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Scribblenauts Unlimited finally hits Europe on Dec. 6
Scribblenauts Unlimited is launching in Europe on December 6 for Wii U and 3DS at long last, Nintendo announced during a livestream today, as spotted by Nintendo Life. Scribblenauts Unlimited launched across North America for Wii U, 3DS and PC in November, and the PC version made its way to Europe in February. The Nintendo versions were first scheduled to launch in Europe that February as well, but were delayed "due to things outside of development," 5th Cell CEO Jeremiah Slaczka said. Note that this is Scribblenauts Unlimited, not Scribblenauts Unmasked, the DC Comics crossover game that launched last month. We enjoyed both games, but found a smidgen of more charm in Unlimited.
Scribblenauts Unmasked review: Super speller
Seeing over two thousand comic book heroes and villains drawn in Scribblenauts' distinctive style is bonkers. When the sandbox series debuted in 2009, I remember fans caricaturing hundreds of pop culture figures in the same charming, squat style, imagining their favorite characters dropped into Scribblenauts' colorful world. Aside from a handful of licensed characters in previous Scribblenauts games, there haven't been many cameo opportunities for the famous figures fans have dreamed of, at least not in any official sense. That's why it's nuts to see Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure injected with icons like Batman and Superman, along with thousands of other characters from the DC Comics universe, and all of them drawn just like the game's rooster-capped star, Maxwell. They're flying and swooping around as if it's no big deal, as if it isn't an amazing feat that you can now summon them effortlessly with Maxwell's magic notebook by just typing their name, and then interact with them in ways you'd never see in the comic books.
Scribblenauts Unlimited coming to European Nintendo systems in December
Europe gets its hands on Wii U and 3DS versions of Scribblenauts Unlimited - not Unmasked - some ten months after the game's original release date, and more than a year after North America has had it. Nintendo finally pinned Europe with a December release window this week, but it remains unclear why the game was delayed in the region at the last minute, and why that delay was specifically for the Wii U and 3DS versions; Unlimited was released on PC as planned back in February. If we were to speculate, one possible explanation is the lawsuit filed by the Keyboard Cat and Nyan Cat creators, alleging Warner Bros. infringed trademarks by including both those characters in Unlimited. The lawsuit, filed in May, sought injunctions against the sale of Scribblenauts products. Going by a document posted online unofficially and dated June 19, Warner Bros. then sought the lawsuit be dismissed without prejudice, and it seems the matter will go to court. Putting that mess to one side, it's now unclear when next Scribblenauts entry Unmasked will come to Europe. The DC Universe-themed game flies into North America for Wii U, 3DS, and PC on September 24, but there remains no ETA for the other side of the ocean, and it does not appear in Nintendo of Europe's Q4 line-up. Holy continental confusion, Batman!
Scribblenauts Unmasked explores the DC Multiverse in September
Warner Bros. and 5th Cell announced that the upcoming DC Multiverse puzzler Scribblenauts Unmasked will launch on September 24 for the Wii U, Nintendo 3DS, and PC platforms. Promising to give players "ultimate access to the vast lexicon of DC lore and literature," Scribblenauts Unmasked includes no less than 14 versions of Superman, taken from various comic book timelines and universes. Having extensive knowledge of the DC Universe may come in handy during gameplay, as it's likely that introducing First Appearance Superman to the world of Scribblenauts will have a different result than summoning, say, Red Son Superman or Evil Dark Side Superman. Developer 5th Cell previously expressed a desire to feature as many DC heroes and villains in Scribblenauts Unmasked as possible, though some minor characters may not make the cut. Scribblenauts Unmasked will include over 2,500 DC Universe characters when it launches in September.
