Join the cast of Another Videogame Webcomic as we peek behind the curtain to see what exactly goes into bringing your favorite video games to the small screen. It may be a job in video games, but it's still a job.
Scribblenauts
Platform: Nintendo DS
Price: $29.99
Why do I feel like I'm taking a Rorschach test when I play Scribblenauts?
The premise of Scribblenauts is simple. You create objects in the world by writing them down and use them to solve puzzles. Ok, so maybe with over 22,000 different words and with the number of ways to solve any given puzzle limited only by your imagination, Scribblenauts is only deceptively simple.
While the gameplay is unique, Scribblenauts feels a lot like a sandbox-style, open world game like Grand Theft Auto. And personally, I suffer from the same kind of "analysis paralysis" playing Scribblenauts as I do with Grand Theft Auto. In a world where I can do almost anything, I can't think of anything to do. It doesn't help that many of the puzzles can be solved with the same objects. I mean, I think you'd be surprised at how many problems can be solved with Pegasus and a net. (If only the real world were that simple...)
But is it fair to project my own shortcomings to the game when it's got a major flaw of it's own? While you have a godlike control over the world, you don't have the same kind of control over the protagonist, Maxwell. Sure you can instruct him to move or interact with objects with the touch of the DS stylus, but what you expect to happen and what actually happens will vary from time to time. Sometimes tapping the stylus to have Maxwell to hop in the car you just created will instead cause him to flail unexpectedly. It may, in fact, be a design choice because it does lend to the feeling of being an omnipotent being trying to control someone with free will of their own. But that doesn't absolve the fact that it can be frustrating.
Once you get past the nearly limitless options and protagonist who won't always do what you tell him to do, there is a fun, interesting and unique game underneath. Where the game really shines is after you complete the puzzles the first time around. After you've completed the puzzles, the game opens up a mode where you're forced to complete the puzzle three times in a row but you're unable to use the same objects you used before. This really allows you to use your imagination and go down paths that you wouldn't have or even thought of the first time through.
Most games require something from the people who play it. Usually, it's just the requirement for someone to pick up a controller, push the buttons, move the joystick and follow a predetermined path. Scribblenauts requires more than most. Like a Rorschach test, without the player, Scribblenauts is incomplete. Without the player, Scribblenauts is just a bunch of inkblots. Once you add your imagination, Scribblenauts blooms and becomes an experience that is as unique as the people who play it.
Rating
It's tough giving Scribblenauts a rating. Because really, the amount of fun you'll have with the game depends on you, the player. The more sequential thinkers will probably have less fun playing the game than the more creative thinkers. Although the game has puzzles that you solve, the game isn't about solving those puzzles. It's about how you solve those puzzles. My gut instinct is to give this game a "rent" because you may have more or less fun with the game than the person sitting next to you. But I think this is a game that will grow on you the more you play it. The more you play it, the less you're concerned with the "solving" and instead you can concentrate on the "how". Given the potential longevity of the game, I'll say this one is a "buy".
Recommendations
Grand Theft
Auto IV
- I know it's an unusual recommendation, to go from something so family friendly to something so incredibly not, but as I said in the review, the two games share a similar feeling. If you like the freedom of Scribblenauts, then the freedom of Grand Theft Auto is right up your alley.
Player Two
After the resurgence of multiplayer co-op, GameBizCo Inc. hired Player Two to be the Goose to someone else's Maverick. His workload isn't quite as heavy as most of the other people working at GameBizCo Inc. and as a result, he spends a lot of time in the break room or playing computer solitaire.
First Appearance: Another Videogame Webcomic?!? An Introduction
Player One
Player One is top dog at GameBizCo Inc. Nearly every game, from Pong to Mario Bros to Grand Theft Auto, requires Player One's expertise. His cocksure and sometimes inappropriate attitude is an annoyance to his coworkers but seeing as every game needs a first player, they make due.
First Appearance: Bonus Stage! Here comes Player One!
Damsel I. Distress
Whether it be a castle, a dungeon or mystical island, Damsel always needs to be saved... and she hates it. Damsel longs for the day when she's given the role of a strong female lead character who doesn't have huge breasts with hyper accurate physics.
First Appearance: LittleBIGPlanet
Final Boss
Underneath the huge brute that is Final Boss lies a timid creature who wouldn't hurt a fly. He puts on his "angry face" when throwing barrels down ramps or breathing fire but deep down he feels sorry for doing so. He's been known to throw a game or two in the player's favor.
First Appearance: World Record
John Minion
John Minion, or Min for short, is the hardest working employee at GameBizCo Inc. Playing everything from Goombas to no name thugs, Min gets beat up on a daily basis but loves every minute of it. He always wanted to work in the gaming industry and was originally hired as an intern. After years of getting coffee, his big break came when someone called in sick... and the rest is history.
First Appearance: Watchmen: The End is Nigh
Middle Manager
Middle Manager works in the Human Resources department. He runs staff meetings and interviews prospective employees. The other 90% of his time is spent playing Freecell on his computer.
First Appearance: Another Videogame Webcomic?!? An Introduction