Scribblenauts

[Evil Avnovice]

IGN has a world exclusive debut (http://ds.ign.com/articles/936/936157p1.html) on 5th Cell's upcoming "Emergent" game, Scribblenauts. Along with an interview with 5TH Cell's Co-Founder and Creative Director Jeremiah Slaczka, there's a trailer and images for viewing.

5th Cell is planning a "Fall 2009" release for this title.

IGN: OK. Before we do anything else, fill everyone in on what Scribblenauts is, and how in the heck this game will work. It's a really unique one, so feel free to fire away.

Miah: Scribblenauts is about creation and imagination really. It's our biggest DS title to date, and after spending a lot of time on Lock's Quest and on Drawn to Life, we ended up learning a lot. This is the culmination of everything we've learned as far as understanding how DS works, working visually, technically, and everything along those lines from concept to execution.

What Scribblenauts is about in a nutshell is basically "Anything you write, you can use." That's where the concept really came from. It's the idea of "What if you had all these puzzles, and in order to solve them you can write anything; the limit is your imagination." How you do that is through this character Maxwell. As Maxwell you have to grab in-level objects called Starites, and to do that you can write anything you want, and it'll spawn that object. So if there's a Starite in the tree, you could write "ladder" and then a ladder would spawn. Climb up the ladder, and you grab the Starite.

There're more ways of doing it though obviously. You could write "axe", and then cut the tree down using the object you spawned. You could write "shuriken" and throw that at the Starite in the tree and knock it down. It's all based on real physics and interaction, so there's nothing pre-canned. You could write anything though; imagine you write "goldfish" for some reason, well a goldfish would spawn and sit on the ground. It wouldn't help you at all in that puzzle, but you could do it.

IGN: So how in the world can you keep track of that all? It has to be just a ridiculous list of assets, and then on top of that comes all the art, the animations, the info for all these interactions Maxwell has with them. How do you even go about doing something like that. It's something – when you really think about how limitless the idea is – thus unprecedented, and we're not just talking about "on DS" here…

Miah:Our Technical Director Marius Fahlbusch is one of the founders of the company, so he's been with us for a longtime obviously. When I told him the idea from the beginning other programmers would have backed away from the idea and said "How are we going to do this?" or "No, this is impossible." But he was just like "Yeah, we can handle this. We can tackle this concept." So he got started on a system where everything in the game can be data-driven. We've got this tool that we created in-house called "Objectnaut", so now designers can put in any name of any object, and put in all sorts of data. We're talking AI properties, physical properties, attraction and repulsion to other objects, weight, size, where it splits, can you pick it up, is it flammable or how do elements effect it… really all these things that you need. We're spending a great deal of time just imputing tons and tons of these objects, and once we flesh it all out with this Objectnaut system, we have a hierarchy of data.

Let's look at an elephant, for example. It's an animal – a mammal – so we know that. It has organic flesh therefore, since every mammal has organic flesh. Now we don't have to write that in for every animal we make, the system just knows to attach that to anything we label "animal." We can then look at it and say "organic flesh can… well, it can be eaten, right?"

IGN: So how daunting is that task? How is there even room on the cart for it…

Miah:It's actually not that big. Our art style is very minimal, and we did that on purpose just because of the nature of the game, and all the animation is 3D. It's still a 2D game of course, but they're all basically "doll" animations, so that made things a lot easier. Real pixel 2D models with frames for each animation would be impossible, so it was a big goal of ours to find an art style and a way to technically still do what we wanted to do. It's simple looking, and while there isn't a lot of shading or deep colors we're still very pleased with its overall style and look. That's how we could produce so much art and still make it work.

IGN: Now how does this idea work of chaining together items to solve puzzles? You've alluded to this in before our actual interview by saying "Guess what! Today we chained a piece of meat to a pole and were riding a raptor around on the screen!" How does that all work? How many objects can you get on screen first of all, and then secondly what kinds of crazy contraptions have you done so far?

Miah:Objects on screen we're still looking at. It's more about the power of the DS than anything else, so we'll have to see when we get late into production on that one. As for combining things together, though, yeah, if you can think about it you can do it. You can take like a piece of meat and ride a dinosaur like you said, there's of course glue, rope, nails, tape, so you can attach things in that way. You can do all of that, of course.

IGN: I wanted to touch on 5TH Cell as a company, since you've now had two games for DS – Drawn to Life and Lock's Quest – so I'm curious how big you guys are now. How many people do you have working on Scribblenauts, and now long as the idea been in the burner?

Miah:The original idea came about right around the time – slightly after – of Lock's Quest, and that was spring of 2007, and we just decided to do Lock's Quest first. As far as team size, we're about 40 people total, and about half are on Scribble, so about 20 or slightly more total.

IGN: Is this a game you guys are shopping around the publishers already then, or are you sitting on it and just making it yourself and keeping close to home, or what's the strategy? Obviously, you don't have a publisher now since we can just talk directly and chat – you know, the way games should be done.

Miah:We're in talks with publishers now, yeah. We've had a lot of publisher interest already, so that isn't an issue for us. When Drawn to Life was finished it did very well for us, so now we've got a chance to take that initiative and take this idea and just run with it. When you're doing your own game and publishers aren't involved in the early stages so we can just do our own thing, that's where we're most comfortable. We wanted to take the money we got from Drawn to Life and turn it into our next big thing, which is what Scribblenauts is. We could design it, flesh it out, and starting working on it in private, and then when we're ready to show it off, we can, and have. We want it to be our vision though, so when we've got ability and vision we want to make it our own. With Drawn to Life and Lock's Quest already, that was us. That was our idea that people bought into and enjoyed. So coming up with the ideas, polishing it, and developing it, that's how we want it to continue, and that's what we're doing with Scribblenauts now.

-FriendFeed (http://friendfeed.com/scribblenauts-ds)
-Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/Scribblenauts-Nintendo-DS/dp/B002B1TDV8/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1244235093&sr=1-5) Page
-GameStop Page (http://www.gamestop.com/Catalog/ProductDetails.aspx?sku=181031) (Pre-Order bonus)
-Release date: September 15, 2009

[Evil Avnovice]

Off-topic: Matchman (http://media.ds.ign.com/media/142/14257830/imgs_1.html)

[Purple Santa]

Scribblenauts already caught ADD's eye. She wanted to know if this could be a xmas for THIS year.

Matchman? Those screens looked interesting...then I had to search for more info. Said a shooter to come out in March '09.

[Variable Gear]

I'm looking forward to this with great anticipation. Looks fun!

[Karak]

...Strange.
I was utterly uninterested in this.
And I have no idea why.

[Mr. Murphy]

It's certainly possible that the final result will be broken or not fun in some way, but just as a concept and a step forward in game design, this sounds pretty incredible to me. Thanks for the post, it is now on my radar.

Personally, this is the kind of thing I'd like to see frontpaged more often.

[Doctor Setebos]

The official site (http://www.scribblenauts.com) is live with some screenshots (http://www.scribblenauts.com/screenshots.html). And a trailer (http://www.scribblenauts.com/trailers.html).

[Doctor Setebos]

Stephen Totilo plays "stump the Scribblenauts developer (http://multiplayerblog.mtv.com/2008/12/19/scribblenauts-ds-developer-skepticism/)", and loses.

I started looking around my office and naming stuff, trying to stump him:

Cake mix? (Because I have “Portal” cake mix from Valve)

Slaczka did a search and said that the game can render a cake mixer, cake mix and pancake mix — all different objects with different properties.

Hourglass? (Because I have a “Phantom Hourglass” from Nintendo)

Yes.

Pushpins?

Of course.

Briefcase?

Yes, the game will make the same object whether you write “briefcase,” “suitcase” or “case.” They would be classified as containers. Dragging something else to them would put that something else in the container.

Lint?

Sure, that’s classified as kindling. Combine it with a match and it’ll burn.

I stopped naming things. Slackza swears that they’ve thought of everything. Exotic foods may not make it. Don’t expect “some eastern mountain Bolivian dish,” he said. But do expect… “dialysis machine” to work.I'm impressed. :)

[Aggort]

I will certainly stealing the girlfriends DS to play this one. Sounds like it's going to be a lot of creative fun. I've heard that creativity and imagination thing is in right now.

[Evil Avnovice]

The “Scribblenauts” game is set to be comprised of more than a hundred “casual” and “core” level. “The premise behind the design is that casual levels are life situations,” Slackza said. “Like a piñata hanging and you can hit it with a bat.” Or you can take down that piñata with whatever else you can imagine and write into the DS. The core levels, he said, would be tailored to gamers, involving switches and spike pits and stuff like that. In those levels too, the player would write in whatever objects they want to use.

I like what I'm hearing so far. I wonder how this would work for the platforming segments?

[Evil Avnovice]

A preview by Eurogamer (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/scribblenauts-preview).

[Purple Santa]

This is definitely sounding like a must buy. And the preview made me realize again I need to get Drawn to life...

[Everyone vs Dinosaurs]

Whats the hippy-hap on drawn to life?

[KamaItachi]

Whats the hippy-hap on drawn to life?

I was unimpressed. Nice concept but just no sold on the platforming in general.

I am totally stoked for this, though.

[Everyone vs Dinosaurs]

I was unimpressed. Nice concept but just no sold on the platforming in general.

I am totally stoked for this, though.

Oh, that is too bad.



And yeah, I am super excited for their newest title, could be revolutionary.

[Evil Avnovice]

Debut trailer.

