Art Sqool (/skuːl/) is an art game developed by Julian Glander. It was released on February 5, 2019, for Microsoft Windows and MacOS,[1] and on November 19, 2020, for Nintendo Switch.[2] The switch version received negative reviews, citing a lack of depth, but was praised for its art style and elements of surrealism.
| Art Sqool | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer(s) | Julian Glander |
| Publisher(s) |
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| Composer(s) | Julian Glander |
| Engine | |
| Platform(s) | |
| Release | Windows, MacOS
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| Genre(s) | Art game |
| Mode(s) | Single-player |
Gameplay
editThe game follows "Froshmin", an art student whose work is judged by a "neural network" serving as their professor.[3] Players are provided a prompt by the professor and asked to create artwork matching this prompt. The artwork is then "graded" by the professor, though the resulting grade and score is randomised.[4] Froshmin can collect additional brushes and colors by exploring the campus.[5]
Development
editGlander developed the game using Unity, though hired developers as needed. Speaking to Game Developer, Glander explained that he set out to create "a gentle [Grand Theft Auto]", with the creation of art as the primary aspect of gameplay. The setting and art style was inspired by Super Monkey Ball and mini golf courses, while the gameplay mechanic took inspiration from Kid Pix.[6] While Glander did not attend art school themselves,[7] the game includes prompts based on genuine art school tasks.[8] Glander also produced the soundtrack to the game, making use of automated drum patterns and synthesizers generated by GarageBand, in addition to a vocaloid.[7]
Reception
editArt Sqool received "generally unfavorable reviews" according to Metacritic.[9]
Criticism focused on the game's lack of depth and randomised grading system.[10][11][12] John Walker of Rock Paper Shotgun called it "a tiresome chore to play through" and encouraged prospective players to use Microsoft Paint instead.[4] Some reviewers, however, praised its art style and surrealist nature,[13][14] and others noted its commentary on arts education.[3][15]
References
edit- ^ Baines, Josh (February 1, 2019). "Cécile Dormeau, Braulio Amado and other INT faves try out Julian Glander's new game, Art Sqool". It's Nice That. Archived from the original on 2020-01-01. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ "ART SQOOL gets a release date on Nintendo Switch. Pre-order starts today". www.gamasutra.com. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Ramos, Jeff (March 1, 2019). "Art Sqool took me back to real-life art school". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 5, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Walker, John (February 6, 2019). "Wot I Think: Art Sqool". Rock, Paper, Shotgun. Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ "Art Sqool Lets You Get Creative Without Having to Pay for Art School". pastemagazine.com. February 18, 2019. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Graft, Kris (February 20, 2019). "Getting to the heart of art in the delightfully strange Art Sqool". Game Developer. Archived from the original on 2021-08-27. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ a b Skolmoski, Sammi (March 6, 2019). "Julian Glander's Self-Built Video Game 'Art Sqool' Teaches Masterclass In DIY Absurdity". Bandcamp. Archived from the original on 2020-01-01. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ "A Game About The First Year Of Art School". Kotaku. 5 February 2019. Archived from the original on 19 September 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ "Art Sqool". Metacritic. Archived from the original on May 16, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ "Art Sqool Review: Everything's Made Up And The Points Don't Matter". ScreenRant. November 29, 2020. Archived from the original on December 25, 2020. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ "Art Sqool Review". New Game Network. 8 December 2020. Archived from the original on 29 November 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Gould, Trevor (December 28, 2020). "Review: Art Sqool (Nintendo Switch)". Pure Nintendo. Archived from the original on 2020-12-28. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ "Hey Froshmin, Welcome to Art Sqool!". Eye on Design. October 25, 2018. Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ Salcedo, CJ. "Art Sqool Review – GameCritics.com". gamecritics.com. Archived from the original on 2020-12-12. Retrieved November 3, 2021.
- ^ "'Art Sqool' Is a Game About Following Your Passion in an Exploitative World". Vice. 8 February 2019. Archived from the original on 2020-12-04. Retrieved November 3, 2021.