Scribblenauts Unmasked amasses thousands of DC Comics characters
The creators of Scribblenauts have ceaselessly documented and cutely illustrated nearly everything in the known universe, so why not turn to the parallel worlds of DC Comics? Scribblenauts Unmasked: A DC Comics Adventure contains a number of heroes, villains and weirdos – that number being over 2,000. Developer 5th Cell claims to have scrutinized every single superpower, series and universe in DC Comics history, all to serve the game's trick of summoning whatever or whoever the player commits to a magical notepad. Maxwell returns as jotting protagonist, joined this time by his twin sister Lily. If Scribblenauts Unmasked doesn't have the best Batmans (Batmen?), it certainly has the most at 33 pairs of pointy ears in total, joined by an extravagant 130 Green Lanterns. That emerald grouping includes Mogo, a sentient planet with a lot of gravitational pull in the Green Lantern Corps. Scribblenauts Unmasked is hinged on using adjectives and objects to complete "heroic feats," a bombastic term for puzzles procedurally generated from a dynamic list of DC characters, locations and potential tasks. Custom-built characters can also be thrown into the mix, though only DC's official figures get a written biography on the Batcomputer. Scribblenauts Unmasked will be available on 3DS, Wii U and PC this fall.%Gallery-188375%
Rumor: Scribblenauts DC comics game in development
Scribblenauts Unlimited developer 5th Cell is reportedly working on a DC super hero entry in the write-em-up series, called Scribblenauts Unmasked. According to IGN sources, the game is currently mired in redesign and may even lose the Scribblenauts Unmasked moniker altogether, though the game is assuredly focused on the DC Comics license.The original design called for a game where Max would embark on adventures to help out DC super heroes, but that may not be indicative of the final product. One scenario detailed includes Max trying to bypass a hungry Killer Croc to infiltrate Wayne Manor through the sewers below. Another anecdote provided presents Max with two seemingly identical police officers, yet one is the villain Clayface and must be discovered.IGN's sources say the game announcement is due at this year's E3, with PC, Wii U and 3DS being listed as supported platforms.
Brain Age: Concentration Training gets last-minute delay in Europe
Nintendo had a last-minute rethink on the European release of Brain Age: Concentration Training, delaying the game just days ahead of its April 12 arrival on the continent. As per a statement given to Nintendo Life, the delay of Dr Kawashima's Devilish Brain Training: Can You Stay Focused?, as it's leanly titled in Europe, is a strategic one, says Nintendo."Nintendo has made the decision to push back the launch date of Dr Kawashima's Devilish Brain Training: Can You Stay Focused? for Nintendo 3DS to optimize the best possible launch timing of this title within the European market," the company told Nintendo Life. "We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and we hope to announce a new launch date soon."Brain Age: Concentration Training isn't the only recent Nintendo game to endure a curious last-minute delay in Europe. Scribblenauts Unlimited, originally due in the region on Wii U and 3DS on February 8, is still without a release window; we contacted Nintendo recently for an update but only received the same statement given out in February.The only update since then came courtesy of 5th Cell CEO Jeremiah Slaczka last month, who posted on NeoGAF to say, "It's been delayed due to some localization standards. It'll be out when that's fixed. There are people working in it. Those standards have nothing to do with inappropriate words or adding 'u's to words to make them British (that'd be insane if that was the reason). It's out on Steam right now in the EU, so if it was that problem, then those words would be in the Steam version."
Scribblenauts Unlimited reaches Europe today on PC
Those ever-so patient Europeans can finally get their hands on Scribblenauts Unlimited when the game is released on Steam later today. 5th Cell's puzzler was initially expected in Europe on Wii U, 3DS, and PC in November, but was then pushed back to February. While the Nintendo versions endured a last-minute delay last week, Warner Bros. Interactive confirmed the PC version unlocks on Steam today at 6PM Brit-time.The Nintendo releases are still without an ETA, although a few lucky so-and-sos nabbed the Wii U version when it accidentally launched on the eShop.