45889

[Spockrocket]

lol, a cop and a doughnut... classic

[J Arcane]

I will certainly stealing the girlfriends DS to play this one. Sounds like it's going to be a lot of creative fun. I've heard that creativity and imagination thing is in right now.
Shh. Don't tell that to the "hardcore gamers", they'll start frothing at the mouth.

[TheFlyingOrc]

This is relevant to my interests.

Dialysis Machine, seriously?

[J Arcane]

This is relevant to my interests.

Dialysis Machine, seriously?
I'm not sure under what context you could solve a puzzle by way of a dialysis machine, but I'm suddenly curious as to find out.

[Doctor Setebos]

I'm not sure under what context you could solve a puzzle by way of a dialysis machine, but I'm suddenly curious as to find out.From reading various interviews and discussions on the game, it sounds like any object that appears in the game fits into any number of pre-established categories. Each category contains all of the scripting necessary for the object to interact with the world.

For example, there is a "throwable object" category that footballs and rocks fall into. A "container" category that briefcases and suitcases go into.

A dialysis machine? Fuck if I know where that would go.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Well, when your character eats 1000 "IBUPROFEN" Objects, his KIDNEY objects will begin to fail, and then you'll know why you needed it.

[Doctor Setebos]

Well, when your character eats 1000 "IBUPROFEN" Objects, his KIDNEY objects will begin to fail, and then you'll know why you needed it.Yeah, but how does that accomplish the goal of netting you a Starite?

Someone takes pity on you and goes up and gets it themselves? Now THAT would be some impressive situational scripting.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Yeah, but how does that accomplish the goal of netting you a Starite?

Someone takes pity on you and goes up and gets it themselves? Now THAT would be some impressive situational scripting.

The game does have cops that chase donuts.

[Doctor Setebos]

The game does have cops that chase donuts.I forgot about that.

There could be some great scenarios built into this game.

[TheFlyingOrc]

I forgot about that.

There could be some great scenarios built into this game.

Holy crap, I wonder how many profession-based characters there will be?

Like, can I do Accountants? Flight Attendants? Rabbis?

[Doctor Setebos]

Rabbis?Yes. "Rabbi" is now the first object I'm attempting in this game.

If it has a Rabbi, instant GotY.

If I can have a Rabbi, a Minister, and a Priest walk into a bar - GOT Fucking MILLENNIUM.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Yes. "Rabbi" is now the first object I'm attempting in this game.

If it has a Rabbi, instant GotY.

If I can have a Rabbi, a Pastor, and a Priest walk into a bar - GOT Fucking MILLENNIUM.
I'm just seeing if the unicycle object and the bear object can interact.

[Superman's Dead]

Wow. I am impressed.

Edit: Alright, I'll say it. What happens when you put in "penis"?

[Doctor Setebos]

Wow. I am impressed.

Edit: Alright, I'll say it. What happens when you put in "penis"?Only if you also put in
vagina

Then, you reach the final level immediately.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Wow. I am impressed.

Edit: Alright, I'll say it. What happens when you put in "penis"?

He said there will only be family friendly stuff. No bad words.

Hey, does ARM do anything?

Blast it, I am really looking forward to this game.

[J Arcane]

He said there will only be family friendly stuff. No bad words.

Hey, does ARM do anything?

Blast it, I am really looking forward to this game.
as I put it when describing the game to a friend, "You could put in pussy, but expect it to spawn a cat."

[Doctor Setebos]

as I put it when describing the game to a friend, "You could put in pussy, but expect it to spawn a cat."Will "cock" give me a rooster?

[TheFlyingOrc]

Will "cock" give me a rooster?

If you put cock in, you'll probably void your warranty and may electrocute your genitals.

[Superman's Dead]

This is the kind of videogame my friends and I were dreaming about when we were like 11. I'm really excited. The thread for this game, when released, will be epic.

"I sawed the tree down!"
"I used a ladder!"
"I built a pulley system!"
"I summoned Voltron!"

[Doctor Setebos]

If you put cock in, you'll probably void your warranty and may electrocute your genitals.Hmmm.

Might be worth it.

[Everyone vs Dinosaurs]

Imagine the problems you could solve with an anus.

[Doctor Setebos]

Imagine the problems you could solve with an anus.Well, that might depend on just whose anus we're talking about here.

[Superman's Dead]

It depends on whose anus the game generates.

Oh man. This game is going to be so fun to try to figure out. Is a donut classified as 'food'? Will a cop chase 'cake'? Or 'Barbecue'? Will a cop chase a robber? If it knows shuriken does it know, say, lightsaber?

[Alkanos]

Oh man. This game is going to be so fun to try to figure out. Is a donut classified as 'food'? Will a cop chase 'cake'? Or 'Barbecue'? Will a cop chase a robber? If it knows shuriken does it know, say, lightsaber?If the level in the trailer is in the game, I am so cutting that tree down with a lightsaber!

[TheFlyingOrc]

If the level in the trailer is in the game, I am so cutting that tree down with a lightsaber!

Good idea, still going to try to get a bear on a unicycle to get it here.

[GrenMag]

Yes. I'm going to be using a tightrope, a unicycle, and a scary clown.

[Everyone vs Dinosaurs]

Good idea, still going to try to get a bear on a unicycle to get it here.


I'm going to slather the trunk with BBQ sauce and summon Civil.

[Purple Santa]

Yes. "Rabbi" is now the first object I'm attempting in this game.

If it has a Rabbi, instant GotY.

If I can have a Rabbi, a Minister, and a Priest walk into a bar - GOT Fucking MILLENNIUM.
I haven't heard one of those jokes in ages...now I need to go search for some...
I'm going to slather the trunk with BBQ sauce and summon Civil.

You will summon Voodoo since you are probably using his BBQ sauce. And he won't be happy ;)

[Evil Avnovice]

Warner Bros. Interactive will be the publisher for Scribblenauts. (IGN (http://ds.ign.com/articles/978/978907p1.html))

[TheFlyingOrc]

It has a publisher! *GLEE*

Have there been any more preview interviews or videos or anything?

[Doctor Setebos]

Yes! Can't wait for this one!

[Evil Avnovice]

It has a publisher! *GLEE*

Have there been any more preview interviews or videos or anything?

None that I've seen.

However, I've just come across this new trailer by way of GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/?p=81178)/Yahoo.

[Evil Avnovice]

An IGN interview (http://ds.ign.com/articles/978/978947p1.html).

IGN: So we're sitting down with you again today to chit-chat about how the game is going. Also, you're just so fun to chat with! About WB though… How did the deal come about? Was this something where 5TH Cell went after WB, or did WB see Drawn to Life or Lock's Quest and come to you guys?

Miah: WB Games is located in our area, we met with them last year and they've shown interest in the title as it's progressed. We've met with a lot of publishers about picking up this game and WB is definitely the correct one for this IP. The relationship has been great so far, we couldn't be happier.

IGN: Obviously you guys went really big with this game, and from the looks of it so far it's paying off. What aspects, if any, have you had to tweak or evolve as the project has progressed? Has it been a pretty smooth experience? I think everyone that hears about it has the same response, and it goes something like "Is that possible!?"

Miah: I should have Marius Fahlbusch, our Technical Director and also another Co-Founder, chime in on this one real quick.

Marius: Amazingly, there was very little iteration on the system as a whole, only in the details. We had a clear tech vision from the start and the luxury to plan long enough before implementing it. It is one giant system, and some aspects of the game weren't visible until all the modules were plugged together. Making the game easily accessible was challenging since we had to manage a lot of the complexity behind the scenes. But it all turned out as beautiful as we had hoped for and up to this day we are sometimes still surprised how smoothly the pieces work together. It really has been a fantastic experience developing Scribblenauts.

IGN: What's your favorite object in the game? Personally I know I'll be writing "zombie" and "shotgun" about a million times. Also, you can't steal those as your favorites, since I just said them. That's how I roll.

Miah: Night vision goggles are sick, Flamethrower is pretty rad. Medusa is not someone you want to mess with. It's impossible to decide, there's so many!

IGN: Last time we talked you mentioned some raptor-riding adventure you had with the game. Since then, what has been the best moment you've had? Any other awesome combinations you've dreamt up with the game?

Miah: Thunder clouds are pretty awesome. If Maxwell stands near a Telephone pole, the lightening will hit the pole, but if he's holding say a spoon, the lightning will be attracted by the metal and hit Maxwell, and if Maxwell is riding a panda on a unicycle at the time, then that panda's going be feeling it too. What's really awesome is if it's raining the lightning will set things on fire, but the rain will douse it out.

[Evil Avnovice]

Gametrailers flavoring.

48876

[Evil Avnovice]

A Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5261531/scribblenauts-stumpability-update) article. They try to see if Scribblenauts can be "stumped".

I tried "dog." Success. A dog appeared.

"Unicycle." That worked. Then I put the dog on it.

"Beer." Nope. Too adult.

"Root Beer." Success. Maxwell held the root beer.

Upon a publicist's suggestion: "Night Vision Goggles." Success. Maxwell put them on and the screen tinted green.

"Tabasco Sauce." Nope. Proper name?

"Sun." One appeared with a tether to hang it to the sky.

"Bear" then "Tiger"... Both appeared. They fought. The bear won as the tiger disappeared in a puff of smoke.

"Honey." The bear ran to it.

