#glanderco

Art Sqool

Art Sqool is a unique experience that walks the line between a game and an artistic statement. Developed by Glanderco, it explores the Dada art movement, which emerged in response to World War I and embraced nonsense, irrationality, and a rejection of traditional logic and aesthetics. This game challenges players to think differently while experimenting with digital art, making it as much about creativity as it is about gameplay.

Level Design

The level design is strange and fits the Dada style perfectly, but as a traditional game, it can feel unintuitive and sparse. The environment is more like a collection of digital statues than a structured platforming world. Exploration is limited to finding additional brushes and color palettes, which are scattered randomly rather than placed in rewarding or interesting locations.

Sound Design

The soundtrack and sound effects contribute to the quirky Dada atmosphere. However, the sounds are not fully integrated with player actions. For example, footstep sounds continue even when the player is using the infinite jump mechanic, which can feel disconnected.

Character Controller

The game relies on keyboard and mouse controls due to its drawing mechanic. Camera angles can be changed for accessibility, but sensitivity settings are fixed, which may take some adjustment. The movement speed is too slow for the spacing of the floating islands, making navigation occasionally frustrating.

UI

The in-game drawing pad is creative, allowing different brushes, colors, and compositions to affect grading outcomes. However, the options menu lacks features like camera sensitivity adjustments, which would improve usability.

Easy to Understand?

Yes. The AI teacher provides clear directions for art assignments, and the mechanics are essentially point-and-click with limited movement.

Overall Fun Factor

I had some fun playing Art Sqool, particularly because I enjoy drawing. However, the world feels empty, and the gameplay is limited to exploration and completing art prompts. The Dada style keeps it interesting, but it does not provide sustained engagement.

Character Design

The simple, nonsensical design of the main character and AI teacher reflects the essence of Dada. Their simplicity supports the artistic theme and conveys purposeful absurdity.

Story

The story is minimal, leaving players largely unmotivated. The primary rewards are brushes and color palettes, and the game does not provide feedback for the artwork you create. This lack of structure aligns with the Dadaist philosophy but may not satisfy players seeking clear objectives or narrative payoff.

Replay Value

Would I replay Art Sqool? Personally, no. Some casual players might enjoy working through all 200 drawing prompts, but overall, replay value is limited for both casual and hardcore gamers.

Final Thoughts

Rating: Two out of five toe beans! 🐾🐾❌❌❌

#JakeReviewsItch

ART SQOOL

by Glanderco

Price (US): $6.99

Included In: Indie Bundle for Palestinian Aid, Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality, Bundle for Ukraine

Genre: None provided by the developer

Pitch: Learn to draw. Draw to learn.

My expectations: Man, I want to like ART SQOOL. It might have been the first game I downloaded after getting the Bundle for Racial Justice and Equality, which would also make it the first disappointment in that bundle. I thought maybe I'd missed something, so I gave it another try about a year later. Will my third attempt be the one that finally makes it click, or was my initial impression right all along?

B+, see me after class.

Title: ART SQOOL Platform: PC (Windows and Mac) Developer: Julian Glander Publisher: Glanderco Price: £9.30/$12 Release date: Out now TL;DR: Cute, quirky, but would definitely work better for people with actual artistic talent. Family Focus? Click here for more information

I have the artistic talent of a duck. I can’t draw. At all. I do like to try, though, and while my…

ART SQOOL (Glanderco)

~LET'S DRAW~