Scribblenauts
A puzzle game where you write words to summon objects that solve levels.
Where Scribblenauts comes up1 episode or test
- Write any word to summon
- "jetpack" finishes half the levels
- Easy answers skip the puzzle
- Only some words on screen
- Sentences against walls, behind fences
- Tight grid
Restrictions force players into the intended puzzle
From Mark Brown on Baba Is You's design
What was said about Scribblenauts
Scribblenauts' open word system lets one word, jetpack, solve half its levels. Players write any word to summon an object, and writing "jetpack" finishes half of the levels. Unlimited freedom invites easy answers that skip the intended puzzle.
Baba Is You designer Arvi Teikari's answer is to restrict the player: only some words are on screen, sentences sit against walls or behind fences, and the grid is tight. As Mark Brown puts it, "the designer's job is actually to lock you in and force restrictions on you."
How Baba Is You Makes Brain Busting Puzzles
Half of its levels can be finished by writing the word jetpack, showing how too much freedom invites easy answers.
Scribblenauts' open word system lets one word, jetpack, solve half its levels. Players write any word to summon an object, and writing "jetpack" finishes half of the levels. Unlimited freedom invites easy answers that skip the intended puzzle.
Baba Is You designer Arvi Teikari's answer is to restrict the player: only some words are on screen, sentences sit against walls or behind fences, and the grid is tight. As Mark Brown puts it, "the designer's job is actually to lock you in and force restrictions on you."
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