We tried a level that put Maxwell on an island and required him to reach a star by going over, through or under it. We input "Submarine," but we accidentally let the game give us a sandwich. We attempted it again and got a sub that shoots torpedoes.

We tried a level that puts Maxwell in a desert with a man who is parched. Another reporter suggested "Lemonade." That worked and he handed over a star. We tried it again. I suggested "Rain Cloud." It appeared over his head, and rain fell. That worked too.

[Ink Asylum]

Even if this game is short and simple, and the challenge level not too high, I will probably buy it just to support creative ideas in gaming. The concept is so unique and it really looks like they tried to cram is as many weird objects as possible.

[Evil Avnovice]

Details on how Scribblenauts' editing and sharing feature will work. (Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5265732/scribblenauts-has-a-little-bit-of-lbp))

The player who edits their level is ultimately creating an obstacle course for whoever plays that level once it is shared from DS to DS.

The goal, as in the pre-made stages of the game, will be to collect a star. But what will stand in their way, and how the shared world will behave, will be a surprise, courtesy of someone else.

Players start with pre-made terrain. They can write whatever they want into the game — as is standard with Scribblenauts — and it will appear. Writing a second thing into the level produces the opportunity to define the relationship between the two things that the level-creating player has put on the screen. So if you've written a bear and some honey into the game world, the bear can be made to fear honey instead of craving it. The producer demonstrating the game to me showed me a simple word-balloon-style menu that has these relationships listed in it. Pick the one you want and that will be the law in that level.

[Ink Asylum]

This is now the best game ever. (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/04/play-scribblenauts-off-keyboard-cat/)

While trying to stump 5TH Cell's Scribblenauts, it was suggested to us that we should try typing some Internet memes into the game's interface and see if they'd materialize. Our first experiment: Longcat. As it turns out, Longcat is in the game ... and he's looooooong. Equally long, but not pictured, is Longcat's nemesis Tacgnol. Seriously.

http://www.blogcdn.com/www.joystiq.com/media/2009/06/longcat0603092.jpg

Keyboard Cat is also in the game.

I cannot wait to try this for myself.

[Wraith]

Had no idea what this was until I read Scott's hands-on impressions of it, then saw that Joystiq post. Now I'm interested...

[Ink Asylum]

It probably won't be a very hard game, but it'll make up for it with sheer absurdity and hilarity as the game produces items you would never have expected.

[Ink Asylum]

Who will defeat the Kraken?

RTEUbtgpIgo

[Evil Avnovice]

Joystiq's E3 2009 hands-on (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/hands-on-scribblenauts/).

1. One level we played placed us in the desert with a thirsty, thirsty man. A cue appeared as we began the level: "Refresh him!" Of course, writing water would suffice -- but that's not very original, is it? My first time through, I managed to summon an oasis. It appeared, I dropped it into the ground, the man fell in, and the Starite appeared. At the end of the level, the game gave me a score based on how far I went over par (the target number of items you can beat the level with), and awarded me badges -- achievements for clever word usage.

Justin fed the man pomegranates until he fell victim to an overstuffed slumber. He created some lemonade, which the man then poured down his gullet -- level complete! Randy created a coffee shop. It appeared, the man ordered a cup o' joe at the carry-out window, drank it -- level complete!

3. Ludwig was tasked with navigating through a zombie apocalypse to reach a helicopter with his brains in tact. He attempted to hold the undead off with a wall, but he couldn't get build it fast enough to hold off the horde. He whipped out a shotgun, but their numbers were too large to dispatch with a firearm.

Naturally, his next instinct was to craft a time machine, which took him into the prehistoric ages. Of course, he was surrounded by unfriendly dinos, so he made a robot dinosaur, which he then mounted and used to destroy his scaly adversaries.

[Ink Asylum]

This game is going to create so many amazing stories. I hate that it won't be out until Sept. 1 but perhaps they'll use that time to add even MORE items. I hope they're keeping track of words people at E3 tried to summon but couldn't.

Creating a coffee shop in the middle of the desert so that a stranded man can sate his thirst. How cool is that?

I'd try to use stilts to walk over the heads of the zombies.

[Evil Avnovice]

Creating a coffee shop in the middle of the desert so that a stranded man can sate his thirst. How cool is that?

I have my fingers crossed that I can type "Kool-Aid" and have the Kool-Aid man burst out of the background to satiate his thirst. :p

[Ink Asylum]

Doubtful. There will probably not be many, if any, copyrighted names. "Bungee" didn't work, and that's as commonplace as "post-it," "kleenex," and "xerox."

Maybe if you type "Oh no!" some kind of kool-aid man knockoff will burst in.

I wonder how the thirsty man would appreciate a fire truck hose.

[Evil Avnovice]

What would be a good substitute for "Hawaiian Punch"? It probably wouldn't work, but reading about the coffee house solution just got me thinking.

Starbucks. Couldn't resist mentioning it.

Note: Also, the OP has been updated with Scribblenauts' Amazon page. It's saying "Oct 1, 2009" for release.

[Ink Asylum]

Gamestop says September 1st.

[Satertek]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16184727&postcount=217

I'm sold, haha.

[Doctor Setebos]

http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showpost.php?p=16184727&postcount=217

I'm sold, haha.THAT is awesome. :D

[Ink Asylum]

Joystiq puts 10 obscure or difficult words to the test and only one is not in the game. (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/06/05/scribblenauts-passes-our-ten-word-challenge-with-flying-colors/) But it will be in the final version!

Plumbob -- No dice! The game's lead designer was hanging over our shoulder as we entered in this unrecognized word. He quickly asked what it was, pulled out his phone and feverishly sent some unknown party a text message. "Okay," he said. "It'll be in the final product."

That's too cool. I wish I worked at that company, spending all day creating art for the oddest objects possible.

[Superman's Dead]

I get giggly whenever I read about this game...I'm so...giggly...

[Evil Avnovice]

impressions from 4 Color Rebellion (http://www.4colorrebellion.com/archives/2009/06/06/impressions-scribblenauts/).

[Evil Avnovice]

Fact sheet. (NintendoEverything (http://www.nintendoeverything.com/?p=17587))

PLATFORMS: Nintendo DS™
RELEASE DATE: Fall Autumn 2009
PUBLISHER: Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
DEVELOPER: 5TH Cell
ESRB RATING: (Rating Pending)(Pending)
GENRE: Emergent Puzzle/Action

PRODUCT OVERVIEW:
Scribblenauts is a completely original gameplay experience that anyone can play, offering all-age fun fun for all ages with two styles of gameplay and more than 200 levels. In Scribblennauts, players use the Nintendo DS™ touch-screen to help their character Maxwell acquire the Sstarite in each level by solving a series of puzzles armed with their stylus, notepad and imagination. Players jot down the word for any object that comes to mind in order to reach the goal. Every object behaves as it would in the real world, and players can combine countless objects to create completely new scenarios. Every level has more than one written object to use as a solution, opening up the game to extensive endless replay.

In Scribblenauts, players advance through ten worlds, each with eleven puzzle and eleven action levels for a total of 220 challenges to complete. Each level has a “par” for the number of objects suggested to finish the level. Beating a level with fewer objects thanunder par, earns “Ollars”, the in-game currency, which players can use to purchase new levels and music.

PRODUCT FEATURES:
• Create Your Own Interactive Experience: Objects you write down in the game are only limited by your imagination.

• Everyone Can Play: All-ages Ppick-up-and-play fun for everyone. .

• Touch-screen Controls: Easy to pick up and play on Nintendo DS™. If you can tap, you can play!

• Unlimited Replay Value: Use less objects to increase your score, or experiment with different objects for endless replay value. Write anything; solve everything!

• Playground Mode: Play the entire game in a sandbox style right on the title screen.

• Revolutionary MultiplayerCreate and Share Levels Online: Share levels you create with the Level Editor via Nintendo DS™ Wi-Fi Connection.

• Innovative New Title from Leading Developer: 5TH Cell, the creator of the Drawn to Life franchise and Lock’s Quest, has experience creating high-quality, innovative DS games.

[Sl1pstream]

Playground mode will be the bestest thing ever!

[Psykoboy2]

This was the gem of E3 this year. Totally unexpected and everyone was talking about it by day 2 "Have you seen Scribblenauts?" "You have to check it out before you go!"

[Evil Avnovice]

A new trailer. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=85476))

[Karmakin]

Playground mode will be the bestest thing ever!

You know, it might be an overstatement, but there's a very good chance you might literally be right. Playground mode in this game may very well be the best gaming experience in....decades?

From the way it looks and sounds, it's impossible. But they're doing it.

Man oh man, I really can't wait. I should go pre-order it.

[Ink Asylum]

God with a shotgun fights Cthulhu and they kill each other. I have never wanted a game more.

[Spigot]

This was the gem of E3 this year. Totally unexpected and everyone was talking about it by day 2 "Have you seen Scribblenauts?" "You have to check it out before you go!"I'm glad that you (and a lot of other podcasters) got a chance to learn about Scribblenauts. I've been stoked for this game since learning about it back when 1UP FM interviewed the creators around last Christmas. I don't know when it's going to hit, but I cannot wait.

[Ink Asylum]

September 1st, I believe.

[Panthera]

Who will defeat the Kraken?

RTEUbtgpIgo

Haha, I love seeing this video pop up all over the place. It was produced by the main website that I post on, www.nintendorks.com.

[Superman's Dead]

My best friend and I bought each other DSs (weird plural to type) two Christmases ago. He sold his and I kept mine (for Chrono Trigger, basically) and now he's going to buy one again just for this game.

