Super Scribblenauts NDS review

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Supper Scribblenauts NDS

Reviewed By: Aaron Waller

Storyline, & Concept:

Super Scribblenaughts is the sequel to the original Scribblenaughts for Nintendo DS. The original gave you, Maxwell, a few options as far as playability goes. The levels were 1 through 10, and each one of those had 10 additional sub levels. Each section was based on a certain type of environment and in some cases played a role in figuring out the puzzle that lay ahead. For each sublevel there were two choices, and you could play either or both. The first, my favorite option was the puzzle option. The level had an objective to complete, and you had to type in words in the games dictionary to create the items you needed to accomplish that goal. The other option for each sublevel was more based on action, fighting, &/or rescuing/protecting a character. A lot of these levels were very fun, but I found it to be quite aggravating when I would type something in, and it would not accept it or it would be something different than what you wanted. That actually pales in comparison to how many words the game actually does recognize. Cthullhu Lord of Dreams is actually a character you can bring into the game, just about anything you can think of you can bring in to the Scribble world. With the exception of a few items on a few levels THAT WOULD HAVE MADE IT EASIER!!!... Alas I digress... The sequel; Scribblenaughts 2, or Super Scribblenaughts is basically the same thing just an enhanced uber version of its former. While you're not only able to type what you want into the game, you can also write adjectives that add color, or texture, or even SIZE/size to your creations. I was fascinated to see that I could create a metallic, tiny, furry, building to complete a puzzle level. You also like the first game, are able to create your own level and play in it, but you can also download it to other players systems so they can play it as well. They took out the option of buying new music themes, which I myself was ok with. And in order to do an action level, you have to beat a certain level, or amount of levels to unlock them. I found that to be a little constrictive, but otherwise I was fine with my puzzle solving levels. Most sequels to video games usually leave me weeping and gunning for the nearest GameStop to trade in, but I was and still am happier with this Super version over the original. I should mention that the game really has no plot per-say, I myself created a story for Max. I honestly cannot wait to see what they can do for a 3rd installment to this great, inventive game.

Score:

N/A for story, 5 out of 5 stars for concept

Controls:

The controls are the basic DS style controls, only you also have the option to just use the D-pad rather than the stylus. I prefer the stylus when it comes to this game, just because it's easier to choose what letters you want & it's faster. So far Super Scribblenaughts handles exactly like the original, I have not finished the game yet so don't hold me to it as a promise. But I do not foresee any changes in its control style any time soon. If you have never played either of these games, the controls are simple. You use whichever tool you want to move your guy side to side, he'll automatically jump over ditches and hit things if the object is made to be hit. When you either want to create something or the puzzle demands it, you just use the dictionary symbol in the upper right and subsequent keyboard to type what you want. It's a rather simple control style, which is often calming to me when I've had my fill on PS3 and 360, but still want to continue gaming.

Score:

3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Synopsis:

I've basically given you my view of the game and its predecessor already in my previous paragraphs, but if you need a clearer statement explaining my opinion and review of this game then... I for one absolutely love the games. It not only congratulates you when you keep coming up with new words and ideas, but just the amount of things you can create are amazing. There are some limits to the players creativity, but those limits are so far away I haven't seen them yet. I mean come on, how many other games can you tell it to create a metal furry house? Of course the game does rely heavily on your ability to read the language you have it for, so children not yet old enough to read by themselves should wait until they are. Parents will also be happy that their kids are learning not only English, but problem solving as well. I'm almost 30 myself, and I love playing it, but most of my friends do not. So I would say junior high through high school might be best for this series. For anyone that cared to read this far into my review thank you, and go get a copy soon. And if you don't like it, trade it for something else, but you should try it!

Overall Score:

5 out of 5 stars!