Scribblenauts Review, Nintendo DS – Video Games
Write Anything, Solve Everything in New Handheld Puzzler for DS/DSi
Scribblenauts, released in North America on September 15th, is an emergent puzzle game released by developer 5th Cell, also responsible for other hot DS titles such as the popular Drawn to Life series, as well as Lock's Quest.
What is an Emergent Puzzle Game?
The term “emergent gaming” refers to intricate and unexpected unfolding of the gameplay experience that is engineered by comparatively simple gameplay mechanics.
This pertains directly to Scribblenauts – the main feature of the game being that you can simply write any object into your notepad and it will appear for your use or interaction! The goal of the game is to collect Starites that may be placed in puzzling or precarious positions, and in order to gain that Starite, the player will have to get their creative juices flowing in order to come up with a logical (or even fantastic) solution!
Need to get that pesky little kitty down from a tree? Write in “ladder” to summon a ladder to lean against the tree and climb up – or perhaps “hot air balloon” is more your style, so that you can float upward and get the cat down! Perhaps scribbling “dog” and placing an energetic German Shepherd into the tree will be enough to get that 'fraidy cat down. With Scribblenauts, the possibilities are almost endless.
How Much Gameplay is There in Scribblenauts?
With 220 levels spanning 10 worlds of play, and each level having a great deal of replayability due to the multiple methods of solving each (as well as precious Ollars for solving the puzzles in unique ways) – Scribblenauts will likely not disappoint, especially at the Nintendo DS price point of ~ 34.99 or ~29.99 used immediately upon release.
The levels range from the extremely easy and basic in the initial stages to the somewhat maddening or frustrating in later installments. One of the few annoyances that the game does weigh the player down with is the control of Maxwell, the protagonist. While the stylus is used to scrawl, conjure, and place objects that Maxwell has summoned, the stylus also directs Maxwell's movements, leading to untimely death in many circumstances due to poor tracking and control.
This is a minor concern when the learning curve has been defeated, however, as the player will learn how to better control Maxwell and what situations to avoid when it comes to attempting a delicate move.
Final Thoughts on Scribblenauts Experience
Scribblenauts is a deeply enjoyable game that is appropriate for children, teens, and adults alike. It is truly a title that one can sit down and play with their children – who will likely be better at it than their parents are due to a sharp and innovative imagination! The greatest appeal of Scribblenauts is the extreme creativity that has gone into not only developing the game, but considering the attributes of each individual lexical item.
5th Cell has taken the time to provide a toolbox of creation to the player which, in a handheld title, is quite an achievement indeed. Look out for this style of gameplay to make it to the console market in deeper incarnations in the coming years – Scribblenauts is thematically revolutionary and deserves the acclaim it receives.
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Those interested in Nintendo products might be interested in Wii Nation, Rise of the Casual Gamer. Perhaps a Review of Personal Trainer : Cooking, or if that's steep - how about an article entitled What is the Nintendo DS / DSi?
Scribblenauts, Emergent Puzzle, Nintendo DS Game
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