I can't wait. Skateboard, tiger, rifle. Bam.

[Ink Asylum]

A tiger on a skateboard wielding a rifle? That is awesome.

I wish more people had taken personal videos of the game at E3.

[Psykoboy2]

I'll have some up this weekend. Even to the point where I was told I couldn't film.

[Ink Asylum]

Woo! Very excellent.

[Psykoboy2]

My point being was that I was told I couldn't film the game in action. So that might be why you don't see more videos.

[Ink Asylum]

Not too surprising. I'm sure that's generally frowned upon for any game. It's one thing to sneak cell phone video during a press conference or at a busy display, but for Scribblenauts, tucked away in a quiet corner, the developers are more likely to notice. Still glad you got some footage before being shut down.

[Psykoboy2]

Their excuse, and I don't remember if I caught this on camera or not, was that they didn't want the quality of what was being shown to go out to the public. They had small DS screens blown up on large LCD screens and had fear for how it looked like that.

I explained to them that they had nothing to worry about but that wasn't enough.

[Ink Asylum]

The developers seem like really cool people from what I've read. I think Scribblenauts is going to become more popular than even they expect. Should be great for them.

[Psykoboy2]

Ah, that explains it. I don't think I was being told from a developer not to film. I think it was a Warner Bros. rep telling me that.

[Psykoboy2]

By the way, type in "pirate" and he just sorta does nothing, but when you bring a "ninja" into the area with him - watch out!!

[Ink Asylum]

This game looks like it'll have more internet memes than any other game to date.

[Sandman]

I wonder if this game produces anything when you type in SANDMAN.

[Wraith]

I wonder if we could get them to put in Candlejack (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/candlejack). (It is from a warner brothers property, so...)

[Ink Asylum]

I can't imagine they'd add Candlejack, the legal iss-

[Doctor Setebos]

I'm want to put in a mirror and write Bloody Mary three times. :D

[Evil Avnovice]

An E3 2009 interview video from IGN, by way of Joystiq (http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/06/11/skateboarding-god-versus-cthulhu-in-scribblenauts/).

We don't know which god the "god" in Scribblenauts represents -- in our eyes, he's vaguely Zeus-esque. But we do know, thanks to this demo given to IGN by 5TH Cell's Jeremiah Slaczka, what would happen if this god got into a fight with Cthulhu. While on a skateboard. And holding a shotgun.

We also learn what happens when a villain sees a full moon: he transforms into a werewolf. Obviously. It's worth noting that none of these things helped get the Starite out of a tree, which was the actual objective of the level. That's going to be the biggest challenge in Scribblenauts: actually playing instead of just screwing around.

[Ink Asylum]

I'm curious what other spiritual or mythical figures made the cut. They talk about how they've put in every type of dinosaur they can think of, so what's to stop them from putting in all the ancient greek/roman or norse gods? They might be wary of putting Jesus or Mohammed in the game, but no one would bitch about including Thor, Odin, or Hades.

[Evil Avnovice]

I know Xena: Warrior Princess wouldn't make it in, but I'd pit her and Hercules against each other. Maybe add in Ares and Aprhodite.

[Ink Asylum]

I know the goal in the game is to beat the puzzles using the least number of objects possible, as well as generally fucking around, but there's great potential in this game to make some very complicated Rube Goldberg devices. Even more complicated than the Incredible Machine, which was limited to a dozen or two different components. The in game physics and attributes systems for each object could allow for some fun setups.

[Purple Santa]

By the way, type in "pirate" and he just sorta does nothing, but when you bring a "ninja" into the area with him - watch out!!
Someone obviously reads the debates on game forums involving this controversy :p
I wonder if this game produces anything when you type in SANDMAN.

I would think a wrestler reading a book in a library would pop up on the screen :cool:

[Evil Avnovice]

Scribblenauts has won four E3 2009 awards from IGN (http://games.ign.com/articles/987/987759p1.html):

1. Best Puzzle Game
2. Special Achievement for Innovation
3. Best Handheld
4. Overall Game of Show

[Evil Avnovice]

A very cool piece of fanart. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=85784))

[Spigot]

Ah, this is good to hear. When I'd heard about Scribblenauts last year, it was definately a game that fired me up but I didn't expect it to get the wider love that it's getting after E3. Let's hope that momentum keeps up and they make buckets of cash on it.

Imagine they could release it right now to capitalize on the buzz? Woo!

[Ink Asylum]

It may be IGN, but it's cool to see it actually get a "Game of Show" award. There was a lot of talk of it getting that award during the show but I expected otherwise after the excitement wore off. Hopefully this trend will continue.

[Ink Asylum]

Official Scribblenauts wallpaper (http://www.offworld.com/2009/06/one-shot-the-scribblenauts-tim.html) based on the infamous NeoGAF post: "I FUCKING TRAVELED THROUGH TIME AND JUMPED ON A DINOSAUR AND USED IT TO KILL MOTHERFUCKING ROBOT ZOMBIES."

http://www.offworld.com/oimages/scribblenauts217wallpaper.jpg

[Ink Asylum]

Penny-Arcade get some quality time with the game. Tycho's thoughts:

5th Cell might be better known as the Drawn to Life guys, possibly even the Lock's Quest guys, but I'm fairly certain that - come September - they'll be known primarily as the Scribblenauts guys.

They're local, so when they asked if they could drop by and show it off, we didn't hesitate. I looked over at Gabe's screen, and saw a space shuttle crash into a schoolhouse. I don't think that was the goal. For my part, in order to secure a subterranean whooziwatsit, I needed to crack the crust of the earth. I wanted to create an excavator, and when I entered the word, it wanted to know: did I mean a tracked construction vehicle, or a person who excavates?

Um, SOLD.

I also watched a brief video interview somewhere where one of the developers said that they had five guys for six months do nothing but find new words to put into the game. They didn't have to do the art, or the animation, or the programming, all they had to do was find words. Dictionaries, encyclopedias, wikipedia, reference books of all types. Their nine-to-five was amassing a huge quantity of objects for OTHER people to program into the game.

[Spigot]

That is awesome. I loved that quote by Tycho and the notion of having a job as a lexibitionist just tickles me ever so fiercely.

[Evil Avnovice]

A developer interview from TrueGameHeadz. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=86701))

[Wraith]

Fanart (not in the game):

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/kotaku/2009/06/scribbledudes2.jpg

http://kotaku.com/5303468/if-only-these-characters-were-actually-in-scribblenauts

[Spigot]

Man, that's awesome. I wish Phoenix Wright was in the game!

[Ink Asylum]

He did an excellent job capturing the style of the game. Loving the TF2 spy's mask.

[Smoof]

LMAO. Took me a few to figure out who the blue guy was...

[Panthera]

LMAO. Took me a few to figure out who the blue guy was...

I'm still trying to figure that out. Looks so familiar...

[Ink Asylum]

http://mtsix.com/wp-content/uploads/2006/04/tobias_funke.jpg

[Rock Bandit]

Well, looks like I just got sold a DS again. And I might as well make it a DSi. First thing I'm going to type is Samuel L. Jackson. Then shark. Good times.

[Ink Asylum]

You shouldn't expect to see any real people, celebrities, or fictional characters in the game that aren't in the public domain. Samuel L. Jackson most likely won't be in there.

The only proper name I've seen so far is Einstein. There might be others, but I wouldn't count on anyone alive.

[Rock Bandit]

With Kraken, Chutullhu, and God confirmed it's clear that mythical beings of legend are in so there's no reason for Samuel L. Jackson to not be. I mean, he's in everything else ever.

[MachEnergy]

With Kraken, Chutullhu, and God confirmed it's clear that mythical beings of legend are in so there's no reason for Samuel L. Jackson to not be. I mean, he's in everything else ever.

This right here should be somebody's sig. I'd sig it right now, but I'm too lazy. Still, this really made me laugh.

[Spigot]

With Kraken, Chutullhu, and God confirmed it's clear that mythical beings of legend are in so there's no reason for Samuel L. Jackson to not be. I mean, he's in everything else ever.Samuel L. Jackson vs. Morgan Freeman. I mean, Morgan Freeman is God, isn't he?

[Shrinn]

I claim this sig worthy statement as mine own!

Snakes on a Plane was awesome. The first thing I want to type is "Snakes" "Plane"

[H.Bogard]

ESRB's official description of the game content:

This is a puzzle game in which players navigate a series of traps, puzzles, and enemies to collect stars scattered throughout the colorful levels. Players have the ability to summon different objects by writing/typing in the word (e.g., bike, spaceship, lion) and watching it come to life. If multiple words are entered in a sequence, different whimsical scenarios can be triggered: a bicycle can be used to jump over a baby; a bulldozer can clear away a shark; and cabbage can be fed to dinosaurs. Players can elect to summon "cartoony" versions of bats, bombs, guns, and flamethrowers. These types of items can be used to destroy objects or even other summoned items (e.g., a club can be used to hit an animal; steak can be attached to a baby to attract lions; rockets can be lobbed at a man). These triggered animations are minimally depicted and are usually accompanied by popping, musical sound effects; bright, star-shaped flashes; or small puffs of smoke. If players wish to, they may type in the word vomit, which causes a beige-colored lump to appear on the screen.

[J Arcane]

steak can be attached to a baby to attract lions;

It has been said that there is no mind so dirty as that of the censor.

It seems the ultimate proof of this is to give them a game where the only limit is their imagination.

