Super Scribblenauts
Super Scribblenauts is an emergent action puzzle game developed by 5th Cell and published by Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment for the Nintendo DS handheld game console. The game was released on October 12, 2010. It is the sequel to the Nintendo DS game Scribblenauts.
| Super Scribblenauts | |
|---|---|
 Cover art | |
| Developer(s) | 5th Cell |
| Publisher(s) | |
| Director(s) | Jeremiah Slaczka |
| Designer(s) | Sean Wissler |
| Engine | Objectnaut |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo DS |
| Release |
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| Genre(s) | Emergent, puzzle, action |
| Mode(s) | Single-player, online level sharing |
The object of the game is to solve puzzles by writing or typing any object which exists in the game's vocabulary, in order to interact with other parts of the level. The vocabulary includes numerous adjectives that can give the object special properties that may be needed to solve a puzzle.
Gameplay
Super Scribblenauts is a side-scrolling action-oriented puzzle game that requires players to collect objects called "Starites" by inputting words, such as "ladder" or "fire", in order to collect these objects. One of Super Scribblenauts' features is the ability to add characteristics to objects, such as a "green refrigerator" or "anthropomorphic antimatter". More than one adjective can be tied to a single object, making it possible to summon objects such as "big flying purple pregnant octopus".[1] Players control the main character, Maxwell, using either the touch screen, D-Pad, or face buttons. Maxwell is a boy who has a "magical" notebook that makes written words come to life. Creating new objects with that notebook is the key to the game.[2]
The game includes a hint system as well as an improved level editor. The level editor allows the player to create various types of levels such as playgrounds (objectiveless levels that allows players to goof off, test combinations, or create words for Ollars) or adventure missions, and allows the player to pre-spawn objects via notebook icon.[1]
Plot
Reception
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Super Scribblenauts has received generally favorable reviews. It currently holds a score of 81/100 on Metacritic.[3] It holds an 8/10 on Eurogamer and a 9.0/10 on IGN. IGN's Daemon Hatfield stated, "Super Scribblenauts is as fun and imaginative as you are." He also praised the game's refined control scheme and incorporation of adjectives, but criticized its low level of difficulty. The British magazine ONM gave it an 86%, saying, "It's a step above the original, nearly everything's improved here and the addition to adjectives is heartwarming. A good step in the right direction for Scribblenauts."
GameSpot, however, was not nearly as ecstatic about the game, giving it a 6.5/10 and criticizing its restrictions on user creativity and lack of "real-world logic."[7]
Development
5th Cell revealed they improved the physics and fixed the controls, as many have complained about the predecessor's imprecise touchscreen movement system.[8]
References
- "Nintendo Power Reveals Scribblenauts 2, Due Out This Fall". Kotaku.com. 2010-03-06. Archived from the original on 2011-03-28. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
- AJ Glasser. "Nintendo Power spills the beans on Scribblenauts 2, News from". GamePro. Archived from the original on 2010-12-26. Retrieved 2010-10-27.
- "Super Scribblenauts for DS Reviews". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved 2010-10-30.
- Christian Donlan (2010-10-27). "Super Scribblenauts DS Review". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
- Scott Alan Marriott (2010-10-12). "Super Scribblenauts Review - DS". Eurogamer.net. Retrieved 2011-04-17.
- Jordan Baughman (2010-10-12). "Super Scribblenauts DS Review". Gamesradar.com. Retrieved 2011-04-17.
- McShea, Tom (2010-10-12). "Super Scribblenauts Review for DS". GameSpot. Retrieved 2011-03-28.
- "Scribblenauts Review". Archived from the original on 2011-03-28.
Give me advanced controls and let me turn on D-pad control for Maxwell so I can get him to do exactly what I need him to do. Nothing's more irritating than to set up something hugely elaborate with multiple items in a level, only to have the guy "accidentally" screw up the plan by tripping over your hard work...