Colors 3D isn’t so much a game as it is a fun and creative tool, drawing (heh) comparisons to Mario Paint for those old enough to remember it. But what sets Colors 3D apart from nearly every other paint program on the planet is the ability to add depth to your masterpieces thanks to the system’s 3D screen. And the process couldn’t be simpler.

The game provides you with a set of five layers, each positioned slightly behind the other. Drawing on the layers nearest to the camera will make those objects appear closer, whereas ones painted on the last layer will appear much farther away. For example, if you wanted to paint a picture of yourself visiting a volcano in space, you might draw yourself on the first layer to appear close to the screen, while placing the volcano on the third or fourth layer provides a sense of distance, and adding a star-filled backdrop receding behind it on the fifth layer. And you’re able to rearrange the layers as you see fit, in case you want to appear behind your space-volcano for some reason.

Interestingly, the game really only provides you with a single tool: a paintbrush. However, by tapping the L-Button, you can bring up an easy-to-use menu to change its attributes such as color, size, and even opacity. Though the tools may be limited, there are no limits as to how you use them. As the game’s developer, Jens Andersson, put it, it’s limited in the same sense as pen and paper, which is to say not very.

Perhaps the most powerful element of Colors 3D is its social features. Once you’ve created a masterpiece (or a piece of something, as in my case...), you can upload it to the Colors online community, allowing others to download and play around with your creation. And even more interesting is the ability to work on a painting cooperatively through local multiplayer. I was able to try this out with Jens’ assistant who had created a beautiful looking landscape with a tree in the foreground, which I quickly proceeded to ruin by drawing a giant sun wearing aviators in the background. It may not have been pretty, but it was fun, and very unique.

Colors 3D also includes a picture book mode that’s ideal for children or adults who may not have fully-developed motor-skills (such as yours truly). The game even prevents you from coloring outside the lines unless you reposition your paintbrush, which makes for a frustration-free experience.

Early thoughts...

Simply wonderful. While I’m by no means an artist (not even close), Colors 3D makes me wish I were. Fortunately, you don’t have to be one to enjoy the creativity that Colors 3D conceals. Even with my complete lack of talent, I found myself mesmerized by the easy-to-use tools and delightful interface, which enabled my creations to come alive in 3D...a magical feeling. Colors 3D is one of the most well-thought out and complete-feeling apps I’ve yet seen on the 3DS, and is sure to be an absolute steal when it launches early next year at $6.99.

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