[Wraith]

steak can be attached to a baby to attract lions;Quoting this again, just because I can.

[Wraith]

More character fanart (Street Fighter, FFVII) here (http://ushio18.blogspot.com/search/label/scribblenauts).

[Wraith]

Not to mention a hojillion more in the GAF thread (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=366532).


http://i29.tinypic.com/34fiq38.png http://i30.tinypic.com/24bl18l.png http://i29.tinypic.com/2upvh1g.png http://i41.tinypic.com/2u9sns6.png

Yay, Kino!


http://i43.tinypic.com/jhrgbb.png http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm54/CyzirVisheen/scribblechibirobo-big.png http://i41.tinypic.com/r27o6p.png http://www.chrisgrahamart.com/ChrisGrahamArt_ScribblenautsColbert.png http://i41.tinypic.com/2i0yy49.png http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q90/jrricky/ChibiAmaterasuScribble120X180.png http://i31.tinypic.com/dww1ti.png http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q90/jrricky/KyleScribble90X120.png

[Ink Asylum]

steak can be attached to a baby to attract lions;

Two quotes isn't enough.

[Evil Avnovice]

A Joystiq interview (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/10/interview-scribblenauts-creative-director-jeremiah-slaczka/) with Jeremiah Slaczka (Creative Director).

[Evil Avnovice]

New video. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=88868))

[Evil Avnovice]

Some words Official Nintendo Magazine (UK) tried in Scribblenauts: (NeoGaf (http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=364053&page=64) Page 64, Post# 3,176

PERPETUALITY (not an object)
INTERNET
SANDBOARD
DELTOID
SHOVELWARE
ANTIMACASSAR
MISANTHROPE
GLITCH
ANTIDISESTABLISHMENTARIANISM (not an object)
COULROPHOBE
BOOBS (not an object)
JEDI (trademarked)
ONM (not in dictionary)
MEANING OF LIFE (not an object)
DS (trademarked)
HAMMER OF THOR (not in dictionary)
DANCING BANANA (not in dictionary)
USB STICK
RAPTOR JESUS (not in dictionary, potentially blasphemous)
SHOOP DA WOOP (not in dictionary)
ANNUAL
LEG WOUND
RUPEE
RUDOLPH

[Evil Avnovice]

A couple of new images from NintendoLife (http://ds.nintendolife.com/news/2009/07/new_scribblenauts_screenshots).

[H.Bogard]

I was planning on posting a separate thread for this, but I'm too sleepy right now, so huge letters will do:

Rickroll, keyboardcat, roflcopter, giant enemy crabs and more are in the game:

http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/scribblenauts/preview/see-keyboard-cat-in-scribblenauts/a-2009071010352125064/g-2008121016220156089

[NoName]

I was planning on posting a separate thread for this, but I'm too sleepy right now, so huge letters will do:

http://www.gamesradar.com/ds/scribblenauts/preview/see-keyboard-cat-in-scribblenauts/a-2009071010352125064/g-2008121016220156089

That's the same video from GoNintendo that Evil Avnovice posted. :)

Still, yay for internet memes being in the game.

[pseudopseudo]

I'm trying to figure out how "keyboardcat" was in the game, seeing as how the meme came after the game was shown off at E3.

If they added it in late... well fuck yes.

[Spigot]

I'm trying to figure out how "keyboardcat" was in the game, seeing as how the meme came after the game was shown off at E3.

If they added it in late... well fuck yes.I remember hearing a lot of stuff about keyboardcat in Scribblenauts during E3.

[Ink Asylum]

Know Your Meme! (http://knowyourmeme.com/memes/keyboard-cat)

Keyboard Cat being used to cap off hilarious fail videos has been happening since February. Here's an article from April describing how the meme has taken off. (http://www.urlesque.com/2009/04/10/breaking-play-him-off-keyboard-cat-is-our-new-obsession/) So it was popular before E3, though it's possibly the youngest meme in Scribblenauts.

[pseudopseudo]

Damn. I was either late to the party, or my sense of time is all fucked up.

Or both. Either way that's still awesome.

[Shrinn]

I wonder if extremophile (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremophile) is in there.

[H.Bogard]

Unrelated, but I found this (http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/2009/05/19/keyboard-cat-on-the-daily-show/)quite amusing.

For those who don't know, he said ColberTT*.

[Lekon]

Damn. I was either late to the party, or my sense of time is all fucked up.

Or both. Either way that's still awesome.

Bit of both, and yes, it is awesome. Some of the videos that have come out are great, but I think the best possible review is the ESRB Rating page. Something about "Wrapping babies in steaks to distract lions" just makes me really want to play a game. That, and the whole "Time travel to fight zombie dinosaurs with a flamethrower."

[Alkanos]

I wonder if extremophile (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/extremophile) is in there.Ok, that's creepy. I'd never heard this word up until yesterday when my brother (who's staying here for the summer) mentioned that he's been fascinated with Water Bears (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrade) recently. Now I've heard it in two completely separate places. Weird...

The ERSB has given me the idea, and I now need to try distracting lions with steak-babies when I get this game. :D

[Spigot]

The ERSB has given me the idea, and I now need to try distracting lions with steak-babies when I get this game. :DWhy wait for the game? Eh? EH?

[Shrinn]

Ok, that's creepy. I'd never heard this word up until yesterday when my brother (who's staying here for the summer) mentioned that he's been fascinated with Water Bears (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tardigrade) recently. Now I've heard it in two completely separate places. Weird...


That feeling happens to me a lot.

I originally heard it in this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fS1OryN8UHk) song. Now I keep thinking about it.

[Evil Avnovice]

An IGN (UK) preview (http://ds.ign.com/articles/100/1003029p1.html).

[Evil Avnovice]

Some new video; Ligers are confirmed. (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=89272))

YlOmeAl_P8g

[Wraith]

UK release date: September 25. Eurogamer (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/scribblenauts-uk-release-date)

[Lint of Death]

Just clicking links on this page, apparently if you type 'neogaf', you get an orb colored like the neogaf logo. Then, if you interact with it, a gamer pops out.

[Evil Avnovice]

1. Some new details. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=89603))

- you cannot draw your own character
- the idea for Scribblnauts originally began as a game that let you write your own story
- No Hitler, no Napoleon (sandwich is in), Lincoln is in
- they can use Warner Bros. characters, but that doesn't mean that they will
- you can store items in a refrigerator, and the items will be cold when you take them out
- Ollars are used to unlock new levels
- using simple solutions earns you less Ollars, making it harder to progress

2. Some new video from Games Guide (http://www.gamesguide.nl/artikel/10438/scribblenauts---gameplay-video/).

[Wraith]

- they can use Warner Bros. characters, but that doesn't mean that they willhttp://i255.photobucket.com/albums/hh149/Beckhamut/freakazoid.jpg

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa227/Shaymoth/candlejack.jpg

http://i134.photobucket.com/albums/q100/racejoe/pinky.jpg

Please?

[Evil Avnovice]

Another gameplay video from Games Guide (http://www.gamesguide.nl/artikel/10435/scribblenauts---gameplay/).

[Evil Avnovice]

Gameplay video from ButtonMasher (http://buttonmasher.co.nz/blog/2009/07/17/scribblenauts-preview/).

LlZ0dQ2ATxU

[TheFlyingOrc]

http://i202.photobucket.com/albums/aa227/Shaymoth/candlejack.jpg


I wouldn't want them to include Candle Jack, that would be very dange-

[Evil Avnovice]

Gameplay footage of Level 10-6. These are linked to NintendoRaw (http://www.nintendoraw.com/?p=9909) from GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=89939), and (GoNintendo) labels these as spoilers, just in case you don't want to see how this level is solved until you get Scribblenauts for yourselves.

RdbNBuR6dS8

[Wraith]

Eurogamer hands-on (http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/scribblenauts-hands-on)

[Wraith]

http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/141227-scribblenauts-trailer-just-makes-us-smile/action7-10_edited-noscale.jpg http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/141227-scribblenauts-trailer-just-makes-us-smile/action9-7_edited-noscale.jpg http://bulk2.destructoid.com/ul/141227-scribblenauts-trailer-just-makes-us-smile/puzzle4-11_edited-noscale.jpg

Scribblenauts trailer just makes us smile (http://www.destructoid.com/scribblenauts-trailer-just-makes-us-smile-141227.phtml) (Destructoid)

[Ink Asylum]

Is that elephant fighting terrorists with a rocket launcher? Is that a big daddy and a little sister with a syringe? Can you dress Maxwell up in whatever you can summon?

Can't handle the win!

[Spigot]

I'm just grumpy that the game isn't coming out mid-August like I was sure it would. Now it's not out until 2 days after my big week long trip to the bush with work. Sigh.

At least I'll have Professor Layton to keep my brain busy.

[Purple Santa]

I'm just grumpy that the game isn't coming out mid-August like I was sure it would. Now it's not out until 2 days after my big week long trip to the bush with work. Sigh.

At least I'll have Professor Layton to keep my brain busy.

"Big week long trip to the bush"...um, you join the army or something via time travel circa 1968? :p That sounds like you are going to visit Vietnam...which now makes me want to track down that FPS Vietnam game again...

[NoName]

That dragon is wielding swordchucks, right?

[Ink Asylum]

I've been annoyed with GameStop/EB since I learned they mark up DS games by $5, but I might not be able to resist pre-ordering Scribblenauts from them.

