Super Scribblenauts

Super Scribblenauts
Cover art
Developer(s)	5th Cell
Publisher(s)	NA/EU/AUS WB Games JP Konami
Engine	Objectnaut
Platform(s)	Nintendo DS
Release date(s)	NA October 12, 2010 EU October 29, 2010 AUS October 27, 2010 JP October 13, 2011
Genre(s)	Emergent, puzzle, action
Mode(s)	Single-player, online level sharing
Distribution	Nintendo DS Game Card

Super Scribblenauts (スーパースクリブルノーツ, Sūpā Sukuriburunōtsu) is an emergent action puzzle game developed by 5th Cell and published by WB Games for the Nintendo DS handheld game console. The game was released in October 12, 2010. It is the sequel to the Nintendo DS game Scribblenauts.

The object of the game is to solve puzzles by writing or typing any object within the game's vocabulary to interact with other parts of the level. The game's vocabulary includes numerous adjectives that can give the object special properties that may be needed to solve a puzzle.

Ollars

Ollars are the main currency in the game and can be earned by finding new words and completing missions. Ollars can be used to purchase specific in-game abilities like new avatars and/or hints. The vast majority of imaginative players will find their pockets swelling with this currency. If low on ollars, many players go to the playground with a dictionary and type in unused words. To earn more ollars, look at the objectives, such as no weapons, and follow them for maximum ollars.

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's 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 just a normal boy who has a "magical" notebook that makes written words come to life. Creating new objects with that notebook is the key to just about everything you have to do in the game.^[2] It also 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 you to pre-spawn objects via notebook icon.^[1]

Plot

The game starts with the player being introduced to adjectives that you could add to the words such as a checkered flag. The only boss fight is at the end where Maxwell's evil doppelganger hijacks a U.F.O. and uses its tractor beam to steal the last Starite. To pursue your enemy, you must spawn a winged animal or any other flying object. Afterwards, you must trace shapes made out of the collected Starites and blast Doppelganger. After completing this objective, Maxwell lands safely on a planet. Not long after, the doppelganger's flaming U.F.O crashes, and all that is left are several piles of ashes and a dead Doppelganger. A box appears that says "Restart - Starite was destroyed". The screen then says that it was only a joke, and you must write up another Starite. After you collect the Starite near the dead Doppelganger, the credits then start which ends gameplay.

Reception

Super Scribblenauts has received generally favorable reviews. It currently holds a score of 81/100 on Metacritic.^[7] It holds an 82.33% on GameRankings, an 8/10 on Eurogamer and a 9.0/10 on IGN. IGN's Daemon Hatfield stated that, "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."^[8]

Development

5th Cell revealed they improved the physics and fixed the controls, as many have complained about the predecessor's imprecise touchscreen movement system.^[9]

References