Chalkdash Carnival Review: Multiplayer Switch Game
Our Nintendo Switch has been busy since we added Chalkdash Carnival to our collection of 4 player games. Players try to collect the most points in this side scrolling couch game for multiple players.
This game has you dashing or jumping to avoid obstacles as the screen scrolls along to the end. The player with the most points wins the round. It’s fun for all ages.
There’s also a touchscreen mode which plays considerably different from the multiplayer mode. It’s for solo play only since it uses the touch screen to control the character. The levels are basically the same except you draw a line with chalk for the character to follow.
The touchscreen mode also follows a story line where you progress across a map to the final level at a volcano. You unlock playable characters along the way.
You can’t unlock anything in the multiplayer mode. But it’s easier than the touchscreen mode. We mostly play Chalkdash Carnival with 4 players.
Why Chalkdash Carnival?
If you like side scrolling multiplayer games then Chalkdash Carnival is an ideal game for you. Every level we were jumping or dashing to avoid obstacles or get from one platform to another. The multiplayer mode isn’t very difficult and it appeals to all ages in my experience.
However, the touchscreen mode is considerably more difficult. If you’re looking for an easy touchscreen game then Chalkdash Carnival won’t appeal to you. Beginners, like me, found the touchscreen mode frustrating.
Anyone who’s looking for a game to pass some time will enjoy Chalkdash. It’s a light game to play with friends to pass some time.
We tested Chalkdash with 4 players, 3 players, 2 players, 1 player. Our tests revealed the game is balanced for 2 to 4 players but solo playing is different. Story mode is for 1 player only.
Pros and Cons
Chalkdash Carnival has some nice graphics and music. The chalk characters and colorful levels offer a new look to an otherwise basic side scrolling game. I noticed the screen can get busy at times but overall I didn’t think it caused any serious problems.
The game physics are well done too. I found the character movements are predictable and easy to control. At least with the TV/Tabletop mode.
Controlling the character in touchscreen mode is not easy or predictable in my experience. It has you drawing lines with chalk to direct the character movements or block spikes from falling on them.
I noticed the lines fade away pretty fast. In my experience, it required a lot of quick actions to keep my character from falling in a pit or being hit by obstacles. Plus the chalk is limited.
The touchscreen mode has a huge learning curve compared to the relative ease of the tabletop mode. I wasn’t able to get far in the solo mode. The multiplayer mode was much more enjoyable in my opinion.
Comparable Games
Chalkdash Carnival gets its inspiration from the original side scrolling games such as Mario Brothers or Sonic the Hedgehog. The graphics of Chalkdash Carnival are remarkably different but the play is at its core the same.
Like the Mario or Sonic games there are bottomless pits you need to jump over or avoid. Plus obstacles such as spikes you need to jump over or avoid. In addition to jumping, Chalkdash has a dash button which gives you a quick burst of speed.
Review Summary
Our Chalkdash Carnival review gives it 6 out of 10 stars. It’s a basic side scrolling game. Players rack up points to win. While jumping or dashing to avoid obstacles.
Chalkdash Carnival is a fun side scrolling game for all ages in multiplayer mode. It isn’t difficult, unless you play the touchscreen mode. Then I thought it was very difficult. But with friends or family on the couch it’s a winner.
Chalkdash Carnival review brought to you by David M.
I’m David M. I’ve been playing video games a long time, my pong game was fire. Now, my kids run circles around me but we always have a good time. We mostly play party and family games. Strategy and battle games are still among my favorites. I like writing about games almost as much as I do playing them. My favorite games are: Moving Out 2, Out of Space and Overcooked All You Can Eat.
