Orly's Draw-A-Story

Lore & Background

Orly's Draw a Story centers on two main characters: Orly, an 8-year-old girl, and her talking frog friend Lancelot, who lives in Jamaica. The game features four unique stories narrated by Orly: 'The Ugly Troll People,' 'The Strange Princess,' 'Lancelot, Bug Eater,' and 'One Big Wish.' Players illustrate each story by creating original drawings or using ready-made objects, which become animated and integrated into the narrative. Additional features include 'Make A Storybook,' where players create their own scenes and type text, and a 'Doodle Pad' for practicing drawing skills.

Reader's Guide

Orly's Draw a Story received positive reviews from video game reviewers and non-gaming publications such as Computer Life and Newsweek, though it was not a market success. Allgame's Lisa Karen Savignano praised it as 'much better than most contemporary drawing games on the market,' noting its ability to spark creative stories in children. The Independent listed it among the 50 best ways to boost a child's brainpower in 1999. At the inaugural Interactive Achievement Awards in 1998, it won 'PC Creativity Title of the Year,' beating Disney's Magic Artist, Barbie Cool Looks Fashion Designer, Print Artist Platinum, and The American Girls Premiere. The game was later repackaged in 2001 by The Learning Company as an educational game for schools.

Did You Know?

• The game was designed by ToeJam & Earl Productions.
• It won the 1998 Interactive Achievement Award for Computer Innovation.
• The main character Orly is voiced by Alreca Whyte.
• The game was repackaged in 2001 by The Learning Company for school use.