While it could have been simple to create a bare bones sequel to Scribblenauts, 5th Cell is doing quite a bit more to make a sequel that’s superior to the original in nearly every way. While some simple refinements have been incorporated into the game, making the core experience that much more streamlined, 5th Cell is also bringing in some great new elements including a wider variety of challenges, a new level creator, and the introduction of adjectives to the game dictionary, allowing a whole new slew of options when guiding our hero Maxwell through his adventure.

Yes, adjectives, and this is the biggest new element in the game. Now, you’ll be able to include descriptors to any word you conjure up, allowing for some new gameplay elements. You’ll be able to change the properties of a given item, allowing you to create something specifically tailored to your needs. Should a simple gun prove to be incapable of subduing demons, maybe you can try creating a holy gun. If an obese elephant is blocking your path, give it a slimming peanut to shrink it down and get it out of your way. This new element should prove to be something that will draw some attention as it provides for some great challenges and freedom when pursuing a task.

Super Scribblenauts also comes with a wider variety of levels and objectives, providing a nice bit content to keep you busy. One example of new goals came when Maxwell needed to get to the front of a line, and the only way he could cut forward was to bribe those in line in front of him. So, you’ll need to not only figure out what these people would trade their place for, you’ll also need to sometimes be specific (give a woman a diamond necklace, or a gentleman peach tea, that sort of thing). Another example was when we needed to change Maxwell into a dragon. To do this, you can create a green potion, a wing potion and a size potion, which will change Maxwell’s properties, turning him into a winged green giant, which is close enough to a dragon.

Once you’re done with the 120+ levels in the game, you’ll be able to create your own stages using the improved level editor. This time around, you’ll have access to a broader range of game modes (escort, firefight, etc.), skins and textures, allowing for a larger array of options to create whatever you can imagine. Another much-appreciated improvement comes with the game’s control scheme. Now, you’ll be able to have finer controls on the touch pad (ie: you wont be wrestling with the game to guide Maxwell around), and you’ll also be able to use the d-pad for controls, which is a much needed addition.

I was a great fan of the original Scribblenauts, and now that I’ve seen what’s in store with Super Scribblenauts, I’m even more optimistic about what the series holds. Some of the changes to the game will (hopefully) improve upon the fundamental design, while the other improvements are primed to add an extra level of creativity and magic to the game, creating a clever, fun and challenging adventure.