very playful
- A small screen to draw on
- Sharing and downloads closed
