Get creative in collecting Starites. View larger.

Gameplay
Based around 2D side-scrolling action and word play, the premise ofScribblenautsis simple; quite literally, anything you write, you can use and reuse in the game. Players use the DS' touch-screen and the in-game notepad/keyboard to help their character, Maxwell, as he moves throughout 220 increasingly difficult levels on his never-ending quest for the star-like "Starites." But it is not as easy as reaching up and plucking a Starite. Attaining them requires Maxwell to solve spatially oriented puzzles. To do this players describe objects via the notepad/keyboard, which in turn appear on the game screen and facilitate the starite making its way to Maxwell. There are literally thousands of items in the game, both utilitarian like ladders, ropes, cars and buses, to the outlandish items, such as invisibility cloaks, pirates and black holes. There are time limits on levels, as well as a limitation to the number of items that can be used per level. But regardless of these restrictions, the game is all about experimentation, imagination and endless replay value as players open their minds to the nearly limitless possibilities that are sure to makeScribblenautsunlike any side-scrolling platformer they have ever played.

Key Features

• Create Your Own Interactive Experience- Objects you write down in the game are only limited by your imagination.
• Everyone Can Play-Scribblenautsfeatures all-ages pick-up-and-play fun for everyone.
• Touch-screen Controls- Easy to pick up and play on Nintendo DS. If you can tap, you can play.
• Unlimited Replay Value- Use less objects to increase your score, or experiment with different objects for endless replay value. Write anything; solve everything.
• Playground Mode- Play the entire game in a sandbox style right on the title screen.
• Create and Share- Share levels you create with the level editor via your Nintendo DS Wi-Fi Connection.
• Innovative New Title from Leading Developer- 5th Cell, the creator of theDrawn to Lifefranchise andLock's Quest, has experience creating high-quality, innovative DS games.

Story
When Professor Layton's mentor, Dr. Schrader, turns up dead with no clear answer as to why, it's up to the renowned puzzle-solver and his apprentice, Luke, to unravel the mystery. The only clue thus far is a train ticket for the Molentary Express. What could it mean, and who— or what — might have caused Dr. Schrader's death? In order to find out, Professor Layton and Luke will embark on an odyssey filled with challenging puzzles which may lead them to an object known as the Elysian Box, rumored to kill all who open it.

Brainteasing fun with Professor Layton and Luke. View larger.

Gameplay
As with other games in theProfessor Laytonseries, gameplay inProfessor Layton and the Diabolical Boxis linked to a richly illustrated storyline, in-game environments and non-player characters (NPCs).Diabolical Boxtakes this further than the original game, with more locations to explore, significantly more animated cutscenes and the deeper level of voice talent employed. As players move through the game with an aim towards solving the overarching mystery they will encounter characters who can forward their progress if they return the favor in advance by solving a puzzle. These brainteasers cover everything from mazes and riddles, to logic and sliding puzzles and everything in-between. There are no time limits on puzzles and 'hint coins' found and earned throughout the game can be used to purchase up to three hints per puzzle. The game cartridge contains 150 puzzles, but it is not necessary to solve every puzzle in order to finish the game. Those who do though and yearn for even more can access additional puzzles via a DS and/or DSi Wi-Fi connection. These will be released weekly for the first 33 weeks after game launch. In addition to standard brainteasing puzzle play the game also features a series of mini-games that although do not affect the outcome of the game directly, can help with players' interactions with NPCs, and thus have an impact on progress through the game, as well as serve to vary gameplay.

Key Game Features

• Professor Layton and the Diabolical Box features a riveting new mystery and more than 150 new brain teasers, riddles and logic puzzles to challenge and delight players.
• Beyond the puzzles found in the game cartridge, players with a broadband Internet connection who connect their Nintendo DS and Nintendo DSi systems to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection will get access to downloadable bonus puzzles. A new puzzle will be available each week for 33 weeks after the game launches.
• The game includes a significantly greater amount of voice work and animated cutscenes compared to the original game.
• New memo pad feature which allows players to work through puzzles more easily solved by sketching out possible scenarios.
• A variety of mini-games that although do not directly affect the outcome of the game, provide variety of gameplay, and can help with the Professor and Luke's relations with NPCs.
• No time limits on puzzles allows players to take their time before answering or using an in-game 'hint coin.'