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Intro
Put on your thinking caps 'cause the wordy Nintendo DS puzzler, Scribblenauts has come to the Wii U.

Game
"Scribblenauts Unlimited" is basically a “big” version of its smaller Nintendo DS offering(s). Transforming a “touch” style game to the console could only be possible on the new Wii U console. In a perfect pairing, "Unlimited" takes advantage of the Wii U's unique dual-screen play, Scribblenauts Unlimited basically turns you Wii U into a giant-sized High Definition "Nintendo DS". Sure, “Unlimited” is a little more involved, yet when you get down to it, you are still combining words to solve puzzles. The same or not, the formula is still entertaining, and for those who haven't played a prior edition, Scribblenauts Unlimited will likely make a strong impression.

The concept is sure brilliance and has received its fair share of praise, although, Scribblenauts never become "mainstream". Fixing their game through various editions, Scribblenauts Unlimited has the right stuff to make it. It's an alternative take on the puzzle genre and still one that is fresh. Taking a boisterous library of words and letting you solve puzzle via your creativity is insanely fun. Gamers who aren't big with “words” might find the core mechanics interesting, although unfortunately boring. This is something is avoidable with Scribblenauts, but if you like it, then you'll love it!

A new free-roam aspect of Scribblenauts does away with menus as Maxwell (another others) are free to wander and complete puzzle-after-puzzle where he goes. It's a novel idea that feels a little out-of-place that makes it confusing for new gamers. Oddly I would prefer a traditional menu system so you can get right to the game without needless navigation. Although not preferred the “free-roam” aspect ties into the storyline (yes, storyline) that jumbles up some depth for the characters. It's not like you need a story, everyone is here for the puzzles, and thankfully so because that is what Scribblenauts does best.

The puzzling starts off with the simple and leads into the more complex. Like before there are some restraints to using your imagination to solve each one, but there is enough freedom to keep you ego rising. More words have been added, which improves the quality of your interactions within the game. Easter eggs have also been neatly tucked away, another bonus for anyone who has played the series. Developer 5th Cell has a sense of humour and it shows.

For more additions, Scriblenauts Unlimited also has a co-op mode and an object editor, which lets you create and share objects. More so you can actually script who an object will behave which puts a whole new twist on helping/or hindering Maxwell. Both components only deepen the experience, and like, “LittleBigPlanet”, once the community gets rolling, the game will take on a new form. Power to the people.

Scribblenauts Unlimited sits at an average difficulty throughout, Scribblenauts fights the hard war being a little too difficult for its looks. The cartoon-ish presentation of Scribblenauts is charming, but there is a brain ticking under this looker. This is for the younger audience. Older gamers might find the puzzles to be a too simple with a few combinations to solving each one. It's not that you won't find the experience rewarding, just don't expect to be frazzled.

Lowdown
Scribblenauts Unlimited breathes some new life into the portable puzzler. Taking advantage of the touch screen of the Wii U, it feels great to play a DS-centric game on the new console. While enough new content has been added, Scribblenauts Unlimited ultimately feels like more of the same (which can be good or bad depending on your dedication to the series). The ones who really benefit are those who haven't been acquainted with series. So give Maxwell a chance and he might just find a way into your heart.

roundup
+
  • More words, more fun.
  • Advanced object editor included.
  • Looks great in HD.
  • Charming fun with lots of diversity.
  • Puzzle gurus, this ones a walk in the park.
  • Free-roam navigation feels like a needless addition.
  • Some detection problems. Not always spot on.
Quote: "Scribblenauts Unlimited breathes some new life into the portable puzzler. Taking advantage of the touch screen of the Wii U, it feels great to play a DS-centric game on the new console."
Reviewed by Downtown Jimmy | 12.14.12 | Platform Reviewed: Wii U

Similar Games: Super Scribblenauts (7.8) | Scribblenauts (8.7)

Boxart

Scribblenauts
Unlimited

Publisher
Warner Bros. Interactive Ent.

Developer
5th Cell

Genre
Puzzle

US Release
November '12

ESRB
"E10+"

Platform
Wii U

Features
Players 1
Multiplayer
Online Sharing
5.1 Surround
HD 720-1080p