Best preorder bonus ever. (http://kotaku.com/5324428/preorder-scribblenauts-get-a-rooster-hat)

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/9/2009/07/504x_max_front.jpg

Rooster hat!

[NoName]

Must... resist... Gamestop...

[Ink Asylum]

Rooster hat!

[Evil Avnovice]

53259

53230

[Wraith]

Joystiq is running a Scribblenauts challenge (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/07/31/take-the-joystiq-scribblenauts-challenge/), in which they take reader suggestions for how to solve a puzzle. They'll try some of the suggestions out and see what works.

[Wraith]

Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5327438/scribblenauts-live-word+test-preview-just-say-the-words-%5Bconcluded%5D#pager) tries reader-submitted words in the game.

A few of the results:

shrink ray: Rendered a little zapper. I put it in the hero, Maxwell's hand. Got nothing to shoot it at since you were first.

dentist: Not only did I get a dentist, but I shot him/her with the shrink ray. She shrank and ran away.

spork: Tested Spork. Maxwell now wields a spork.

cabbage: Green cabbage. Put it on the floor and the shrunken dentist ran up to it. I think she ate it.

tortilla: Dentist ate that too

sasquatch: A large sasquatch appeared. He's not bothering the dentist

Durian: Made a Durian. Fed it to sasquatch

Cyborg: The cyborg was attacking sasquatch, but sasquatch won

Black hole: Made a vortex. then everyhing went black. Now I'm back with all my creations gone

werewolf: Werewolf with a very big wolf head

Priest: priest is in black vestments. running away from werewolf

[Evil Avnovice]

IGN is kicking off a weekly feature (http://ds.ign.com/articles/100/1009800p1.html) leading up to Scribblenauts release. They talk about one of the levels ingame and some solutions they've tried out. New video is included in the media section.

[Evil Avnovice]

Also, the OP has been updated with Scribblenauts "September 15" release and its GameStop page, including the pre-order bonus.

[Ink Asylum]

Late summer is a busy time for the DS. This, Professor Layton, and Mario & Luigi 3. I haven't broken out my DS since Rhythm Heaven so I'm looking forward to it.

[Evil Avnovice]

A preview from Vooks (http://www.vooks.net/story-18281-Preview-Scribbling-with-the-near-final-version-of-Scribblenauts.html).

[Evil Avnovice]

And some (German) gameplay footage. (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=91685))

[Wraith]

Joystiq (http://www.joystiq.com/2009/08/04/the-joystiq-scribblenauts-challenge-your-solutions-redux/) tries some reader-suggested solutions.

Kotaku (http://kotaku.com/5329596/16-attempts-at-scribblenauts) completes a level in 16 attempts.

[Evil Avnovice]

Volume 2 (http://ds.ign.com/articles/101/1012022p1.html) of IGN's weekly feature. They take suggestions off of the (forum) boards and try it ingame.

[Evil Avnovice]

A preview from NowGamer (http://ds.nowgamer.com/previews/ds/686/scribblenauts?o=0#listing).

[Evil Avnovice]

IGN's volume three (http://ds.ign.com/articles/101/1014239p1.html) of their weekly feature is up.

[Wraith]

X-Play preview:

29MpiEAtj4o

[Evil Avnovice]

Yep. I believe that's the same preview I (partially) watched earlier this week.

[Wraith]

New official art (http://tinycartridge.com/post/162856116/grand-scribblenauts-artwork-click-for-larger), drawn for Nintendo Power Italy.

[Ink Asylum]

One month until release!

[Evil Avnovice]

"Accolades" trailer: (GoNintendo (http://gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=93489))

242jkoDHynQ

[Purple Santa]

How can I not pre-order with the rooster hat bonus :).

[Spigot]

Oh, this is a great fall for people who like to think.

[Evil Avnovice]

"GC 09: German Scribbling Gameplay" video:

54761

[Evil Avnovice]

Volume 4 of IGN's weekly (http://ds.ign.com/articles/101/1017071p1.html) feature is up.

[Evil Avnovice]

Developer diary video. (GoNintendo (http://www.gonintendo.com/viewstory.php?id=94199))

[Ink Asylum]

I am done watching videos and reading impressions. I just want the damn game already! Arrrgh!

[Superman's Dead]

TEN DAYS!

How excited? So excited. I think this will be the first time I try to get Wal Mart to break a street date.

[Spigot]

I finally got an e-mail that confirms that we are getting the rooster hat up here, so I'm happy for that.

[Evil Avnovice]

Sorry Ink: (Joystiq (http://nintendo.joystiq.com/2009/09/03/special-scribblenauts-launch-at-nintendo-world-store-sept-13/))

For those in the New York area, pencil in on your calendar that Scribblenauts will launch two days early at the Nintendo World Store in Rockefeller Plaza. Scribblenauts creative director Jeremiah Slaczka will be there to autograph copies of the game, and there will also be "premium item giveaways" -- which had better be the infamous "rooster hat."

The event kicks off at 11AM....

[Ink Asylum]

Sorry for what? This is great news. I'll be there!

[Gaz]

I can't bear to read any news, reviews or any other details about Scribblenauts... it's either too painful, as someone else has the game and yet I DON'T, or it's just because when it comes around to playing, I want to use my own ideas in the game.

Long time since I've looked forward to a DS game, that's for sure.

[Spigot]

I can't bear to read any news, reviews or any other details about Scribblenauts... it's either too painful, as someone else has the game and yet I DON'T, or it's just because when it comes around to playing, I want to use my own ideas in the game.

Long time since I've looked forward to a DS game, that's for sure.I'm kind of the same way. I haven't bothered to watch/read any of the preview things since at least E3, if not further back for fear of ratcheting up my hype machine into impossible levels.

I just know that the game will be out the week after I get back from my trip so that will be nice!

[Superman's Dead]

I can't stop watching, because I want to come up with better solutions. I DREAMED about this game. In my dream, my solution was skyscraper, grappling hook, hang glider.

I am so excited.

[SilentScreams]

Are DS games region locked?
If not, I'll probably get this imported, since we're getting it a bit later than you guys.

[Camel]

Are DS games region locked?
If not, I'll probably get this imported, since we're getting it a bit later than you guys.
Nope, only stuff that is specific for the DSi is region locked.

[Superman's Dead]

Are DS games region locked?
If not, I'll probably get this imported, since we're getting it a bit later than you guys.

There is no other choice.

[Xerxes]

I've been resisting this game but I don't think I can any longer. Might have to pre-order on Amazon. $2 off and another $2.70 with ECA discount.

[Smoof]

Man, between this and Disgaea 2, I'm already out $60. Now I'm sort of hoping Red Faction for PC sucks, so I wont have to buy it too.

[Ink Asylum]

Only a few days to go. People are getting their hands on copies ahead of time, apparently, and one industrious person cracked open the ROM and dumped out the entire 22k+ word dictionary into a text file. (http://rush68.net/u/files/scribfull.txt) I glanced through it but I'm resisting the urge to read more. Maybe when I've exhausted my imagination in game I'll look for fun things to try.

In other news, is anyone else going to be at the NYC Nintendo World Store early launch tomorrow? I'll be showing up a couple hours early to ensure my place in line. So excited to get my grubby paws on this game after all this time waiting.

[SilentScreams]

That's one big list...I'm going to put some of those in just to see what the game actually does when I do.

[pseudopseudo]

Just a heads up - "lightsaber" doesn't work. (I'm guessing because of copyright issues.) "Lasersword" however, does work.

I got my hands on it yesterday (I have a super nice manager at my store) and the only complaint I have about it so far is that my mind apparently thinks of items that are too specific. I get the "word not found" message quite a bit, and it's not even like I'm trying to outsmart the game.

I refuse to look at the word list though... I'd think that'd take most of the fun out of the game.

[Disgustipated]

My girlfriend and I were playing this yesterday... for quite a long time. We made ninjas and pirates fight each other, gave a monkey a sword to fight with, put a chef in his refrigerator, took him out encased in ice, and thawed him with a flamethrower. That's just a short list.

Impressions: sometimes frustrating controls (it can be very imprecise, and tapping Maxwell to move him feels very awkward). They really should have mapped the D-pad as Maxwell's movement and the L/R buttons as the camera. I'd love to see different controls for the inevitable sequel, as that'd clear up my biggest issue with the game.

Otherwise, I love the ingenuity and flat-out love & attention to detail the game has. This is a game that'll never get old as there's tens of thousands of items to interact with and experiment with. And yes, chaining meat to a baby and having a lion eat the baby is too cool.

Pick this game up. I believe it's the DS's defining moment, and a revolutionary game in the vein of Garry's Mod.

[RandoM51]

Some fun things, spoiler-tagged for those who want to find them on their own.

portal

It didn't work the way I expected, LOL.

trampoline + parachute

So relaxing.

banana, feed it/eat it and you get a banana peel

[Spigot]

So is this supposed to be out tomorrow or Tuesday? I'd love it tomorrow.

I'm hoping to use this to help teach my son to spell. He can read, sort of, in a 5-year old kind of way, but he's lazy. Attaching spelling and reading to something like this will make a fun bedtime activity.

[Joshkdmw]

Hey guys, guess who got a early copy yesterday? The dummies at Future Shop had them all on the rack on the 12th - they broke the street date!

I have been playing this game ravenously. If anyone has any questions, feel free to ask.

I will say this: Scribblenauts is just as good as you think it's going to be. Hell, probably better.