Scribblenauts Unlimited pops up on European Wii U eShop despite delay [update: and it's gone]
Update 1: Soon after this story was posted, Scribblenauts Unlimited was taken off the eShop. We've not yet heard from Nintendo, but it looks like the eShop launch was a gaffe.Update 2: Nintendo sent us the following statement: "Scribblenauts Unlimited for Wii U which was recently delayed for Europe was made available today to download on the Nintendo eShop for a short period of time. This title has now been removed from the Nintendo eShop. We are very sorry for any confusion this may have caused and we hope to make further announcements on the European launch of these games very soon." Here's a curious one: Scribblenauts Unlimited is now available on Europe's Wii U eShop, despite Nintendo officially delaying the game's arrival in the continent earlier this week. As spotted on NeoGAF and verified by us, the game is listed on the console's online shop for purchase and download, priced £49.99/€59.99.There are a few things odd about this. For one, the same can't be said for the 3DS version, which isn't on the handheld's eShop. Secondly, Nintendo's statement from earlier in the week made it clear that changes needed to be made within the game before it could be launched in Europe. Thirdly, if the Wii U eShop launch is intended - and given that Unlimited doesn't appear on the portal's main page and has to be searched for to be found, it may well not be - why is the game available online but not in physical form?All in all, this underlines what's been a bewildering approach to bringing Unlimited to Nintendo systems in Europe. The 3DS and Wii U games launched in other regions around the Wii U's launch, and were expected to in Europe until, at the last minute, they were given a 2013 window. Then, just three days ahead of their listed releases today, publisher Nintendo announced a delay, leaving Europeans waiting for the games once more.We've reached out to Nintendo for comment.
Scribblenauts Unlimited delayed in Europe, no ETA provided
Scribblenauts fans in Europe are left waiting for Unlimited once more after Nintendo delayed the game's arrival in the continent, just days ahead of release. Nintendo's announcement didn't provide any date or window for the delayed launch.The 5th Cell game was initially expected for the Wii U's launch in Europe, but was then given a release date of February 8. That push-back was, according to 5th Cell CEO Jeremiah Slaczka, "due to things outside of development." This time, Nintendo says it's emerged that changes need to be made before the 3DS and Wii U games can launch in Europe.When approached, a Nintendo representative told us, "This is all the information we have at present," referring to the statement we've reproduced after the break. We've also reached out to developer 5th Cell for comment.
Xbox Live Countdown to 2013 daily deal: Dust, Deadlight and Hybrid
Today's Xbox Live deal, as part of the Xbox Live Countdown to 2013, includes sales on Dust: An Elysian Tail, Deadlight and Hybrid.Both Dust: An Elysian Tail and Deadlight are on sale for 600 Microsoft points, 50 percent off from their original prices. Hybrid can be downloaded for 400 Microsoft points, a 67 percent savings on its original 1200 point price tag. These deals are on for today only, so get downloading! %Gallery-162764%
Scribblenauts Unlimited for Wii U, 3DS heads to Europe in February
Scribblenauts Unlimited will arrive in Europe on February 8, Nintendo announced today. The game previously had an open 2013 release window. The game was a Wii U launch title in the States.%Gallery-165296%
Scribblenauts Unlimited not coming to Europe until 2013 [update]
Scribblenauts Unlimited won't reach Europe until next year, developer 5th Cell revealed this week. Posting on Twitter, the developer noted "2013" is the European window for both the Wii U and PC versions.With Unlimited being a Wii U launch arrival in North America, fans expected it to join the system in Europe on November 30. Posting on NeoGAF, 5th Cell CEO Jeremy Slaczka said the 2013 window for Europe is "due to things outside of development," and not related to localization issues.There's also confusion over the Australian release, with 5th Cell and publisher Warner Bros. apparently contradicting each other. According to 5th Cell, Unlimited is actually limited to North America until 2013. However, Level Up Times reports it's coming to Australia on November 28, according to a Warner Bros. representative. We've reached out to the publisher for clarification and will update if we hear anything.Update: A Warner Bros. representative tells us details on the European distribution of Scribblenauts Unlimited are coming soon.
