Scribblenauts Remix
By Warner Bros. Entertainment
Scribblenauts Remix is on sale for the holidays at $0.99, so I finally grabbed it. I’ve been having so much fun with it, that I felt the need to write a review.
Gameplay: 4.5/5
If you’re new to Scribblenauts, you might think it has to do with scribbling on your screen (after all, the iPhone does have a touchscreen). But that’s not how it works. What happens is, you take control of the main character, named Maxwell. Your goal for each level is to complete some missions and then collect the Starite at the end. You can move Maxwell around by tapping the right or left side of the screen. He will automatically cross small hurdles like holes or rocks. But anything bigger will take some creativity on your part. If there’s something preventing you from getting to the Starite, you have to think creatively to overcome the obstacle. To do this, you type (or scribble) into a virtual keyboard an item that you’d like to create. You can then use the item to help you. And that’s where Scribblenauts shines. The options are almost limitless. If there’s a big body of water with a carnivorous sea creature in it, you need to figure out how to cross without getting eaten. There are different ways to do this, and it’s all up to your imagination. You can simply create a boat to get across, or construct a bridge. There are so many ways to complete a mission, and it’s all up to your own imagination. Granted, some of the levels can be a bit too easy to complete, but the fun is coming up with creative ways to do it. Think outside the box!
Quite possibly the best part of the game is the sandbox. You can create anything you like there and watch them interact. You can’t die in the sandbox, so feel free to create the deadliest of creatures and watch what happens. Maybe even destroy the world? There’s now also a Christmas background you can play around with if you need a change of scenery.
Some of my favorites were creating a hydra, then creating Hercules, and watching him easily cut down the beast. Try seeing what happens if you create Medusa, and try to defeat her! Sadly, I tried creating a “Flying Spaghetti Monster,” but just got a regular old’ monster instead :(. But there’s are so many possibilities, and adjectives work, as well. You can create a giant dragon or a baby dragon, a blue dragon or a rainbow dragon. Keep trying out new words!
Story: 3/5
There isn’t too much of a story here, but you won’t really miss it. The game is about creating things and seeing how they interact with each other. It’s just one big virtual sandbox and the sky’s the limit!
Graphics: 4/5
The graphics are pixelated but charming. The animations work like paper cutouts, with limps and pieces flying all about. It’s hard to imagine this game with more detailed graphics or 3D modeling. The graphics look like scribbled drawings come to life, and it just works.
Music: 3/5
Personally, I find the music a bit irritating. It was fun at first, but when you’re playing in the “sandbox” for a log time, it gets old and grates on my nerves. Some may like it, but it’s not for me.
The sound effects work well, and give it that cartoony feel. You can shut the music, but unfortunately it will also shut the sound effects. I would prefer separate controls for each, so I can play without the music.
Replay Value: 5/5
There is so much replay value in this game, I can’t see ever deleting it from my phone. As long as you don’t refer to other guides or walkthroughs, it seems like there will always be something new to discover. You can go back to different levels and find new creative ways to complete them, or simply play in the sandbox and pit god vs dragon (dragon wins, by the way). There are also plenty of achievements to unlock, and the more creative you are, the more you’ll be able to get.
Conclusion: 4.5/5
If you’re looking for a game with unique controls and nearly endless replay value, you should definitely check out Scribblenauts Remix. I can’t even believe I waited this long to buy it. If it’s on sale, don’t even think twice about it. Just hit the BUY button now!