[pseudopseudo]

There are many "LOL - that makes entirely too much sense!" moments in the game, but my favorite thus far is:

attempting to take out a dinosaur with a meteor... and in the process killing everyone/everything in the stage. Extinction! Woo!


I agree with Riley - the biggest (only?) disappointment of Scribblenauts lies in the controls. They really, REALLY should've mapped the D-pad as movement and just kept the buttons as the camera movement. I've failed many a stage because my zombie Maxwell moved too far, or jumped down into something when I wasn't trying to.

I will say this: Scribblenauts is just as good as you think it's going to be. Hell, probably better.

I can't say the same - I'm a little underwhelmed, honestly. I won't say it's a bad game at all, 'cause I'm having a lot of fun. The couple of problems I have with it keep it from being as good as I thought it was going to be, though.

[Joshkdmw]

There are many "LOL - that makes entirely too much sense!" moments in the game, but my favorite thus far is:

attempting to take out a dinosaur with a meteor... and in the process killing everyone/everything in the stage. Extinction! Woo!


I agree with Riley - the biggest (only?) disappointment of Scribblenauts lies in the controls. They really, REALLY should've mapped the D-pad as movement and just kept the buttons as the camera movement. I've failed many a stage because my zombie Maxwell moved too far, or jumped down into something when I wasn't trying to.



I can't say the same - I'm a little underwhelmed, honestly. I won't say it's a bad game at all, 'cause I'm having a lot of fun. The couple of problems I have with it keep it from being as good as I thought it was going to be, though.

The moving is not ideal, but you can get used to it. Don't hold onto the screen, for one. Just tap where you want to go - like an RTS. Or, as you say, you'll end up jumping into various things.

[pseudopseudo]

The moving is not ideal, but you can get used to it. Don't hold onto the screen, for one. Just tap where you want to go - like an RTS. Or, as you say, you'll end up jumping into various things.

I don't hold onto the screen - I may have a couple of times when I was starting out but like you say, you learn quick; the controls still leave much to be desired.

[Joshkdmw]

I don't hold onto the screen - I may have a couple of times when I was starting out but like you say, you learn quick; the controls still leave much to be desired.

I can grant the game is not perfect. But do the real mechanics of the game (and the priorities of the developers) lie in this area? Nay, nay. This game is a puzzler with platforming elements, not t'other way 'round.

[Ink Asylum]

The early Nintendo launch event was ridiculously amusing. The artist for the game posted a bunch of pictures on his blog. (http://ushio18.blogspot.com/2009/09/scribblenauts-nintendo-world-store.html)

Here's how the line looked after they handed out a hundred or so rooster hats. That'd be me in the red pants.

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_5eysZVRL-e0/Sq2tmWzpA_I/AAAAAAAAAqs/ZQZHyEnwykA/s1600/scribblenauts+launch_edy01.JPG

Inside there was a kick ass Maxwell cake and Starite cupcakes, as well as a signing with the developers. Didn't get my copy signed but I did chat with one of the team for a few minutes before heading to Central Park to relax and play the game for a while.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_5eysZVRL-e0/Sq2tCPh_g0I/AAAAAAAAAqE/FSB21xsoFQ0/s1600/scribblenauts+launch_edy06.JPG

As for the game itself, I'm very happy with it. Yes, the controls can be wonky and Maxwell will jump or run into trouble, but it's quick to restart a challenge and it gets easier with practice. I definitely enjoy the puzzle challenges more than the action ones so far, you end up using more diverse items. The advanced challenges where you have to do the same puzzle three times without repeating a word can be difficult in a good way, especially if you want to avoid the obvious solutions, and I imagine they'll just get more difficult in the later levels.

I was slightly underwhelmed by the level editor. While you can reprogram active objects like people and animals, there is no way that I can find to make the starite appear when certain conditions are met. You can hide it past obstacles, but you can't really set up puzzles. I want to design a series of levels based on the 12 trials of Hercules, but I'll have to just describe most of the goals with no reward. Still, you can set up pretty much any kind of scene.

All in all, I love it and can spend hours in the sandbox title screen testing out words and pitting creatures against each other.

[pseudopseudo]

All in all, I love it and can spend hours in the sandbox title screen testing out words and pitting creatures against each other.

I am super glad they have that. It's so nice that there's somewhere to just play around and test stuff out without consequences. :)

[Spigot]

I can't wait for the rooster hat. The guy at EB was trying to explain it to my wife while she picked up my copy of Muramasa and her reaction to my reaction about the rooster hat was priceless.

I wasn't 100% sure it was actually wearable. Nice to see.

Please tell me I can pick the game up tomorrow. PUH-LEASE!

[Joshkdmw]

I can't wait for the rooster hat. The guy at EB was trying to explain it to my wife while she picked up my copy of Muramasa and her reaction to my reaction about the rooster hat was priceless.

I wasn't 100% sure it was actually wearable. Nice to see.

Please tell me I can pick the game up tomorrow. PUH-LEASE!

Try going to future shop, brah.

[Spigot]

Try going to future shop, brah.But I won't get my rooster hat that way!

[Joshkdmw]

But I won't get my rooster hat that way!

No, but you walk away with something far more important:

The game. And your dignity.

[Ink Asylum]

Word that's in the game that impressed me the most so far: Scylla. And she's not just a generic monster model (her companion Charybdis summons a generic Hydra), but an accurate portrayal with multiple animal heads, tentacle tail, and woman's body.

[JayVe]

No, but you walk away with something far more important:

The game. And your dignity.

Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack. -Rule of Acquisition #109

[Spigot]

Screw your dignity. I want my rooster hat. And I can wait one more day if I have to.

[Sandman]

Tomorrow the game is delivered to my doorstep....love release date delivery.

[Superman's Dead]

So is this supposed to be out tomorrow or Tuesday? I'd love it tomorrow.

I'm hoping to use this to help teach my son to spell. He can read, sort of, in a 5-year old kind of way, but he's lazy. Attaching spelling and reading to something like this will make a fun bedtime activity.

It will also train him to use his brain in a craaaazy out of the box way if he really gets good at it.

Can you imagine someone thinking about things categorically and evaluating situations so broadly from that young? Maybe it's just the Stephen King I read before bed, but I see insta-Gunslinger.

[Joshkdmw]

Screw your dignity. I want my rooster hat. And I can wait one more day if I have to.

Does this hat do something? Other than sit on a shelf ofr a few years until you move, and regretfully discard it, claiming a need for more space?

It's a damn rooster hat. There must be something I'm missing.

Dignity and an empty sack is worth the sack. -Rule of Acquisition #109

I disagree mightily, good sir, but this is neither the time nor the place.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Tomorrow the game is delivered to my doorstep....love release date delivery.

I use the amazing "going to store" method.

Also, you will have 0 rooster hats, so I'm winning.

[RandoM51]

Rooster hat is badass. I'd have to be drunk to wear it, but still.

I hope this game gets a sequel, there is definitely some great ideas here, only hampered somewhat by the implementation. The controls are annoying and the more complex the puzzle gets the more you'll find yourself fighting the controls.

There are times where I've failed a puzzle AFTER getting the starite. You never know when brief contact with any other object in the game is going to kill some other object. I'm going for the starite and the wizard stubs his toe, oops, you lose. The worst has to be using ropes/chains to connect things. I'm starting to figure out why it only works about 1 try in 10. There is some non-obvious logic that won't let one end connect unless the other end is already connected or completely free from obstruction. I'll be flying my chain around the screen in a nice loop to clear it just so I can connect it. Doing this while piloting a vehicle is particularly annoying. The game flips a coin sometimes, seems like, and guesses whether a) you're trying to pick up the connector, b) you're trying to move the vehicle, or c) you're trying to jump out of the vehicle so the vehicle lands on the creature you're trying to save/move, causing you to lose. It picks C way too often.

Also annoying is that most objects in the game have the mass of a feather... except for creatures, most of which mass slightly less than a blackhole. If you put a bridge across a chasm, anybody following you will knock the bridge off instead of just walking over it. Don't use one bridge, use two and glue them together. Don't even get me started about penguins and frictionless, topheavy icebergs, LOL.

Anyways, very cool game that I hope gets polished to perfection in a sequel.

[Ink Asylum]

Good observation about creature mass, Random. I leashed a rabid dog to a "post" which summoned a stone pillar about ten feet tall, yet the dog had no trouble dragging it as he came biting at my heels. I finally had to use a "wall" which is anchored to the environment.

This morning I was airlifting a patient via airship and a chain and it took me a good minute or so to drag him through the air to the hospital.

[menage]

Just picked it up, gave a cop a donut, this game is neat.

[Sandman]

I use the amazing "going to store" method.

Also, you will have 0 rooster hats, so I'm winning.

You can keep your rooster hat. Less clutter when I toss it aside. Also, I DON'T have to go into a Gamestop. That is a plus I'll take any day.

[RandoM51]

Just picked it up, gave a cop a donut, this game is neat.

Lol, I gave him a donut too. I felt guilty, but I needed to come up with something to do it three times on advanced.

[Spigot]

Does this hat do something? Other than sit on a shelf ofr a few years until you move, and regretfully discard it, claiming a need for more space?

It's a damn rooster hat. There must be something I'm missing.I'm a sucker for swag that doesn't cost more than the list price of the game AND as this is an item that can actually be worn (unlike, say, the cat helmet), either I or one of my two kids can wear it for fun around the house. Or in public, if we're feeling silly enough.

