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Word-puzzler 'Scribblenauts Unlimited' returns to mobile
Scribblenauts started as a handheld game, and now the adorable interactive dictionary puzzler is making its way to Android and iOS after an extended break from mobile. 2012's Scribblenauts Unlimited (which appeared on 3DS, PC and Wii U) is available right now on Google Play and as a universal app on iTunes for the cool price of $4.99. A version's heading toward the Amazon Appstore on Android as well.
Daily iPad App: Run Roo Run HD
5th Cell is the developer behind the very popular Scribblenauts (which was released on iOS to great acclaim last year, and just had a new level pack update), and it recently brought a new title to the App Store called Run Roo Run. 2D platforming is a genre that's almost as old as videogames themselves (Mario, who you may know, is the grandfather of jumping around on 2D platforms), and as far as I'm concerned, Run Roo Run is a master class in 2D platforming design. It also has the added benefit of being a running title of sorts, and a puzzle game as well. The idea is that you, as Roo, a very cute Australian kangaroo, have lost a little blue buddy, and it's your job to jump across the Aussie landscape, over and around various obstacles, to save your friend. But your run is broken up into a series of stages that consist of one screen each, and so the goal is to keep the constantly running Roo jumping at just the right times to make it to the end of the screen and onto the next one. The action starts simple, but soon double jumps are added, and then the ability to slow Roo down or speed him up, and then you can swing on things, and just like Cut the Rope, a series of relatively simple elements can be combined into some very ingenious puzzles. Also like Cut the Rope, all of the action is crystal clear to see and understand, and the colorful graphics (especially on the iPad's HD version) and very chill Aussie soundtrack make this one a pleasure to play through. It's well polished, excellently designed, and for a 2D platforming fan like myself, every new stage is like another dish at an all-you-can-eat jumping buffet. And every level is timed and rewarded with gold, silver, or bronze medals, so there's lots of drive, even once you've conquered a simple one, to go back and do it perfectly the first time around. Run Roo Run is a great title, and shows that 5th Cell has really fallen in love with Apple's platform (of course, the big sales from Scribblenauts probably didn't hurt that emotion, either). It's available for 99 cents on iPhone, or for $1.99 on the iPad, with over 420 levels included, more showing up every week, and the option to buy some extra power-ups or convenience items via in-app purchase. Don't pass this one up, whatever you do.
Daily iPhone App: Scribblenauts Remix
I remember hearing way, way back that Scribblenauts might be headed to iOS, but when the dust finally settled on the iOS 5 transition yesterday, among the (many -- we'll see more in the next few days) great new releases on the App Store, this one definitely stood out. Warner Brothers and original developers 5th Cell have brought the legendary DS game over to iOS, and the port is just plain excellent. Scribblenauts is a magical game. The idea is that you control Maxwell through a series of challenge levels, and in each one he's got to do whatever's necessary to earn a Starite. You accomplish the goals you're given by using one of the most fascinating mechanics in gaming lately: You simply type in whatever you want to show up in the game, and then it does. If that sounds impossible, then believe the impossible, because that's what Scribblenauts is all about. Just playing around on the title screen can give you hours of enjoyment -- make a "dinosaur," throw a "tiger" into the mix, order up a "hunter" and see how they interact. Maybe you want to create God and the Devil and see what happens, or order up a real working "time machine," or create whatever else you want. As long as it's a noun and not a proper name, Scribblenauts has it. You can even create things with adjectives, so "giant polka-dot emu" works, as does "purple pregnant washing machine." It's incredible. The "Remix" part of this one includes 10 brand new levels, but the best part about it is that Maxwell adventures have been carefully and thoughtfully ported over -- the touch controls work great, the game even offers iOS 5 Cloud integration, and Game Center is fully supported as well. We couldn't have asked for a better version of Scribblenauts on this platform, and if you've never seen this game in action before, you'll be amazed at just what 5th Cell has created here. Scribblenauts Remix is available for $4.99 as a universal version.
Australian Drawn to Life DS case is awesome, unattainable
This Drawn to Life-themed DS case is only available in Australia, which is great for Australian fans but heartbreaking for us. It represents the game exactly like it should, covered as it is with the game's beautiful, full-color promotional art. Every aspect of the game (that wasn't drawn by the player) is drawn wonderfully, so featuring this art on the front of the case is great. Inside, along with the obvious spaces for a DS and games the case includes two styli and, appropriately, a small whiteboard with a Drawn to Life dry erase marker, with which you can draw things, if not to life, to vaguely toxic-smelling. The email from 5th Cell that contained these images suggests that a U.S. release may be possible if there was enough interest. We're sure there is! People like Drawn to Life, and they like putting their game systems into things. %Gallery-10421% [Via press release]
