DS game Scribblenauts comes to iOS devices
updated 01:45 am EDT, Wed October 12, 2011
Emergent gameplay fosters critical thinking
The popular Nintendo DS game Scribblenauts (also known as Flash Devices: Maxwell's Mysterious Notebook) has come to the iOS platform as Scribblenauts Remix, adding 10 new, original levels to the game and leveraging iCloud to switch between iOS devices without having to restart the game. The app allows players to solve puzzles and collect "Starites" by writing in whatever type of object they think they need to solve the puzzle, such as a ladder or helicopter, which is then created.
Scribblenauts can combine concepts to create items, such as "shy, rainbow-colored dinosaur" or "giant tricycle." The game is an example of emergent gameplay technique, where programmers allow players to come up with their own solutions to puzzles in a way that encourages critical thinking rather than just having players follow a set of procedures or put available elements in the right order.
The game includes a total of 50 levels, 40 of them drawn from the most popular levels from the original DS game and its sequel, Super Scribblenauts. The other 10 levels, as well as other features such as a "shake to undo" option, the iCloud integration and Game Center leaderboard, are exclusive to iOS.
Scribblenauts sells for $5 and is available now. The iCloud option will not function until iCloud is formally launched, expected later today, and requires a (free) iCloud account.
