A Paranoid Mom's Review of the Nintendo DS Game Scribblenauts

When I asked my son what he wanted for his birthday, he first requested an outrageously expensive item and then he asked for Scribblenauts, a game for the Nintendo DS player.

My daughter and other son chimed in that they would like to help buy Scribblenauts. They were actually quite enthusiastic about it. Scary, yes, it was very scary and disconcerting. I decided to find out why all of my children had suddenly developed an interest in this game with the strange name of Scribblenauts.

What is Nintendo DS Scribblenauts?

Recently, released by Nintendo for the DS gaming platform Scribblenauts is a game designed to stimulate the imagination of those who play it. The cover has a picture of a cartoon character figure scribbling on a notepad with dotted lines leading to a bike, a dog, a dinosaur, a guitar, a rocket ship and a boat. The subtitle, Write Anything. Solve Everything is intriguing. So far in the investigation, Scribblenauts appears to be relatively harmless.

The back cover explains that the premise of the game is to help Maxwell find starites (stars). With the stylus the player is encouraged to write or type the name of an object, the object then appears on the screen. Really cool!  Maxwell is then able to use the object to help find a solution to the puzzle and subsequently find or earn the starite.

Cover and Introduction Rating: Paranoid Mom Point-1 point earned

Playing Scribblenauts

There are three main qualities a game must have in order to receive this paranoid Mom’s approval. First, it must not be violent or at least not extremely violent. Second, it must have play value. Third, it must initiate positive results. This mom does not want her children who have just finished playing a supposedly fun game to be grumpy and irritable.

Extra points can be earned if it has educational applications or if mom likes to play it, too.

Violence Rating:

In order to get an accurate violence rating I had to actually play the Nintendo DS Scribblenauts game. Therefore, what I say is based on first- hand experience. Really, I do play video type games occasionally.  I know that I have three children readily available for advice, tips and instructions. Unfortunately, while I was playing Scribblenauts they all wanted to watch and give me pointers instead of doing their schoolwork.

What I discovered about the violence issue in respect to the Nintendo DS Scribblenauts game was that when Maxwell meets an unfortunate demise, such as being hit by the fire truck you were trying to give to the fireman or being accidently shot by the gun you were trying to give to the cop, they just fall over and disappear. There is no gore and no blood but if you type in a gun or a chainsaw they will appear and can be used.

However, what is used by Maxwell is determined by the operator. So pre-existing knowledge will determine the violence level.

Violence Rating: Minimal, if any violence. Since the characters can disappear because of operator action I can’t give the full Paranoid Mom Point but I give it a 0.9.

Lasting Play Value Rating:

This is still in the testing stage. However, I expect it to retain its play value. Primarily, I expect this because of the multiple possible and funny ways to get solutions to the puzzles.

Paranoid Mom Point granted to Scribblenauts for the Lasting Play Value rating.

Positive Results Rating: What is that I hear? No way, it’s laughter! All of them are laughing as they look over my shoulder at the Nintendo DS Scribblenauts game in progress. Is it really that funny, that I tried using an elephant to sit on the button to open the gate?  From this game came laughter, inspired creative solutions and cooperation.

Paranoid Mom Point for positive influence granted to Scribblenauts.

Bonus Ratings:

Did I enjoy playing Scribblenauts? Well, if my children ask me to play again or if they let me play again, I will. Paranoid Mom Point earned.

This leaves the hardest rating to earn, the educational rating.

Educational Rating:

After playing Scribblenauts, I came up with two assignments for my children to complete using Scribblenauts. The first assignment involved writing. I had my children write their own reviews of this game. The second assignment involved solving a Scribblenauts puzzle using a Halloween themed object. The second assignment was inspired by my use of a flying broomstick to save a stranded kitty. I do believe there just may be some educational value to this game. A great big cheer for Nintendo DS Scribblenauts!

Nintendo DS Scribblenauts game results:  5.9 out of a possible 6 overall Paranoid Mom Points.

We all like Scribblenauts because it sparks our imagination and it is fun. The investigation is over.

Game approved.

Legal Disclaimer: Review written voluntarily after purchasing Nintendo DS Scribblenauts.