When Scribblenauts hit store shelves last year, it dazzled audiences by allowing any object to be conjured up to complete levels, only limited by the player’s imagination. While still a simple platformer, it was easily one of the most impressive Nintendo DS titles in 2009. Developer 5th Cell is following up on their success with the release of Super Scribblenauts for the DS platform, but with some changes to the control scheme, general level design and the added ability to use adjectives with your new creations. The presentation of the title is similar to the first, a light, bouncy feel that makes you want to take the young protagonist, Maxwell, though all 120 levels.

120 levels is a noticeable step down from the 220 that populated the original game, but you have to play levels multiple times to earn all the medals for solving each puzzle uniquely. In addition, players have the ability to create their own levels and send them to their friends to play. If you have a tough time completing the levels, there’s a new hint system that’s been included in the game. Similar to Professor Layton and the Unwound Future, you have to earn currency (called Ollars) to purchase up to two hints per puzzle. The hints are intentionally vague, thus still requiring you to put your creativity to work. But they certainly get the brain moving. There are also advanced challenges that are unlocked after the main levels are completed, many of which will have you scratching your head for a while.

Another exceptional difference between the previous title and Super Scribblenauts is the addition of a new control scheme. Previously, you have to use the inaccurate stylus controls to point Maxwell in the right direction. The inaccuracy was partly due to his rate of speed, far too fast. You can still use the stylus control, but the developer included the ability to control him on the D-pad. Additionally, both control schemes are more precise due to the slower range of motion. It’s a vast improvement over the original and definitely less frustrating.

Adjectives are another cool inclusion that allows the player to increase the power of their created items. For instance, it you create “Moldy Cheese” at Maxwell’s beach party, you are probably going to get your guests sick and fail the level. But if you create “Delicious Hamburgers”, you will win easily. The creativity of the adjectives is only limited by the choices of the player and up to 10 adjectives can be added to the noun. Granted, you have to keep your vocabulary choices in the PG range since this is rated E for everyone, but there’s a ton of fun to be had. Just don’t except to create “Sexy, Bloodsucking Female Vampire” or anything. (I’ve been watching way too much True Blood lately).

If I had any major problem with Super Scribblenauts, it’s that it can be frustrating when trying to find the correct adjective to do with your noun. This is partly due to being too dependent on the clue and making attempts to match that same thought process. I constantly had to avoid getting stuck in the guess-and-check rut of testing adjectives and move onto another solution.

Graphics

• The visuals have the same playful charm of the original game and are just as colorful on the DS screen. These hand drawn graphics are animated perfectly and will appeal to kids of all ages. My only problem with the graphics engine is that it didn’t take a major leap from the last game, but that’s likely due to the hardware limitations. I can’t wait to see what 5th Cell does with the 3DS.

Audio

• Once again, the sheer amount of sound effects that are included with the game will boggle the ears. Obviously, the developer has to plan for all sorts of created items, hence the array of sound effects. The rest of the musical effects match the presentation of the game and do an excellent job of animating Maxwell’s journey.

Conclusion

While the restrictive nature of the levels is certainly a downer for the free-from crowd, the vastly improved control scheme and ability to toss adjectives into their creatures is going to excite fans of the original (Laughing Purple Grizzly Bear, anyone?). In addition, the level generator is perfect for this type of game, namely seeking out the most creative and putting the tools in their hands to create more Super Scribblenauts levels. Super Scribblenauts represents the developer’s step forward into fixing the problems of the previous game and giving the levels more structure for future releases. If you have any love for platformers or simply games oozing with originality, don’t hesitate to pick up Super Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS.



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