The basic point of the game is simple enough. You play as Maxwell and are trying to collect hidden starites in each level. The game offers variety with two different kinds of levels – puzzle levels and action levels. During both, you are supposed to use the large and incredibly varied dictionary to summon what seem like an endless variety of items to help you in your quest. This can mean that you will often enjoy the sublimely ridiculous, like catching butterflies with pterodactyls.

Unfortunately, while the option to be creative is there and ready for you to use, you’re often not forced to use it. While you certainly are able to think up elaborate ways to get to the top of the level, it’s often much too easy to just use wings and sail through. This lack of incentive to think creatively means that it can be all too tempting to power through levels with no regard for the creative opportunities you’re missing out on.

The controls offers another issue. Seeing as almost everything in the game is controlled by the stylus, you can often intend to build a bridge over a pit of lava – and end up sending Maxwell to a fiery death instead. These quirks never really resolve themselves and will plague you through the game. Still, if you can force yourself to think past the obvious and into the silly, Scribblenauts offers endless of fun, hilarious scenarios that are a great way to spend time.