I did find a copy for sale today at the local Play N Trade who were more than happy to give it to me in exchange for money. My preorder is still at EB so I'll wait until tomorrow or Wednesday for the rooster hat. I'm likely going to either sell my second copy to my friends or give it to my son, depending on how user friendly it is. I know I won't want him stealing my copy all the live-long day.

Any word on what the multiplayer part is like? If it's fun, I might keep the second copy for my son so that we can play together (we're always looking for new 2-player games).

[Spockrocket]

Getting it tomorrow as an early birthday present for myself. Can't wait :D

[Ink Asylum]

Any word on what the multiplayer part is like? If it's fun, I might keep the second copy for my son so that we can play together (we're always looking for new 2-player games).

I don't believe there's actual multiplayer, just user-creation and sharing of levels.

[Spigot]

I don't believe there's actual multiplayer, just user-creation and sharing of levels.Hmm. It says, "Multi-cart play" on the back but I guess that's just level sharing. I'll just sell it to my friends or bring the second copy back to the store and return it once I get my rooster hat.

[menage]

Lol, I gave him a donut too. I felt guilty, but I needed to come up with something to do it three times on advanced.

That's what I immediatly liked about this game. Having to do challenges 3 times to get your brain working an alternatives. That's where the fun starts I think. The rest is great, but that makes it special.

update:
Played around with it some more. It's a nice gimmick, when it works. But too often I run into things that technically just don't work. Objects which behave weird. And I'm already getting frustrated as hell that I'm depended on words in a library and that venus flytrap isn't one of them for instance. Perfectly logical way to catch a fly, but noooooooo.

[menage]

Eurogamer gave it a 7

Great concept, flawed execution, horrid controls. Basically

[TheFlyingOrc]

You can keep your rooster hat.
This sentence must be in a language other than English, because I cannot understand it.

[alienmastermind]

That's what I immediatly liked about this game. Having to do challenges 3 times to get your brain working an alternatives. That's where the fun starts I think. The rest is great, but that makes it special.

update:
Played around with it some more. It's a nice gimmick, when it works. But too often I run into things that technically just don't work. Objects which behave weird. And I'm already getting frustrated as hell that I'm depended on words in a library and that venus flytrap isn't one of them for instance. Perfectly logical way to catch a fly, but noooooooo.

Venus Fly Trap works. Venus Flytrap doesn't.

For some reason.

But that's how I killed the fly. Have you tried bug spray?

Also Beekeepers are the Natural Enemy of Bees. And a Flood is not refreshing in the desert. In fact it kills everyone.

Things you learn when playing Scribblenauts.

Words I can't wait to try:

Singularity
Black Hole
Pestilence
Swarm

[menage]

Venus Fly Trap works. Venus Flytrap doesn't.

For some reason.

But that's how I killed the fly. Have you tried bug spray?


Yeah, I tried that, it worked. there's also flyspray, which gives you the same item twice basically but counts as 2 different things.

[shunoshi]

But that's how I killed the fly. Have you tried bug spray?

Also Beekeepers are the Natural Enemy of Bees. And a Flood is not refreshing in the desert. In fact it kills everyone.

Bug Spray works exactly like you think it would. Beekeepers appear to be big wussies who run away from bees instead of "keep" them. :p

[Ink Asylum]

Some useful items I've discovered:

"Bridge Ladder" - This was being used in one of the puzzle levels so I checked it with the magnifying glass. It is vastly superior to a regular "Bridge". It's longer, and flatter, so it's easier to position and less likely to get knocked out of place. "Suspension Bridge" also makes a longer, more stable bridge.

"Magic Wand" - An excellent weapon for dealing with ridiculously powerful enemies. One shot turns any creature into a frog. I used it against a dragon who managed to kill every powerful creature I threw at it. I haven't found anyone immune yet. This counts as harming the creature.

"Spring Shoes" - A nice item for increasing Maxwell's jump without flying.

"Tranquilizer Gun" - Good for disabling creatures without harming or killing them. Very short duration, however.

Does anyone have any other tricks for getting past combative creatures without killing/harming them? Is there an item that makes an evil creature nice?

[Ink Asylum]

Bug Spray works exactly like you think it would. Beekeepers appear to be big wussies who run away from bees instead of "keep" them. :p

I've discovered that there are a number of people who spawn without an object necessary to do their job. Without that item they will flee or ignore a problem rather than deal with it. Perhaps there is an item you can give to a beekeeper that will make him subdue the bee?

Regarding the fly, a dragonfly works great. A bat would probably also work. I used a frog, though I had to drop the frog to fall past the fly for him to attack it.

[menage]

"Tranquilizer Gun" - Good for disabling creatures without harming or killing them. Very short duration, however.


Lol, I tried dart gun, same result, another double I suposse.

[Ink Asylum]

Plus a lot easier to type!

"Invisibility Cloak" works, though not as effective as you might believe. Enemies won't attack you if you approach them wearing it, but you can't walk past them. If you try you'll bump into them then they'll know where you are and attack you. Might still have its uses, though.

"Shrink Ray" is pretty amusing, but the creatures don't seem to get weaker. They're still threats, just cuter threats.

I could also use more digging items. I use "Shovel," "Jackhammer," and "Pickax" pretty regularly. "Backhoe" is fun but unwieldy. Explosives work but only remove a few chunks of dirt.

[astranoir]

I plan on picking this up at Toys R Us today, assuming they have it in stock! :) I am excited to play!

[Joshkdmw]

My favorite item of all time?

Grappling hook. Motherfucker shoots out of a gun like some Batman shit.

[Spigot]

Bug Spray works exactly like you think it would. Beekeepers appear to be big wussies who run away from bees instead of "keep" them. :pYeah, I found that out to my chagrin too. Must give him smoke or a net or something!

My second copy (from EB this time) arrived but no rooster hat yet. They're coming tomorrow. Sigh. Way to go. Street date the game but not have the promo item to go with it. Sigh. At least I've got friends who are going to buy the second copy.

I found out (quite by accident) that a polar bear can kill Ra. I'm planning to pit my deicidal bear against every deity I can think of.

[Superman's Dead]

ONE SHORT HOUR UNTIL I GO TO THE STORE.

Right now, I hate all of you. Once I get the game, you will become my greatest of friends.

[Ink Asylum]

A Priest wielding a Cross is one of the strongest fighters in the game. He will rain holy fury down on evil creatures, from Demons to Cthulu, and win.

[Iron Past]

Does anyone have any other tricks for getting past combative creatures without killing/harming them? Is there an item that makes an evil creature nice?

I haven't picked the game up, but have you tries puting a 'halo' on them?

I want to get this, becasue a part of my brain really respects what they did, but the other part says that impressions aren't exactly glowing. I'd like to see just how far taking the Doofenschmirtz route would take me by adding '-inator' to the end of everything, though. :)

[Ink Asylum]

Even though the game has its flaws, there really is nothing like it out there. The sheer depth of the dictionary is amazing. I can spend hours on the title screen just putting in words and playing with them.

I like picking a category and seeing how many objects in that group I can name. One of the first things I did in game was try out mythical creatures. A remarkable number are represented, even obscure ones like "Red Cap" and "Scylla," and many have unique models. I spent some time earlier testing dog and cat breeds. All of the ones I could think of worked and most had distinct graphics. I'm very impressed.

[Iron Past]

Yeah, I decided to pick it up after all. I'll head out this afternoon and pick up that and Chrono Trigger, since it was just traded in in excellent condition. Which means I'll be stealing the DS away from my wife for a bit.

[Spigot]

Did someone say Doofenshmirtz? I never even thought of the -inator idea!

[Iron Past]

Did someone say Doofenshmirtz? I never even thought of the -inator idea!

I left the TV on Disney a couple weeks ago for my son, and the show easily become one of my favorite animated series the first time I watched it. :)

I'd laugh so hard if something like the "woodinator" worked.

[TheFlyingOrc]

Bear can be put on unicycle. Did not help him defeat unicorn. "Rabbi" creates an excellent Rabbi. "Virgin" creates a guy in a gaming T-shirt. Will report more later.

[menage]

Even though the game has its flaws, there really is nothing like it out there. The sheer depth of the dictionary is amazing. I can spend hours on the title screen just putting in words and playing with them.

I like picking a category and seeing how many objects in that group I can name. One of the first things I did in game was try out mythical creatures. A remarkable number are represented, even obscure ones like "Red Cap" and "Scylla," and many have unique models. I spent some time earlier testing dog and cat breeds. All of the ones I could think of worked and most had distinct graphics. I'm very impressed.

Lol, seems like were on the same track here. I was putting in names like Cyclops, Berserker and Cupid in last time Im played.

The game is tearing me straight down the middle though. It's great when you type in a word and it actually appears, but fuck the game can be annoying in it's mechanic. I can't play for more than 20 mintes before switching it off in pure frustration. Purely on crap controls and weird accidents fucking up my puzzlesolving. As a toy it's marvelous, as a videgame it fails I guess.

[Xerxes]

A Priest wielding a Cross is one of the strongest fighters in the game. He will rain holy fury down on evil creatures, from Demons to Cthulu, and win.

Meh. Beat him with a Zombie. Vampire is a tough SOB though. He even beat God. But Vampire Hunter is tougher.

[Ink Asylum]

Meh. Beat him with a Zombie. Vampire is a tough SOB though. He even beat God. But Vampire Hunter is tougher.

Did the Priest have a Cross in his hands? He doesn't spawn with one.