good concept badly executed. The programmers should talk to the ones who got it right (i.e. the makers of the excellent physics game "Crayon Physics Deluxe")

Max and the Magic Marker is a solid but not exceptional game. If GG allowed half-stars, I would have given it a 3.5 instead of 4.

The hook for this game is that you have a marker with which you can draw platforms, balls, boxes and so on to traverse the level and fight off the creatures who are trying to stop you. I found the mechanics to be enjoyable and refreshing, combining a bit of a puzzle game with a Mario-like traversal through the levels.

The art direction is very well done and I especially enjoy the shift between the drawing mode and the playing mode.

It's a very charming game, but try the demo to see if it's your cup of tea.

This game is just fantastic for kids. It requires an physical approach to solve puzzles and defeat enemies but it is so much fun!

Gorgeous little jump and run with a very striking mechanic that I am loath to call a gimmick, because it works so well. The art could be better, but the core game is great, if not especially difficult, unless you are going to try and collect all the extras in each level.