WordsWorth

by Eric March on June 17, 2009 at 1:28 pm

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	App Name:	WordsWorth
	Developer:	Robosoft	Version:	1.5
	Publisher:	99Games Online Pvt. Ltd.	Size:	7.2 MB
	Category:	Word Games	Price:	$0.99 ($1.99)

I believe I mentioned I loves me some word games, so I plundered 99Games’ library and picked the other word game they’ve published to review, because I also like Bookworm, and WordsWorth is the same sort of concept.

I’m sure everyone is familiar with PopCap’s seminal letter chaining game; chain together a series of connected letters to form words and score points.  WordsWorth uses the same sort of concept, but uses hexagonal tiles instead of square Scrabble-style ones.  Functionally, it’s the same difference, really, since Bookworm’s tiles were vertically offset anyway, giving each letter access to 6 adjacent ones.  There are a number of the same concepts available here, too: Certain, less common letters are worth more than others, there are two tiers of bonus point tiles that can appear by spelling longer or higher value words, and there’s a bonus word in later levels that gives you more bonus points for spelling it.

There are a few changes that provide some token differentiation between this and Bookworm though.  Where Bookworm has flaming tiles that will eat tiles below it at each turn until you use it in a word, WordsWorth has timed tiles that count down, and it doesn’t wait patiently; it counts down in real-time.  You also have a shuffle feature that wil scramble all of the tiles on the board. You start with three of these, represented by a string of fedoras hats on the top right, but earn more for each level you pass.  If you get stuck, shake your device or tap on the fedora-wearing chap with the mutton chops on the lower left.  (He’s the guy on the title screen, too, and no, I’m not sure who he’s supposed to be.  Abe Lincoln?)

Oddly enough, even though this was developed by a different company, your level progressions give you names that are as strange as the vocabulary/career comparisons in 99Games’ other word game, Wordulous.  Why is “WordWreck” better than “WordGoof?”  I dunno, but there it is.  “WordExplorer” does at least seem to mean something, but on the whole, the titles you’re given as you progress through the levels seem a bit arbitrary and odd.  Again, as with Wordulous, it’s a minor complaint, but it just struck me as odd.

The graphical components of WordsWorth are decent — clean and well done with a few nice accents, but not bothering to delve into anything flashy.  It does its job with aplomb but doesn’t get all attention whory about it.  There are some nice features in the settings, including the same three dictionary sets that are available in Wordulous — but unlike Wordulous where you’re expected to find a load of words derived from one set of letters, and thus dictionaries with a ton of really obscure words do more harm than good, using big dictionaries in a game like this makes sense, so you have access to a massive word list, but aren’t required to use anything you don’t know.  The controls are about the same here, too: Tap letter-by-letter and the checkmark to commit, or drag a path along the letters and lift to commit.  The latter is fine if you’re committed to the word, but not if you’re just tapping out exploratory paths to find out what you need to eliminate to move the letters you want into position.

Overall it’s more or less the same gameplay and mechanics as Bookworm with a few added features and comprehensive dictionaries, and is every bit as enjoyable.  Perhaps more importantly though, it’s a lot cheaper than Bookworm — especially with its current sale of just a buck, half the regular price.  If you’re still not convinced even at a buck though, WordsWorth Lite is a free download and will give you a good taste of what it’s all about.  Frankly though, if you enjoy your word games Bookworm flavoured, then you’ll enjoy this.  It’s inexpensive, it’s fun, and you get a lot more value for your buck than its competition.

Congratulations to those who won the promo codes, and enjoy the game!

Related Posts:

• Monday, August 3rd, 2009 -- Bobby Fischer would like Chess Elite
• Friday, July 10th, 2009 -- Pipe Mania returns with all new digs
• Sunday, June 14th, 2009 -- Wordulous
• Thursday, December 18th, 2008 -- WordPops Lite
• Saturday, November 29th, 2008 -- Code Alpha

 

Posted in Games: Word, Paid Apps