Scribblenauts is an exclusively side-scrolling game controlled almost entirely with the Nintendo DS stylus, with the D-pad and face buttons controlling the camera and the left and right shoulder buttons rotating objects. The player controls a character named Maxwell, who must collect objects called "Starites" to complete each level. Maxwell is guided by tapping the touchscreen, or if the player taps an object, Maxwell will pick it up or be given other options for interacting with that object, such as riding a horse or bicycle or shooting at an object if he holds a weapon.[9] A fundamental element of Scribblenauts is the ability of the player to summon myriad objects into the game. This is achieved by writing the name of an object on the touchscreen.[9] For example, the player can write "ladder", summoning a ladder, which the player may use to climb to an out-of-reach Starite.[9] The player may turn the ladder on its side and set it on fire.[9] The player may also chain objects together, such as chaining a piece of meat to a pole and holding it while riding on a raptor.[9]