We’ve played countless superhero games over the years, and Scribblenauts Unmasked is by far the most comprehensive. Warner Bros. and developer 5th Cell’s adventure once again casts players as Maxwell, a youngster with the ability to spawn objects, animals and people with his magic notebook. This time around, though, players will interact with over a thousand DC Comics heroes and villains, including Batman, Superman, Green Lantern, Wonder Woman, The Joker, Doomsday, General Zod and a host of others, even obscure characters like Invisible Kid. This all ties into an extensive database filled with bios, vehicles and equipment; gamers can even create their own characters via the Hero Creator in the Wii U version.
If you’re new to the Scribblenauts series, these beginner’s tips will help you solve puzzles in the game.
-Access Maxwell’s notebook by clicking the notebook icon in the top right corner of the screen. From there, type the word or words that you think will best solve the current puzzle.
-Keep in mind that once you spawn something, you will need to drag it via stylus towards the desired character and/or object. If it’s a weapon like a flamethrower or bazooka, put it in Maxwell’s hands and then press the Y button to attack.
-Some puzzles require an adjective instead of a noun. You’ll want to tap the character and select the adjective option, then type a word that best fits the situation. Whereas writing nouns create those objects within the game world, adjectives imbue characters with different abilities or cause them to perform a specific action. Typing “powerful,” for example, will give Batman a strength boost, while typing “frozen” will stop a villain in his or her tracks, albeit temporarily.
-Did you spawn a zombie to attack a villain, only to have the undead creature turn on Maxwell? No worries. Simply tap the creep with the stylus and drag it to the trashcan icon on the top right to make it disappear. This works with everything you spawn.
-Solving puzzles and tasks within Scribblenauts Unmasked let you earn Reputation Points, which you can spend to unlock new locations. Revisit previously explored areas like Gotham City, Metropolis and the Fortress of Solitude to complete randomly generated missions. It’s a great way to build Reputation Points.
-Although it requires more brainpower, avoid reusing words. Doing this results in 50 percent less Reputation Points.
-If you crave an even greater challenge, be on the lookout for Mr. Mxyzptlk. Accept the stipulation (unable to spawn weapons in a particular stage, for instance) for double the reward. That said, you may also decline and he’ll go away.
-Zoom in and out using the ZR and ZL buttons on the Wii U GamePad, respectively. Not only does this allow you to admire things up close and/or view large chunks of the map, it will also let you spot dangerous pits and the location of Starite missions.
-All of the game’s weapons break over time. Remember that when battling enemies, and have a backup in mind.
-Don’t misuse the attack button. Hitting the wrong person may result in a fight. Unless that’s what you want, of course.
-Stuck? Tap Lily’s (Maxwell’s sister) icon on the bottom left corner of the touchscreen for hints.
Scribblenauts Unmasked is available for Wii U and 3DS.
Published: Sep 25, 2013 10:30 pm