Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush; Puzzle & Dragons Z; Kindo, gaming reviews

From charming clay creations on the big screen to a game of capture-the-king

Kirby returns to save the day once more in Dreamland

Kirby and the Rainbow Paintbrush

***

Wii U (£34.99)

With Dreamland drained of colour, Kirby (pictured above) returns to save the day once more. This sequel to the DS classic Power Paintbrush reintroduces touchscreen controls, with varied results. Rendering the pink paragon in Plasticine may be cute, but constantly looking at the GamePad to draw your way around levels means players barely get a chance to examine the game's lovingly crafted visuals. It's arguably a better experience for player two – controlling Waddle Dee, they have the freedom and opportunity to contemplate the charming clay creations on the big screen.

Sam Gill

Puzzle & Dragons Z

****

3DS (£29.99)

Puzzle and Dragons quickly established itself as a mobile hit on iOS back in 2012, combining simple match-3 gameplay, an RPG style battle system and a raft of dragons and monsters to collect and upgrade. Z sees the title on the 3DS, removing the original's free to play mechanics while adding in story elements. The game also introduces a separate Super Mario mode. The solid gameplay that made the title such a success on mobile works well on 3DS, and the injection of a little Nintendo polish makes for a compelling package.

Toby Clarke

Kindo

*****

iOS (£1.49)

Kindo is a game of capture-the-king. On a 5x5 board you and your opponent take squares and defend with fortifications until one manages to outsmart the other and tap on their king. You need to be wary of each move you take and ever-watchful of your opponent – whether online, AI, or with a friend on the same device. It's tactical and complex – and deceptive. You can play it quick-round or draw it out like a long thought-out chess match, ready with minimalist beauty… and it's only £1.49.

James Tennent