Super Scribblenauts
Encyclopedia
Super Scribblenauts 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.
" or "fire
", in order to collect these objects. One of Super Scribblenautss 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
". 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. 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.
. 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."
revealed they improved the physics and fixed the controls, as many have complained about the predecessor's
imprecise touchscreen movement system.
Emergent gameplay
Emergent gameplay refers to complex situations in video games, board games, or table top role-playing games that emerge from the interaction of relatively simple game mechanics....
action
Action game
Action game is a video game genre that emphasizes physical challenges, including hand–eye coordination and reaction-time. The genre includes diverse subgenres such as fighting games, shooter games, and platform games, which are widely considered the most important action games, though some...
puzzle game developed by 5th Cell
5th Cell
5TH Cell is an independently owned video game developer founded in 2003 as 5TH Cell Media, LLC. by Joseph M. Tringali, Jeremiah Slaczka and Brett Caird and currently develops video games for the Nintendo DS and Wii.-Overview:...
and published by WB Games for the Nintendo DS
Nintendo DS
The is a portable game console produced by Nintendo, first released on November 21, 2004. A distinctive feature of the system is the presence of two separate LCD screens, the lower of which is a touchscreen, encompassed within a clamshell design, similar to the Game Boy Advance SP...
handheld game console
Handheld game console
A handheld game console is a lightweight, portable electronic device with a built-in screen, game controls and speakers. Handheld game consoles are run on machines of small size allowing people to carry them and play them at any time or place...
. The game was released in October 12, 2010. It is the sequel to the Nintendo DS game Scribblenauts
Scribblenauts
Scribblenauts is an emergent puzzle action video game developed by 5th Cell for the Nintendo DS published by WB Games. The game was released September 15, 2009 in North America, September 30, 2009 in Australia, and October 9, 2009 in Europe. Konami released the game in Japan under the name on...
.
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.
Gameplay
Super Scribblenauts is a side-scrolling action-oriented puzzle game that requires players to collect objects called "Starites" by inputting words, such as "ladderLadder
A ladder is a vertical or inclined set of rungs or steps. There are two types: rigid ladders that can be leaned against a vertical surface such as a wall, and rope ladders that are hung from the top. The vertical members of a rigid ladder are called stringers or stiles . Rigid ladders are usually...
" or "fire
Fire
Fire is the rapid oxidation of a material in the chemical process of combustion, releasing heat, light, and various reaction products. Slower oxidative processes like rusting or digestion are not included by this definition....
", in order to collect these objects. One of Super Scribblenautss features is the ability to add characteristics to objects, such as a "green
Green
Green is a color, the perception of which is evoked by light having a spectrum dominated by energy with a wavelength of roughly 520–570 nanometres. In the subtractive color system, it is not a primary color, but is created out of a mixture of yellow and blue, or yellow and cyan; it is considered...
refrigerator
Refrigerator
A refrigerator is a common household appliance that consists of a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump that transfers heat from the inside of the fridge to its external environment so that the inside of the fridge is cooled to a temperature below the ambient temperature of the room...
" or "anthropomorphic antimatter
Antimatter
In particle physics, antimatter is the extension of the concept of the antiparticle to matter, where antimatter is composed of antiparticles in the same way that normal matter is composed of particles...
. More than one adjective can be tied to a single object, making it possible to summon objects such as "big flying purple pregnant octopus
Octopus
The octopus is a cephalopod mollusc of the order Octopoda. Octopuses have two eyes and four pairs of arms, and like other cephalopods they are bilaterally symmetric. An octopus has a hard beak, with its mouth at the center point of the arms...
". Players control the main character, Maxwell, using either the touch screen, D-Pad
D-pad
A D-pad is a flat, usually thumb-operated directional control with one button on each point, found on nearly all modern video game console gamepads, game controllers, on the remote control units of some television and DVD players, and smart phones...
, 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. 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.
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 unused words and type them in. To earn more ollars, look at the objectives, such as no weapons, and follow them for maximum ollars.Reception
Super Scribblenauts has received generally favorable reviews. It currently holds a score of 81/100 on MetacriticMetacritic
Metacritic.com is a website that collates reviews of music albums, games, movies, TV shows and DVDs. For each product, a numerical score from each review is obtained and the total is averaged. An excerpt of each review is provided along with a hyperlink to the source. Three colour codes of Green,...
. It holds an 82.33% on GameRankings, an 8/10 on Eurogamer
Eurogamer
Eurogamer is a Brighton-based website focused on video games news, reviews, previews and interviews. It is operated by Eurogamer Network Ltd., which was formed in 1999 by brothers Rupert and Nick Loman. Eurogamer has grown to become one of the most important European-based websites focused on...
and a 9.0/10 on IGN
IGN
IGN is an entertainment website that focuses on video games, films, music and other media. IGN's main website comprises several specialty sites or "channels", each occupying a subdomain and covering a specific area of entertainment...
. 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
GameSpot
GameSpot is a video gaming website that provides news, reviews, previews, downloads, and other information. The site was launched in May 1, 1996 by Pete Deemer, Vince Broady and Jon Epstein. It was purchased by ZDNet, a brand which was later purchased by CNET Networks. CBS Interactive, which...
, 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."
Development
5th Cell5th Cell
5TH Cell is an independently owned video game developer founded in 2003 as 5TH Cell Media, LLC. by Joseph M. Tringali, Jeremiah Slaczka and Brett Caird and currently develops video games for the Nintendo DS and Wii.-Overview:...
revealed they improved the physics and fixed the controls, as many have complained about the predecessor's
Scribblenauts
Scribblenauts is an emergent puzzle action video game developed by 5th Cell for the Nintendo DS published by WB Games. The game was released September 15, 2009 in North America, September 30, 2009 in Australia, and October 9, 2009 in Europe. Konami released the game in Japan under the name on...
imprecise touchscreen movement system.