Illustrator Mary Engelbreit has built a business empire on her vibrant and whimsical illustrations of tea cups, flowers, and rosy-cheeked children. For her newest venture, she partnered with iOS app developer Auryn to release Breitville, an iPad-only digital paper doll play space.
Breitville builds on the idea of traditional paper dolls, but with added interactive features. The user can bring dolls to life, name and dress them, take them to the beach or the park, and even decorate rooms in several different virtual doll houses for the dolls to play in.
Upon opening the app for the first time the user is greeted with a video of Engelbreit sharing her love of paper dolls, and some of the reasons she wanted to create Breitville. Users can return to the video at any time by tapping the sprocket on the screen’s lower left to access the settings. The settings also include a video tutorial with Engelbreit.
To create a doll tap on the house marked Dolls. Choose from five different dolls: two boys, two girls, and an adorable baby. After choosing the doll, give it a name, and choose an outfit and hat. As is typical with paperdoll sets, some of the outfits have clear themes. There are bathing suits, gardening clothes, winter gear, and pajamas. Then “bring your doll to life” by dragging the red heart to its chest.
Once you’ve made a doll, it’s time to play. Choose from a range of doll houses to set up and decorate for your doll, play at the park or the beach, or record a scene at the TV studio. As you move the iPad the town changes perspective, shifting with the user’s motion, which makes the app feel more finished.
To record a scene, choose a background then add the dolls you wish to play with. Tap the record button and imagine what the dolls might be doing, then save your work and watch what you’ve created. To delete a scene, tap the director’s clapper and then tap the trash can.
Soon users will also be able to visit “Cozy Corner’s Country Store,” from within the app. So look for more fun in the next update.
Download Mary Engelbreit's Doll Dress-Up: "Breitville" from the App Store for $3.99.
What I liked: Breitville stays true to the simple pleasure of the paper doll, while offering top-notch iOS integrations. For example, asking the dolls questions was a fun, unexpected addition to the game.
What I didn't like: The video introduction felt overly long.
To buy or not to buy: Fans of Mary Engelbreit, of paper dolls, or children who crave creative play will all enjoy Breitville.
- App Name: Mary Engelbreit’s Doll Dress-Up: “Breitville”
- Version Reviewed: 1.0.3
- Category: Games
- Developer: Auryn, Inc.
- Price: $3.99
- Score:
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