Scribblenauts Unlimited review: Limitless tomfoolery
5th Cell's Scribblenauts Unlimited brought out the worst in me.Available for 3DS, PC, and Wii U -- I played the Wii U version for this review -- the game begins with series star Maxwell pranking a hungry beggar, as he feeds the fellow a rotten apple conjured by his magic notebook. It's a useful pad that can summon any manner of objects players type into the Wii U's GamePad, or alter the properties of whatever it targets. Maxwell could have just as easily transformed him into a "satiated beggar" or pulled a "delicious steak" out of thin air, but we're dealing with a "cruel protagonist" here.So that beggar returns Maxwell's favor by casting a curse on his sister (we're introduced to Lily and the many members of Maxwell's family in this game) that slowly turns her into stone. Our jerk of a hero is sent off to collect Starites that will save Lily from permanent petrification, but Maxwell can only gather them by helping others with his notebook.Though it's meant to be a redemption quest, one that forces Maxwell to examine the way he's mistreated others and abused his notebook's powers, I was having none of that. It's a game filled with characters dropping their wishes at Maxwell's feet, and I wanted to be the venomous djinn, the nefarious wishmaster that only granted them with a terrible twist. I became the devil on Maxwell's shoulder, goading him into silencing my counterpart with his notebook by writing out "absent conscience."%Gallery-165296%
Report: GameStop Wii U game pre-orders at 1.2 million, double the Wii
GameStop patrons are more interested in Wii U than they initially were of the Wii, the retailer has revealed. Over 1.2 million individuals have pre-ordered Wii U games at GameStop, in addition to the 500,000 Wii U consoles claimed since opening up pre-orders back in September.That figure comes out to 2.4 games per console reserved, which GameStop has told Gamasutra is roughly twice the attach rate GameStop saw prior to the Wii launch. Top pre-orders include ZombiU, Assassin's Creed 3, Call of Duty: Black Ops 2, Scribblenauts Unlimited and New Super Mario Bros. U.The Wii U officially launches in North America on Sunday, November 18. On launch day, 23 different games will be available; a total of 50 games will be available within the Wii U launch window, which runs up to March 2013.
5th Cell's Run Roo Run goes universal, free for a week
Run Roo Run, the best game you're likely to play on your iOS device about a kangaroo bouncing on tires, is free for the next week on the App Store, as Apple's "Free App of the Week." We recommended it without reservation at its outrageous regular price of 99 whole cents, so we are even less hesitant to tell you to pick up the touch-based platformer for free.That free download will work on your iPhone and your iPad, as along with the freebie announcement, 5th Cell has updated Run Roo Run to be a universal app. It just got that much easier to recommend.
Scribblenauts Unlimited shows off 'Clownthulu,' object editor [Update: Wii U Gallery]
In the kerfuffle of today's Wii U announcements, Scribblenauts Unlimited shows off its object e-d-i-t-o-r and how to turn Cthulhu into "Clownthulu." He looks much happier, but still evil.%Gallery-165296%
Get Scribblenauts Remix for free ... at Starbucks
You know those little promo cards by the cash registers at Starbucks, next to the biscotti, mints and all the other little treats you ignore? You might want to pay attention to them this week – those cards feature codes for free copies of Scribblenauts Remix for iOS as the Starbucks Pick of the Week.If you don't want a delicious Pumpkin Spice Latte (you heathen) and the lure of free stuff isn't enough, Scribblenauts Remix is $0.99 in the App store.
Pre-order Scribblenauts Unlimited for one of three 'Rooster Hats' [update]
Pre-orders from the original Scribblenauts earned some lucky fans a replica of Maxwell's "Rooster Hat." For Scribblenauts Unlimited, Warner Bros. and 5th Cell have escalated the situation to one of three different hats. Pre-ordering the game at GameStop will get you one of the three Rooster Hats above, in classic Maxwell red, pink to match the hat worn by his sister Lily, or blue like Maxwell's "doppelganger."GameStop will also offer a 3DS bundle with the game, a Maxwell silicone case, and a pencil-shaped stylus.[Update: The PC version had previously been announced by WB. Our apologies.]
Hybrid review: A hop, skip and a pump shotgun
Two hovering islands sit nestled in the skyline of a war-torn city. My decked-out soldier crouches behind a wall on one island, my opponent sitting comfortably behind cover on the other. A massive chasm separates us, but that's not a problem thanks to our handy jet packs. No, the problem is that traversing the gulf means launching myself into the air at the risk of becoming the world's biggest clay pigeon.The ultimate goal is to take down my foe, sure, but the real challenge of Hybrid – and the real joy – is in bridging the gap between us.%Gallery-154142%
