Scribblenauts for the Nintendo DS is a unique video game. Some people think video games are junk food for the brain. But this one is different! The game is fun, and provides a great way to strengthen creative problem solving skills. It’s a mental workout hidden inside a silly video game.

The object is to solve challenges and collect a “starite.” Objects, people, and creatures help you solve each challenge. How do you get these things into the game? You write the words and what you write appears (unless it’s vulgar or copyrighted).

Write “polar bear” and get a bear. Write “zeus” and get a white-haired god. There are more than 20,000 words in the game’s dictionary for you to call upon. The catch is you must think of what to write. You don’t get any specific hints about which items you need to use. Plus, each challenge has multiple answers.

For example, let’s say a challenge takes place in a doctor’s office. There’s a patient taking an eye exam, and you’re told to help the patient see. What do you do? Glasses are probably the first thing you’d try. Good idea. A magnifying glass would work, too. You could also use a telescope.

Finding solutions depends on your imagination, creativity, and ability to problem solve. Most people are used to puzzles that have only one solution. And as far as I know, no other games for portable game systems allow you to actually create items to use in the game. Scribblenauts sets itself apart by being different from any game that currently exists.

In addition to problem solving, the game also:

Helps improve spelling. You must know how to spell to play the game. If you misspell a word, a list appears for you to pick the correct term. The only way to pick what you want is to recognize its correct spelling. Encourages group play. The game creates a party atmosphere. If you play with friends and family around, it’s almost guaranteed someone will join in the fun. Even young kids that can’t write or spell enjoy watching things appear in the game. Offers good re-play value. Scribblenauts is full of challenges. Each challenge has more than one solution. It would take you a good while to find every possible solution.

My advice for Nintendo DS fans is to give Scribblenauts a try. Not only is it fun, but it’s also educational. Adults and kids will enjoy playing this one.

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